(Ms. Yates, forgive me for borrowing one of your images on the strength of a couple of minutes of conversation.)

We’ve gotta get out more. You can meet the most interesting people.

Such was the case Friday night when the eagle-eyed Mrs. E. spotted a very unusual and very interesting cocktail ring on our waitress. It was of her own design! (And a one-off, unfortunately.) But we had to ask for a card from this fledgling designer, who, I’m sure, is destined for the glossy magazines. The pieces I love are all sold, but please give a quick visit to:

keeleydesigns.com

Ms. Yates promises to be able to sell online very soon. I promised that it would be a very good idea. I think you’ll see why.

(image:http://workingclassheroes.tumblr.com/)

By now, I hope that you’re dressing a little better than you have to. But have you considered your laptop, or your iPhone? Standard sleeves and bags (mine’s neoprene and fits in my J. Peterman’s Mail Bag) are just that… standard issue. Why not consider something more sartorially advanced for your most important tools?

Take the asphalt collection from Working Class Heroes. I stumbled upon these beauties through Refinery 29’s suggestion. And I now covet one of the sleeves (shown above.) Wool felt, buttery leather, what’s not to love?

Huh…. Brooks Brothers, bastion of the No.1 sack suit looks… different. And very good, in my opinion.

I’m wearing one of their classic, blue oxford cloth button-down shirts this morning as I was in need of extreme comfort. When my daughter was born, I did two days and nights in the hospital in one. Recommended for rough mornings, if a bit “square.”

My shirt is of a different generation, more 1950’s than 1930’s or Naughty Oughties. The Spring 2008 catalogue shows looks that might feel at home in Old Hollywood. The Travel in Style look is one that I hope many men take to heart. The women fare equally well on all fronts, casual and less so. If fashion is cyclical, we may be in for a more elegant season.

Not a moment too soon.

Head over to their on-line catalogue and flip through the pages of Volumes 1 and 2. It’s well worth your while. Even if everything you want is already sold out or unavailable.