One of the key tenets of the Easy and Elegant Lifestyle is the concept of “stealth wealth.” No, you don’t have to be filthy rich to live like it. Simply eschew the ordinary, the mundane, the less than satisfactory and concentrate your efforts on buying the best. When you’re dressed for The Middle Ground, your garments shouldn’t scream, they should whisper quietly “luxe.”
So you do wear a sports coat? Wonderful. I do, too. Even the ubiquitous blue blazer. Only mine are made of cashmere and silk or all cashmere and are unconstructed whilst being cut to flatter. They feel like sweaters. Trousers are in flannels with beautiful hands or a lightweight wool that is anything but dry and stiff looking. Socks of whisper-weight merino wool, belts of exotic hides, suede, shell cordovan or calfskin leathers wrap my feet in luxury (and inside, some sport lambskin linings.) My sweaters are cashmere, silk and wool, linen and cotton, or fine merino. Even khakis are a brand that fits me nicely and are worn pressed and lightly starched.
The next time you shop, hold out for the best materials you can afford. Even if that means waiting for a sale or having to make do with what is in your closet right now. You’ll be more breezily elegant.”What is it about our Mr. E?” They’ll think to themselves. “He doesn’t dress that differently from me, but he always looks great.”
Chris, I could not agree more. I would rather have a few very nice things than a closet full of junk. AEs are my shoe of choice and the burbon color Sapienzas you are sporting are beautiful. At 46% off, it is hard to pass up a deal on these shoes. Sadly, having just checked, I see they are out of my size. Good for you for having scored on this great deal.
Mr. E.
We do not need much, really, we do not; we just need to have quality, and then we just need to take of it. Follow those rules and life gets to be rather easy…
Amen, gentlemen. I am (still) in the process of cleaning out the closet. Yikes! Even I must change a bit. The trimmer silhouette is here to stay. Not skinny, trim.
HaHa, yeah, well, trim is okay, as long as, well, you know, you keep trim…
Chris, when you decide to get ride of your sport coats and your suits (especially your Double Breasted suits) please send them my way. In fact, I think it is time for you to replace that gold/brown sport coat and New Years Eve nail head double breasted suit right now. Let me know and I will send my shipping address and shipping fees.
Seriously, I know of no one that looks better in all these old clothes than you. They help create a beauty and elegance that just pops. Trim may be in, but your tailor can take care of that for you.
Now, let me know when you want my shipping address.