Summer Part II

The aloha shirt. It defies fashion. It is what it is and if you're from Hawaii, Southern California or South Florida it is your birthright! We were wearing these long before you could buy one in a mall in the Midwest. They were introduced to us when our dads brought them back from the Pacific theatre of World War II.

Where I come from it is perfectly acceptable to wear this with khakis, boat shoes or flip flops and go out to dinner.

There are subtle designer versions now, but I prefer the traditional patterns with palm trees and hula dancers. Maybe even a seaplane.

If you're going to NY or Europe this summer though, leave this at home and refer to Part I.

Mahalo.

Summer Part I

Summer has a style all it's own. Some places enjoy the ability to dress this way all year long, others do not. Regardless of where you live, the summer months provide the weather for the most comfortable clothing you'll ever wear.

The linen suit. Dress up and dress down at the same time. It's been popular for over a century for good reason. It works with a necktie, t-shirt, open necked shirt, whatever you want. Sandals, loafers or dress shoes are all perfect.

In fact, you'll like it so much that when autumn arrives you may want to, in the immortal words of Jimmy Buffett, "go where the weather suits our clothes".

All Time Cool

If you look this good, then you don't need any advice from me.

If you don't, I'll be back.

New Year's Eve Checklist

New Year's Eve is upon us, so make sure you have a few fundamentals covered.

1 Your tuxedo is cleaned and pressed.

2 Shoes are shined.

3 Reservations are made.

4 Cologne. WTF? Just a little for God's sake. It's not a substitute for bathing.

5 See previous posts for tuxedo tips.

Lastly, pick a place and stay with it, use a taxi or a designated driver. Cell block D is not where you want to be wearing a tuxedo.

Have fun and Happy New Year!

The Pea Coat

The Pea Coat or "P" for pilot (as in it's original meaning for a ship's pilot) is a traditional naval garment that has thankfully not changed over the years.

It is incredibly warm and comfortable. The wide collar turned up protects you from biting cold wind on your neck and the pockets are perfectly placed for hand warming with an ergonomic angle for your elbows.

I pull mine out when we get arctic winds and sub-freezing temperatures in Colorado.

Oh yeah, it looks good, too.

Definitions

When I write about these subjects, I'm talking about style not fashion. I don't know what fashion is and I don't care. It's usually silly. If I followed fashion I'd be telling you to buy pants three sizes too big and to wear your baseball cap sideways.

Style means your style not what everyone else likes or thinks is cool.

It's not just about how you present yourself, but your comfort as well.

Presidential Style

The men who occupy the White House have always been under intense scrutiny for everything from policy to personal style. These are some guys that brought a little flair with them to the Oval Office.

JFK cool. Like having Steve McQueen as Commander in Chief. He looked loose and confident in everything he wore.

Ronald Reagan. Maybe it was his Hollywood pedigree, but he was always immaculate in his personal style. Well tailored suits, Windsor knots in his neckties. Sharp as a tack.

Much has been made of George W's boots, both positively and negatively. The truth is, that it is perfectly acceptable to bring something regional to traditional clothing. LBJ and Reagan wore them as well and nobody gave them a hard time about it. America has cultures within cultures and Bush's western roots showed his personal preference. I'm good with that.

President Obama carries off classic tailoring with his athlete's frame. He always tops it off with a killer necktie. He's a clothes hangar that suits were made for.

There are many more examples of note. FDR's hats and pince nez. Truman's white linen double breasted suit and panama.

Each inhabitant of the White House brings their own idea of how the Leader of the Free World should present himself.