Hat Madness

Whatever happened to the venerable hat? Whatever happened to the days when without one, you didn't leave out the door to your profession? Whatever happened to your hat and coat being taken by the maitre d' before being seated at dinner? Whatever happened to the etiquette and custom of "doffing and donning?"

Men, men, I say to unto you, get familiar with the names, Borsalino, Stetson, Resistol, Dobbs, Betmar, Bollman, Kangol, Bailey, and Tilley to name a few. Reintroduce yourself to the polished and finished appearance that a hatted man exudes. Bring back a dash of the flash that was commonplace to a more refined time. As I sometimes say…”do yourself a favor” and don a nice brim.

Soak it up like a Sponge

I received a long awaited facial Saturday at my local Barneys New York. I was contemplating a new regimen of “all natural”skin care productswhen I came acrossthe opportunity to sign up for a complementary facial to testSponge skincare products. SPONGE products are hypoallergenic and are free of parabens,sulfates, propylene glycols, petrochemicals, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances.

What I really came to understand is that a facial is an exercise in rejuvenation. I am not a die-hard metrosexual, receiving regular mani/pedi, and messages but I do like the idea of having an indulgence to look forward to. Do yourself a favor and soak up something new.

www.spongeskincare.com

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck

Use em for hunting only, because there are plenty of sleek galoshes to keep your tootsies dry on these upcoming rainy days.

It used to be that the choices men had to afford them dry feet were either drab black "overshoes" or clunky lug soled boots. Not any more. Designers are realizing that new stylings are as easy as allowing the rubber to meet the road. As long as the barrier between the feet and the street is waterproof, designer's imaginations have taken over.

Swims have always had the (left) overshoes but have recently added the (right) rubber loafers to their lineup.

Is Snivalry Dead?

As colder weather sets in and sniffles start, I am beginning to gather my handkerchiefs but find that I need to retrieve them from my two favorite girls. And, as I gather the begged and borrowed handkerchiefs from around the house I remember the instances of their departures from my possession. I was reminded of times when a mother needed to dry her eyes at her daughter's graduation or when a baby's nose needed dabbing while on public transit or the time I forgot my pocket square and pressed my handkerchief into service. But I find that the simple but necessary handkerchief has gone underground on the public landscape. I see fewer and fewer men prepared by carrying them.



What has political correctness and hand sanitizer done to the integration of function and fashion? Handkerchiefs, penknives, fountain pens and money clips with cash have been replaced by cell phones, atm cards and handi wipes. It is my opinion that fashion should embellish the necessary items that both men and women should possess in venturing out into society on their daily regimine.



Carrying a handkerchief has been a staple of gentlemanly conduct that was handed down to me from my father and from his father. The minimalist approach to dressing is fine as long as the mandatory mens complement of items are present before walking out the door. I hope to be expressing my views on a few indispensable items every man should possess and carry.

All of the handkerchiefs pictured on this page are cotton, or cotton/linen blends that can be used to arrest bodily functions as well as enhance one's appearance. Thank you to Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom for providing the pictures and more importantly the sources to maintain my manliness.