Today's Outfit

Just in from eBay - Purple Label Linen

Today's Outfit

1960's 3/2 roll plaid sport coat

L.L. Bean vintage orange/blue tattersall

Ralph Lauren Purple Label silk paisley tie

Vintage Italian silk pocket square

Just in from eBay - Purple Label

Ralphie's Purple Label. Thanks to a poorly described listing, I paid only seven dollars.

Just in from eBay - Purple Label Paisley

Wish List - Purple Label Cashmere Cardigan

Summer in September

Once again calling on family for inspiration, I assembled today's church outfit in honor of my uncle Philip. Though he wintered in Coral Gables and spent summers here in Charleston, he shared a single wardrobe with both locales. That wardrobe was one of impeccable fit, vibrant colors and preppy styling. Living somewhere it's always summer has its sartorial benefits. For my uncle Philip, this meant bespoke linen and silk jackets of spring green, coral and lavender, crisp white linen trousers and equally crisp, monogrammed pocket squares. And though I now own those jackets and trousers, today's outfit is influenced by Uncle Philip but is all my own, pocket square (accidentally) not included.

Blazer - Paul Fredrick (very) lightweight wool/cashmere blend - paulfredrick.com, $75

Shirt - vintage Polo 120s broadcloth - ralphlauren.com, $36

Tie - Ralph Lauren Purple Label - eBay, $16

Trouser - Polo cotton chino (as mentioned here) - ralphlauren.com, $52

Socks (not pictured) - Club Room light blue (matches blazer) - $1.50

*Shoes - Allen Emonds - eBay, $22

*These are my favorite shoes - the most comfortable, (nearly) most beat up, most patinated, most burnished shoes I own - and I wouldn't have them any other way.

Polo Spring/Summer 2013

I always look forward to the Ralph Lauren spring and fall runway shows. I generally find myself impressed by a number of outfits that leave me with inspiration and the desire to pick up particular new pieces as they're released.

You can find the latest runway show here at Fashionising.com.

This time around, I'm very disappointed. There's nothing new-looking, nothing innovative, nothing of intrigue. Of course I'm excited to buy the new Fair Isle pictured here, but the rest of the collection, from Polo to Purple Label, is underwhelming.


Take a look and tell me what you think.

Personal Paisley Perfection

I have a very specific, personal rule when it comes to buying ties - don't ever buy new ties.

However, there are two even more specific exceptions to this rule. Countess Mara bow ties are fine, as they're a great value and decent bow ties are hard to come by on eBay and in thrift shops. And, if I'm to buy a regular necktie, it has to feature an incredible design. This is not to say I'll go out and buy a polyester piece of junk because it looks great, because there's no exception and no excuse for buying synthetic materials. I have to be really wowed by a tie's pattern (though construction is still important), and this happens maybe four times a year.

I discovered this Chaps tie at Kohl's recently, on sale for approximately $19. Though reminiscent of some Ralph Lauren Purple Label designs of recent years, I'd never seen anything quite like this. With only one of these ties on the rack, I took the plunge and came away with this tie for $16 (after coupon). Easily the loudest tie I own, I'm very proud of my purchase. What do you think of it?

All this makes me think of what it means to be stylish. Sure, we often feel compelled to spend more on nicer brands to feel stylish. Yet, style begins with fit, with suitable colors and patterns for the proper occasion. Does my new tie look expensive? Maybe. Does it matter? What matters is that I pair it with a well-fitting shirt, trouser and shoe, and I'll be more stylish than the guy who buys an oversized (insert flashy designer name here) suit just because he can.

Wish List - Quilted Suede Jacket

Though it's about $5000 beyond my budget, I'd love to pick up this Ralph Lauren Purple Label piece.