There are probably images that do a better job of capturing the end of a trip to Italy, but the bay of Naples at sunset from my hotel room does a respectable job of reminding me that there is more to the country than clothing. Nonetheless, one cannot help but notice that half the men, including all the well-dressed ones, wear scarves at this time of year, even in the unseasonable warmth that left me wondering why I packed nothing but heavy suits and carried an overcoat that I never needed. Half the men. Despite all the wealth in San Francisco, there are few scarves to be seen amidst the khaki trousers and light blue shirts. Though we do have a bay that is every bit as photogenic as the one in Napoli.
The trip home is a long one, involving as it does the train back to Milan, a flight to Paris and then the haul to San Francisco. I will be the guy wearing a blue tweed suit, black Edward Green slip-on shoes, a checked shirt, a grenadine necktie and the Rubinacci pocket square that is the immediate souvenir of the trip. Later there will be plenty of others, including dozens of knit ties, suede gloves, leather belts, shoe shine kits, canvas slippers and who knows what else that will be arriving over the coming months.
And I will wear a scarf.
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8 comments:
Will,
You'll be happy to know that scarves are common and quite popular in Portland. You see them on many men, even when it seems a little to warm to wear one.
I was in San Francisco last weekend and forgot my scarf. I missed it quite a bit when the wind kicked up.
Erik
Yeah I'm a scarf junkie too Will. Those Drake Mogul patterns have me drooling. In the chill NE it's all wool and cashmere at the moment but they do add a certain something to one's look. Having tried all the pretzel variations you still can't beat the straightforward cravat wrap for both effectiveness and aesthetic.
I thought black shoes with a blue suit or pants were a no-no for you ?? (and I agree with that).
I won't wear black shoes with navy suits but the tweed is a mid-blue with a charcoal overcheck and black shoes work well with it.
We're never going to agree about brown shoes with blue suits. I think the Brits are right about this one.
I tend to prefer oxblood shoes over black or brown with navy suits but it's OK to disagree.
Inspired by you Will I've just purchased the first Cordovan shoes I've ever owned (Alden cap toe bluchers) which will peep out from beneath brown check and grey flannel pants but never a blue suit I'm afraid.
Just thanking you again for your intrepid pursuit of the escape from the mundane, Will. Life, as I know it, is simply richer for ASW having been a part of it.
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