Plus Fours...Will They Ever Come Back?

Some clothing items from the WASP establishment have died out throughout the years, and that is arguably a good thing in some circumstances. However, one item that has passed on that still remains dear to my heart are plus fours. The garment appeared or was popularized in the US around the 1920s, and students could be found on Ivy League Campuses sporting such attire on golf courses and around campus. The Duke of course was a fan of the garment, and I sincerely wish they would reemerge. That being said, I know plus fours will not and I would never be brave enough to wear such unless they once again became popular amongst the masses. Sure, I will sport bow ties, ascots, and slippers all day but I haven't quite got the testicular fortitude to show up at the office decked out in plus fours....even if I am the boss.

Trying To Brighten Up A Crappy Day

Today was a terrible day, and I tried to brighten it up this afternoon with some color! No luck yet!!!



Polo Yellow Shetland
Polo mini-tattersal shirt
J Crew Mint Green Tie
J Press 3/2 Roll Blazer



Brooks Suede Tassel Loafers
Argyle for amusment -- No Luck!



Even the pooch couldn't make me smile.....ok, maybe he did a little!

My Camel Coat Is Not Double Breasted :(

Again, I apologize for my lack of posting. I have been having more Internet troubles on top of being sick with a sinus infection. I made the mistake of helping my father-in-law with some bales of hay, and it was loaded with all kinds of goodies that drove my sinuses insane.

Anyway, I am displaying one of my two overcoats, and I am saddened that I don't own a double breasted camel hair polo coat. This coat was a gift from my mother and though I like it, I wish it was a polo coat. I paired it with a Golden Fleece jacket from Brooks, and the same "pear" pants that were ridiculed in the earlier post. The photograph doesn't do this outfit justice, and the jacket appears to match the pants too closely. However, in person the two make a perfect match and to demonstrate the jacket's pattern, I posted it with another tie below.

So, maybe my Internet and sickness troubles will not slow me this week. Carry on!

The Whole Label Thing!

First, let me apologize again for the Internet going down at my home yesterday! The winter weather has been havoc on modems and high speed Internet, and again, it failed me yesterday and most of today.

Now, on to the subject at hand. Chensy over at Ivy Style has referenced me again with a post entitled something like WASP vs. Trad. But, to avoid more controversy between the two of us, I will avoid critiquing his work and just simply add my two cents worth. First, the term trad is an Internet term, and it simply means "traditional". Second, the term WASP is a style and way of life that was derived from the traditional lifestyle set forth by the English. It is an American interpretation so to speak. To further expand the discussion, preppy is another common term used by this genre and it to is another word for WASP that came about in the 1980s. Are the terms related? Yes, absolutely, and actually to me they are similar enough to clump together.

As far as style goes, all three seem to embody Oxford Cloth Button Downs, Tweed, Shetlands, etc. I would even argue that bit loafers and velvet slippers can belong to all three labels. The thing that separates the three is why one chooses to call themselves the label they choose, and how they acquire their clothing. WASPs do not generally buy the majority of their clothing from eBay. For example, yes, I shop at eBay but less than 5% of my wardrobe comes from this source. A WASP buys clothing mostly at the store itself because they have relationships with the salesman, and they buy high quality labels that last decades. Thus, the worn but not ragged look is achieved. Therefore, all the criticism from the Chensy's of the world is not deserved because of my age. I am only 32 and I plan to wear the clothes I buy today until I die. So, if I make it to 65, my clothes will achieve the worn but not ragged look.

Trads on the other hand seem to take offense to the term WASP. I could only speculate as to why, but maybe it is for a myriad of reasons. They also seem to enjoy the same garments that WASP enjoy, but acquire more than half their wardrobes from eBay and thrift stores. In addition, they will throw you out of their club in a moment's notice, and they seem to know more about classic style than in other group (in their minds at least).

Finally, preppies are basically WASP that don't want to call themselves WASP for two possible reasons. First, they are not protestants and the term preppy was another way to describe their style as opposed to WASP. And, the term is used mostly with the younger generation that knew or know little about the true Ivy League movement. They adopt wearing pastels and Lacoste polo's because it is the cool thing to do. But again, the style is derived from WASPs.

That is my two cents worth!

Valentine's Weekend

This weekend, Valentine's Day was a pretty normal day filled with flowers, chocolates, and a cozy dinner out on the town. And, for the evening dinner, I wore a very casual outfit:

Brooks Brothers Hunting Jacket
Polo OCBD
Brooks Ascot
J Press Denim Dress Trousers
Polo Bow - Tassel Loafers

And though, the 3/2 roll is my favorite style of jacket, this Brooks interpretation of an English Hunting jacket is also a favorite. The jacket is cut with 3 buttons, natural shoulder, and four patch flap pockets. The jacket is exceptionally warm as well, and this is made possible by the lining which is a flannel fabric. And, let me finish this post by giving my dear friend Worthington a big welcome back!

