Not going through an inventory of Christmas presents - I received a few gift cards so that I could go out and find things that tripped my "gotta-have-it-switch".
My daughter and her family came for the holidays and during a shopping expedition on Christmas Eve, I spotted this pair of Bass Buchanons - suede/leather with eraser soles. I like them.
On the way out of the store and working through our mission to finish our Christmas shopping, my daughter, (remember - this is the wonderful daughter who gifted me so generously at J. Press in New Haven this past summer) thought I should have gotten the blue suede babies that were perched next to them on display.
After Christmas, after the all the guests left for home and parts north, my wife went back to the store and picked up the Bass Brocktons.
Nice eh??
(flash photography makes these look lighter than they really are)
Somewhere in between Christmas and New Years - Dillards sent a shout out they were having a 50% off the already reduced prices on some great items. Carolyn works in the Ralph Lauren section of Dillard's in Altamonte Springs - next time you're in there, say hello to Carolyn -- she's a gem.
I spotted these Ralph Lauren "Professor's Pants" - I'd read about them earlier in the year - "Exuding timeless heritage and style, the Professor pant is tailored for a relaxed fit from timeworn cotton chino" -- and the selling aspect of these britches were the back-side tabs - When I was in high school - this style of chino was very popular. When the back tab was "dis-engaged" that meant you were not going steady - tab "engaged" meant you were taken/owned/going-steady/gettin' some. (any or all apply may apply)
Two things about these pants -- 1) the cotton is beautiful - its nicely washed and soft. 2) the belt loops are too small though - first thing I did was add a ribbon belt to these pants - and the loops would barely let the belt through. Otherwise - great chinos men - go get some - just get a narrow belt to go with them!
Here in Florida - Stein Mart is a popular place to shop. Mr. Stein makes it all the more appealing by sending me emails, taunting me with coupons for generous discount percentages (register at
steinmart.com).
In the men's department there is plethora of Flusser-ware; all good looking, but certainly not top-of-the-line. I snagged some Flusser slacks - grey, nice looking and goes well with a lot of my inventory. Also snagged these two Nautica sport jackets -
Got a couple of ties and shirts to go with these - but I'm on the hunt for something special - and I'm moving toward orange, or peach (for the top jacket).
I know most people who read the style blog are keen on the high-end, bespoke kit-combos from the big men's style houses in New York, Milan, London, and other parts of the world (that I wish I could visit). I peruse the blogs and pretty much drool on my laptop at some of the candy I come across. Lately I've been keen on chino, or cotton blazers. On the break between Christmas and New Years as I was tripping through Dillard's, I came across this Daniel Cremieux chino jacket. Men, this jacket rocks! I think I've worn it almost everyday (to work) over the the past week. I love it!
I wore it with those "professors pants" and some new Levi's 501s. The weight is just a little heavy, but for Florida winters, it's perfect. It feels good, and looks good - the deep indigo blue goes with so much.
What's you're most comfortable piece of gear? What one special item makes you feel so good, you can take on the world? For me - it's this jacket.
Cheers Gentlemen!
