An Open Letter

To the man in the blue suit and brown shoes,

I saw you six years ago. This was downtown; you were waiting to cross the street near Burrard St. and Georgia St., and I was walking by on the other side. I doubt you noticed me, but I continue to remember you and the inspiration of the moment.

Of all the downtown workers that day, you looked amazing - a picture of ease and confidence. The color of your suit and shoes were most rich and subdued. I do not remember much else of that day, and in hindsight can only speculate that you dressed with utmost thought and handled yourself graciously. And though my memory is failing me, you continue to serve as an inspiration: that one can be seen, but not seen.

Yours,

Charles

On Belts

I wish to discourse on belts. Let me begin by saying that black belts are to be paired with black shoes and black shoes alone. It seems most people have this down, though I fear it is because they only wear black shoes.

Having said the above, it is a bit of a surprise that I have not given belts much thought as they do keep my pants up. I was reminded of this critical role when I was asked to remove my belt at the airport security check. The agent did not take kindly to my remark that my pants would fall if I did so. But I digress.

I last left Paris with a pair of beautiful burgundy shoes but somehow passed on a matching handstitched belt - a decision I would like to have back - that would have been the height of my wardrobe. Instead I have made do with a generic department store purchase which somehow has held its own in my wardrobe. Life has a way of working out.

(On the topics of French goods and making do, there are those who can make do with Hermes belts made of the finest skins by the best hands in leather work. Life need not be fair.)

To end, a note: travel clothing store Tilley Endurables, a bit off the beaten sartorial path, has been my source for casual belts of late; and an open question: where can I get a great woven leather belt, as it seems everyone has one yet mine still eludes me?

Historical Treasure

Sears catalogs as historical reference. Flipping through this series published by Shiffer was enlightening, a glimpse into the clothing available to the average American. Seeing it described as fashionable is pause for thought, but then again the designs did change with the times.

I grew up questioning my parents on why they had to keep every season's Sears catalog. I am eating those words now.

So Long Summer; Hello Fall

There is a chill in the air and soon leaves will be on the ground. That is no place for tan shoes and linen clothes - they have had their time. Instead, it will be boots, and woolens in all their glorious forms. Gloves and scarves will take the place of sunscreen and sunglasses. Here is to the season ahead.

Clear Skies

A Sea of Hats...

... one I would gladly drown in.

Autumn Coming

Colors and textures of the coming season. In short, autumn in a picture.

Swatches

The window coverings of this apartment building reminded me of fabric swatches.

Living Simply

I gravitate towards simple designs where the line between function and beauty is blurred, and materials and make are defining details. That for me represents perfect execution of an item - one which you do not have to think about, but still captures your appreciation and adoration.

Afterall, why make something more complex than it needs to be?

Get Out the Door

As nice as nice things get, they get nicer when you use them. That may be hard to believe, looking at something new; however, there is a charm and soul to things that are lived in. As possessions age they provide a window into the life of their owners, and that is when clothes look their best - when they are worn.

Jumping in with Both Feet

Most things become ours and even us when we accept it. And when it comes to wearing clothes, confidence and commitment show, as any hesitation would have the clothes wearing us. If you are going to wear it, then embrace it. Make it yours and the love shows.

The Season

This for me is summer in a picture. Colors which are deep and rich, but not dark. Textures imparted by silk and linen: light and airy, all the better to compliment the shine of the sun and the breeze of the day. Made up as an unlined tie, casually going about the day without a worry of wrinkles or anything else for that matter.

Taking Care

If you are going to wear something two days in a row, be sure to air it out on a hanger between wearings. That will keep odors down, and let wrinkles fall out, leaving you looking and smelling fresh.

The Good Life

Clothes can become all-consuming, an experience encompassing more than acquiring the latest must-have, chasing trends and looking for newness. There is fashion history - rich with inspiration - across cultures and societies. Details of materials and make inform, leading one to appreciate what is rare and time consuming over that which is readily available. All the better as relationships with designers and artisans are nurtured. We become discerning, outfits turn into wardrobes, and style takes the place of trends. We dress ourselves and for ourselves.

Summer Chic

Life's Surprises

As with the stretch of sidewalk in the picture, you never know where you will find love. Applies nicely to a walk in the neighborhood or browsing through a favorite store.

Wrong Way

Things should get better with age, and most good things usually do. Too bad some clothing companies are heading the other way by cutting back on the quality of their goods.

Examples from my own closet: shoes from a U.S. company where the quality of the leathers used for the soles, uppers and linings have declined, as have the quality of construction, yet the price of their shoes have gone up; and an Italian brand which made changes to their shoes to enable a lower retail price, so shoes once sold at USD 850 are now priced at USD 750, and in my eyes are not even worth USD 500 - the drop in quality being so great.

What is unsettling is that these changes have happened within the past three years, which makes me fearful of what another three years will bring. And the buttons? The left one, made of solid horn, is what you got if you requested horn buttons with your suit from a Canadian manufacturer. That was three years ago. Now you get the one on the right, made of powdered horn mixed with glue, with a surcharge added to your purchase.

The Blues

When it comes to colors, blue is a fairly safe choice. You can get any item in it, and it harmonizes well with other colors. And just because blue is prevalent, it need not be predictable. Instead, a familiar color opens the way to experimenting with different shades and patterns.

Open Auditions

Calling all dads and dads-to-be: bring glory back. Back to clothes. Back to dress. Back to you. Make it a point of honour again to "dress like a dad".

A Take on Street Style

That's "shoes", right?