Do you ever stop and look in your closet and become a bit overwhelmed? Damn, I think I've over-bought now.
Ya know in the movies, where closets are always so spacious and clothes have room to breathe and hang without wrinkles? I'm always torn between that ideal and a packed closet full of new purchases and old faves (I don't have the luxury of a spacious walk-in closet). A minimal collection, with classic go-to pieces has always been this European ideal that I strive for, but it never seems to work. Hard to pass up sales and American consumerism always seem to win that battle.
Last Friday, when planning for an overnight away with the wife, I got that overwhelmed feeling. When that happens, I immediately look for items that I'm no longer in love with, and I put them in the donate pile. So 3 shirts came out and went in the donation bag. Actually, I think it was 4. I try to donate 1 for every new 1 I buy but that doesn't always work.
It also made me take a look at what I've bought over the past 6 months to see what's really worked and what hasn't.
What's worked: J Crew's Aldridge suits, Hathaway Platinum Shirts, Sperry Top-Siders, J Crew Jaspe Tees
What's not been working: J Crew broken-in Tee's (Bought too many-no chance to wear them all), J Crew Favorite shirts (bought too many!), J Crew loafers (bad quality, went back!)
Happy Pickins!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Un Raggio di Sole per Te
Again, this morning, with the clouds and drizzle.
I thought it would be an appropriate time for this old fave song of mine. Check out Jovanotti, from 1999, with his track "Un Raggio di Sole Per Te", which translates from Italian as "A Ray of Sunshine For You."
When I was in Italy in the summer of '99 this was played all over the place.
I've kept it in my rotation ever since.
I thought it would be an appropriate time for this old fave song of mine. Check out Jovanotti, from 1999, with his track "Un Raggio di Sole Per Te", which translates from Italian as "A Ray of Sunshine For You."
When I was in Italy in the summer of '99 this was played all over the place.
I've kept it in my rotation ever since.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...
I know that speaking about the weather is about the most thoughtless of conversations people can engage in, but I'd just like to thank Mother Nature for giving us a June that's been more like a monsoon month in India, than a summer month in NYC.
Those square aviators I wrote about a month back have been sitting nicely in their case, not blocking any rays. Once the sun comes out in September, they should be in great shape.
A few J. Crew tidbits to mention:
1. The chambray shirt that was done (briefly) in white, is now back on the site as the "broken-in chino workshirt". Maybe I'll give it another look, as I didn't dig it too much in the chambray. It's $30 cheaper now, as well.
2. I loved my Aldridge blue suit so much (see here) that I went for the jacket in Charcoal Grey as well. For once in my life, my timing was good, as I grabbed it on a 20% off sale. Now, sadly, its only available on the dreaded final sale.
3. The charcoal/black Jaspe tee that I mentioned here has grown on me so much that I think I need to cop the marled grey as well. This is really a great tee.
Those square aviators I wrote about a month back have been sitting nicely in their case, not blocking any rays. Once the sun comes out in September, they should be in great shape.
A few J. Crew tidbits to mention:
1. The chambray shirt that was done (briefly) in white, is now back on the site as the "broken-in chino workshirt". Maybe I'll give it another look, as I didn't dig it too much in the chambray. It's $30 cheaper now, as well.
2. I loved my Aldridge blue suit so much (see here) that I went for the jacket in Charcoal Grey as well. For once in my life, my timing was good, as I grabbed it on a 20% off sale. Now, sadly, its only available on the dreaded final sale.
3. The charcoal/black Jaspe tee that I mentioned here has grown on me so much that I think I need to cop the marled grey as well. This is really a great tee.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Old Tyme
Back in April, I broke down and bought J. Crew's collaborative effort with Timex. $150 was too much for a quartz Timex, I thought, but it immediately became a favorite in my watch collection, even pushing my Omegas to the pack of the drawer for a while.
This watch got me interested in an authentic vintage Timex. There's something about dressing up in a new suit, new shoes, new shirt, and a watch from 1955.
