15 March 2011

Playground Attire

On a bright sunny day, I've got two little kids who are just dying to spend some time getting dirty outside. What's a Daddy to wear?
An old Sero oxford shirt, frayed to death at the collar, with a Scottish wool v-neck and a Barracuda jacket I've been saving since I acquired it in the cold months.

Cords with ducks on, argyle socks, and L.L.Bean blucher moccs, for comfort.

A Donegal tweed cap from Ireland seals the deal. Comfortable, casual, rumpled, well worn, and even a pinch whimsical. Beats all Hell out of sweatpants and sneakers.

We spent the whole day out, the kids travelling in a red wagon and I pulling it. We picked up Mama's contacts at the eye doctors, went out to lunch, visited the Andover Shop, hit the secretest of all thrift shops, and spent a very long time in the playground, where Daddy himself played in the sand and assumed the role of "the shark" in some boat game a bunch of kids made up. Afterwards, we spent a few hours in the back yard, and when Mama came home, Daddy washed the dishes and made dinner. All while dressed like an adult...you know, differently from the children. Imagine that?

People who use the fact that they look after small children as an excuse to walk around dressed like children are being lazy. Adulthood, and especially parenthood, is no place for laziness. I'll try not to get on a high horse about it, but dressing like an adult teaches children a little something about being an adult. Spending the day in pyjamas and sweat pants teaches them something too.

20 comments:

Kendall said...

Nice.

Rebecca said...

I can relate to the "secretest of thrift shops" and agree that adulthood is no excuse for laziness.

The cords and cap are quite groovy!

JKG said...

...he declaims from the saddle.

I kid, I kid. But isn't the whole concept behind this blog ("dress like a grownup;" "penury is not an excuse") to mount at least a taller-than-average mule?

Anonymous said...

You've raised the flag of adult dressing. I salute you, sir.

Giuseppe said...

How about a very large miniature pony?

Roger v.d. Velde said...

Be careful, other thrifters may discover the secret thrift shop by following the guy wearing the cords with ducks on.

Young Fogey said...

Amen, brother!

You look like a million bucks--and you're not even wearing a tie!

I gotta give you grief about the pants, of course, but I still love your outfit. Like you, when I take the kids to the park, I still dress like an adult, even if I'm not wearing a suit & tie.

Now, if all the men readers of this blog will only follow Giuseppe's fine lead, we can influence not only our children, but maybe even our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and possibly strangers.

Anonymous said...

nice fit, but i couldnt see myself @ the park, sliding, climbing, playing ball, chasing and being chased in that gear.

Brance said...

Agreed. Save the sneakers and sweats for the gym. A daddy's job is to lead by example. I only hope that as my daughters mature, they are able to find young men who live up to their expectations. You don't happen to be raising well dressed young men do you? :)

Britt Sudduth said...

That leg shot with the duck cords, argyles and beans could have easily been my leg in 1985. Nicely done G!

Britt

Anonymous said...

I could play with my son at the park in all of that gear, sans ducks on my pants.

Hope you blindfolded the kids before you took them to the secret thrift store, otherwise blog readers might try to bribe them to find out the name.

Mick said...

The Barracuda Harrington is a real classic. A must for springtime in the UK.

Mick.

Anonymous said...

Being yet another dull lawyer behind my desk in a hi-rise in downtown Boston, I envy you and your lifestyle. Thanks for turning me green.

Giuseppe said...

Shucks, and thanks a lot. I often find lyself envying the guys who are showered, shaved and in a suit by 8 a.m. It's good to be reminded how lucky I am.

JB said...

"People who use the fact that they look after small children as an excuse to walk around dressed like children are being lazy. Adulthood, and especially parenthood, is no place for laziness. I'll try not to get on a high horse about it, but dressing like an adult teaches children a little something about being an adult. Spending the day in pyjamas and sweat pants teaches them something too."

Amen! One of the best things I've read on-line in a looooong time!

FIXED BAYONET METAL SOLDIERS said...

you look like a skinhead

Giuseppe said...

Most of the skinheads I've seen don't wear ducks on thier pants...or have hair for that matter.

Mark B UK said...

I have found over the past two years (my first two years of fatherhood) that my own appearance is one of the few things left within my control as other areas of my life descend into a (happy) child centred chaos.

I do feel a small sense of pride when standing at the playground in my slim fit dockers, clarks originals, sports jacket and shirt. While all the other fathers are dressed in hoodies and low slung jeans.

DRESS LIKE A MAN!!!

(Great blog, found via Oi Polloi)

Ian said...

You look like the picture of Steve McQueen at Put This On's article, The Essential Man's Wardrobe :D

Joey Dee said...

The surprising difference between going out in 'pyjamas' and getting dressed, is that it doesn't really take any longer to present yourself than itvdies to leave the house in bed clothes.
This is a good post and am circulating it at the next pta meeting!