A Trip Down Memory Lane

As I was getting dressed today to run some errands, I was taken down a trip on memory lane as I put on my hand-me-down corduroy blazer. This is the only hand-me-down item I have, as it belonged to my father before me. It is a cold day here in the east, and it is only fitting to wear this cherished coat every chance I can before I must finally lay the cool weather fabrics to rest. Anyway, as I placed the coat around my shoulders, I returned to that very first day of college nearly thirteen years ago. My wardrobe was not what it is today, but I was still very conscious of what I wore even at the tender age of seventeen. I filled my suitcase with my chinos, corduroys, shetland sweaters, oxford cloth button downs, navy blazer, tweed blazer, and of course my corduroy hand-me-down. At the time, I only owned one suit (medium gray) and three pairs of dress shoes (penny loafers, saddle shoes, and dark brown cap-toe oxfords). The outfit pictured is similar to the outfit I wore that first day. I sported a candy stripe oxford and the very bow tie I am wearing. The only changes are a patterned pocket square as opposed to the ecru one I wore my first day of class, and wool trousers as opposed to the chinos I sported back then. My penny loafers in the photo now are a serious upgrade as well. I had a pair of Bass Weejuns in college, and I am wearing Allen Edmonds Cordovans in this photo. So as I walked into my first class................

I took my seat and began to remove pencils and paper from my satchel. Shortly after sitting, I was encountered by a rather abrasive individual who sat next to me. He exclaimed, "Who are you supposed to be?" I responded, "Whatever do you mean?" He snorted, "Are you going to a funeral or something? Why are you all dressed up?" I responded by saying, "Who do you think is the prettiest girl in this room?" Suprisingly, he pointed out a true beauty, and there just happened to be an empty seat next to her. Saying nothing, I gathered my things and I made my way to the empty seat. I addressed the young lady as a gentleman would, and instantly the coversation was a vast improvement. Ann (that is what we will call her) and I hit it off, and she was taken by my youthful sartorial bliss. We dated for a while, and on another occasion, I managed to engage Mr. Abrasive in coversation once again. Being the smarty pants I was and still am to some degree, I asked him, "Remember when you wanted to know who I was supposed to be?" "Yes", he said. I then added, " I am the guy who could get the girl you wanted." Looking back, I wished I had said nothing. I realize now how mean that was, but it felt so good in the moment.

The Shoes

That dog always manages to get in at least one photo.

Politicians With Style

JFK Library

The Kennedy family is perhaps one of the preppiest group of individuals to ever exist. Early photos such as the one above displays a casual preppy attitude. There are numerous photos of chino wearing Kennedy brothers playing football while spending the summer at Hyannis Port. The girls in the photo are decked out in traditional polo coats, and a Harvard sweater. Jack is sporting a casual plaid, and Bobby is wearing a preppy crewneck and chinos. As Jack grew older, he continued to wear well tailored clothing, and he always displayed a little linen in his pocket.

FDR was another well dressed politician, and he sported numerous linen and seersucker suits over his career. I tried to find a photo of him wearing linen or seersucker, but I was not able to find one(the summer photo above is the best I could find). I viewed images of FDR wearing such attire on his many biographical videos. FDR also wore bow ties, a signet ring, and he kept his famous cigarette holder handy at all times.

Finally, John Warner is an example of a modern day politician with style. This is a photo of the senator at a horse race, and he is dressed perfectly. Warner still currently wears well tailored suits in the US Senate, and he always displays a pocket square. The only criticism I have is sometimes they match :( Regardless, when comparing the good senator to his collegues, he towers above them in the world of classic fashion.

I Will Be Back On Monday

As stated in an earlier post this week, I will not be posting on Sunday for a while. I will be back on Monday, and I plan to continue posting Monday - Saturday. Thanks for being loyal readers, and I do appreciate it!

Casino Proper

Daniel Craig: Casino Royale

Visiting an elegant casino provides an excellent opportunity to wear evening wear. For a brief moment, I am going to forget about the tourists in Las Vegas wearing their t-shirts and fanny packs on their hips. Instead, I am going to focus on an illustrious world where characters like James Bond and the Rat Pack would feel at home. If you are wearing anything less than a tuxedo with a black tie, you are underdressed in my opinion. I prefer a spread collar like Daniel Craig is wearing in the photo, but a wing collar is also correct. Your tuxedo should be black or midnight blue (Duke's color of choice). And for goodness sakes, please wear a self-tie bow. Do not even consider a black neck tie! It is not cool, and it is not hip. It is simply incorrect! Your jacket can have either a peak lapel or a shawl collar. The feet should be decorated with black patent leather lace ups, opera pumps, or velvet slippers. Gold cuff links and an elegant gold watch will finish the look. Also, keep in mind that you do not have to play cards or gamble to visit a casino. It can be a wonderful social arena. However, if you decide to play cards, be sure to have a Bond Girl type like Eva Green come by to give you a kiss. You just might distract the dealer or your opponents enough to win a couple hands.

