Sulgrave vintage madras sport coat | Polo gingham shirt and silk knit tie | Brooks Brothers oxford chino and foulard pocket square | Happy Socks sock | Allen Edmonds Grayson shoe 

Just in from eBay

Actually, this jacket's still listed but it's not my size, dammit. Vintage Ralphie.

Just in from eBay

CKC Shoppe Spring Preview

Patch madras, courtesy of Corbin, accompanied by a lavender Turnbull & Asser shirt and grape cotton knit tie

Colorful coral blazer, played up by a pink striped Polo oxford and vintage Gant plaid tie

Just in from eBay - Stocking Up for Summer

Just in from eBay - Madras Ties

Almost looking forward to spring.

Today at the Thrift

 Something for this fall.

And something for next summer.

Tie Trifecta

My latest eBay scores cost a measly $22. Clearly, people have their minds off madras so I'm stocking up. Cheap. 

Brooks paisley from last season, surrounded by very vintage Lands' End bleeding madras.

Stacking Away the Shorts

Polo Ralph Lauren seersucker and oxford shorts

Polo Ralph Lauren madras shorts

See you in spring! (shorts... not readers)

Piecing the Patchwork

Madrasity

First time breaking out the patchwork madras this year.

Polo Ralph Lauren blazer, shirt and vest; Robert Talbott patchwork repp tie

Oak Hill tan linen trouser, Chaps white bucks (not pictured)

A Perfect Pairing

It's not often I love an entire look. Browsing the blogosphere each day, I find plenty of inspiration in individual items I'd wear. However, I rarely come across an outfit and say, "I want that!" This is that rare exception, an example of a look with which I identify completely, a look from which I wouldn't change a thing.

I don't know this gentleman and I'm not familiar with the photographer, Rose Callahan. I pulled this image from Tumblr because not only do I enjoy the outfit, I truly appreciate the casual confidence required to pull it off. Take away the incredible blazer and you still have a guy with a simple, clean look and the nice touch of a collar pin. The tie falls to the proper spot, the trousers aren't neo-prep skinny, and the hat is an absolute classic. So, it's the combination of this simple base and the plaid on top that make me want this look for myself.

So much of pulling off an outfit is carrying yourself with confidence and panache. You think fellas at the Kentucky Derby, wearing pants in every color of the rainbow, give a damn what anyone else thinks about those pants on Derby day or otherwise? You think the gent above cares what you have to say about his blazer being too loud? Too bright?

Doubtful.



As I said, I'd gladly wear this setup, piece by piece. But, without that jacket, I'll be turning to my supply of madras. After all, isn't that the root of style - taking something you see and making it your own. We'll see how it goes, tomorrow.

Melodious Madras

Another $20 down. Another three ties to the rotation.

Older Polo, Brooks and Polo Indian bleeding madras. The real stuff. 

May = madras season.

The Fantastic Flusser

and his plentiful pantaloons.

Patched Together

My busiest weekend of the year. I'll get back to the Smart Turnout posts soon.

Easter Sunday and Eton Socks

On Easter Sunday - Orthodox, Protestant or otherwise - the motto is go loud or go home. To some, including myself, this marks the first day of the year to break out the full spring/summer wardrobe. This time around, I was fortunate to have my new Smart Turnout socks with me.

Polo Ralph Lauren bleeding madras blazer

Polo Ralph Lauren super 120s poplin shirt

Countess Mara repp silk bow tie

Club Room arygle sweater vest

Oak Hill Nantucket red chinos

Smart Turnout Eton socks

Chaps white oxfords

...

Based on a comment received, I should clarify. I would never wear all this together any other day. I'm neither that preppy nor dandy.

Melodic Madras

Wish List

 Lands' End madras. I'll take one of each, please.

Make of the Madras

There are plenty of criteria by which we judge the quality of silk ties - weight, weave, texture, etc. However, there's little need to be picky when choosing your cotton plaid/madras ties. While many of my silk and wool ties come from Polo or Robert Talbott, I'm all for brand diversity when it comes to cotton. I purchased the three ties shown here based on pattern and certainly not on brand recognition. Deauville? Bucks County Trading Company? As long as cotton ties are without stains or loose threads, be happy. And please don't spend $60 for a madras tie at Rugby or wherever when you'll find the same quality and better selection at the Tie Bar.

Wish List

Reversible madras jacket. 

I want one. 

Now.