Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a safe beginning to the Christmas shopping season. Also, I apologize for not posting late Friday night for the Saturday readers as I promised. We returned way too late from after Thanksgiving shopping, and I was just too tired.

In addition to celebrating Thanksgiving with our family, my wife and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary this past weekend. Five years has moved very quickly, and as my wife so elegantly said today, "We will not be young forever". Anyway, I thought I would take the opportunity my wife gave me to show you what I gave her for our special day. In the photo above, I gave my lovely wife the pearl necklace (a length she did not have), and the beautiful brooch. And, finally, I purchased her both of the oil paintings featured below at one of our favorite shops. I look forward to sharing some other photos with you later in the week, and hopefully everyone has recovered from their abundant feast.

Dressing For That Special Day of Giving Thanks

The most important thing about Thanksgiving Dinner is celebrating it with one's family, and giving thanks to God for the blessings we have received. However, looking the part of the All American Ivy League WASP doesn't hurt one's celebratory activities one bit. Featured in the photo is what I wore to a Thanksgiving service this past Sunday night, and I will wear a similar style on Thanksgiving Day. In addition, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, and please be safe with all your travels. And finally, I will not be posting tomorrow or Thanksgiving Day. However, I will return with a post late Friday night for Saturday morning readers.

Featured in the photo:

BB Sport Coat
Polo Button Down Oxford
BB Buttoned Sweater Vest
Polo Tie
BB Flannel Trousers
Zelli Alligator Loafers
Polo Argyle Socks

A Weekend Wedding With Some Fun and A Pretty Good Suit!

This past weekend (Saturday), one of my clients took the plunge and got married. My client is actually a state senator, and my firm that I own did his public relations for his successful re-election campaign this November. The groom (my client) is a nice guy but....well, I will just leave it at that, and his lovely bride was even more lovely than usual. The wedding was a daytime wedding, with an early sit down meal around 5 p.m. I decided to wear the following to the event:

Coppley MTM Navy Suit
Polo Tweed Herringbone Vest
BB Dress Shirt
BB Dark Brown Suede Tassel Loafers
Polo Wool Tie
Polo Pocket Square
Polo Knee Length Top Coat(pictured at the bottom of the post)

And even though our beautiful writer/poster, Cerebral does not think I should be wearing a waistcoat, I think it makes the outfit special. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, it is very cold here in my neck of the woods, and I felt that I needed the extra layers. In addition, the tweed waistcoat added a casual laid back look to the more formal peak lapel, two button single breasted suit. In addition, I combined the navy suit with a casual dress shoe (tassel loafers in dark brown suede). Now, had the wedding been in the evening, I would have worn something completely different.



Now, as I mentioned in the title, my wife and I did have plenty of fun at the wedding reception. The food and company was great, and we had a grand time. But, one of the most interesting things in the evening was one of the memories this wedding returned to my mind. The memory that returned to my mind was the first girl that I stole from her male partner she was engaged to. I performed this feat as I was a sophomore in college, and she was a couple years older (senior). She had been with the gentleman for four years, and engaged for a year and a half. They were to marry the summer following her graduation. After some careful prowling and late night phone calls, I realized that her man did not have a firm grip on the situation. Therefore, I slowly but shirley began to discuss her relationship with her until she felt a comfort zone with me. Finally, after several lunches and nights on the phone, I got a call at three o'clock in the morning. It was a distressed and no longer engaged girl calling to tell me she had just dumped her man. And guess what, she went on to tell me that she did this because I made her realize how a man should treat a woman. Now, I admit, I did fall for this girl in my reckless youth and we dated for a while. However, my arch nemesis from high school (TG) (I will explain why in another post) eventually gave me a taste of my own medicine, and he stole my flame away.



Regardless, of the fact that TG stole my love of the moment away, it all worked out. Because if he had not done that, I would not have stolen the heart of the girl that I really love, my wife. Who is in fact much nicer and much more beautiful than my collegiate flame ever thought about being. Plus, I saw her (collegiate flame) the other weekend, and well, she has not aged that well. Anyway, I wish the good Senator and his new wife well, and I look forward to taking his money again in two years.