Rat Pack

Eva Green: Casino Royale

Lawn Party

Brooks Brothers Ad

As the weather grows warmer, one cannot help but to think of the lawn party invitations that will be arriving in the mail. These wonderful parties can be the beginning of a wonderful evening. I always attend the parties I am invited to, but I never stay too long. I show up, socialize briefly, and then I vanish. It helps one to remain mysterious, and it keeps you from having a bad reputation (some people just don't know when it is time to leave). Staying for extended periods of time also indicates that you do not have dinner plans. In addition, always take a beautiful lady to accompany you. A well dressed man looks much better with a beautiful woman on his arm. In my rambunctious days, I brought a number of beauties with me to lawn parties. Some were friends and some were more than friends. Now that I am married, I take my wife and she need not know about those rambunctious days :) Also, one must dress for the event (of course), and that requires a dressy but casual attitude. The ad above is perfect example of how to dress for a lawn party. Navy blazers, white/cream trousers, white bucks, reds, madras blazers and trousers (not together) are all perfect for lawn parties. The lady in the ad is a perfect companion, and she is properly dressed as well. Also, the lovely Natalie Portman would make a beautiful date for a lawn party. She has a classic look, and she looks great in WASP attire. I couldn't resist!

Credit: Teen Vogue

Okay, Natalie is at the beach, but she looks like she might be going to a lawn party!

One more photo of Natalie, the perfect lawn party girl.

The Comfort of One's Library

There is no room in my home more comforting than my library. I spend many hours each week reading and reflecting in this sacred room. The wood, books, and leather give the room a comforting aroma that helps one dig deep into their soul. I actually spent about two hours in my library tonight after dinner. It was rather chilly in the house (transition of seasons, it is either too hot or too cold in the house), so I put a log on the fire and warmed up. I read and smoked a CAO cigar. My attire was an old tweed jacket, gray flannels, and an oxford cloth button down shirt. I also enjoy wearing my smoking jacket or shawl collar sweater while spending precious moments in the library. My recommendation is to find a room that is not used often, and convert it into a library (if you don't have one already).

Brooks Brothers Ad (Shawl Collar Sweater)

Library Armchair in Leather ( A must for every library)

Smoking Jacket

Ivy League Style and Tradition

First, I extend my apologies for not posting last night. I have been tied up with work of late, and I have not been able to maintain my routine of posting at night before bed. In addition, I have decided to do only one post on weekends. The number of hits drop tremendously on the weekend, and I don't want to waste opportunities for dialogue and debate. Now, let us get on with today's post! The Ivy League is without question a major part of the WASP lifestyle. An individual's school is very important to the WASP culture, and Ivy League schools were at one time the center of the WASP world. Today, Ivy League campuses are not the picture perfect images we often recall. Regardless, the traditional images created and captured in old photographs is what dominates our thoughts. Students and professors alike wore their attire with class and style. Traditional institutions like J Press clothed the WASP elite, and fortunately, the company continues the tradition today. In addition, I love to look at photos of Ivy League athletic teams, professors, and students. Companies such as J Press and Ralph Lauren are masterful at recreating the traditional Ivy League scenes. Also, movies like Dead Poets Society and School Ties demonstrate what the Ivy League look is all about.

J Press Store

Ivy League style professor courtesy of Indiana Jones.

Football Photo

J Press Ad

Powerful in Pink

Credit: Brooks Brothers

This Brooks Brothers ad demonstrates how a man can wear pink, and yet look masculine. The first time I recall seeing a man in a pink suit/blazer is while watching The Great Gatsby. Many men include pink shirts and ties into their wardrobe, but wearing a pink jacket or pants (or both) requires ultimate confidence. I personally own a pink seersucker sportcoat, pink trousers in a light weight wool, and a red seersucker suit (looks pink from a distance). When wearing the items, I keep my ties and accessories simple. In addition, I love the blue tie with the pink blazer above, and the white shirt and trousers keep the pink toned down. Navy trousers would not look good with the outfit above. The contrast would be too strong in my opinion, but the hint of navy blue brings the ensemble together. Plus, the hint of navy keeps the pink from washing the model out. What better time is there other than Easter to bring out bright pastels? I can't think of any until the Kentucky Derby.

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter, and I will be back with a new post tomorrow.

