I Love Loafers

Loafers are one of my passions. I simply love them. My favorite styles of loafers are tassel loafers and bit loafers, and I enjoy a fine penny loafers as well. Sure, I own several pair of lace-up shoes which I adore as well, and I love my brogues and semi-brogues. However, when I saw this photo, I simply fell in love with this pair of tassel loafers. They are Paul Stuart canvas loafers with crocodile tassels. Beautiful, simply beautiful. After finding the photo, I searched the Internet to find a pair, but I have had no luck. They would look great with a variety of trousers, but I am thinking a navy blazer and white ducks would look great.

I Don't Know What To Think

I apologize for missing two days in a row posting this week, but work has really picked up and I have been training new staff members I hired. I will try to do better next week, and I will post this Sunday to make up for it (I usually do not).

Earlier today, I was viewing the Brooks Brothers website, and I stumbled upon the new Black Fleece collection. I am all for Brooks Brothers having a high end collection, but I have not quite forgiven them for letting Thom Browne provide his services. I find the cut of his garments appalling. Regardless, I am intrigued by the two suits featured in this post. Yes, the pants need to be longer, but the fabric and theme is interesting.

I have never seen a plaid suit from head-to-toe, and especially a plaid suit that comes off-the-rack. Furthermore, I definitely have never seen a patchwork seersucker suit. All of these clothes have a preppy appeal, but I don't know if I would be brave enough to step out of the house wearing such. There is no question that I would wear the jackets and trousers separately. However, I would never spend $2,000 for an off-the-rack suit (I think the Thom Browne, Black Fleece suits are around that price).

Reader's Photos

After posting Suzi's photo last week, I received numerous e-mails asking for more Suzi. Fortunately, for all the Suzi fans, I have one additional photo she sent me a while back. I actually intended to use it earlier, but I forgot about it. Anyway, as requested, here is more Suzi.

http://suzanne-marques.blogspot.com/

Go Green

Green ties are often overlooked in a man's wardrobe. We often reach for reds, blues, and occasionally yellow ties when dressing in the morning. Lately, I have been trying to add more colors to my tie collection, and I have focused on green, purple, and orange. The photo above is the legendary Gary Cooper showing us how elegant a green tie can look next to a gray suit. Most of us would reach for the blue, but the green looks great. Have fun and experiment!

Colorful Shirts

As I continue to struggle with allergies, I look for bright colors to bring me comfort. Warm weather gives us a great opportunity to break out the bright wear, and two of my favorites are peach and mint green. The J Press display above is a beautiful example of a peach shirt being used instead of the basic white shirt. In my opinion, the additional color makes the already sophisticated seersucker more appealing.

As I indicated above, mint green is another favorite of mine. I love mixing a mint shirt with white ducks, navy repp tie with red stripes, and a navy blazer. The look is very sophisticated!

Mad For Madras

I am again writing my post for tomorrow early because MB and I are planning another night of mischief. For the evening, I think I will wear my madras trousers (first time this year). Wearing a madras shirt, tie, or jacket is one thing, but madras trousers with a navy blazer is ultimate WASP style. Maybe, I will share some photos next week, and I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Reader's Photos

I am taking a few days off from work, and my friend MB is coming over for the weekend. Remember, last weeks post about our wives being out of town? Anyway, we will be partying the night away, and I am posting tomorrow's post early today.

Today, one of my favorite readers (Suzi) sent me a photo for posting. I am left speechless, and I am amazed by this classic looking photo. She kind of looks like a much younger Mrs. Robinson. Well done Suzi!

I Can't Decide

Don't be alarmed by the picture of JFK! I am not writing more political commentary :) As much as I enjoyed reading the comments from the last post, I truly meant what I said. I do not want this to become a political blog. Yes, I enjoy politics very much, and I was careful to not slam any of the current candidates while commenting in the last post. Actually, my venting was because I have a close friend running for governor, and it is possible that I may rant and rave about various topics depending on my mood. So, that being said, I have no intentions of taking this blog in a different direction. Classic fashion and the WASP lifestyle is my passion, and I take great pleasure and comfort writing about my love each day.

In addition, I regret not being able to post yesterday, but I did not get home until 4:30 am. I was at my friends victory party, and we lost :( Regardless, I enjoyed participating in the campaign very much, and I learned a lot. Anyway, let's begin our discussion about my minor dilemma. I am at odds with what kind of haircut to get. Because let's face it, the wrong haircut can diminish the appearance of the best clothes. I currently wear my hair like JFK (Short on the sides and back, and longer on the top). At the moment, I am considering a shorter cut, or what I call the "Princeton". I know, it will grow back if I don't like it, but I have a good routine going. What to do? I am thankful that I still have my hair, and my indecision is pure vanity. But what else would you expect from me :)

I swiped this photo from one of my favorite blogs (Admiral Cod). The photo is probably worth featuring again, and I love the tweed sport coat, preppy sweater, and bow tie. The buttons and glasses are really cool as well. However, I posted the picture to demonstrate the "Princeton" haircut.

Lost Traditions & Political Frustrations

Many traditions are lost as generations pass, and the common use of shooting jackets and breeks is an example. Seldom do we see men sporting the classic sportswear featured above, but we do have many photos we can cherish of men such as the Duke of Windsor wearing beautiful tweed shooting outfits. I recall seeing a photo of the Duke wearing a checked tweed from head to toe (he had a matching hat).


I guess we can blame the decline on central heating and Al Gore's global warming crisis :) which brings me to another subject. I certainly do not want my blog to become one that discusses politics, but I can't help but to mention my disgust with all the political ads on TV. As an informed citizen, it amazes me how the general public is fooled by wild and ridiculous claims. We have state candidates in my area who claim they single-handedly saved military bases and raised teacher pay single-handedly, etc. The problem is these candidates currently hold office, and their current positions would not allow them to achieve their boasted accomplishments. However, most citizens don't understand the role of a lieutenant governor to a state, or even the president's role for that matter. I am also disgusted by the use of the word "free" in speeches, and I am disgusted more by those who believe it. Nothing is "free" in government! Somebody pays for it!

Weddings

As the summer approaches, a lot of you guys out there will be getting married. When taking the plunge, keep a few things in mind:

1. Buy your own tuxedo (why would you want to wear something that has been worn hundreds of times?)

2. Tie your own tie, no clip-ons.

3. Force your groomsmen to buy a tux. If they are really cheap, they can pick one up a JC Penny for a $100 bucks or so. Of course, you could have limited groomsmen and buy them what you want them to wear.

4. Buy the proper shoes for your tuxedo.

5. Don't be tempted to ride away in fire truck or some other silly car. You will regret it one day. Get a Rolls Royce for the day.

6. Marry a really hot girl that makes you happy.

Beach weddings can be fun as well. Featured here is navy blazers, reds, and Vineyard Vine Ties.