What's needed for this time of year?

How about the classic Polo-neck, roll-neck or commonly called, turtleneck sweater? Choose Lightweight to Heavyweight but allow the elements and activity to determine the style, texture and weight. "Turtlenecks are the most comfortable garment you can wear. They move with the body, and they're flattering too, because they accentuate the face and elongate the figure. They make life so easy: you can wear a turtleneck to work and then afterwards throw on a jacket, and it becomes very dressy. You can go anywhere you like." said designer HALSTON.

This not That

yes



NO!

He went from slightly small to way too big!

The time for Suede is now

Perfect jacket to bring in the baseball season.







What's your team colors?? Golden Bear has got you covered.

The BLACK Blazer...yes!

Here's a little diddy that caught my eye. But, the one I put together for myself has pewter-ish buttons. I went wool but Velvet is a nice and stylish option.






Cashmere and Camel Hair are standard fabric finishes as well.

Heavy Duty Turtleneck

I know, you really want to wear a leather coat out on the very chilly January day but will that keep me warm? I can't sport the style I a going for with chattering teeth!!
Have no fear your Aran Sweater is here...in Turtleneck




Inis Meain has a really "authentic" Aran sweater for those who need to weather the storm. Enjoy!

Warm up to Moleskin this Fall

...ask Barbour they use a lot of it.

Stand Firm

in Longwings...preferably, Aldens

Vision of Division

I need to wear glasses



progressives!

Knit Blazer

One more thing...I saw an Ermenegildo Zegna knit blazer 5 years ago and took a pass on it. Now I want one...bad!

Fall Sportcoat/Blazer/Jacket

Which one?

Since I am getting wet anyway...

Why not think about and plan for the day I will be looking forward to it. But what to wear...? Authentic and trad is the movement of the day so I suggest:

Have you gotten your Sebagos yet?

Well, we still can expect a few days of heat to render us sockless for a few days. One of the rights of Spring/Summer that I always look forward to. The only way to really pull the look off is with a proper pair of loafers.

Have you gotten your Sebagos yet?

Where is Spring?

Looks like the San Francisco Bay Area is becoming water-logged with this new series of storms and all I can think about is cotton and loafers. But, I can only count on rubber and wool to keep me insulated from these relentless elements.

This Weather is Really Chappin' my Hide

I really enjoy the snappiness that a sharp, supple leather jacket lends to an otherwise ordinary pant/shirt base. But, with that being said, you have to get a quality hide that can withstand the sometimes harsh elements of your particular climate. I find that finer leathers, even though they my be more supple, have a density of skin that is a true wind blocker. Couple a fine leather with shearling or a Thinsulate (TM) cloth as liner and you won't be worried by the weather. Fashion meets function and you stay toasty and sharp in the same foggy breath.

Remember names like Schott, Belstaff, Gucci, Shipley & Halmos, John Varvatos, and Harley Davidson.

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

Fall/Winter weather and the Holiday season brings me to think of Robes, Pajamas and lounging apparel. The season seems to rush in and catch me unaware and unprepared. I love coming home and playing Mr. Rogers by taking off my “work” clothing and slipping into my “nesting” clothing complete with comfortable shoes and soft pants and top. What do you have along those lines? Are you a smoking jacket type of guy or lounge pants and top? Here are a few ideas.

A few names to remember in your search for fine lounging apparel are: American Essentials, James Perse, Derek Rose, Burberry, Calida, Lands End and LL Bean.

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.