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?

Label Bound

Some labels are just worth seeking out. You know them as being the best in cashmeres, silks, leathers, tailoring or what have you. The handkerchief maker in the picture supplies some of the best-regarded French and English houses with their's. And what does one do upon acquiring said mouchoir? Promptly cut off the label, as it shows when the handkerchief is worn.

Made-to-Order

Sandals for Her: A choice of styles and colors encompassing heel heights, and all manner of straps and adornments. Sized and made on premise, the sandals are ready to wear in less than a day, fitting included.

The Edit

I was reminded of the value of having a tight edit of clothes when I was packing for a trip. Limited closet space, never mind a roll-on suitcase, really forces one to consider which items are must-haves. So I made a list of what to bring, making sure each item was versatile and appropriate for the occassion. Needless to say, the hippopotamus did not make it this time around, but there was still plenty of room for a good time.

Dirty Laundry

Oh, what stories our clothes would have to tell. Of conquests, loss, pomp and circumstance. The clothes with a deep patina would tell the richest stories. They have been around the longest, worn for the battle of the day again and again, and have earned their place in the closet. The shiny and new would listen on, not having experienced the wear of life, hoping that they too would pick up a nick or two over time.

Small Steps

My shoes from when I was a toddler, circa early 80's. My father showed me these during a recent visit. I was struck by the quality of the shoe: full leather uppers, soles and lining; Goodyear welted; and precise stitching. And they were made in Canada. Not bad for a pair of baby shoes. If only they were in a size 9.5D, I would wear them again.

A World Away

Earlier in March I was measured for a bespoke sport coat. I knew going in that the coat would be cut and sewn in London and brought back to Vancouver for a fitting in the Fall, which is when I would see it next. So it was to my delight when I found out that Jonathan is documenting the process on his blog. His updates and pictures will help the time pass until Fall is upon us.

Look 3

There is a casual air in the city with the warmer weather. It seems everyone is wearing less, and I find myself lightening up as well. Lighter fabrics and lighter tones complimented by the textures of straw, silk, linen and suede for that casual warm weather look.

Instant Gratification

A good shoeshine is gratifying, made especially so by the effort and time put in. Wrap a clean cotton cloth around a finger, and mix some wax shoe polish with a bit of water. Work on one area at a time, and apply the polish in small swirls. Keep working the polish in with the swirling motion. The streaks in the polish will gradually disappear as a high shine develops. Lighten up the pressure as you go. Voila! No additional brushing or buffing needed, except maybe for some more practice.