--Richard

Woody Allen

Credit: New York Magazine Photo Shoot

Woody Allen is as famous for his tweeds and corduroys as he is for his movies. He wears his ivy league attire with a dishelveled appearance........okay, who I am kidding. I just wanted to post a picture of the lovely Scarlett Johansson :) Have a great weekend!

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper is perhaps the essence of "Old Hollywood" in my opinion. Famous for his western movies and dapper off screen style, Gary is what a man should aspire to look like. The hair and clothes are perfection. For example, I love the tattersall vest and plaid tie in the photo above. Many would stray from mixing such patterns, but not Gary. Cooper was also known for his political conservatism, and numerous affairs with lovely ladies. He dated a countess for goodness sakes! Eventually, he married a Roman Catholic girl named Veronica Balfe, and he eventually converted. Before his conversion, he had affairs with Grace Kelly and Patricia Neal. Even though I don't applaud his affairs, I can't help but to be intrigued by the Grace Kelly affair. Mr. Cooper eventually separated from his wife, and he was also well known for being Ernest Hemingway's friend. Gary is truly a man's man.

Couldn't resist posting Grace!

Around the Clock Work!

I have some serious work to attend to tonight and tomorrow, and I will not be able to spend time doing a post. I will be forced to trap myself in my home office! Hopefully, the secret society post will keep the readers occupied until I can add a new post late Thursday night.

Secret Societies

Secret Societies have always interested me, and in some cases, they can have a WASPy attitude. Let's take my favorite secret society for example, Yale's Skull and Bones Secret Society. First, I love their group photos, and I love the conservative WASP style they envoke. How many college kids today dress like the young gentleman in the photos. Bonesman as they are referred to, always posed in the same manner for group photos. Skull and Bones were always present, and a grandfather clock was in the background displaying a time of eight o'clock. Very little is known about what actually goes on in this particular secret society, but we know that some very famous men are members. If you will look on the back row of the photo above, you will see former President George H.W. Bush. In addtion, his son George W. Bush, and many other presidents have been identified as members of Yale's secret club. It is also belief that the CIA began inside the Skull and Bones network, and the movie The Good Shepherd is dedicated to this belief. Other movies have been made about the society, and many of them are interesting. The first that comes to mind is Skulls, and I was impressed with the traditional portrayal of the club in the movie. There was actually a duel in the movie! You know, now I wish I went to Yale! Maybe, I could have got in their little club :)

President Taft was a Bonesman

Saying Goodbye to Gray Flannel

This past Sunday was a chilly day, but it became clear to me that I would be packing up the gray flannel suit in a few short days. This suit is my newest edition, and it is a double breasted model. I had it made at Brooks Brothers, and it has quickly become one of my favorite suits. I wore this suit to present an award to a very deserving man, and I felt it was appropriate. It provided the always desired well dressed attitude, but yet, it did not take attention away from the man of the hour. I am preparing to once again embrace seersucker and linen, but my heart holds a dear place for flannels and tweeds. The photo below is a lot darker than I hoped, but it gives a slight look at the suit from a distance.

Busy Weekend!

Unfortunately, it was not a restful weekend for me this week. I was busy with an award presentation, and speaking engagements. I began the weekend wearing a navy blazer, club tie, and gray flannels for my casual Saturday events. I also decided to see what the queen was up to while having eggs and sugar cured ham for breakfeast on the deck. When speaking to groups, always make sure you are the best dressed person in the room. Now, this does not mean you should over do it by trying too hard. Simply wear well cut clothes, and groom well. If you are the main attraction, it helps to look like a million bucks. The audience might actually listen to you!

After a busy morning and lunch hour, I returned home to quickly change for the evening. I had a long drive ahead, and I only had time to change into my suit. The evening event was low key, but it called for something a little dressier than a blazer. I decided to wear my brown nailhead suit. The suit is a versatile suit that can be worn with many shirt and tie combinations.

After examining the photo, I thought I had a stain on my lapel. No worries, it was just the lighting. No stain! Anyway, when I had this suit made, I chose to add peak lapels and a ticket pocket. Peak lapels are classic, and I think they add a little something extra to a single breasted suit. All events went well, and I had a thousand old ladys kiss me on the cheek. If you are wondering about Sunday's wardrobe, I plan to post that outfit tomorrow. I wore my new gray flannel double breasted suit for perhaps the last time this season. It deserves a post dedicated to it alone :)

Hunting Scenes

There is just something about hunting scenes that I like! I believe it is the combination of beautiful country clothing, guns, and man's best friend. For example, the picture above that Laguna Beach Trad so graciously allowed me to use is classic. The viyella shirt, tie and corduroy trousers are perfection. Throw in the shotgun and dog, and you have a wonderful scene. I love shotguns by the way, and if any intruder ever got past my security system. I have a surprise for them, and I can assure them I will not miss :) Anyway, why would men and women want to wrap themselves in camo when they can wear beautiful clothing that naturally blends in with their surroundings? Unfortunately, many today think of rednecks hunting deer when the word "hunt" is mentioned. Well, not me, I imagine the hunt just the way it should be. I choose to imagine country manors, tweed, checked shirts, and scenes from movies like Gosford Park. Even if one doesn't hunt, beauty can still be found in the photograpy!




