It’s the end of October. These days I leave the costume party to the children. Although Mrs. E. did don her finest ’20′s cloche hat, deco scarf and Minnie Mouse shoes for her department’s flapper theme today, we generally spend quiet Hallowe’en evenings watching a movie and handing out candy to the dozen too-old-to-be-doing-this teens [...]]]>

It’s the end of October. These days I leave the costume party to the children. Although Mrs. E. did don her finest ’20′s cloche hat, deco scarf and Minnie Mouse shoes for her department’s flapper theme today, we generally spend quiet Hallowe’en evenings watching a movie and handing out candy to the dozen too-old-to-be-doing-this teens who ring our doorbell.

But that doesn’t mean that I will totally ignore the appropriateness of my pumpkin spice/rust coloured moleskin trousers for the “holiday.” I had these cut with a slit along the side seam just because Dick Fowlkes of Peter Blair wore his this way and I thought it looked great. Very colonial cavalry. Which makes the trousers perfect candidates to wear with another perfect fall and winter shoe… or boot in this case.

Whilst we were discussing the casual shoe, I left off another classic option that bridges the casual/dress divide. Along with the iconic Chelsea or Beatle boots, the chukka (named for an inning of polo and given to me by a friend — AM) works equally well when paired with jeans, corduroys, tweeds and moleskins, or a more casual suit. These are highly polished calf with a plain toe. In a pinch, when travelling for example, I could pair them with a grey flannel suit (they are dark brown with a thin leather sole) and still look very presentable.

Until I sat down, crossed my legs and revealed socks like these.

Happy Hallowe’en!

A cashmere turtleneck may be one of the more frequently worn articles of clothing in my wardrobe. This one is by Michael Kors. Paired with a twenty-five year old Harris tweed jacket and Bally suede monkstrap shoes, the combination is good for an easy and elegant day look. Especially when a tie isn’t required and [...]]]>

A cashmere turtleneck may be one of the more frequently worn articles of clothing in my wardrobe. This one is by Michael Kors. Paired with a twenty-five year old Harris tweed jacket and Bally suede monkstrap shoes, the combination is good for an easy and elegant day look. Especially when a tie isn’t required and it’s a bit blustery. The trousers are flat front, wool twill in a deep teal-charcoal that is echoed in the weave of the tweed. If I were to flip up the collar of the coat to ward off the wind you would see two buttons that are used to attach a throat latch. Throw a cap and a scarf into the mix and you’re ready for almost anything that comes your way.

Except an Indian Summer afternoon.

Happy casual Friday.

I used to always wear a tie to the bank, today I am taking a different tack and braving the heat in a linen blazer, open collar twill tattersall shirt, sage linen trousers, herringbone socks and cream and olive [...]]]> Off to the bank, a chore always, to find out what’s happened to the cheques I ordered….

I used to always wear a tie to the bank, today I am taking a different tack and braving the heat in a linen blazer, open collar twill tattersall shirt, sage linen trousers, herringbone socks and cream and olive saddle shoes. I hope that the service at the teller doesn’t reflect my more casual appearance.

Then it’s off to the Home Depot to scope out RL shimmery paint colours for the front hall (When what I really should be doing is going through that pile of books and magazines on the club chair in the library…) Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? I’m aiming for a pearlescent effect.

Happy Friday and don’t forget tomorrow’s First Annual Easy and Elegant International Smartly Dressed Scene.