The Old Casual

It really is amazing to think about how the definition of the word "casual" as it applies to our modes of dress has changed so drastically in so little time. I'm not going to complain that things are generally more comfortable for people these days, because I'm glad to wear jeans and sweaters to drop the kids off at school and go to the supermarket. Nor am I going to wax rhapsodic about some bygone era that I know of only through movies and books and pine for a time that was done before my birth. But I will trot out what used to be considered casual dress on a Saturday afternoon  now and then.

Dark shirts are not something to be used lightly with a jacket and tie, but it can be done. I've written on this before. I usually wear this shirt alone with khakis or jeans, but given its color scheme in navy, hunter green, and gold, it can take a tie sometimes. I think the trick is to remember what casual used to mean, and stick with tweeds and other textured, soft fabrics. I'm sure that the combination pictured above will garner wailing and gnashing of teeth from the purists for both the use of a dark shirt and the overt four pattern combination, but so be it. I find it to be a nice change of pace now and then from the standard light colored shirt. And as much as we lament the loss of stricter codes of dress, not having one gives me the freedom to wear this if I want to, and that's not all bad. Besides, it is Saturday.



Charcoal grey whipcord trousers with deep forward pleats from the Andover Shop held up with braces complete things. On the feet, argyle socks and cordovan longwings, outside a tan cashmere coat, brown corduroy cap and brown leather gloves.

The old casual lives somewhere between the new super-casual and dress clothing, so tread lightly. It's not for everyone, and even if you can pull this off I suggest using this trick sparingly. But it is fun when it comes off well. 

Thrifty Kids, part 3

Few things ward off a bone chilling cold like a big comfy sweater and soft cords. The boy shows us how its done.

The red flannel shirt was a Christmas gift from a family friend, and he loves it. It makes me smile to see my kids developing a real taste in clothing. The sweater is knitted of oatmeal colored wool with brightly colored flecks throughout. Once again, the boy has something better than his Dad's version.

I'm not a fan of the look of an untucked shirt hanging out below the sweater on a grown man, but it's just the thing on a six year old boy.

Classic bucks, recently found for $2.99 at a thrift shop.

The sweater is the real deal, made in Ireland. Found by Mrs. G for less than $10. If I had to pay retail for such a thing, my boy wouldn't have one. But it's no matter. Like I said, penury is not an excuse.

p.s. Thanks to all of you who have been purchasing items in the sale. I've added new items to the Shop and decided to extend the sale through midnight Tuesday. As before, the code WINTERSALE used at checkout will apply a 20% discount to you entire purchase.

Sale!

Now through midnight, 27 January, save 20% on everything in the AAW Shop!

Enter discout code WINTERSALE  at checkout.

Thrifty Kids, Part 2

The Boy has a good sense of occasion, and always knows when to look his best. Like most six year old boys, he spends a great deal of time in t-shirts, jeans, and sweatpants, getting dirty as a boy should. But when it comes to dressing well, his tastes are particular. He tends to keep things classic, as we can see by his navy blazer, white shirt, and striped knit tie. The pearl grey Homburg hat is vintage 1960s, in unworn condition, a very small men's size. I initially purchased it to sell it, but when he insisted I let him keep it, there was no denying him.

Thrift shopping has a way of meeting your needs after a while if you stick with it. The boy is rapidly outgrowing his navy blazer, but I did turn up a better fitting jacket in  navy tweed with real leather buttons...

Made in USA by Brooks Brothers. $2.99 at an undisclosed thrift shop. Like father, like son.

Thrifty Kids, Part 1

My lovely girl knocks it out of the park with her hipster/preppy style. It's a cute look, especially on a girl not yet four years old. But then again, she can wear anything.

A deep purple quilted vest from Lands' End by way of thrift shop, a bold navy gingham shirt, and a handmade sweater in heavy kelly green wool, vintage in the first place, now also a hand-me-down from her older brother. Go preppy androgyny!

Button cute red shoes, white socks and skinny jeans...

with a bonus navy and red surcingle belt with navy leather fittings and a brass buckle, also now a

hand-me-down from big brother. I don;t remember exact pricing, but it all (except the socks)came from thrift stores. The whole rig couldn't have cost more than $15. Crewcuts be damned. Kudos to Mrs. G. for assembling the outfit. I only contributed the vest.

If you have kids, then you're a fool not to shop in thrift stores. They me be a gold mine of fine menswear for those persistent enough to dig, but they are easy pickings when it comes to the kids. Kids outgrow stuff, quick. This means that not only is it silly to pay full whack for things they're not going to wear much, but also that thrift shops tend to be full of stuff that hasn't been worn much. And then there's all the clothing gifts that didn't fit because Grandma always buys stuff three sizes too big that gets donated new, tags and all. Most kids clothes I see at thrift shops are $5 or less. Besides, how else are you going to get your kids that worn in East Coast look if some of the stuff isn't, you know, worn in?

p.s. new items available now in The Shop.

New Life for Old Shirts

This shirt is an old favorite, and clearly it has seen its fair share of use. The collar and cuffs are badly frayed, as are the tips of the collar, and the shirt has shrunk with repeated washing. As much as I don't mind, or even revel in, some proper wear and tear, I must admit that this garments time has come. Having seen the end of its usefulness, donation to the thrift shops is no longer an option. I suppose I could use it as a dust cloth or something. However...

By simply cutting a 16" square out of the back panel, with a little creative folding we have a quick-and-dirty pocket square. Recycling is cool.

Closet Diving

Our friends over at Thrift Store Runway are having another contest. You may remember, I judged for them in the past, awarding five lucky winners a cash prize for showing us great style for $50 or less. The new contest gives you and a friend a chance to win.

Raid someones closet. A buddy, a relative, doesn't matter, though my own personal advice would be that older folks are likely to have better and cooler stuff on the hangers. Put together a look using their vintage pieces. If chosen, both you and the owner of the clothing will receive a cash prize of $250, and a donation of $100 will be made to the thrift store of your choice. Win/win, I'd say. Entries will be accepted through 16 January. Details here.