I've picked up 4 now from EBay. Here are two I bought this weekend from a guy in the UK.
Time ain't what it used to be.
This watch got me interested in an authentic vintage Timex. There's something about dressing up in a new suit, new shoes, new shirt, and a watch from 1955.
I've picked up 4 now from EBay. Here are two I bought this weekend from a guy in the UK.
Time ain't what it used to be.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Limey
It's 12:18 am here in NJ right now, which means it's officially Father's day. From my previous post, you'll know I'll be knockin' back with something spiritual in my hand today.
Well, here's what its gonna be:
Ahhh, that wonderful Tanqueray gin, with a hint of lime. If you read my posting from May about T&T's you'll know I'm a huge fan of the little tart green fruit.
Enjoy.
Well, here's what its gonna be:
Ahhh, that wonderful Tanqueray gin, with a hint of lime. If you read my posting from May about T&T's you'll know I'm a huge fan of the little tart green fruit.
Enjoy.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Drinks for Dad
I'm blessed enough to be celebrating my 5th Father's Day this weekend with M1 and M2, my wife, and my parents as well. Great day to be a Dad.
But why is that every media portrayal of father's day shows Dad longing to spend some time on the golf course, or hiking, or something like that, out away from the kids? First of all, I'm no golfer. Or hiker. Unless there's a J Crew at the top of the mountain. And why would I want to be away from the very reason I get to celebrate father's day in the first place? It's only right that I spend the day with M1 and M2, explaining to them the things only a father can. Like, why you never button the bottom button on your vest.
People are always hard pressed to find that perfect Father's Day gift. It's simple. A dad can't help but be extra-happy with a bottle of Scotch, Gin, or Bourbon. Wanna know why? Cuz it's probably not something the wife is gonna break into, and neither the kids. It's a special treat just for us.
Happ Father's Day. Drink up.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Look
As my recent obessesion with J. Crew stylings and the classic Americana look goes into its 3rd (or is it 4th?) year, I've been wondering if the in-vogue again Preppy/Traditional look will fade after a few seasons, or if the look will survive for longer? Obviously, the look has survived for decades now, but I mean really survive....
J Crew has become masterful at making me believe that my purchases from them are for classic, timeless items--items that can be staples; practical across many years and trend cycles. But is this really so?
Will I be wearing the same blazers, shirts and sweaters in 3 years that today seem like wise investments?
Just as this has been on my mind lately, the NY Times ran this article yesterday.
What comes around goes around I guess. JCA reported in her blog that the rage in Paris this spring for women is MC Hammer pants! God Help Us.
J Crew has become masterful at making me believe that my purchases from them are for classic, timeless items--items that can be staples; practical across many years and trend cycles. But is this really so?
Will I be wearing the same blazers, shirts and sweaters in 3 years that today seem like wise investments?
Just as this has been on my mind lately, the NY Times ran this article yesterday.
What comes around goes around I guess. JCA reported in her blog that the rage in Paris this spring for women is MC Hammer pants! God Help Us.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Overheard
I was on the subway this past week and there was a little boy, maybe 4 years old. For like 10 mins, he is going a mile a minute, asking his mother questions. His mother seemed on young side, maybe mid 20s. She was getting embarrassed a bit, as the train was pretty full and everyone was getting an earful. Me, I was loving this.
Now, New Yorkers are trying their best to ignore this, or at least seem like they are ignoring it. The boy starts asking his mother about school. He says "Mommy, I was still in your stomach when you were in school. Right? Right? Right Mommy, Right?"
The mother says, "Yes that's right."
The boy, without hesitating, says "Well, why you eat me up like that Mommy?"
At that point the mother, me, and everyone else who was pretending not to listen burst out in laughter.
Gotta give it to the kid.
Now, New Yorkers are trying their best to ignore this, or at least seem like they are ignoring it. The boy starts asking his mother about school. He says "Mommy, I was still in your stomach when you were in school. Right? Right? Right Mommy, Right?"
