CK won?

Earlier this year I went on a hunt for some new ties for a new suit I had. I took a long look at my older ties and decided that;
A. My style had changed since I purchased them
B. Some were showing signs of wear
C. They were crap.
So, I usually bought vintage to get what I want but, thanks to the new surge in "pseudo retro" clothing, there was plenty of new stock out there for me to choose from. I went out and about looking around at some brands I was comfortable with and found they had ties that were nothing short of atrocious. And it was in the belly of the beast that I found my saviour. Calvin Klein. They had a "slim" line of ties that 100% silk and priced right (a little over 2" at the widest). I had originally bought one at the CK outlet, and found they can be bought online as well ($39.95 for one, two for $40, that's right, you read it right...second one's a nickle). After a while, I found an even better deal at a different store and was soon picking them up for even less. Thought I would show three here to represent what I found. A rep, a patterned, and a solid. I guess the lesson of the day is not to discount a brand because it usually caters to the exact opposite of the look you are trying to achieve, because you never know.

The Ten Commandments

So, perhaps I'm a little hazy on all ten, but I believe there is one scribed in there about not coveting your neighbors goods. However, I do believe that was written way before these babies came out. A friend of mine picked up a pair of these and I think "covet" is the only term I can use. But on the upside, he lives across town, so not really my neighbor, now is he? So I think we're good. Dr. Marten came out with these "true to the original" boots and they not only look great in the picture, but also in person. In slightly less immortal words of Ferris Bueller, "If you have the means, I highly advise picking one (or a pair for that matter) up." I know Doc's might be a bit cliche', but I have to admit when I see a good thing.

Nightcap?

Well, that turned out to be a longer visit to the bar than I had intended, but here's a pic of the garb worn. It was supposed to be a morning out, but ended up being an entire day out. Please, please, excuse the picture of the clothes, I simply took a picture (after they were worn) just to show and it turned out awful. I promise to take better pictures in the future. I have loads of work tomorrow, but will try and have something for the evening in some sort of dandyLION fashion. I also took an armful of clothes to the tailor to be altered, so more on that when those are ready...And, i have the little wheels spinning for more dandyLION originals to be made. Keep your fingers crossed!

It was a fair fight.

So, obviously no secondary post last night. I got into a heated exchange with a bottle of tequila that had been trash talkin' me in the streets all day. I had to teach it who was boss. Come back when you're ready for a rematch El Jimador! This morning I'm off for a little hair of the dog (who might also have the mange) at a local bar. I opted for a light weight lilac gingham short sleeve shirt ala Brooks Brothers, some black mohair trousers I had made a while back (more to come on my custom clothes in the future), black chisel toe shoes and some great lilac and black horizontal striped socks from Pantherella. All of this will be photographed later and posted, but as for now, those beers ain't going to drink themselves.

I'll have the combo, please...

Well, as mentioned, I was thinking of pairing the Weejuns with some Prince of Wales trousers I had and I think it's a good match. I feel wearing a smart short sleeve knit and going sans socks will be a good combo for the summer months. The trousers are quite slim and have a slight break when worn with the shoes, although the picture makes them seem a bit baggy. I assure you, I am not wearing baggy trousers. As it is Friday night, I am now off to bigger and hopefully better things, but don't worry, I'm sure they'll be a liquor induced post later after I change.

Am I taking crazy pills?!?

Bass Weejuns, you know them, you love them, you literally can't live without them. While with a friend at the local DSW, I decided to check out the backroom sale section. I liken finding shoes there to finding money on the ground in a parking lot, once in a while it happens, but don't hold your breath. As I was scanning the rows in my size, I ran across these! Bass Weejuns in a nice burgandy color. I had been looking for a pair of loafers lately and these fit the bill! It gets better, they were being marked down in the sale room as well to $29!! Needless to say, I snatched them up and held them like a newborn baby in my arms until we were ready to check out. I was half way thrilled yet half way concerned on the great deal. Had I missed something? Was there something wrong with them? They fit, no apparent scratches in the leather or discoloration. Hmm......so, I wore them out a few times waiting for a problem to arise or, pardon the pun, "the other shoe to drop". Nothing. Great shoes, great price, great buy. Wanting to pair them with some grey and maroon prince of wales trousers I have, but that's always subject to change.

My eBay day.

While getting dressed one eve, I thought that I could use a proper mens jewelry box. I have some assorted cufflinks, tie clips, and assorted "jewelry" that I wanted to keep together, rather than in little individual boxes. So, I kept an eye out around town as I was out one day and found that this sort of item isn't readily available as I would have liked. Most were cheaply made, wood with silly drawers, and almost ALL were overpriced for what they were. So, i went to the magical world of eBay and found this, a leather deadstock box with red velvet interior and an actual working lock with a key!! and the best part.....$8. So, it arrived today and I thought I would post a few pictures. Then off to figure out the best method of arranging cufflinks.

Get dressed, we're going out!

So, while in the men's room of one of the many bars of the dodgy variety I frequent, I was scanning the wall art for something mildly entertaining (as you do), and I ran across an advert for a website with a dressed up chimp and the title, "Get dressed, We're going out.". This struck a cord with me that the originators of the sticker were not intending. I did go out, and I did get dressed. Now, I know what you are thinking and you are wrong. I actually ironed a shirt (gasp!) and pressed my trousers (double gasp!) and went on a search for appropriate socks and undergarments. Made sure my shoes were polished, and was presentable. I was only going out for a couple of cocktails by myself, but felt this was necessary. I feel that the world has become either too comfortable or just too lazy, or even too disrespectful to go through any trouble to dress up for an evening out. When this happened I am not sure, maybe during the seventies, but it seems that today that there is NO event that someone won't show up in wearing shorts and sandals and a slightly lame t-shirt. I say, in a very self serving way, get over yourselves, nobody want's to see you in you in your jean shorts and your clever Journey t-shirt. Have some pride! For god's sake, Get Dressed, we're going out!!!

Testing the beginning of it all

Simple test for a simple idea