Yes, I know it is almost winter time in the United States, and personally I hate spring (allergies) and summer. But, there are some items that a WASP may want to consider purchasing for summer weddings, resort wear, and possibly for casual Friday. And yes, before I begin, the basic kit can get you through year around and these items are not a necessity, but indeed WASPy.
Suits: Warm weather provides an opportunity to purchase seersucker, linen, pincord, and cotton suits. Never ever purchase a cotton/polyester poplin suit because it will not keep you cool. The unnatural fiber known as polyester does not breath, and you will be much better off with a 100% cotton suit. Both Press and Brooks sell the poly variety, but they both offer a 100% cotton version as well. Sure, the poly variety will not wrinkle as badly, but you are trying to be a WASP. We don't care so much about wrinkles as long as they are not excessive. A good daily steam after wearing will be all you need to solve this issue.
Sport Coats: Madras is the perfect casual sport coat, but it is not for the faint of heart. You will definitely receive comments, and never mix two plaid items, ex. coat and trouser. Keep the tie and shirt simple when wearing this bold pattern jacket.
Shoes: White Bucks are essential for summer and they look great with seersucker suits, and chinos with your navy blazer. This shoe was actually worn year around on Ivy League campuses, but somewhere along the line in became a crime to wear them after Labor Day. I am considering breaking the rule this winter, but that is your decision to make.
Photos are from Paul Stuart and J Press
11 comments:
Sir,
You seem to be starting back at square 1, which is just fine for those who have only recently discovered this blog.
Or, in fact, is it a tacit admission on your part that you've run out of material and that there's really nothing more to be said about WASP / Ivy /
Trad /Natural Shoulder clothing?
Might I suggest that you expand the scope of Wasp 101 to include such things as French Press coffee, paninis, and other elements of the Wasp World.
Anonymous Sir,
I don't ever recall doing an extensive kit posting, ever. Yes, I did some basic blue blazer stuff in the beginning, but that is it.
And no, I haven't run out of material......I always have plenty of stories to tell, and lots more clothing to take pictures of myself in so members can criticize.
And you have only seen the beginning of my new idea for this blog and the WASP lifestyle.
Odd that I prefer summer clothing, but prefer the weather durring the winter. Madras, pincord, seersucker, and cotton suits have them all. Anonymous was right it should have been context, but the spirit of the comment was correct. Keep up the good work!!
Richard does seem to have gotten the 101 back on track, and much so for the better IMHO. Here we have a useful bit of factual advice instead of soem oddball egotism.
Agree that expanding the WASP scope beyond just clothing would be a more satisfying holistic approach.
I am intrigued by KLS's statement about wasp's recognizing each other. Do you consider Richard to be wasp (since he is 'trying?'). Just curious.
I have several wasp friends, and wonder if they think I am or not.
Ryan--
I have no idea if Richard is WASP or not. I don't really care. I read this blog for entertainment. But, I find it very odd that one could give or receive WASP lessons. That makes it sound as though it is something that can be learned. I think that someone trying too hard would never pass the real tests of insiders.
Like I said above, surrounding oneself with WASP accoutrements does not make one a WASP. It seems contrived and ridiculous to take WASP lessons.
Why in the world would someone want to try that hard to become someone they are not? Why not be who you are...WASP or not? Isn't that more interesting than being a second-rate version of a WASP and always wondering if you are really going to pass?
I've read several blogs on being a WASP, and I have to ask myself, "Would a real WASP write a blog?" I don't know. Like I also said above, my mother would die if she knew that I read or commented on blogs!
KLS - thanks for your thoughts. My question is...isn't EVERYTHING learned? Some may have it more ingrained b/c that's what they grew up with, but that's still a learned behavior.
I agree that one should be themselves, and not worry about what other people think.
I dress a lot like this, and enjoy debating the finer points of fashion (that's why I read the site).
Have a great holiday!
Ryan--
I accept your point that all behavior is at some point learned.
I do believe that certain behaviors come more naturally when learned at mother's knee than they do when learned via a website.
If you are reading this website to debate the finer points of clothing, then I think that you are using it for an entertaining, informative purpose.
But, if you want WASP lessons from this blog...or any blog...beware. You will not get the real thing.
I agree that it comes more naturally from a mothers knee.
Yes, it's for entertainment, but I've learned some things along the way too.
What's so restrictive about a blog that you can't learn about wasp?
Ryan--
To write a response beyond what I've already written could be construed as rude rather than honest.
I've stopped reading blogs. I didn't find anything other than entertainment, and the computer steals a lot of time from my day. Therefore, this will be my last post.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
With sincerity,
KLS
Post a Comment