Guess where MsX & I are going in late Feb?

Archived post from May 2011 - Shanghai International Airport.

FYI - Not Shanghai

mostexerent:

G is GOING HOME!

Details: SC & Shirt - MTM P Johnson, Tie - Drakes, PS - Herringbone, Pantaloons - Incotex, Hoofs - John Lobb Phillip II for Leather Soul, Lunch Box - Samsonite 100th Ann.

* Another great find from my archives by another new follower (Hong Kong June 2011)

Pug (Me) & Mug (EthanDesu) ensconced in The Armoury & P Johnson finery..

GW Notes: SC & Shirt - P Johnson, PS - Facconable, Pantaloons - Mystery Bespoke, Loafers - Carmina #8 Cordovan for The Armoury

Ethan: Suit & Shirt - P Johnson, Tie - Drakes, PS - Hermes, Shoes - G&G for The Armoury

* As we are heading into our summer (down here in the Antipodes), get your loose linens out & skip the IronicHipster tight pants. A nice find from the archives by another new follower. (Hong Kong June 2011)

When it is 30c & 99.9% humidity @ midnight & when you wake up, there is no option but “LOOSE” the TIE & wear as much LINEN as possible..

Notes: SC & Shirt - P Johnson for GW, PS - Faconnable, Shoes - Edward Green “Dover” for Leather Soul, Bag - Ettinger for The Armoury

* From the archives as discovered by a new follower (June 2011)

The parts: Shirt - Mystery Bespoke, Pantaloons - RAPHA x Paul Smith, Loafers - Carmina #8 Cordovan for The Armoury, Satchel - Bottega Veneta

Note: For those that have not been following long, I’m on one of my regular business trips & this time it is HKG in the middle of summer (which is not so kind if one is coming from winter in SYD/AUS).

To SQUARE or not to SQUARE - I always find it interesting to see what has been re-blogged from my archives - & this has come up quite a bit over the last few days. Originally posted last year some time.

I had a funeral to attend yesterday & whilst getting dressed I questioned whether a pocket square is appropriate or not.

My thoughts were initially “no” as a funeral is a sombre event.

But then my Sistah said yes & only yes as I had a plain white square folded & not stuffed, puffed or some origami creation resembling the Sydney Opera House.

The other factor is how one presents themselves, does it look natural. This should answer the messages I get about wearing a pocket square - if you feel self conscious wearing one, then don’t. There is nothing worse than a fidgeter or the type you see constantly preening them selves in public or every chance they see a mirror.

If I was to nit-pic, the details of this suit is inappropriate & my other navy suit was not with me.

A black suit would have been more appropriate but other than a dinner suit, I can’t see why one would need a black suit unless they are in FASHUN or..

In my opinion a dark blue or navy suit paired with a white shirt, dark tie & black shoes is a good alternative. A dark grey suit is another option.

Either way, keep it clean, classic & minimalistic.

& yes I stuck with my folded pocket square.

What do you think?

& Oldie but a goodie.. 

I find it quite amusing when old posts are found & reblogged by others..

* I miss this umbrella.

mostexerent:

Cows don’t need umbrellas..

So don’t worry about wearing leather shoes in the rain - just worry after.

• Air dry in a well ventilated area
• Shoe trees, lasted (made & shaped for said shoe) shoe trees are better
• Suede - always brush after each wearing, in one direction only
• Calf - brush down then apply shoe cream whilst the leather is warm. Better absorption
• Shell Cordovan - brush down
• Never wear same pair of shoes 2 days in a row
• Once a month apply a wax for protection
• 3M Scotch Guard or any silicone spray - only lasts 2 wears before one needs to reapply. Also can change the colour of suede or worse, seal the pores.. DON’T DO IT..

To shine or not?

Some like the high polish (such as Ethan), whilst other prefer a natural lustre (such as I). I won’t get into what is involved for a military shine as this is covered quite extensively.

Details | Knit - Loro Piana “Baby Cashmere” | Jacket (part of suit) - P Johnson in Loro Piana “Zelander” for GW | Shirt - Ascot Chang for GW | Pantaloons - P Johnson in Loro Piana cotton fine cord for GW | PS - Tom Fuking Ford | Hoofs - Edward Green “Westminster” in Mole suede on 888 last with Dainite sole for Leather Soul | Umbrella - Fox

It’s my Nephew’s 8th b/day today..

Details | Suit - P Johnson in Loro Piana wool/mohair “Airforce Blue” for GW | Pocket Square - Drake’s Irish linen | Shirt - Ascot Chang o Alumo for GW | Hoofs - John Lobb Prestige “Phillip II” in 7000 last for Leather Soul for GW | Umbrella - Fox of London for GW

Sans tie.. Dirt bag or Douche bag?

I actually don’t mind wearing a suit or jacket with out a tie - as long as the shirt collar is not wishy washy but WABI SABI..

One or two button un-done? Dirt bag or Douche bag? If you have to ask, one button..

* This should answer the messages about suits/jackets with out a tie - & if I would do it.

Details | Shades - Ray Ban “Round Metals” | Suit - P johnson in Loro Piana “Zelander | Shirt - bespoke in mystery linen for GW | Pocket Square - Drakes linen | Hoofs - Crocket & Jones “Belgrave” (yes it is going to bucket down with rain later today)

Opposite ends of family style..

People always comment on the personal style of my Niece & Nephew, then my Sistah & I - then they see my Mom & it all clicks..

Is it DNA or environment or culture?

I’d say a mixture of all the above - if you were to try & isolate each part the end result would be unfinished. Also there is timing.

For example at family/friend gatherings such as weddings or celebrations where (in theory) family & friends all share the same mix of DNA or environment or culture, it is then very apparent that my immediate family stands out. My 1st cousins look like twice removed 2nd cousins, people we grew up with in the same Chinese community for generations look like feuding families & my Niece & Nephew are neat..

What am I saying? Style is personal & developed over time. Don’t try & copy look-books etc.

I say this as I get messages all the time about how, why & where - “to get it cheaper”..

The really question should be “when” & the answer is over time.

Currently there is the trend to dress “grown up” or acquire “classic” pieces - this only applies after you have had years of playing around, so go out & explore but please avoid permanent damage such as body art etc. If you must, think back to a few years & see if you still have or cherish that item/experience.

Just my opinion.

Details | Shades - 20 YO Randolph Engineering aviators (before American Optics bought them out to cash in on history)| Jacket (part of suit) - P Johnson in Ariston cotton SoRaro for GW | Pocket Square - Tom FUKING Ford | Leather Bracelet - 20 YO Hermes “Hook & Ring” double wrap leather (way before most the current sprezz trend) | Shirt - 10 YO RLPL (just gets softer & one to hide from MeerCat & Sistah) | Belt - RLPL SS slide buckle + black alligator strap | Pantaloons - 10 YO Banana Republic cotton chinos (when they looked like a travel company & not jumping on the current trend) | DubMunks - John Lobb 2010 St Crepins on 7000 last for Leather Soul for GW

Where’s my bike?

* It’s getting warm, so out come the seersucker!

Must be Sunday as MeerCat & I are riding..

End of Day 4 in Hong Kong..

Details | P-Coat - Beams for Danton x Fennica | Shirt - Mystery Bespoke | Pantaloons - Paul Smith x Rapha | Sneaks - Common Projects

* Interesting kooky French/Japanese cotton canvas summer P-Coat for the Danton travel range as only Beams can do http://shop.beams.co.jp/shop/fennica/goods.html?gid=852483

Have to go to work before play with my friend R_D later today

My friend R_D is very happy to be in HKG again..