As many of you know, I also author a blog for my tailor, Leviner Wood. The shot above was taken from a piece I did about Greg Wingfield, the President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership. He is truly a Global Gentleman at Large. To read about his collection of cufflinks, click here. I’m also tempted to have him author a guest blog on the care of suede shoes. Just look at that last photo.
I had a friend who moved to Richmond in the early 90’s. He was from Alexandria, VA and a Wash and Lee grad – – both undergrad and law school. A great guy who told me his time in Richmond was like being at a party where no one would talk to you.
I was never sure where that came from until today.
Tintin, can be. But we’ve been fortunate in our friends and there is never a lack of conversation at the Manse or out in public (with them…) Just like anywhere.
Send me an email and his name. Maybe we know him. Or someone who does. Me, I like Greg. He’s a good guy. No different from you or me. And he met Charlie Watts as a kid. And sold him suits….
Collections are fascinating, and I loved hearing his story!
I like the look of a bulky, sporty Rolex, but many consider this vulgar and indiscreet, especially with a suit. I can really see both points of view. The surgeon’s cuffs, cufflinks, jacket, and tie look wonderful and elegant, but it becomes more and more difficult to wear these things. There are just some days when I don’t want to attract attention, and answer the innane question, “Why are you all dressed up?”
Square with Flair
Re. SqWF’s comment–Ultimately, I think that one should dress and shop and enjoy things that bring them pleasure in life. We live in a world with precious little excuse for doing anything right and really almost no where to go in nice clothes. If someone were to ask me why I was ‘all dressed up,’ I think I might have to look at them, repeat their question, and reply something like, ‘what do you propose I wear?’ Or, ‘because it gives me a great deal of pleasure and I enjoy it.’ I believe that people who ask such questions are somewhat uncomfortable with their own appearance to begin with. And, of course, there is the age old problem of jealousy. Plenty of that going around . . . If a woman were to say to me, ‘why are you so dressed up,’ it is most certainly code for ‘I can’t stand it that you are wearing that fabulous dress.’ Sad, but true. Curious to know Mr. E’s take on this–
Paula, I rarely get that question since I don’t work in an office. In public, more often than not, I get complimented on my appearance. You are correct, the phrase is often code for “you’re making me look bad and I’m uncomfortable.” You might deflect the question with humour (“I never really get dressed up unless to go to Court. But I haven’t had an audience in years.”)
@SwF: isn’t leaving the first button on surgeon’s cuffs also considered vulgar? It’s what I was taught, and I only unbutton if I’m wearing French cuffs that are getting caught on my suit sleeve…
All, I don’t mind the sports watch, as I grew up seeing my father wear the one he owned and wore through Viet Nam. I wear it now. I like ’em, for the most part. Especially if you actually check the time with a wristwatch, which I’m sure were considered far more vulgar than the pocket watch when they debuted. Sometimes I wear a watch with a dinner jacket, which is a no-no, but my sitter is on the clock and I am not independently wealthy. The unbuttoned cuff is a matter of preference and also doesn’t bother me. Especially if one is fond of collecting cufflinks. Flashy, yes. Vulgar? Given today’s “dress code”… ?
It’s not so much vulgar as posing.
It’s important to keep the noise down. A hurking Sub on a wrist (I have one too) with the unbuttoned sleeve screams something and I won’t say what it is. Add cuff links (that match your watch metal? Tsk, Tsk) Throw in an Hermes tie, a pocket square, a manicure, suede Lobbs and it’s all too much. These are ‘rich’ items in look and cost and wearing it all together is the sign of a style victim.
I button all the buttons on my sleeves and was told to do this in London years ago. Working buttons are more a novelty here and while it’s not vulgar it’s probably more in line with the style of a trial lawyer in Texas.
TinTin, Better to see the links though! I keep my buttons done up, too. Unless I’m at the phlebotomist. And I have to admit to trying not to mix my metals much. Hard when the wedding band is gold and the watch may not be.
Funny, we were just talking about manicures and how we need a good venue since the local mall things are so unappealing.