White Bucs, Part 3

My most outre dress shoes (like this) combined with my most outre shirt[Paul Fredrick]-and-tie [Filene's Basement] combination.

It was definitely too much for the office, or for the anywhere, but I am glad I tried it out.

Boots and Braces

Because I do not believe in half-measures.

Except, evidently, to the extent that I still haven't removed the belt loops from those pants.  Look at them there.  They are like orphans. Or the human appendix.

Pattern: Unity of Concept

Color is an important part of outfit construction.  But I get more psychic income out of more subtle parallels.  Here, for example, the white and blue on the tie pick up the same colors on the cufflinks.  However, the diamond/Escheresque patterns on both somehow complement each other on a more obtuse level.  Congruence.  Concentricity.  Tessellation. 

Of course, unless you can buy all the ties and all the cufflinks you want, a lot of these links are serendipitous.  The next time you put on a favorite ensemble, take a fresh look and see if there isn't some deeper unity you never noticed before.

The Washing Of The Clothes

  

The hardest lesson for me: You don't have to wash everything after one wear.  Each washing takes away a chunk of your apparel's life.  So if you wear a pair of shorts for a walk and they don't get sweaty or dirty and they don't take an odor, fold them and put them back in the drawer.

Do You Ever Feel Like All You Do Is Fold Clothes?

I do.

By the way, the right-hand side of that t-shirt says "eebird."

Seersucker Chronicles

I wore the seersucker side of this bowtie to the State Theatre for a bluegrass show (and opening act, both worth checking out).  Mainly because I wanted to and because I'd worn the madras side to the previous Stringdusters show at the State (opening act, SLYT must watch) and you all know how I am about traditions.

It got a lot of random-person compliments, definitely more than any other thing I've ever worn.  I also got a drunk old bastard trying to start a fight with me by getting up in my face and asking me if I was going to fscking prom or something, but you take the good with the bad.

Sure, some of the pleasure comes from getting attention and positive feedback.  But I really revel in the way that a playful piece of clothing can give other people this kind of vicarious joy, the kind that prompts them to accidentally find themselves outside their comfort zone, accosting a stranger to deliver very specific flattery.  Then, they get a little bit embarrassed and withdraw, but the smile lingers.  It's a very human moment.

And happy mother's day!

Shoes: Just Say No to Italian-Style Loafers

They have square toes.  They have elastic webbing between the tongue and the side.  They take up aisles and aisles at your local shoe discounter.  And they occupy an unfortunate No Man's Land across which you should fear to tread.

They come in all shapes and sizes and colors.  The best among them have slender soles, unexaggerated toes, and a slim shape.  The worst look like leather shoeboxes or scuba fins.  You shouldn't wear them with a suit because they're too casual; they look funny with jeans because they're often too dressy (chiefly in black).  In fact, I'm not sure when it does make sense to wear them.  Mine have long since gone to Goodwill.

Get yourself some wingtips.  Or some boots.  Or some plimsolls.  Or all three.  Diversify.