A Very Busy Weekend, And Wearing A Lot Of Patterns

BB MTM Tweed Three Piece Suit (vest not pictured)
Polo Golf Plaid Sweater
Rugby Tie
BB Flannel Dress Shirt
Vintage Cole Haan's Saddle Shoes (Worn a lot recently)
Polo Argyle Socks
BB Pocket Square

This very cold weekend was a busy one for me, and I took several photos before leaving the house to share with you the readers. I had a wedding that I attended and fulfilled most of Saturday with, and a busy day of church services on Sunday. And yes, I do go to church but usually only once a week. Regardless, let us begin!



So let us begin with Sunday morning (will return to Saturday later on in the week). My wife and I got ready for church and it was very cold outside this particular Sunday. Our church is a normal church, with about half the congregation wearing suits and ties, and the other half in at least a shirt with a collar. Being that it was below 32 degrees, I took the opportunity to wrap up in tweed. As many of you might know, I enjoy mixing patterns and mixing them can be tricky. It is all about size and scale, and for my Sunday ensemble, I actually mixed six patterns. Typically, this would be too much, but I think this combination works. The boldest pattern is the sweater, and it is followed by the tie. The shirt, suit, and pocket square are all different patterns as well, but they are subtle. Finally, I added argyle socks that pick up the colors of the shirt and sweater.





All buttoned up and ready for church!

Since We Have Been Talking About Slippers.......

Since we have been discussing slippers the past couple days, I thought I would finish the week with a final slipper discussion for a while. While searching one of my favorite slipper sites, Belgian Loafers, I found an interesting pair of slippers. These tartan plaid slippers are certainly made of the WASPy plaid material we all covet, but on the feet? Even though I rarely admit to being stumped in the world of WASP style, I am stumped as to how one could wear these shoes. Navy blazer, blue oxford, cream or khaki chinos, and plaid slippers???? I just don't know. What do you honestly think, because even though they seem to fit in the WASP world, I just cannot decide.

The Other Slippers Came, And I Am Not Wearing Cream Pants!

Tonight was a very busy night, as my wife and I attended the Business Leaders Banquet in our home town. In addition, I took the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone being that it has been really cold here of late (lows in the 20s). And, since I mentioned that the other pair of slippers came today in the title, you obviously know the first part of today's post. However, for the new readers, you may notice that I like cream trousers and I own several pair. Some readers often criticize my rotation of trousers in the photos, so I specifically did not wear cream tonight for those readers.



I love my new Ralph Lauren Purple Label Slippers!



As mentioned, I took a jacket and shirt that I wore in a post last week, and paired it with a different tie and light brown flannel trousers. In addition, I added the slippers in place of the saddle shoes.

A Couple New Purchases

As many of you may know, I have posted several times on the subject of slippers. In addition, you may remember my posing of the question as to whether or not they can be worn with daytime apparel outside the home. Well, as you may already know, I for one think they can be worn outside the home during the day. And, I just bought two new pair to add to my collection. The second pair has not arrived yet, but the first pair came a couple weeks ago. I will be showing them on display (on my feet) very soon!

A Bum Day

Do you ever just wake up in the morning and say, I just want to be a bum today? Well, that is what I did today. I decided not to go to work today (well, since I own the business you can do that) and work a half a day from my home office, followed by bumming the rest of the day. However, a day of bumming does not mean that you actually have to look like a literal bum.

This post is actually in line with yesterday's pajama post, but it focuses on the daytime with no friends in sight. For my bum day, I decided to wear a Polo flannel shirt, chinos, and a old pair of Bass Weejuns. Is this outfit anything to be proud of.......well not really! However, it is certainly correct bumming material.

What did I do with the other half a day? Well, I got caught up on my old James Bond film desire, talked to a couple good friends (by phone), and I took a nap on the couch. Plus, if you are bumming, you have to eat quick fix food. For dinner, I had pimento cheese on pita bread, ginger ale, and leftover pumpkin pie. What a great and relaxing day!!!!!!

Getting A Good Night's Rest

I find that very few people take the time to dress properly around their home. As soon as one gets off work, they usually strip down to sweat pants or something in that field or variety. However, for me and hopefully for you, one should take the time and money to purchase a pair of pajamas (both men and women). I could not rest well without being clothed in a pair of pajamas, and I usually place them on when I am finished with business and entertainment with friends for the day. Pictured in this photo is a pair of Polo pajamas that fit very well. If you are cold natured in the winter, the addition of a night robe will do the trick. And finally, you should finish the attire with a nice pair of traditional leather night slippers.

Can It Be Pulled Off ?????

