Being well-dressed extends beyond fit and quality. It includes appropriateness and subtlety. It means your outfit isn't showy. It doesn't shout for attention. You may have tiny dashes of color, but nothing very bright across large areas of your outfit. This principle applies to men and women alike. Simplicity is key -- that draws attention, … Continue reading On Subtlety
As I mentioned in a previous Levi's post, I haven't worn jeans in the last few years. I actually fared quite well for the most part. It was nice not resorting to jeans as a go-to, lazy man pant. Also, lacking jeans forced me to dress smarter in other fabrics. There have been a few … Continue reading Jeans… When to Wear Them?
I wish better language existed to describe the exact shape and style of a shoe. It's simply not enough use the word "style," because style can also encapsulate the patina, finish, and other characteristics of a shoe besides shape. Shoemakers use words like "almond" and "chiseled" to describe toe shapes, but we need better vocabulary … Continue reading The Shape of Shoes
For me at least, buying anything requires months deliberation. Enormous thought goes into purchasing three to four pieces of clothing per year, which includes scarves, trousers, etc. This is mostly because I want a core wardrobe. I'm also on a limited budget and spend wisely. In order to develop a core wardrobe you must ignore … Continue reading Building a Core Wardrobe
Clients may have very different experiences with makers. Some rave about their experiences while others face a torrent of issues. I would rate artisans based on these factors: 1) Fit - perhaps the most important. Even if you had perfect service, the end product should suit your comfort and meet your needs. The tailor/shoemaker must … Continue reading How to Rate Artisans?
I really cherish my sweaters. I look forward to wearing them in the fall/ winter and they complement my odd trousers. Sweaters (or jumpers) come in a variety of styles: crew, v-neck, cowl, mock-turtle, turtle, roll-neck, shawl-collar, etc. For your first two sweaters, I'd recommend a crew neck or v-neck in basic colors like navy, … Continue reading Starting Your Fall Sweater Collection
I have a friend. Let's call him James. James has several nice jackets and pullovers and told me he wanted to purchase a light cardigan sweater. Since he had no troubles with budget, I emailed him a link to O'Connell's, which carries a nice array of sweaters in the United States. James, like many, was … Continue reading You Don’t Need to Be a Zillionare
When I tell people how much bespoke shoes cost ($3,000 and upwards) they usually balk in surprise. Many outright vow never to spend that much on a pair of shoes as they fail to see the value. I will sincerely try and outline these values and leave readers to decide for themselves. Healthy feet. Bespoke … Continue reading Why Bespoke Shoes Are Worth It
