Comments on A Suitable Wardrobe: In the Pink

Dear Sir: I have come to your website on several ...

2009-10-11T04:22:00.104-07:00

Dear Sir:

I have come to your website on several different occasions. Each time I am struck by the level of mental effort put forth in the effort of selecting clothing. I am humbled and amazed at how the human capacity for observation of the world can become so finely honed. In your case, your mental efforts are directed toward clothing. In another culture, that same sort of gift is applied to observation of the ocean or clouds or weather or plants or any number of things that are of significance to their existence.

I am reminded forcibly of at several different issues that distinguish the lives of the web log author and the general audience. For the most part there seems to be a sort of segregation that keeps those who struggle for their survival from those who may not struggle for their survival in the same way. So, I am puzzled by the general availability of your website. Certainly, there is a media image of the lifestyle of those live slightly removed from a pressing fight to survive and those for whom survival is a matter of dress etc.

I see such sources of sartorial information generally available to the public as slightly misleading in the sense that what is touted as "haute" is probably not as central to the equipage the comfortable set might really employ in their daily existence.

While I grant that your site does not replicate the sort of information readily available from the publishing houses of Hearst and its ilk, it strikes me as strangely odd. Most times, one never hears about the lives and sensibilities and vendors the truly comfortable patronize. In fact, most of us don't even know such creatures exist. I gues this is more a result of an information gap than anything else. If one applies oneself to exploration one will discover something or other.

Another thought that occurs to me revolves around the adoption by non-European cultures of European modes of dress. While some members of the comfortable set who are genuinely comfortable may be able to appreciate a different perspective that someone from another culture might bring to traditional European costume, I wonder to what extent this adoption of costume is actually meaningful and worthwhile if someone who is a non-European is seeking "acceptance" of a certain kind from Europeans.

This sort of cross-cultural adoption is not new. I assume that as each culture attains a certain power, other cultures seek to emulate its dress, music, etc.

In any case, while I may be a bit hesitant about the content and intent, I have been stimulated and intrigued by your blog. I find it aesthetically pleasing and the entries well-written, and the content curious.

Cordially,
GL

You wore a very handsome suit but you look a littl...

2009-10-03T09:45:20.110-07:00

You wore a very handsome suit but you look a little 'eh' in it.

I don't know how do you define your own style but for me, your suit needs a little bit more fitted.

Any misunderstanding is just one of our weaknesses as a human being.

Regards....

That suit begs for a hat.

2009-07-13T20:59:16.418-07:00

That suit begs for a hat.

Uh, obviously I meant the Duke of Windsor. Sorry ...

2009-07-05T22:21:03.519-07:00

Uh, obviously I meant the Duke of Windsor.

Sorry 'bout that.

The line of the sleeve on your DB Will is very, ve...

2009-07-03T11:47:47.495-07:00

The line of the sleeve on your DB Will is very, very elegant.

Maybe the besom pocket is distracting in the way it seems to call out for attention, even while we seriously review our lives, those who will not wear a six on two DB,and in fresco too boot; don't get me started!

That bright how is French hoot,or 'oot, but ties, in your masterful practice, a faultlessly tossed-off double-dimple: no wonder everyone is hung up on the shoes.

A would have considered a flower, as you might have, and equally as you might have, I would have put aside the idea, with no head gear decided upon.

Thank you for the link to the picture. Is that the...

2009-07-02T16:35:49.870-07:00

Thank you for the link to the picture. Is that the hybrid shape?

I can't believe the flak you're getting for the shoes. I wonder what the same commentors would say about the Duke of Wales wearing tassel loafers and slip-on spectator shoes with double-breasted suits?

now that i think about it, i like the way the silk...

2009-07-02T13:03:34.856-07:00

now that i think about it, i like the way the silk is tied. and i agree the shoes seem dull and casual.

Will, it's a Great look to start the month!

2009-07-02T03:52:34.275-07:00

Will, it's a Great look to start the month!

terrific outfit. Just a comment if I may: perhaps ...

2009-07-02T03:16:09.002-07:00

terrific outfit.
Just a comment if I may: perhaps the shirt sleeves look a little on the longish side.

An admirer from Italy.

Great look, but with this great and impressive DB ...

2009-07-01T21:34:18.134-07:00

Great look, but with this great and impressive DB suit the black suede shoes are overwhelmed and a tad too casual, which is a shame as they are magnificent. Otherwise impeccably stylish.

i like the suit, even though the pants look big an...

2009-07-01T14:14:02.708-07:00

i like the suit, even though the pants look big and long.
too much attention to the jacket, makes you forget about the pants.
also, the bow tie should stand on a high collar, of course you can wear a low and spread collar but the tie will end in your chest and not in your neck like it's suppose to be. the colors that's the easiest part. a woman could match it for you.
anyway i love this blog, seems like it's the only one of it's kind.

The bow tie shape is the same as the black tie in ...

2009-07-01T14:08:00.146-07:00

The bow tie shape is the same as the black tie in this photo:

http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2009/06/small-spoils-of-travel.html

Great outfit! As you say, pink & gray are an excel...

2009-07-01T13:53:06.077-07:00

Great outfit! As you say, pink & gray are an excellent combination (and, echoing Tonyp, I think navy & pink go well together, too). You have put together an elegant, "less-is-more" look with just two colors and two patterns. Inspiring.

Question: when you say "Charvet bow tie," I know you mean it's from the French company. However, what shape is it? Is it the same butterfly/batwing hybrid that the Duke of Wales had Charvet create for him? If so, would you be so kind as to share a picture of the untied tie? (I keep seeing references to that hybrid but no one bothers to post a picture!)

Incidentally, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and Gary Cooper sometimes wore suede lace-up shoes with their suits. It's a very snazzy way to break the rules, and if the shoes are dark-colored and brogued, then you're only bending them.

The are black oxfords with a bit of brogueing. I...

2009-07-01T10:18:58.816-07:00

The are black oxfords with a bit of brogueing.

I don't know if it's normal to wear suede shoes with a suit but I do.

Is it normal wearing suede shoes with a suit?

2009-07-01T09:50:37.660-07:00

Is it normal wearing suede shoes with a suit?

Very nice coordination Will. The shoes look dark ...

2009-07-01T09:40:58.037-07:00

Very nice coordination Will. The shoes look dark brown but I guess from your post they are black suede. Are the oxfords or slip- ons? Can't tell. I also like Navy and pink.

Looks good. I have always preferred the full-body...

2009-07-01T08:38:13.142-07:00

Looks good. I have always preferred the full-body pictures over the torso ones.

Looking sharp, Will, the bow tie is dapper and I e...

2009-07-01T08:17:25.636-07:00

Looking sharp, Will, the bow tie is dapper and I especially like the shoes!

I really ike that look

2009-07-01T07:32:22.674-07:00

I really ike that look