The mother says, "Yes that's right."
The boy, without hesitating, says "Well, why you eat me up like that Mommy?"
At that point the mother, me, and everyone else who was pretending not to listen burst out in laughter.
Gotta give it to the kid.
Monday, June 15, 2009
(No) Generation Gap
This weekend I saw my father, along with a bunch of other guys his age. Looking at him, and comparing his style of dress to their "style" of dress, I was thinking, for almost 64 years old, he still dresses with style and class. It got me thinking about many of the style tips that my father imparted to me as a young man, that I've made my own.
- Wear your pants at your waist. Your waist is not below your belly. If you've gained weight, don't pretend to still be a 34 waist and wear your pants so low that your gut sticks out and you can't see your shoes.
-Invest in a shoe shine kit. Learn how to shine your shoes.
-Don't waste your money on rayon, dacron, or any other man made "material".
-Don't wear your clothes baggy, no matter what the current style meter says. It never looks good.
-Always have a little sideburn.
Now I don't want to pretend we see eye-to-eye on every style issue. There are plenty of things I wish he'd take my advice on, but I guess you can't win 'em all. I'm still the child in this relationship.
It's interesting how style gets handed down through the generations. For example, my father's father was a construction worker. You would've never known it though from pictures of him. When men of his generation finished their Monday thru Friday blue collar jobs, they hung up their work clothes for the weekend. In almost every picture I can find of my grandfather is him in a suit and tie, or at least slacks and a dress shirt. Shaved. Shined shoes. Tie clip. Fedora. Straw hat in the summer. Tell me how often you see that today? You don't even see gents wearing suits to white collar jobs these days, never mind on the weekends. I think the only time I ever saw my grandfather not dressed was when he was working in the garden.
Funny how time kills some traditions that would have been better off left alone.
- Wear your pants at your waist. Your waist is not below your belly. If you've gained weight, don't pretend to still be a 34 waist and wear your pants so low that your gut sticks out and you can't see your shoes.
-Invest in a shoe shine kit. Learn how to shine your shoes.
-Don't waste your money on rayon, dacron, or any other man made "material".
-Don't wear your clothes baggy, no matter what the current style meter says. It never looks good.
-Always have a little sideburn.
Now I don't want to pretend we see eye-to-eye on every style issue. There are plenty of things I wish he'd take my advice on, but I guess you can't win 'em all. I'm still the child in this relationship.
It's interesting how style gets handed down through the generations. For example, my father's father was a construction worker. You would've never known it though from pictures of him. When men of his generation finished their Monday thru Friday blue collar jobs, they hung up their work clothes for the weekend. In almost every picture I can find of my grandfather is him in a suit and tie, or at least slacks and a dress shirt. Shaved. Shined shoes. Tie clip. Fedora. Straw hat in the summer. Tell me how often you see that today? You don't even see gents wearing suits to white collar jobs these days, never mind on the weekends. I think the only time I ever saw my grandfather not dressed was when he was working in the garden.
Funny how time kills some traditions that would have been better off left alone.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Happy 4th Birthday M1 !
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And what does she want to do on her special day? Go see the big fat pig at the Zoo. So the big fat pig it is!
Happy birthday my (not-so) little girl !
60 becomes 245!
So how do you make sure you spend $60 to get those last 60 J Crew reward points? By spending $245, that's how!
Here's how it easy it was:
1. Purchase the Machinist Belt, as detailed on June 11th. $15
2. Not happy with the selection at the Short Hills J Crew, check out the 5th Ave NYC store, where I always seem to have good luck.