Orvis Shooting Jacket

The gun wagon, and notice the wellies.

The White Dinner Jacket

As the pollen began to make me sneeze today, I realized spring is truly on its way. Therefore, I am continuing to focus on spring/summer essentials. And todays essential is the white dinner jacket. A true must for the WASP wardrobe, and a staple for all classically dressed men. A white dinner jacket is so refreshing and clean. It envokes a classic but yet laid back image. It also envokes images of James Bond, a cruise, or a mid-summer evening party. I personally own a Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece cream dinner jacket, and I love to add a purple square to add just a subtle hint of color. Red works well with pure white, but I believe that a light purple square looks best against a cream colored jacket. Be sure to wear nice gold links, and a classic watch. It is the small details that add to the jacket's allure!

The Southern Gentleman

The southern gentleman is a rare bread these days. The imagery of creamy linen suits and seersucker has diminished from its glory days. Men's honey dripping drawls could sweep ladies clean off their feet, and their debonair demeanor was almost breath taking. The gent in the photo is of course Tom Wolfe, and I have never met him in person. I don't really know if he is a gent or not, but I like his ensemble. It matches the image I have in my mind of a proper southern gentleman. Listening to a southerner talk in t-shirt and jeans just doesn't have the same effect I presume.

The Safari Jacket

The safari jacket and safari inspired clothing has seen a resurgence in modern designers clothing. However, the safari jacket has always been a classic jacket that inspires adventure and passion. Immediately, when I see a safari jacket, I am taken to a romantic African adventure. I hear the sounds of the wild, and the intensity of the jungle. And while focusing on this fantasy, I realize that every man wishes and strives to find a woman that removes him from his conscious state and brings him to a romantic safari. I think I found mine :) When I see a safari jacket, I also think of ascots, linen trousers, and Land Rover Defenders. In addition, Ralph Lauren has created many romantic safari scenes. His new book is full of safari inspired photos! You know, I think I will take a little risk and go on an adventure. I want to see where it leads me!

Defender

Regatta Blazer

The boating or regatta blazer is a classic warm weather alternative to the classic navy blazer. It should never be worn at the office, but it is a classic casual jacket. It is great for afternoon parties near the water, or it looks great while aboard a boat. It can be paired with a casual shirt and cream trouser, or a shirt and tie. I have to be honest though, I don't own a regatta blazer. However, I am considering purchasing one for this spring/summer season. I think it will make a nice addition to the wardrobe.

The Signet Ring

WASPs and classically dressed men should not wear a great deal of jewelry. I think men should stick to a watch, cuff links, and possibly one ring other than a wedding band. If one chooses to wear a ring, it needs to be a classic style. I personally cannot think of anything more classic than a gold signet ring. It should be worn on either the ring finger, or the little finger. It should be engraved with the owner's initials, or a coat of arms. Different rules apply for women, and it is perfectly acceptable for them to wear bracelets, necklaces, etc. Signet rings make great gifts, and it is much better to receive one than to buy it personally.

Chino Suit

Sorry for not having my post ready for the morning readers this morning, but I was having some serious trouble with Blogger last night and this morning. As Easter approaches, I thought we should continue to talk about warm weather suiting and materials. Today, we are exploring the chino suit. Now, before we move on I must confess that chino suits are not my favorite. I do own one, but I prefer wearing linen or light weight wool. Regardless, chino suits are classic, and they have a place in the WASP wardrobe. Chino suits can be purchased from Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and even at stores like J Crew. The chino fabric looks good with repp ties, pastel shirts, white shirts, saddle shoes, dirty bucks, etc. Chino is a versatile fabric. Pictured below is another chino suit from Brooks Brothers, and a pair of dirty bucks from Ralph Lauren. The shoes may actually be boys shoes, but regardless they demonstrate the dirty buck appearance. One thing to remeber, be careful and make sure your suit is 100% cotton. Do not buy polyester blends. My beloved Brooks Brothers is guilty of selling a Brooks Cool suit that has polyester in it. Don't listen to salesman that try to sell you on the fact that it will wrinkle less. Who cares, don't be cheap and just have it pressed and steamed after wearing.