(Please forgive the hastily shot, bleary photo. I was expecting guests at any moment….)
Last Friday evening Mrs. E. and I volunteered to host our neighbourhood association’s porch party.
“When we dreamed these up,” said Tom, our president, “it was a beautiful day in May…”
A thunderstorm ripped through town three hours before the party’s appointed hour of 6:30 PM making short work of the effort that we put into cleaning off the front porch. I had hoped that it would also break the heat. It was a forlorn hope. Hazy, hot and humid, a Richmond summer had descended upon us.
With very little time to set up the table, crock pot of barbeque, coolers of ice, water and popsicles and the beverage tub (the children are put to bed at the same time,) I was rushing to have things in place and getting ready to receive our guests.
There is are a few tricks to looking fairly presentable when the dog days of summer weigh heavily on your wardrobe choices. Hydrate. Accept that you will perspire. Accept that you will wrinkle. Carry a handkerchief with which to mop your brow. Dab a bit of West Indies Lime cologne around your temple and pulse points. Douse yourself liberally with Gold Bond Medicated Body Powder (inside the shoes, too) and choose seersucker and linen from the closet.
Above, white on white seersucker trousers by Polo. Black ribbon belt with pink martini glasses motif by Leatherman, Ltd. Pink Irish linen button down shirt by Brooks Brothers. “Mr. Casual” calf Belgian Shoes in black with black trim (a gift from a friend.)
Below, goofing around in a variation on a theme for a walk to and from the VCA’s sidewalk sale (spent too much money. Must of been the heat.) Green and white, pleated seersucker trousers by Polo Ralph Lauren, green and white ribbon belt by Land’s End. Tan, unlined, suede horn-bit loafer by Martin Dingman and ancient Irish linen shirt by Banana Republic. As you can tell, nothing is fitted; the idea is to let each breeze through the fabric whilst keeping the fabric away from your skin.
That last image just made me smile back at you!
I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog…not only for the common interests, but because I grew up in Richmond and visit often, so it helps me feel close to home.
Please do drop by CharmCityDaily.com, I think you’ll enjoy it!
I would like to add you to my Blogroll, with your permission, of course!
Thanks again,
Ami
Isn’t it fun to have summer back…finally
Very nice. Hollywood-esque circa 1930s.
I agree with everything! I think carrying a handkerchief is such a simple, elegant idea…so few people do that anymore. A large, impeccably laundered man-size hanky feels and looks so casually luxurious. Stay cool…farenheit-wise, and stylistically! Great summer posting!
P-D, thanks! Right back at cha.
Ms. Thomas, welcome and I’ll be happy to. Popped in the other day for a quick peek and am looking forward to a read soon. I’m sure you’ll be joining the sidebar of regular reads at EE&L, too.
LBT, thank you sir. Are congratulations in order after a mysterious post two back? And feel free to ignore that question. Best wishes for the endless summer.
Toad, in a way, yes. If just to get it over with and look forward to the end of the humidity. Fredericksburg, VA today reported 101%…. hmmm….
SwF, thanks. It is a small thing and a very old habit with me, ever since I found out that my father carried one through Vietnam .. O.D., of course. If one wasn’t to let down standards then… .
oh I luv those slacks.
Jen, they’re about to make a debut if the weather keeps up. Low nineties in early May???