Spring has finally arrived. Eastern Massachusetts responded with a bright sunny day, balmy with temperatures in the high 30's. One of those days when you look out the window and think "what a gorgeous day!" Then you go outside and spend the day trying to convince yourself that it's not cold, when in fact you're almost freezing.
The Present
Being an American, I value instant gratification. Shopping is no fun if you don't get something you can use right away. As luck would have it, this old pair of Sebago Campsides for $7.99 are the perfect shoe for Spring. So comfortable, casual but smart, great with argyles, khakis and striped ties. Best of all, the magic words: made in USA. Even the venerable L.L.Bean blucher mocs can't make that claim anymore.The Future
One day it will be Summer. In Massachusetts this means that no end of nautically themed clothing is too much. This neck tie embroidered with anchors and ships wheels may be more than a little silly, but with a white shirt, a pair of Nantucket reds , no socks, and topsiders, you're set. True, I don't own a yacht, but that doesn't mean that a little of the old sprezzatura, and my inner Thurston Howell, can't pull this off.
The point? If you go into a thrift store looking for something particular, forget it. Be persistent, look through everything, and snatch the good stuff, regardless of the current season. It's the only way to navigate these places successfully. Take the broad view. In the long run, you'll be glad you did.
Ed Michtom's Clothing Store:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.albemarlehistory.org/Ed_Michtom.htm
The problem for me is waiting to try out those summer shirts and shorts that I bought in January. But spring will come, eventually. I continue to be envious of your fancy Boston thrift stores.
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to take the boys and make a round to the Charlotte thrifts. Like I did last Saturday.
ReplyDeleteGreat tie. That reminds me that I've been meaning to ask you: do you avoid polyester at all costs at the thrift when looking for ties? It seems like some of the coolest patterns are 50% or more polyester when I'm thrifting. What's your rule?
Tutta la famigilia? Compresi la principessa?
ReplyDeletecool tie. who cares about not owning a yacht? i say go for it. most of the people bopping about in topsiders have never even been on a boat. who cares? (anyone who does care about that fact is probably a jerk anyway) the tie is great. rock it.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should post on this topic. I've been scooping up sweaters for the past few days despite the recent string of 70+ degree weather this past week.
ReplyDeleteCool tie.
Cordial Churchman,
ReplyDeletePolyester is the Devil's own fiber! But as with all things that are the Devil's own, we human's tend to stray from the righteous path every now and again. Thank Haeven for forgiveness.
Love those Sebago Campsides. Do you know the vintage? Seems like on Russell Moc Co. makes anything like that these days...
ReplyDeleteLesli,
ReplyDeleteMy guess is nineties vintage, but that's only a guess. Fortunately, whoever had them before seems to have taken great care of them. So comfortable!