3. Proceed to try on the blue chambray shirt that I already have and love in Grey. Fabulous Florida Mommy was right...if I love it in Grey, get the Blue. $98
4. Hey, look at that. The Jaspe tee that was only in grey is now in black. Too much $ for a tee, but let me try it on....Ok, Wow, this is perfect. $32
5. Hey, no kidding...the secret weight lighweight poplin camp shirt that was on sale on-line, but then disappeared, is in-stock in store. But its not on sale here. What's that, you can match the on-line price? Done. $49
6. Checkin out the sale section I see the premium officer Chinos marked down to $39 from $75. It's the perfect summer color too.
Did I just drop over 2 bills? Yep, I did. 175 over what I needed, just to be safe.
Here's how it easy it was:
1. Purchase the Machinist Belt, as detailed on June 11th. $15
2. Not happy with the selection at the Short Hills J Crew, check out the 5th Ave NYC store, where I always seem to have good luck.
3. Proceed to try on the blue chambray shirt that I already have and love in Grey. Fabulous Florida Mommy was right...if I love it in Grey, get the Blue. $98
4. Hey, look at that. The Jaspe tee that was only in grey is now in black. Too much $ for a tee, but let me try it on....Ok, Wow, this is perfect. $32
5. Hey, no kidding...the secret weight lighweight poplin camp shirt that was on sale on-line, but then disappeared, is in-stock in store. But its not on sale here. What's that, you can match the on-line price? Done. $49
6. Checkin out the sale section I see the premium officer Chinos marked down to $39 from $75. It's the perfect summer color too.
Did I just drop over 2 bills? Yep, I did. 175 over what I needed, just to be safe.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
15 of 60
I've had my eye on this belt since early spring but didn't feel like shelling out $40 full retail for it. Found it tonight at the Short Hills, NJ J.Crew for the nice price of $14.99. I could live with that. I think it'll make a good weekend belt with khakis or even some dark jeans. Maybe I should give the leather belts a rest for the summer, just as I do with my leather watch straps.
So there's $15 out of the $60 I mentioned in the post below. $45 to go. I think I'll wait till June 26th to see what new treats may be in store (no pun intended).
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New Ploutarxos! Πλούταρχος Γιάννης - Το φωνάζω
I was introduced to modern laika Greek music through Giannis Ploutarxos back in 2003. If you're a fan of modern Greek music, you know Ploutarxos.
Other than the passion that oozes from this genre of music (passion that you don't need Greek language skills to understand) the one thing I love about Greek artists is how prolific they are. Case in point: These days, most American artists make you wait 2-3 years between CDs. That wait can seem like an eternity if you're a huge fan of someone. Ploutarxos, on the other hand, has put out albums yearly since 2003. And we're talking CDs with 15-17 tracks. Sade, my favorite of all time...are you listening???? Where have you been since 2000?
Plourtarxos' last CD was released not even 12 months ago, and already he has a new single out there. It's an uptempo diddy that seems perfect for the start of summer.
Other than the passion that oozes from this genre of music (passion that you don't need Greek language skills to understand) the one thing I love about Greek artists is how prolific they are. Case in point: These days, most American artists make you wait 2-3 years between CDs. That wait can seem like an eternity if you're a huge fan of someone. Ploutarxos, on the other hand, has put out albums yearly since 2003. And we're talking CDs with 15-17 tracks. Sade, my favorite of all time...are you listening???? Where have you been since 2000?
Plourtarxos' last CD was released not even 12 months ago, and already he has a new single out there. It's an uptempo diddy that seems perfect for the start of summer.
Monday, June 8, 2009
How to spend $60 ?
What to do, what to do?
I took a look at my J Crew card spending for the quarter and noticed that I am 60 points away from the next rewards level. In order to get those 60 points, I need to spend $60 by the end of June (man, they know how to get me to spend, eh!). This is usually not an issue for me at J Crew, but right now I can't find anything I really like. Imagine that!
This morning I actually came across (online) a lightweight poplin shirt I was diggin, but by the time I came back to it, it was gone! One of those low-stock items I guess. J Crew is running an extra 20% off sale prices until Wednesday so the quality sale items will likely disappear quickly.