I was checking out the new items on the Orvis site for the Holidays, and I happened to see an interesting item. Tartan has always been an interest of mine, and patchwork tartan is even more intoxicating. However, the question is how can this preppy item of clothing be mixed in with traditional WASP attire? Well, first I would pair it with a navy or ecru oxford (or pinpoint), and then I would add a burgundy or blue polka dot tie. Next, I would put on a herringbone brown sport coat (or donegal would work as well), and finish the outfit with gray flannels and brown suede loafers. If I order the vest, I will demonstrate upon arrival.

A Picture From Earlier This Year!

BB 3 Button Corduroy Sport Coat
BB Paisley Pocket Square
BB Flannel Dress Shirt
Polo Tie
BB Cream Wool Trousers
Allen Edmonds Cordovan Loafers

I am not sure why I didn't use these photos earlier this year, but for some reason I did not. Anyway, this is my favorite corduroy sport coat. I actually own four of them, but this one is by far my favorite. Anyway, today has been hectic and I don't have a lot to say.........so have a great weekend and I will see you back on Monday!

A Day Of Politics

Polo Sport Coat
BB Bow Tie
Polo Button down Oxford
BB Corduroy Cream Trousers
J Crew Plaid Pocket Square
Plaque Belt (not visible)
Old School Cole Haan Saddle Shoes
Polo Yellow Socks
Hamilton Watch
Horn Rim Glasses (not visible)

I sometimes ponder why politicians hire consultants to do a study. Today, my company was involved with a dropout prevention study done for a state legislature. Many items were given to the legislative leaders as suggestions of how to prevent the dropouts from occurring, and this was done over the last several weeks. However, after reviewing all of our suggestions, I noticed that none of them made it in the recommended bill proposed today. So, I guess they wanted to hire us to tell them how to solve the problem without spending a lot of additional funds, and then do exactly the opposite (or more of the same) and spend a lot more money. Oh well, I liked my outfit and we still got paid, but I do hate it for the poor kids.

A Tribute To Lucius Beebe

First, I promise to have some more photos of my wardrobe and a couple good stories for those who like that sort of thing very soon (promise)! Now, I want to take a moment today to discuss Lucius Beebe. Do I claim to be an expert on Mr. Beebe's life? The answer to that is, no! However, I do respect his understated display of classic fashion regardless of his dandyism. The Life magazine photo above is perhaps on of my favorite photos of Mr. Beebe, but to pay respect to my lack of knowledge about Mr. Beebe's life, I will stop here and refer you to experts about Lucius Beebe.

www.dandyism.net/?P=931



Another shot of Mr. Beebe.

Why I Hate The TV Fold

Is there something you hate in fashion? That one delicate item for me is the TV Fold pocket square. Is it wrong to wear? Well, for me it is because I cannot stand its appearance from the gentle pocket of the male jacket. Technically, I guess it is an accepted way to wear one's square, but again, it is not preferred by me. I enjoy more creative pocket wear fashion......oh heck, I would rather just stuff the square unorganized in the breast pocket than see it folded into a TV styled box! Anyway, what do you think about your pocket attire? Oh, and I am not picking on poor Prince Charles, oh no! I am just using this photo to demonstrate the despised pocket adornment. I actually like the rest of his attire, and he does not always wear a TV Fold pocket square.

Should Khaki Chinos Be Cuffed?

Photo Credit: Bills Khakis Ad (The best photo I could find of cuffed chinos)

Should they be cuffed, or not? That is the question of the day, and I seek to find a conclusion to this query. Ralph Lauren does not make chinos with cuffs unless they come with pleats. The same can be said for Brooks Brothers as well. Actually, there are only a few traditional clothing stores that produce khaki chinos that are unfinished. Orvis and J Crew come to mind, and I am sure others may think of a couple different stores but there are not many establishments. So which is it.....well, I prefer cuffed flat front chinos, but I do own several pair that are flat front with no cuff. Which is proper......I actually say both cuffed and un-cuffed flat front chinos are acceptable (I actually own one pair with pleats, and no cuff.......however they are not preferred).



Photo Credit: Gap Ad (Not Cuffed Chinos)

A Bunch of New Posts Are Coming

As many of you know, I have been sick and trying to get my life back together. Well, I am almost there, and I will be posting on a daily basis starting next week. Hope everyone has a great weekend, and I will see you next week!

-Richard