I totally agree with you David. The dressers i increasingly look up to these days are those classic dressers who knew this maxim very well. Pared down dressing is almost like a back to basics thing for me.It`s not always easy to try to get that right though, and it`s that fact which i find stimulating and challenging.

I think the key is to try to dress pared down with wit.It is that , that stimulates and inspires me and that is what i will always strive to work on.I do know that some of the most simple, and subtle sartorial statements can be the most powerful and potent.Things like opting for minimalist ensembles using clothing pieces of obscure, uncommon or vintage  colours, and cuts and incorporating them in an ensemble in a fresh and totally valid or relevant `NOW`, totally of this moment  way.

In my opinion a pared down look can potentially be all the more potent because of its classic, timeless, easy on the eye simplicity.Especially so when quality materials are worn, and clothes are cut in classic timeless forms.

I don`t really know why so much of the `more is more` overkill  kind of dressing abounds these days. I do think it may possibly have something to do with just how consumerist we are as people these days. `I want it all, and i want it now`! We are bombarded from all directions with life style images and choices  which would purport to make our lives cooler, better, and more successful.Just as the advertising is piled on , thus the wardrobe selections would appear to accumulate in reflection of  this inexorable trend.As people we seem to be more disposable with regards to our clothing purchases these days.We seem to be constantly moving on in all areas of our lives.`Out with the old , in with the new!`.

Stop!

Amidst the din of  this obfuscation and confusion from all this media and advertisng pressure and propaganda , there IS a simpler path.

I choose Ivy(!)

Original Ivy style itself can reflect many things, but perhaps it can also reflect an idealized, romanticised time in history when  perhaps there were more certainties in life;  life was  more carefree, optimistic, simpler (and perhaps more fun...).

There was perhaps more thrift, during the Ivy style boom years, and so clothes had to last. Perhaps all this seems anathema to the pile it on , more is more ,society we have grown into.

I think it`s perhaps dodgy ground looking too deeply into all this.Let`s not forget this is all just about simple clothing after all.It is after all  `small fry` in terms of real, far reaching matters of the world.But i do think there is an often under-appreciated value in keeping it simple, quite alot of the time..

David, I still can`t get used to not calling you Jack.

For those not in the know I don`t post so much here although David and myself chat via PM on a daily basis.

I`m currently busy re-establishing myself over at AAAC, gently and quietly posting away in a non combative or controverstial manner, obviously not using my previous moniker over there. ( There is nothing in this world like a good opera)

The reason for this post is to thank David for his public high praise of my manner of dress, a compliment from this guy means an awful lot more than the platitudes and plaudits handed out like confetti on the other forum , where there is little disagreement because of the risk of censorship, (Jesus Christ fella`s rise up and free yourselves from the shackles of group think) ( The Stepford trads)

The trad forum is essentially dying on it`s feet and new members are repeating all the old mistakes and the mis-construed (Ralphie world approaches)

There really is only Good old Joe, laxplayer, Patrick and Brownshoe (perhaps a few others) who get it over there.

Although Eagle and Navy Gent get it due to their experience.

hope all is well with you guys.

Jim and Paddy if you are reading this, fucking stick to the plan will you, I nearly got led down a blind alley on the last thread.

Cheeky I liked the comment on Captain Rons thread, if only they knew.

David thanks again, speak tomorrow ( see you later hiawattha   )

Last edited by TB-D (2008-01-20 13:21:32)

David do you remember pulling the old Napoleon stunt in the dorms at night?

For those not in the Know, a Napoleon was when You would catch a Napoleon Bonaparte (fart) in your hand under the covers, one would then close ones fingers around the fart cupping it gently before reaching over to the fellow in the bed beside you , and opening ones hand over the fellows nose, giving him the full benefit of a good old meaty fart.

For those who don`t believe me catch one of your own farts and give it a go.

Re: Napoleons: I well recall this but did not partake myself.

Projecting the shadow of one's erect member on the ceiling with a torch was popular also...

Character building stuff!

(... It didn't quite work with me...)

Last edited by David (2008-01-21 09:30:44)

Less is better, but l still think a hankie in the old breast pocket is a nice touch. Even a flower is fun to wear from time to time, but l certainly don't obsess about my clothing. l'm more of a shoo man.

Not into tie bars, silly lapel pins or shoos wiff heaps of metal.

Last edited by The_Shooman (2008-01-21 09:52:41)