Do you know Viyella? No, this is not some Southern confection of a name (although it could be — but only if it were followed by a middle name of something like “May.”)

Viyella is a blend of 80% long-staple cotton and 20% merino wool first introduced [...]]]>
(One of seemingly hundreds of Viyella shirts available through Dann-Online.com)

Do you know Viyella? No, this is not some Southern confection of a name (although it could be — but only if it were followed by a middle name of something like “May.”)

Viyella is a blend of 80% long-staple cotton and 20% merino wool first introduced to the English in the late 1700’s, making it a very long running brand, indeed. In my wardrobe it most often takes the form of a shirt. An extremely warm shirt, usually boldly patterned tattersall or a plaid.

Viyella isn’t limited to shirts, though. You may also find bathrobes, sweaters, trousers and pyjamas made of the good stuff. I think it would make up into some very nice socks.

The shirts, however, are an easy addition to your casual weekend wardrobe and pair very well with sweaters and sportcoats alike. Worn ragged with use, a Viyella shirt is just the right companion for a winter’s hunt or a bit of early spring gardening. Especially when worn with a pair of dark olive corduroy trousers that have bagged at the knee. Wellington boots would not be out of place.

Pairing one with a tie gives you a bit of a country squire effect. Just make sure that the tie is of equally substantial material. A good wool challis (J Press or Polo) or knit silk, cashmere or… did I mention that I have a Viyella tie? (Ben Silver.) Your Harris tweed sportcoat will complete the picture, as would cavalry twill trousers.

Wearing your nicely pressed jeans, a crewneck sweater (in red?) and your suede brogues used to put you squarely in the continental European camp. Throw on your Barbour and you are ready for the farmer’s market. Eat local. Dress global.

Last week I posted about a woman I saw from my window. She emerged from her black Lexus convertible wearing a [...]]]> I’m not sure if it’s the influence of The Sartorialist, the ever-changing fashion industry or living in proximity of a design school, but there is a return to more classic styles of dressing afoot. Horray!

Last week I posted about a woman I saw from my window. She emerged from her black Lexus convertible wearing a black shirtdress with rolled sleeves and epaulettes, black heels, black sunglasses, a wide black belt with silver buckle and carrying a black Kelly bag (or other structured look-alike.)

She literally stopped traffic. Which goes to show you how rare an occurrence it is to find someone so well-turned out.

Or so I thought.

Moments ago (I am writing this on Thursday) a very well-dressed young woman walked across the street to climb into her car which was parked outside of my window.

She wore:

A grey flannel pantsuit. Nicely cut and tailored.

Grey Flannel Suit by Ben Silver

An orange patterned scarf, beautifully tied at the throat. (Look for a vintage Hermes. Who else does that wonderful orange?)

Hermes via DesignerExposure.com (sold)

Gloves (in dark brown or leaning towards orange.)

Italian Leather, Cashmere lined Gloves by Forzieri

Orange pumps.

Pella Moda Taha Suede Pumps via Zappos.com

Tortoiseshell sunglasses. (Mrs. E. wears Persol’s and I covet them.)

Persol 6602 via Vintage-sunglasses-shop.com

Now, if only the gentlemen in the neighborhood would take that kind of care with appearances.