Elegant Dressing

Elegant, Classic English Coats

The Classic English Chesterfield Coat, Made-to-Measure in England of the Finest Cloth

The Elegant Survival Source for Golf Clothing

Traditional, Reasonably-Priced Golf Clothes

Elegant Survival Recommendation

People who golf in tee-shirts and low-ridin’ pants look like rubes and slobs. Respect for the traditions of the game includes dressing in a dignified, classic style. Golf Knickers is a treasure-trove of traditional golfing trousers, shirts, hats, socks, et cetera. It’s refreshing to see their old-fashioned prices, as well as the wide array of golf classics.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009

Here is an amusing video on golf etiquette by Proper Ollie.

Classic Pumps by Robert Clergerie, at Christabelle’s Closet

Update, April 8th: these beautifully crafted, classic French shoes have been reduced to the price of 50 USD.

Elegant Pumps, by Robert Clergerie; Size 7.5 US

Robert Clergerie Patent Leather Pumps, Made in France:  Simple, Elegant  Shoes for Evening, Cocktails or Teatime

It’s difficult to find classic, real shoes these days. When I speak of elegant dressing, I often mention closed-toe shoes, which used to be the norm. Sure, peep-toes and strappy high-heeled sandals are all the rage, but I don’t write about trends, except to disparage them and their lack of longevity. Exposing one’s toes and tottering about on stilts are never elegant. This pair of shoes almost represents my ideal for evening. Alas, they are a half-size too small for me. Advice to people approaching middle-age: buy your shoes a half-size larger than necessary, because your feet are about to grow a half-inch (once upon a time, these shoes would have fit me).

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009

Low-Rise Clothes: Time for an Uprising

Choosing Clothes that Flatter the Human Corpus

So, you are possessed of a perfectly shaped body and decide to go shopping. There is nothing available but low-rise pants and skirts that rest on the hip. The fashion industry and its manufacturers are saving big bucks on your back. You decide that to go against what seem to be the demands of current fashion is pointless, so you buy whatever looks prettiest on the hanger. Once it goes onto your well-toned corpus, something sinister happens: your legs now look a mere foot long, and your tight “abs” sit above the low-rise top of your skirt or slacks, looking for all the world like a beer-gut. What’s happening here? The fashion industry is sabotaging your looks while saving themselves money on yardage. It’s now impossible to find a pair of pants, tights, or a skirt that comes up to the natural waist; anything that does is derisively and incorrectly labeled “high-waisted”.

Photo: Trousers with a Proper Waist, Available to the Elegant Man at www.tweed-jacket.com

If you must have your clothes made for you in order to avoid this sick, disfiguring fashion regime, there are ways to do it without breaking the bank. A well-constructed pair of corduroy, moleskin or tweed trousers will get you through the depression in style, last for many years, and what’s most appealing about them is that they will make you look taller than everyone else (unfortunate fashion-victims that they are). Even a well-shaped jacket can be sabotaged by slacks, skirts, or trousers that hang below it. Last night’s Academy Awards brought out a cavalcade of men whose crotches landed below the bottom edge of their jackets–poor misguided fellows, yet rich enough to get it right. Overly long slacks creating a puddle of fabric on top of men’s shoes do not lengthen their legs visually–they just look wretchedly tailored.

A tasteful and reliable source for elegant, durable tweed jackets and trousers is Bookster U.K. They will guide you through the ordering process, and see to it that your clothes have an actual waist, so that your investment isn’t a waste. The clothes are made by Bookster in England. There are plenty of British and American companies that copy the traditional English styles, but have them made inexpensively in China. Yet, these clothes are crafted the old-fashioned way, close to where the fabrics are milled in the United Kingdom. It may take a couple of months to have a great pair of trousers or elegant jackets made, but you just might be wearing them for a lifetime. Bookster U.K. is a small operation with a huge reputation for customer service and fine clothing. They specialize in equestrian and tweed clothes, which are perfect for town and country.

Don’t let hip-hop fashion and cheap clothing manufacturers dictate your style. It is time for an uprising against the tyranny of low-rise clothing.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton; February 23rd, 2009

Elegant Survival Recommends Berkeley Hat Company

Berkeley Hat Company,

the largest hat store in California, has traditional hats for men and women, novelty hats, and Tilley Endurables for traveling. Their on-line shop accepts PayPal and credit cards. Prices are reasonable.   It’s smart, in more ways than one, to cover your head during all seasons of the year. At Berkeley Hat Company, you can acquire a hat wardrobe for a song. Even if you aren’t looking for a topper, you’ll enjoy looking at the selection of hats at Berkeley Hat Company.

Elegant Survival Recommends

Our traditional Basque Berets offer the style, comfort and warmth expected by those looking for the finest quality berets . All of our Basque Berets are still made in Basque territory–the Hoquy Beret de Luxe comes from southern France. Black Berets remain the most popular. These satin lined wool berets are fitted with a quality sweat band for optimal comfort and durability. We also carry cotton berets, leather berets and wool berets from other parts of the world. Shipping $6.50 + $1.44 for each piece more than one per order.

BERKELEY HAT COMPANY

2510 Telegraph Avenue

Berkeley, CA   94704

tel. 510 549-2955

The Death-Knell of Civilization: Men Wearing Shorts to Work

The Death-Knell of Civilization: Men Wearing Shorts to Work

Thursday, July 31, 2008

I’ve written about this untidy habit before, but now it is being sanctioned by The New York Times. Of course, there’s very little in the realm of perversity that the Gray Lady won’t promote.
Shorts

In Bermuda, the shorts are nearly knee-length, and that no gentleman wears them without knee socks, either of light, ribbed cotton in hot weather, or wool during cooler times of the year. Men in Bermuda traditionally wear these shorts with blazer, shirt and tie, accompanied by real shoes–no boaters, sneakers or sandals.

When you read that NYT piece, you will see that what is being touted there is a far cry from what is acceptable in Bermuda, a very civilized place with a dress-code.

People who walk around Manhattan in shorts, be they men or women, just look like rubes, hicks and slobs. It’s still the mark of an idiot who has no respect and lacks a sense of propriety. I don’t care if it is 2008.

Courtesy of M-J de Mesterton

The Death-Knell of Civilization: Men Wearing Shorts to Work

The Death-Knell of Civilization: Men Wearing Shorts to Work

Thursday, July 31, 2008

I’ve written about this untidy habit before, but now it is being sanctioned by The New York Times. Of course, there’s very little in the realm of perversity that the Gray Lady won’t promote.
Shorts

In Bermuda, the shorts are nearly knee-length, and that no gentleman wears them without knee socks, either of light, ribbed cotton in hot weather, or wool during cooler times of the year. Men in Bermuda traditionally wear these shorts with blazer, shirt and tie, accompanied by real shoes–no boaters, sneakers or sandals.

When you read that NYT piece, you will see that what is being touted there is a far cry from what is acceptable in Bermuda, a very civilized place with a dress-code.

People who walk around Manhattan in shorts, be they men or women, just look like rubes, hicks and slobs. It’s still the mark of an idiot who has no respect and lacks a sense of propriety. I don’t care if it is 2008.