Maybe I need to hit an actual store to get some more ideas. I've been lovin' my classic-fit khakis this spring so maybe another pair of those will be worth the spend?
I was really liking the Machinst Belt they have on the always list, but when I felt it in person I was not too happy with it.
If there are any J Crew men's fans out there, I'd welcome your suggestions on how to spend this last $60.
Maybe the blue chambray....
I took a look at my J Crew card spending for the quarter and noticed that I am 60 points away from the next rewards level. In order to get those 60 points, I need to spend $60 by the end of June (man, they know how to get me to spend, eh!). This is usually not an issue for me at J Crew, but right now I can't find anything I really like. Imagine that!
This morning I actually came across (online) a lightweight poplin shirt I was diggin, but by the time I came back to it, it was gone! One of those low-stock items I guess. J Crew is running an extra 20% off sale prices until Wednesday so the quality sale items will likely disappear quickly.
Maybe I need to hit an actual store to get some more ideas. I've been lovin' my classic-fit khakis this spring so maybe another pair of those will be worth the spend?
I was really liking the Machinst Belt they have on the always list, but when I felt it in person I was not too happy with it.
If there are any J Crew men's fans out there, I'd welcome your suggestions on how to spend this last $60.
Maybe the blue chambray....
Friday, June 5, 2009
The DQ
Since I was on the 1955 Original Penguin wavelength yesterday, allow me to reach back a little further into nostalgia-land, back to 1938 -- the year Dairy Queen was born.
10 cents...that's all it cost in 1938 for the new frozen dairy treat. The stuff was so good that by 1955 the DQ had expanded to 2600 stores nation-wide.
Back in the day, a Peanut Buster Parfait was about the best thing I could imagine for dessert. Calories? What calories? When you're 10 years old, calories have about the same significance to you as the price of tea in China.
So anyway, after a kick-arse dinner at the China Rose restaurant in Rhinecliff, NY two weeks ago, someone suggested we skip dessert and head to the DQ. The age range of our group was 3 to 64, and let me tell you, the DQ gave every person a smile.
I was able to escape work a bit early last night, so I thought I'd try to recreate the magic a little by taking M1 and M2 to the local DQ here in NJ. Since the DQ I know is 11 miles away, I went on-line to find a closer one. I found one 6 miles away, but I wasn't familiar with the area. What the hell, let's try to find I thought. Okay, so we got lost 2 or 3 times. Wife was driving, and she wasn't happy with my idea of exploring new grounds.
When we got there M1 and M2 said they wanted chocolate cones. Easy enough. My mother in law wanted a small hot fudge sundae. Easy enough. Me and the wife declined.So we get the goods. See if you can follow this: M1 ignores her cone and starts eating my MIL's sundae. M2 gets jealous and starts eating it too. M2 hands me his cone and says he doesn't want anymore. So the kids steal the sundae and start fighting over who gets more hot fudge. M2 starts screaming. So I go back and get him his own sundae. But the DQ guy puts whipped cream on it and when I get back to the table wifey tells me that M2 doesn't like whipped cream. So I start to scoop the whipped cream onto M1's sundae. M2 doesn't like this. After diffusing that one, both kids had their own sundae, and MIL was stuck with a chocolate cone she didn't want. After 4 spoonfuls, M2 says, Daddy I don't want anymore. M2 starts flicking ice cream off the spoon onto me. Ok, time to go. No good deed goes unpunished.
If you're reading this and considering the Peanut Buster Parfait tonight, consider this: The PBF is nutritionally packed with 700 calories, 16g of fat, 94g of carbs, and 72g of sugar. Mmmmm, peanut buster.
10 cents...that's all it cost in 1938 for the new frozen dairy treat. The stuff was so good that by 1955 the DQ had expanded to 2600 stores nation-wide.
Back in the day, a Peanut Buster Parfait was about the best thing I could imagine for dessert. Calories? What calories? When you're 10 years old, calories have about the same significance to you as the price of tea in China.
