Not Nattering: Jefferson's Ten Rules

There is value in codifying a list of rules to guide your future behavior.  You probably do it all the time without realizing.  These days, it seems we make more to do lists for the completion external endeavors. For instance, I make to-do lists daily and weekly.  I do this for personal and professional tasks.  To do what Jefferson's has above requires quite a bit of introspection and reflection to know even where to begin.  

It would behoove us to reflect then write down areas where we can improve based on past behavior.  Make a quarterly appointment with yourself to sit for quiet introspection about how you can improve.  Jefferson's rules are a great starting point for everyone.  George Washington, Ben Franklin and others took a crack at it also.  MT and I have a framed copy of TJ's rules in our office at home above where we keep our house keys.  Once in a while, I find myself breaking the rules.  In particular, the first and fourth rules seem to sneak up on me from time to time.  The point is I recognize it.  I have begun to question myself in the moment.  Sometime between TJ's and our own, we discarded the goal of perfecting ourselves  (or maybe it's just me).  We are caught up in our profession, or like affairs, instead of the business of self-actualization.  Let us no longer forgo this noble ambition.

BTG

Article of Affection: My Double Monks

Yes, these are the much discussed Sid Mashburn Double Monk straps made by Alfred Sargent.  Yes, they are mine.  Yes, I love them.  No, I don't sleep with them on my feet.  I procured them in late January this year to mark the conclusion of a very significant program I completed at work.  They feel as good on my feet as it does to know that program is over.  I have long been fascinated by monk strap shoes especially the clean simplicity of their design combined with their unique functional charm.  My father introduced them to me when we were on vacation in England and Ireland.  There I acquired a pair of Church & Co. tan brogue monk straps until my foot sadly grew.  If those shoes ever cross my path, there won't be a hesitation.  Having seen the post on A Headlong Dive, it occurred to me I needed to share this purchase here.  

The Pavlovian Response may have had me at this point.

Fresh from the box.

Unlike Mr. Simmons of AHD, I did not call Sid Mashburn to place my order, but instead joined Taigan, where Sid Mashburn has an online store.  After placing my order, the genial and obliging gents at Sid Mashburn called me to confirm my order.  They wanted to make sure I would be satisfied and had ordered the correct size, which was a half size down per their recommendation.  The purchase has been more than satisfactory.  Perhaps the only issue is it left me wanting more...

The initial shine to protect them with my go to penny loafers bottom right.

More on the belt and shades later.

Despite the current trend to leave shoes in disrepair, I will be taking care of these excellent shoes for many years to come.  The shoes were made by Alfred Sargent in England.  The company's blog has many brilliant pictures of their quality products.  Without question, I will go back to them for more.  Mine are breaking-in nicely.  I love wearing them with just about anything.  They always attract a comment or approving glance from the well turnedout.  Classically styled quality footwear will always get the job done.

BTG

Tie Tuesday: The Ascot

Recently, MT and I were in Italy for a much needed holiday.  Among the items procured, an ascot/cravat.  A curiosity had long been building in my mind about them and I caved.  Here is the result...

BTG

And I may need never recover from this youthful folly.  The simple truth is: who doesn't want silk around their neck?  I also learned that the ascot worn as above is known as a day cravat.  Apparently, ascots are also the name for the article worn on the outside of the shirt under the collar for more formal occasions, like weddings, which I had thought was a cravat.  (I still prefer the bow tie for formal occasions.)  Far from an expert on this, I'll refrain from expatiating on the history of the garment's evolution, but suffice it to say it was interesting research.  In any case, I have since found the ascot to be a sensible and stylish alternative to the open collar, albeit unconventional and best applied irregularly. Not to mention a comfortable choice.  Who else has been known to wear such attire?

Caine

Pacino

Grant

Sure there are some less exceptional Ascotists, but don't let that dissuade you.  Give it a go, even if only in the privacy of your own home. You may never go back.

BTG

Sabbatical (of sorts)

BTG Original - Inspired by Reggie Darling

A recent event has liberated my soul from a compromising set of circumstances causing a dissonant resonance that caged my creativity.  The bothersome buzzing has ceased.  I'm happy to report of my return to this endeavor.  Nearly a year between posts is simply shameful.  I regret having left this venture to rest for such a period.  Now, I vow to remain much more faithful to this creative outlet.  Thank you for bearing with me.

BTG

Warm Weather Wear

We are back to the warm sticky weather of the District.  These driving loafers are my favorite shoes.  Excellent shoes for running errands all over town, especially if you drive as I do.  No, I am not one of those reckless people, but I do enjoy employing the manual shift maneuverability of my MINI.  Best of all, these shoes fit like a glove making them second nature to my stride.  

The Modern Traditionalist and I were running errands this morning in anticipation of a few friends' arrival this evening for a quaint cookout.  Among our chores, MT took me to Garden District to pick up some herbs for our balcony garden.  It's an excellent place to procure choice vegetation.  She has pick up almost all our thriving flora there.  The thriving though is more likely due to her diligent green thumb.

Here are some critter shorts I'll be sporting now that the season is here. Have a wonderful weekend!

BTG

Open Mouth Mastication

Open mouth mastication is completely unacceptable.  In my new occupation due to the location of my desk, I have the misfortune of suffering the audible sounds of such a person.  Carrots and apples, no less, are the foods of choice.  I am confounded by this brazenly crass behavior.  The fact is the behavior is commonplace in modern society.  Such a lack of etiquette is the result of poor parenting; moreover, it is the product of an inconsiderate person, who takes no interest in elevating their stature.

This matter led me to consult the only volume containing answers on how to handle this situation, Etiquette.  Here is what it says: "All the rules of table manners are made to avoid ugliness.  To let anyone see what you have in your mouth is offensive; to make a noise is to suggest an animal; to make a mess is disgusting."  Emily Post's Etiquette, p.g. 485, 1955 edition.  This week, I could take it no more.  I had to address the situation with the culprit.  They have since endeavored, due entirely to my indefatigable correction, to chew with their mouth closed in near silence.  Indeed, I, like Mr. Jefferson, tremble for my country if this is the condition in which the mass majority of parents release their children into society.

Thanks to The Modern Traditionalist for the quote.  When we visited Charlottesville back in February, she purchased this vintage copy of Etiquette, which happens to be the last edition edited by Emily Post.

Take a look at the first 25 seconds of the clip below and you'll get a good sense of the issue with which I dealt.  

BTG

Recommended Reading

Courtesy of The New York Times

It's back! And thank God.  According to The New York Times, " While those shiny shoes and irksome studs are still in exile, the bow tie has had a springtime resurrection worthy of spring itself."  Yes!  I completely, wholeheartedly disagree with any other evening neck wear.  Read the article here.

BTG