Barney's Warehouse Sale

I have a reliable inside source that has winked to me that the Warehouse Sale will happen in August for San Francisco. I had to get this news out to all who have been saving their pennies for something GREAT to come along.

Layer Right..Start Tight

Please forgive me for jumping around with my focus. I resumed my posting ways by adopting the idea that I would start at the body and work my way outward. Let's just say this post focuses closer to the body than not.

Undershirts, briefs, boxers, which ones do you wear? Yes, you should wear underwear always, IMHO. Personally, I like to sense that my clothing looks like it feels and feels like it looks. So, starting with loose, clumsy, underwear sets the stage for a very uncomfortable and disheveled appearance. As goes my appearance, so goes my day.
There is a currently running Hanes commercial that pokes fun at a gent’s loosely fitting t-shirt collar. I would go a few steps further with wondering if the undershirt is too long, too short, bunches at the waist, do the briefs bind or boxers ride up, do they make impressions on the lay of the pant? All are important issues for feeling and thereby looking your best.
For me, I lean toward a V neck shirt and trunk with "push up" effect offered by Ermenegildo Zegna. I like the way the material and make fits snugly to my body and stays where its put. The underwear never fights with my extra slim fit shirt or my low waisted 9.25 inch rise trousers. There are many makers leaning toward this fit; Armani, Versace and Hanro to name a few. Just take this as a suggestion...kinda like I suggest you pull the ripcord to your parachute! Ciao.

A Suitable Loafer

I recently made a comment on "the Sartorialist" expressing the notion, that I find it against my sensibilities to go sock-less in a lace up Oxford or Cap Toe shoe and I feel only a loafer should be pressed into service on such an occasion.
That comment spurned me on to search for what I thought was the most elegant but adaptable loafer that could carry itself nobly if its wearer were to go bare. I made the usual rounds, viewing the perennial staples from Gucci, Tods, and Ferragamo but nothing stood out or had a muted elegance; which was my mental picture...well, not until I stopped by a fellow blogger's site I follow, “A Suitable Wardrobe” and peeked at his new shopping site






There they were, just as I pictured them.
"http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/"

Not so Common Scents

Time to get back to the body focus. With Summer upon us, and layers being peeled away, we need to enhance the attractiveness and allure of our last and primary layer...skin.



Summer scents are advertised as being "clean" or "fresh" but rarely ever deliver. I find they maintain a citrus or soapy undertone and lack any real come hither effect. But, dash that thought as Acqua di Parma Meditediterraneo line has got it right, namely with their Bergamotto entry. This number is fresh, light and oh so sexy. Do yourself a favor and sample some today...there is only so much Summer left.

Papa's Gotta GET a Brand New Bag

I pulled out my summer "go to work" bag I bought a few summers ago. It is a decent J. Crew model with conservative green and blue horizontal bands and leather finished handles. It is of the heavy canvas variety and zips across the top. I like it and enjoy carrying it but the new wave seems to be the "waxed cloth" look.

Makers/Brands of this old but new craze are Filson, Barbour, J Crew, Oughton, L.L. Bean and many others. I really need to upgrade to this lighter and versatile fabric that has been around for decades. Here are a few good looks:

Graduation Day and Night

Before the Graduation festivities I scoured the Websphere for any images of "proud poppa" outfits seen at Graduations. I found very little, so, for those who come after me I suggest these combos for Award Ceremony, Church Service, Graduation Day and Dinner Nights.






For the most part, I find blue to be somewhat of a "canvas" type color upon which to build your Graduation outfit. Please send in all Proud Poppa combinations for all to share. For you label people, you are viewing Zegna, Borrelli, Duchamp, Talbot and Bulgari.

Obama Ousts McChrystal in Presidential Uniform

Obama is looking very militaristic and unimagined as he tightens the reins on errant comments and deviant behavior from the troops. His dimpled tie seems to have been fashioned by a "tie machine" and his suit shoulders are ever so appropriately padded.

No soft shouldered, unconstructed jacket or whimsical collar treatment for this man; not on this day. His dress and mannerism say that I am in charge, contained, and to the point. There will be no room for "play" today. A-ten-hut!

"The Last Emperor" Personal Style

Please take a moment and and view this movie if you haven't already. I, at first, thought "what more can I learn about a subject which consumes me?"... a lot, as I quickly found out.

What I took away from this movie was that all designers create visions for others but also have a vision for themselves. Valentino's personal style was impeccable! Watch closely his personal, private, casual moments in this film and take in his attire. He was innovative; and self assured. In one scene he was layering three shirts effortlessly with applomb. I feel like the young writer who would dare to cook a recipe from Julia Child's volume each day.

Oh, what I wouldn't give to carry myself like Valentino, daily. Thank you "Rowthree.com" for carrying the casual photo of the Emperor at top.