So anyway, after a kick-arse dinner at the China Rose restaurant in Rhinecliff, NY two weeks ago, someone suggested we skip dessert and head to the DQ. The age range of our group was 3 to 64, and let me tell you, the DQ gave every person a smile.
I was able to escape work a bit early last night, so I thought I'd try to recreate the magic a little by taking M1 and M2 to the local DQ here in NJ. Since the DQ I know is 11 miles away, I went on-line to find a closer one. I found one 6 miles away, but I wasn't familiar with the area. What the hell, let's try to find I thought. Okay, so we got lost 2 or 3 times. Wife was driving, and she wasn't happy with my idea of exploring new grounds.
When we got there M1 and M2 said they wanted chocolate cones. Easy enough. My mother in law wanted a small hot fudge sundae. Easy enough. Me and the wife declined.So we get the goods. See if you can follow this: M1 ignores her cone and starts eating my MIL's sundae. M2 gets jealous and starts eating it too. M2 hands me his cone and says he doesn't want anymore. So the kids steal the sundae and start fighting over who gets more hot fudge. M2 starts screaming. So I go back and get him his own sundae. But the DQ guy puts whipped cream on it and when I get back to the table wifey tells me that M2 doesn't like whipped cream. So I start to scoop the whipped cream onto M1's sundae. M2 doesn't like this. After diffusing that one, both kids had their own sundae, and MIL was stuck with a chocolate cone she didn't want. After 4 spoonfuls, M2 says, Daddy I don't want anymore. M2 starts flicking ice cream off the spoon onto me. Ok, time to go. No good deed goes unpunished.
If you're reading this and considering the Peanut Buster Parfait tonight, consider this: The PBF is nutritionally packed with 700 calories, 16g of fat, 94g of carbs, and 72g of sugar. Mmmmm, peanut buster.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Respect The Penguin!
When I got home from work today, my wife had just returned from getting M1 and M2 some summer clothes. Usually I just nod my head and accept the purchases, unless I have a huge objection.
This time, something really grabbed my attention. In the middle of the pile were a few shirts for M2 (my 3yr old boy), made by Original Penguin. I was really surprised to see these. My wife didn't know what Original Penguin was all about so I gave her some history on the brand, all the way back to 1955. She thought she just happened to get a few bargains!
So M2 scored some real nice Penguin shirts and I have to say I'm jealous. Now, I'm jonesing for a Penguin shirt. Isn't it supposed to be that the son always wants the same as the Dad? Oh well, maybe I can drop some hints for Father's Day.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Retro Soul
I may be a little late to the dancefloor on this one, but I just can't get enough of Raphael Saadiq's "The Way I See It" CD (Columbia records, 2008). I bought this CD about 2 weeks ago and literally have not been able to stop listening. The vibe is pure 60's soul/Motown. Kinda a mix of Stevie Wonder/Smokey Robinson/David Ruffin/The Stylistics. It's a 10++++.
My parents were big 60s Motown fans and I heard this sound a lot growing up, so this CD is pleasantly familiar to me. Not just that, but the melodies and grooves are so damn funky & catchy.
If you're like me, and you're tired of all the over-produced, synthesized, vocoder garbage that passes for R&B today, do yourself a big favor and pick up this CD.
It's real.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Rectangles Resolved
I would definitely recommend the good folks over at Frames Direct if you're looking for a new set of sunglasses. They may not be the cheapest of all the sunglass web sites out there(but def not the most expensive either) but they are reliable, authorized dealers. The Ray Ban 3136 babies I bought came perfectly pacakged and brand new. I am realllllly lovin these.
As for my Ralph Lauren aviators: Instead of letting them sit in my dresser with no one to give shade to, I gave them to my brother, who likes that style. He was pretty happy with the impromptu gift!
As for my Ralph Lauren aviators: Instead of letting them sit in my dresser with no one to give shade to, I gave them to my brother, who likes that style. He was pretty happy with the impromptu gift!
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