The Phone & Internet Are Down For The Count

Extreme weather conditions have paralyzed the phone and Internet at my home. I am sitting in my office at work as I type this, but I don't have time to prepare a post this morning. Worthington has e-mailed me his first installment, and if the lines are repaired, I will post it tomorrow. Take care!

-Richard

Pipe Smoking 101

Today was another gloomy day, and more snow is on the way. I have been spending little time in the office, and wearing fewer ties for some reason. However, I have kept a pipe in my mouth most of the day (not lit), and I have been wearing tweed pants and navy blazers in excess of late. After detailing today's wardrobe, I am going to give all interested in smoking a pipe a quick tutorial on how to do it. Without this information, a beginner may get frustrated and quit, which isn't a bad thing because it isn't good for you to begin with. That is why I only allow myself one smoke a month.

Clothes:

BB Sack Blazer with patch flap pockets and patch breast pocket
Polo Windowpane Tweed Trousers
Polo OCBD shirt
Vintage 1980s Polo Croc Loafers
Brooks Argyle Socks

Pipe Smoking 101:

The first thing one must do to ensure a good smoke is pack the pipe properly. I use the three pinch method, which is applied as follows:

1. First pinch should be packed like a child would pack....very lightly.
2. Second pinch should be packed a little bit more, but still not much.
3. Third pinch should be packed firmly and tightly creating a sponge like motion when touching the tobacco.

Lighting the pipe is also a special technique, and I prefer the two light application. Some teach three lights are necessary, but not always.

1. Light the top layer of tobacco while gently puffing. It will go out, but you want it to.
2. Tamp the charred top with a tamper, and light the tobacco a second time and gently but firmly puff until you see the red or orange light beneath the char. It should be lit.
3. You may have to re-light at some point, and that is OK. Most pipe smokers that are pros re-light one to two times to finish a bowl. I recommend puffing at least once every 10-15 secs to keep a longer light.

Enjoy!

The Return of Worthington

Photo: Thanks ADG

Yes, our dear friend Worthington has agreed to return to WASP 101, and he will be providing one or two posts a month for our viewing pleasure. I disabled Worthington as an author several months ago due to his lack of interest, but he is revived and ready to go. He plans to e-mail me his stories and pictures, and I will place his name in the title to note his work. And, if you are asking why I am posting this picture of Flusser, it is simple. Worthington reminds me a lot of Flusser in this picture, and he encouraged and convinced me to buy a tattersal vest just like the one Flusser is wearing in this photo. Why not, I already own a tattersal sport coat, so why not a vest. Anyway, I am glad Worthington is coming back!

WASP 101 Car of The Moment: 1963 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III

Currently on sale at Auto Trader Classics is this beautiful 1963 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III. And it is only $495,000! But anyway, this beauty is the WASP 101 Car of The Moment.

A Relaxing Snowy Day

With all the snow today, I didn't even leave the house and I asked my employees to work from home and stay safe. These photos are examples of how I spent my day. Pipe in mouth (check) (I didn't light it, only savored the Cherry Cavendish packed in the bowl), time in study reading (check), and continuing to live the dream (check). And no, my study is rhino free!





Photo Credits: All Photos are from Life Archives

Tweed Neckwear

With about 8 inches of snow left on the ground from last week's storm and with new snow pouring down inch by inch as I type this, it is certainly an appropriate time for a tweed neck tie. I love the width and the texture of the tie, and it looks good with a navy blazer and graph check shirt.

The War That Wasn't

Readers, there was never any true animosity between TinTin from The Trad, and yours truly. And, I respectfully take back my retraction of his blog as my number three spot, and I award it to him again to share with Suzi and Simply Magic. TinTin is a good guy, and he has great classic style. He was even nice enough to assist me in retrieving these Tartan slippers from Rugby in New York. The shoes arrived today, and I am excited to break them out. All that being said, I salute you TinTin and I apologize to the readers for having some fun. And yes, I know that TinTin was not calling me an a**hole in a negative way. All this being said, my comments about Christian Chensvold were heartfelt. Sure, I would make amends with him, but he doesn't seem interested.

PS - TinTin, Check your e-mail :)

Number 3: My Top Five Favorite Blogs - Simply Magic

Arriving in at my true number three spot is my dear friend Suzi (Suzanne Marques) at Simply Magic. Suzi is a beautiful girl and though her site isn't particularly WASPy, I enjoy it. However, she has done some interesting posts on the preppy movement and men's clothing. In addition, she is a top notch photographer, and it is obvious that she knows how to pose for a photo. Plus, believe it or not, Mrs. Suzi knows my true identity and what I look like. And, we have spoken over the phone to discuss political issues prior to her interview of Cindy McCain. So, there you have it, Suzi, you are my number three favorite blog.

Number 5: My Top Five Favorite Blogs - To The Manner Born and Delaware Blue Blazer

Photo Credit: To the Manner Born

To The Manner Born and Delaware Blue Blazer have arrived at the number five spot in a tie. I honestly could not decide between the two, and therefore, I am awarding them both the spot. Both Toad and Brian are men of great style and taste, and I congratulate you as I name both of your blogs my true number five spot.



Photo Credit: Delaware Blue Blazer