Diddy Got To the Greek In Style

Diddy is looking ever so Pitti (Uomo) in his monochromatic brown combination as a high powered record mogul in “Get Him to the Greek.”
Checked out the movie last weekend and as always, I'm looking at the acting, the plot, etc., but more importantly, the clothes. I have always studied and paid close attention to the clothing details in movies...remember I am a James Bond fan. I love the lesser wrinkling of cotton/linen blends; which I believe this is. Please feel free to educate me if this is not the fabric. On the subject of monochromatic dressing; I would say I am a fan of staying in a color “range” but using different textures and hues to make the combination interesting. See you at the Movies!

Who's the Boss?

Ok, so I know I said I would start with personal grooming products but I can't help it...clothes comsume most of my thought process when I am not concentrating on work or finances.

So what's up with Boss? Hugo Boss. I feel like there is a full court press. New website for purchasing, 5 lines of clothing, becoming Nordstrom's go to brand...I mean are you aware???

You have a German company, founded in 1923, by its namesake, with a fabric maker (Marzoto) as a major player. Until the end of 2009, Ohio was the manufacturing hub for American production but couldn't keep up, so they closed it. Now everywhere you turn you see "Hugo Boss." Hugo was the man in the 70's along with Pierre Cardin and YSL but things change...and then they return!

Okay they have my attention!

www.hugoboss.com

Book Review: "Unbillable Hours"

What is there to say that hasn’t been said in this book?

The book is a Movie. I saw, felt and smelled the legal documents, the prison and the atmosphere this book so tersely brought to the forefront. Great read!

To the point and on point writing. Both the Author’s experience and Mario’s journey is brilliantly and economically laid out in no uncertain terms. This same read would have been a 400-500 page book by other authors. Who needs a big book?

This guy is good…I mean real good.

And he seems to have an incredible sense of style.

"Unbillable Hours"
by Ian Graham


http://www.amazon.com/Unbillable-Hours-Story-Ian-Graham/dp/1607146290

The Morning Ritual

I stated in my earlier post that I was a mug and brush man. I have maintained this ritual for more than 10 years. I am starting to rethink this process. Can there be another way? Is there another path to the perfect shave? Can the traditional be too staid? Well, I am about to step out on a limb. I have mounted a mirror in my shower and bought a tube of Jack Black Beard Lube. I am taking this new course of action to streamline my morning activities and take advantage of the moisture boost from shower shaving. Wish me luck, changing a major activity of the morning will take some doing.

I get around

Just as a note to those in my "need to know" circle; I have been busy while away from my own blog. I have been doing a little this and that, coffee critiquing, cooking reviews, book reviewing, and "Sartorialist" commenting. Look for me in many places and I will also provide links to sites of interest. Thank you.

Starting Over

After being gone for a while I have regained my interest and enthusiasm for Blogging. Since I am all about looking good or at the least, looking the best I can...I thought of opening back up with my basic rule of thumb: "Start at the beginning" The beginning is, the body. The body is about Grooming. Hair, Skin, Shaving, Fragrance and Grooming Tools will be the first topics of intense scrutiny and comment.
So, what's on my mind right now? Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave. I use a brush and that is itself a personal idiosyncrasy. I think you will find that the lather production on this product is exceptional and luxurious.


http://www.getluckytiger.com/products/Liquid-Cream-Shave.html#

Chunky Monkey

A recent post I commented on:

You are wrong Sart about yourself and the principle! It takes one to be Mature; not simply possess the Stature, to wear certain items of clothing. We are canvasses not mannequins. We adorn ourselves to evoke a mood or an outlook. We are not hangers on which we can only hang the “appropriate” clothing. You and I are quite similar in build and stature. Yes, I indeed will wear huge patterns, horizontal lines, and chunky knits when the mood arises. I follow the principle of “Free your mind and your posterior will follow.” Peace, out.

Workmanship

There are instances where I believe the integrity and allure of an item is enhanced by seeing detailed hand stitching. Quilts, button-holes, men's lapels and this bloomer are great examples of this. Excellent job! I believe everything will be going towards intended transparency. We will want to see that we are getting our value in clothing.

Sunny in Sydney

Very nice. She has a clean, polished no fuss look for a sunny day. She looks "smartly" dressed. Hair has flair but not in face. Earrings are sexy without interfering. High waist skirt accentuates the positive. Nicely done.

Start closest to the Skin

In these economic times, I find a need to begin anew with crafting my wardrobe. This time no unnecessary items and no overpriced pieces that I will never wear. I think about the cornerstone items that will support me in any direction I take. I use the “Start closest to the skin rule.” We will always be wearing our skin, so why not focus on grooming, underwear and socks (pajamas and robes included). Check out Barney’s New York for socks and boxers!

Looking the Part

I am a little shy about asking someone to let me take their picture. So you may simply see the object of my inspection rather than the person's face. I spied these interesting boots/stockings/pants, on a woman who was bicycling to a gig. She had her instrument and was totally looking the part. Her outfit was not costume but cleverly correct for the assumed occasion.

What the Sartorialist was.

In the beginning when I first entertained myself with the photographes from "The Sartorialist," I thought I was going to one place to find all that was unique and different in the world of fashion. That feeling has been waning and I don't want to leave because I might miss something. Well, I have a breath of fresh air and perspective that wandered into my life: http://nycrunfashion.blogspot.com/
Do yourself a favor and go there. I will from now on.