My sources inform me that the rejuvenation of Liverpool continues, which was in full-effect from my perspective from about 1994 onwards when you had a couple of decent jazz dance clubs, Bourbon Street and Heebiejeebies opening. Before then it was locked in depression and mired by images of The Boys From The Blackstuff and Brookside. My nephews inform me it's quite a hip place now.

I drove through Macclesfield on Friday, not much to see from the car, the usual Arighi Bianchi lorries on my way towards Chester.

MacArthur Glenn Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village remains a phenomenom that has killed-off Chester shopping completely. It was so busy in the Ralph Lauren store, they had a queue outside and were only letting people in two-at-a-time when people came out of the store.

The town of my birth seems strange to me now, even the old streets don't offer even a whiff of nostalga or the way I use to feel. I was glad to be on the road again Sunday morning and had a sigh of relief when I had got through the Eurotunnel on the Calais side, which was a bit premature, as it took me four hours to get home from there.

To actually answer Jims question, I think there is a lot more well than appropriate dressing on this board- gunboats for instance,  I wore my Brown Bostonians today with long mac, Shetland,  ocbd and wool slacks,  whereas judging by most pictures I've seen loafers or split toes might have been more appropriate?

My last post soundsat the like I'm having a dig at the other posters but it's not meant that way. I do think this board has in some ways created its own interpretation(s) of 'the look', sometimes reflecting particular posters and groups of posters ideas and tastes, that's not always a bad thing?

I appreciate the diversity of Ivy in that it ranges from casual informality to formal smartness.  The look adapts to the situation, hopefully unseen but distinctive, a touch too smart for our era but not obviously or inappropriately so.

- Back on track, Pop Pickers -

Do you moderate your "Ivy" to suit the daily gig ?

Ivy scales down well. If it's too casual for Brooks Brothers, there's L.L. Bean. If it's too urban for a rural L.L. Bean look, there's Tom Wolfe style "Funky Chic". If you find yourself still overdressed in Dickies and a shirt-jac, there are still options.

I always dress appropriately, always.

In that, I wear whatever the fuck I want, because they're my clothes, motherfucker! Who's gonna tell me different?

Thank you.