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...

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.  

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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.

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My Timbuk2

Now that I am no longer commuting to work via car, I have a renewed love for my daily commuting companion.  This is my Timbuk2 bag.  It has withstood more than 5 years of abuse including many thousands of travel miles for work and pleasure.  No, it is not the most beautiful or elegant bag one could choose to carry on a daily basis, but it does everything you need it to do.  The only other bag that has ever come close to handling every situation is a LL Bean book pack.  Even those fall prey to weather being as they are not water resistant.  This has kept my items safe and dry in many inclement situations.

I recently added this Cocoon Grid-it organizer to keep things in their place.  This is a wonderful little invention for those of us who like to keep things organized while in transit.  I like to have a multifarious assortment of items with me, just in case.  The organizer keeps each item findable.  Whether attaché case, shoulder bag, messenger bag, back pack, book pack, satchel, briefcase, tote bag or, yes - for the ladies, purse there is a Grid-it organizer for you.  They even offer a luggage size.  No, I was not solicited for any kind of coverage of this product.  It is a great product for frequent traveller and commuter alike.  

Sure a beautifully crafted case is more ideal to complete the elegant gentlemanly persona I prefer, but none are as functional as my simple messenger bag.  For occasions that dictate, I use a more elegant canvas and leather shoulder bag.  There is no doubt I would rather use a beautiful leather briefcase to carry my wares to and from the office daily.  The issue there becomes: how do I multitask effortlessly?  Reading the paper is made easy with this over the shoulder bag.  Also, in the event of inclemency, there's no need to fret about any electronics in tow; moreover, I do not need to worry about the case itself being damaged.  

In sum, this messenger bag has treated me very well over the years and I don't foresee abandoning it for another option anytime soon.  I welcome your suggestions or comments on daily commuting appurtenances.

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An Addition

The Modern Traditionalist and I have a new addition in our ranks.  Meet Lord Quincy.  I am not one to extol those, who treat their animals as children.  I am here proving that "dog people" can be "cat people".

Formerly named Bones, we adopted Q, as we have come to call him, just over two weeks ago from a local shelter.  He was at one time living on his own and was recovered alone from a parking lot.  Quincy has certainly adjusted from life on the street as seen below resting on his favorite cashmere throw after reading about WWI with me.

Quincy is proving to be a delightful addition to our lives.  I've always been a real "dog person".  Here it  seems, Q is cat for a "dog person".  He sees you off in the morning and greets you upon return in the evening.  Q aims to please from the moment you arrive.  What cat greets you with a wagging tail and a wet tongue?  He does.  His favorite activity is rolling on his back while receiving belly rubs.  Q enjoys showing off his hunting skills when chasing his toys around the apartment.

He simply does not act like a conventional cat.  For instance, when you call, he comes to you.  I believe he fancies himself a bird dog, a faithful labrador.  In this respect, he is picking up exactly where his predecessor, Rudy, left off.  Rudy - AKA the Furry Eccentric - was a unique feline in much the same way. We are happy to have little Q.  He is a dog in a cat's body.

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