He Just Didn't Get It

This weekend, my wife and I headed out to one of our favorite restaurants. I have made reference to the location in previous post, and I like to refer to the area as prepville. I wore a typical WASPy blazer, and I added a little color with my kelly green polka dot bow tie. My wife wore a seersucker dress and pearls. She has been shy of late, and she refuses to let me post pictures of her.

Anyway, after arriving to dinner, a young kid (22 or 23) working as a waiter came over to our table. He informed me that he had read a lot about me, and he was fascinated with my business. I thanked him, and wished a good evening. Moments later, he reappeared and he began to ask me if I was hiring any new employees. I kindly gave him my card, and told him to send me a resume. At this point, I am a little annoyed, but I admired his ambition. About ten minutes later, he reappeared and began to inform me about his background. This activity persisted, and it occurred at least three more times. The kid just did not get it! My wife told me to be nice, and I refrained from rude comment. I might consider giving him a job, but he did not help his situation by continuing to bother me at dinner. Nobody, wants to be pestered by the staff at a restaurant. Oh well, maybe he will learn. Fortunately, for him, I am tender hearted by nature (even though I don't let it show always).

Neighborhood Affair

Last weekend, our neighbors had a cocktail party, and they invited all the families in the neighborhood. My wife and I stopped by for a short while, and there is a reason for that (I will explain momentarily). For the evening, I wore a gingham check Brooks Brothers sport coat, cream trousers, pink Brooks Brothers spread collar, polka dot square, argyle socks, and my new Ralph Lauren tassel loafers. My wife wore a yellow Lilly Pulitzer dress with white piping, pink cardigan, and pearls. She was not in the picture taking mood, so no photos (sorry)!

Now, back to the story. Our neighbors are friendly, but they are perhaps the most touchy feely people on the planet. The couple in reference is a newly married couple, and they are a two years older than me. The wife (neighbor) is always all over me like glue. She ignored all her guest, and she focused all her attention on me. She continually rubbed my back and hugged me constantly. It was embarrassing! Then I looked up, and her husband was doing the same to my wife. Maybe, they are just touchy feely like I said earlier, or at least that is what I will tell myself. However, I think we will have to be busy the next time we receive an invite.

My new watch.

My new shoes.

One more look. No post this Sunday, and I hope you are having a great weekend!

Why Did We Leave All This Behind?

As I look at what I think is an old Esquire image, and I can't help but wonder why we (most people in the world) left these style standards in the past. People chose t-shirts and fanny packs over style and elegance. Explains a lot in my mind actually, and it helps me to understand a myriad of crazy decisions people make today. If I seem bitter, I am :( Regardless, it is up to us WASPy types to keep some standards alive.

My New Tassel Loafers

These tassel loafers are my newest addition to my shoe collection. They are Ralph Lauren dark brown shell cordovan shoes, and I love them! I have already worn them twice, and they were surprisingly comfortable from the beginning. Sometimes, shell cordovan shoes can be a little stiff in the beginning, but they break in nicely over time.

This Old Chap Is Cool

This gentleman was a frequent guest on the Sartorialist, and I featured him in one of my earlier post entitled Herringbone Perfection. There is absolutely nothing that I do not like about this old chap's outfit. He perfectly demonstrates that yellow and pink can look marvelous together, and how one can wear the combination without looking like a lemonade stand. This is truly old school WASP style, and the addition of the umbrella accessory adds the over-the-top appeal you expect from an older WASP type. This picture could also be used in a dissertation about the similarities and differences between WASPs, preppies, and trads (I bet I just opened a can of worms with that statement). Anyway, I also admire the gentleman's beautifully cuffed trousers (2-inches), and impeccable penny loafers. An awesome display!

Classic Imagery of Seersucker

This classic shot from To Kill A Mockingbird exhibits the classic appeal of a seersucker suit. Second only to linen, seersucker is my favorite warm weather fabric. The feature I like about this suit is that it is vested. I admire it even more because the vest fits properly. To me, there is just something special about a double breasted or vested seersucker suit, but sadly I own neither of the two. However, I am considering purchasing one in the near future, but for now my single breasted two button seersucker suit will have to do.

The Tan Summer Suit In Wool

Before I go any further with today's post, let me say thank you to those who gave their lives for our freedom as we recognize this Memorial Day. The photo above is another great picture from the Sartorialist. It is a classic tan summer suit, and I love the fact that it is a light weight wool. Most WASPy characters reach for cotton suits in tan or khaki, but I actually prefer wool. I personally think it drapes better, and I only resort to cotton for seersucker suits or chambray sport coats. I also admire the four button double breasted finish, and his shoes are great. I am not so crazy about the over sized knot, but Prince Michael of Kent would be proud. So when considering a tan summer suit, consider a wool double breasted model.

I Am Chuck Bass

In continuation with yesterday's post, I am focusing on another character found on my wife's favorite show. I mentioned the lovely Ms. Blair Waldorf yesterday, and today we will take a look at her conniving male counterpart, Chuck Bass. Chuck is smug, arrogant, and well dressed for the most part. I like his tweed shooting jacket in this photo, but I question the paisley pants. Regardless, Chuck and the characters on the show embrace the upper-east side WASPy style. Is their style straight out of the Ivy League text book? No. But, their style is refreshing compared to the average young person today, and I hope the show encourages teens and twenty somethings to dress better.

