New work means new shirts. As both an early birthday present to myself and reward for signing a new client, I ordered these 5 shirts (3 dress, 2 sport) from Polo. I love wearing oxfords and I love gingham. Fortunately for me, Polo put out gingham oxfords this summer. The other three are semi-spread shirts, which I'd been lacking a variety of in my wardrobe. While I enjoy a button-down on most occasions, I needed to expand my options for formal settings and thus these excellent pieces came to my doorstep.

Wish List - TM Lewin

Today at the Thrift - Borrelli

Sometimes, even what seems the greatest thrift shop discovery must be passed upon. Today I found this brilliantly made Borrelli shirt, freshly laundered yet beyond repair. So heavily starched and pressed, creases in the collar and runs in the rest of the cloth left the shirt unwearable. Maybe next time.

Today's Outfit - Favorite Fair Isle

I recently acquired my all-time favorite fair isle sweater from eBay. Offered several years ago from Polo, I could never afford the sweater at retail and always found it selling around $100 on eBay. Finally, my luck changed a few weeks back when I discovered it for a list price of only $17.99. I put in a maximum bid of $50, though I figured to be outbid within a few days. Amazingly, no other bids were placed and, after a $5.65 shipping charge, the sweater arrived at my door.

Today I've paired it with a Polo poplin dress shirt, raw silk tie and brown cords, Club Room argyle socks and vintage Mancuso monkstrap shoes.


What's the longest you've waited to buy a long-desired item, whether from eBay or retail, and what was it?

Today's Outfit - Tuesday Orange

Polo semi-spread poplin shirt

Polo silk crewneck sweater

American Living paisley repp silk tie

Polo chinos

Lands' End cotton socks

Allen Edmonds tassel loafers

Affordable Essentials: Dress Shirts

Time to dress down the dress shirt list. Whether you're picking up your first-ever shirts or you're going for something all-around more proper, these notes might help. 

The colors: white, light blue, white and blue small stripe/check.

• White works anywhere, for anyone. Light blue and a white/blue pattern are quite acceptable.

The collar: semi-spread.

• Most guys say the point collar works for everybody. This is true, but point collars on most cheaply constructed shirts are too long and severe, leaving the wearer's head looking out of proportion. The semi-spread is comparatively modern yet classic. The trick is wearing a tie with enough heft so as to keep your collar looking appropriate.

The fabric: 100% cotton poplin/broadcloth or pinpoint oxford.

• This is simple. A cotton/polyester shirt is a cheap shirt. Pure cotton is soft and breathable. 
• Also, stay away from non-iron shirts, even those that are all-cotton. The chemical treatments which prevent wrinkling may shorten the life of the shirt. 

The fit: if you don't know your size, get measured.

• If you think you know your size, still get measured. Most guys wear the incorrect size without realizing it. Head to your local department store or menswear shop and ask for measurements. At least one salesperson should know how to do this properly. However, if the measurements seem way off, ask for someone else or get your measurements from another store. You'll look more foolish wearing an 18 when you're a 16.5 then you will for asking your sizes. 
• Even if you don't plan to buy at the store you're receiving measurements, try on shirts from a few different brands. A 16 34/35 from Eagle Shirtmakers won't fit the same as another 16 34/35 from Lauren Ralph Lauren. When you're thrift shopping, you can't be so choosy. But if you're buying new, remember fit comes before brand. 

*More on fit/styling when I cover sport shirts.