The Ultimate Compliment

Let it be known.  Today, May 14th 2010, my 33rd birthday, I received the highest sartorial compliment.  A certain patient of ours who happens to be the general manager of a certain century old men's clothing store told me that he liked what I was wearing and that I should be a model for the century old men's clothing store.
I think that there are enough clues there without violating HIPPA regulations.


New tie from the Top Self Flea (I have the sporting gentleman tie)
Lands End Canvas navy blue/white gingam pocket square
Lands End tailored fit blazer
Lands End tailored fit campus collar blue oxford button down shirt
Gap straight fit chinos
Suede Desert boots from J. Crew
Brown belt from Old Navy that I've had forever
Fossil watch

Cherry Poppin'

We have a patient who probably sleeps with a bow tie on (bad visual) and we were talking about it at work a couple of weeks ago and I mentioned that I own one bow tie.  The girl I work with, who is a bit eccentric, really thought I should wear it to work one day.  That day was today and I just popped my bow tie cherry.  And it's hard to do.
First you have to learn how to tie it.  That was tough.

There were many Youtube clips and step by step images, but this was the one that worked for me.  Step 4 is the hardest part.  I was so confused on where I was doing what, looping tab Q into slot J.

Then, it takes big balls for a 30`something year old guy to go to work in a busy hospital and walk around all day with a bow tie.  I did get some nice compliments and a lot of people looking at me.  The trick was to pretend the bow tie wasn't even there.  I think that's the key to pulling off any type of clothing/style/fashion.

My wife took a picture when I got home.

Bow tie by Brooks Brothers.
Blue oxford trim fit botton-down w/ varsity collar from Lands End, brown linen sports coat from H&M, Khakis from Old Navy, dark blue socks from Dockers, and brown split toe shoes from Ecco.  Watch from Fossil.

Funny thing, when I was driving through the parking garage this morning, I saw a guy (mid 40's, Asian {because details matter}) wearing a bow tie.  How dare you, sir!  So I took it as a sign that it was an Unofficial Bow Tie Wearing Day.

Welcome to Target

I was in Target last week and I saw this

Woolrich Home madras bedding; it's in the 'want' catagory, not the 'need' catagory.

While you were sleeping

While some people have been sweatin' the new L.L. Bean Signature, plain ol' L.L. Bean also has new S/S arivals.  I just bought the white/blue seersucker shorts and plan on buying a madras shirt.  Check it out.

Lawrence of Arabia

I watched Lawrence of Arabia this week on our new HD television.  I own the plain ol' DVD but it still looks great on the TV.  An awesome movie with more great actors than you can shake a stick at.  Number seven on the AFI top 100 greatest movies of all time.

Above, the real T.E. Lawrence

Leather Soul

Leather Soul is a Hawiian shoe store that specializes in Alden shoes.  The have a blog and update it frequently when the get new models in.  Check out these boots which are THE BOMB.  Also check out the comments, the salesman gets right back to peoples questions.

Take Ivy

As far as I know, I don't have any readers of this blog except myself.  But so what, who cares?

There is a Japanese photo book from the 60's called Take Ivy.  Until recently, the book was out of print.  Picture were circulating on various men's style blogs and the book is truely inspiring of the 60's Ivy league style.  One of the things I like is how effortless the outfits are.
The book is now being reissued and will be available right before Labor Day.
Here is a sample.

Boot Quest

My boot quest has finally ended.  I wanted a pair of good leather boots, that's all.
I wear a size 12 shoe, sometimes 11.5.
First I bought a pair of 8" LL Bean boots, size 11.

Too Big.  So I returned them to a LL Bean store and tried to get a size 10 but they were out of stock of every Bean boot they had.  I know that LL Bean boots are popular, but come on!
So I ordered 3 different pairs of size 10 LL Bean boot and ad them delivered to the LL Bean store in Dedham, MA.  8", 6", and 8" with Thinsulate.  The 8" size ten boot did fit.  So I thought I was satisfied until I was shoveling snow a few days later and the boots started leaking.  I brought them back to the store, nuf said.

Then I figured I try some Dr. Martens.

I ordered a size 12 of the popular 1460's.  I also got some extra laces and a new can of Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam (good stuff).
The boots came and when I laced them to the top, the eyelets met.  WTF?  I didn't think I had skinny legs (I don't).
I sent them back.

Then I ordered Thorogood American Heritage Wedge (non-saftey toe) 6" moc-toe

Made in the USA in Wisconsin.  I liked the look of the boots.  They came quick.  They smelled great.  I thought they were the ones, but...
There was a ton of room in the heel.  My heel came up every time I took a step.
I'm in the middle of sending them back.

Today, after I went to the town dump, I drove to the closest Red Wing Shoe store.  It was a half hour away in Brockton, MA.
I settled on the Irish Setter 6" Wingshooter.

The boots are comfortable, padded on the inside.  They are warm and waterproof.  They look good.  I'm happy.  Thank goodness.
"I am easily satisfied with the very best." Winston Churchhill

blog roll

Alright, got a good start to the blog roll.

Mobile Uploads, NOT

I know I could have a respectible blog if I had the technology to provide moblie uploads. It's not in the cards right now though. That's a lie, I should look into it more. wife has an iphone and we could have a share plan.