Chuck also reminds me of myself when I was younger (late teens, early twenties). However, I was not as smug or arrogant as Chuck, but I did know how to match conniving WASPy girls. I also like the way Chuck wears a white linen suit. So often, we read articles in fashion magazines that inform you how to wear white suits without looking like Colonel Sanders. But what do they do, they tell you exactly how to look like the Colonel. A recent article I read suggested that one should wear black shoes, blue shirt, and a black or charcoal tie. Hello, this is not how you keep from looking like the Colonel. Below is a photo of Chuck, and he demonstrates how to make white linen look cool. Plus, the picture lets us take another look at Blair in that lovely white dress. ;)

They Didn't Make Them Like That When I Was In School :)

If I am not mistaken, this is a british girl band called Girls Aloud. Don't you just love the classic uniform look. It is classic WASP style, and the look reminds me of my math teacher in high school. She dressed just like these girls (with a few more buttons fastened). And what about Blair Waldorf on the new show Gossip Girl. My wife watches the teenage guilty pleasure, and she has forced me to watch a couple episodes with her. Regardless, after seeing the lovely Ms. Waldorf, I stop complaining (she is like 20 something in real life). There is just something about a conniving WASPy girl that gets me going :) Anyway, look for a new post on Sunday. I missed one day of posting earlier this week, and I will make up for it by posting late Saturday night. Have a great weekend!

PS- The song Rich Girls is a good tune to listen to while reading this post. It is on the playlist.

Pincord Suit

A pincord suit is a nice addition to any summer wardrobe. It is a close cousin to the seersucker suit in my opinion, but there is a place for both in a WASPy summer wardrobe. The blue pincord has a solid appearance from a distance, but the stripes are clearly visible up close. This photo demonstrates a casual appeal as the suit is accompanied by a button down shirt and bit loafers. I also admire the ostrich skin belt in the photo. If you are going to choose between a seersucker and a pincord suit, choose the seersucker. However, if you are a clotheshorse like me, you will buy both. Of course, if gas prices do not cap off soon, I will have to moderate my clothing expenses.

An Interesting Old Ad

I found this old ad quite interesting and informative for those who need a lesson in formal wear 101. Even though we have few opportunities to wear formal wear these days, it is vital to be dressed appropriately. I have done posts on formal wear items before, but this is a good chart worth posting. And for goodness sakes, please don't rent tuxedos!

Does It Get Any More Classic?

I found this photo on the net, and it appears to be the work of the Sartorialist, but I am not sure. Regardless, does it get any more classic than this photo? This chap (I am sure someone knows who he is) looks like he walked straight off an Ivy League campus of the 1930s. He is sporting an oxford cloth button down, classic tie, sweater vest, tweed jacket, rumpled flat front chinos with a cuff, and bit loafers. This look is so simple, and even the least fashion conscious should be able to pull this off. Thank you Mr. Ivy League Chap for your beautiful ensemble.

Weekend Wedding

This weekend, my wife and I attended one of our friend's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, but I was disappointed with how people were dressed. Regardless, the wedding reminded me of a story from my youth before I married.

When I was around 22, I was dating a girl that lived about an hour from my home. After dinner one night, she decided to break up with me because she felt like I did not enjoy her parent's company. She was right! After she dropped the bomb on me, I dropped her off at her home and never looked back. I really did not care because I was eyeing a cute little blonde named "T" (that is what we will call her.....her name started with the letter "T"). On the way home, I called "T" to see what she had planned for the weekend. She said she was attending a casual outdoor wedding, and she invited me to be her date. I accepted!

Forgetting all about my lost girlfriend, I prepared for my date with "T". I steamed my suit (glen-plaid), and I went to the barber shop for a shave. I looked great in my casual plaid suit, and with great excitement, I went to pick up my date. Upon arriving, I was given the shock of a lifetime. My date greeted me at her door wearing a prom dress (lots of sparkles). Seriously, the dress looked like a high school prom dress. She even had her hair done up like a high school girl headed to the prom. I was horrified! We were headed to a casual outdoor wedding for goodness sakes!

With great embarrassment, I took her to the wedding but I did hide my face often. Everybody, was looking in amazement at the dress (not good amazement). Fortunately, for her, I was much nicer back then. Anyway, I learned a valuable lesson.

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.

While The Cat's Away, Will The Mice Play?

As I sat at home tonight, I found myself to be tired and bored. Work has been demanding of late, and I have lost numerous hours of sleep. To be honest, my blog has probably suffered during this period, and if the content has been dry, I apologize. Anyway, since I was tired and did not feel like going out, I amused myself by putting on a relaxing outfit. I broke out my white linen suit and ascot, but I did not photograph my feet since I was wearing leather house slippers (burgundy). I sipped on tea and read for a while, but then the phone rang. It was my best friend MB, and after a few moments of discussion, reality struck. We both realized we were going to be home alone next week. Both of our wives are going out of town (not together), and we will be bachelors for seven days. Immediately, we planned to get together for a night of fun and games. Back in the day (college), MB and I could get into some mischief. Some of our stories are legend around campus. I would share a couple feats, but I fear I might incriminate myself. Regardless, we plan to have a grand time next week (no I am not talking about cheating, I would not do that). So the question is, will the mice play next week? With all the build up, we will probably end up getting something to eat and playing chess all night. And of course, we will probably reminisce about babes from our youth like Alyssa Milano, etc. Oh yes, in case you were wondering if I would wear the outfit above to work. The answer is yes, but only on Friday. Why work so hard to be the boss if you are not going to take advantage of not having to conform. Have a great weekend!

Cary Grant looking sharp in white! Just thought I would share :)

Do you know any 30 year old guys today that didn't have a crush on her growing up?

Hand Me Downs

Hand-me-down clothing can have great appeal if the garment is well made. The thought of wearing something your father or grandfather wore is exciting, and the garment's history is often evident. Scars and wear add character, and they often spark conversation.

The photo above is another favorite of mine from the Sartorialist. This suit was identified as a hand-me-down, and I love how the linen has aged. It almost looks like a tobacco leaf, and the pants and vest are perfection. I would love to know what shoes he is wearing in the photo.