Sometimes I think the last 3 years of my feed are “spot the #menswear blogger”.
At target, 2 were on clearance but one was FULL PRICE.
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I’ve been pretty half-assed around here these days haven’t I?
No no, you don’t have to make me feel better* it’s true.
It’s mostly been finishing grad school, which I emailed my final paper for on Monday. Also, this spring was like 30 degrees every day until last Friday, so I’ve been kind of cobbling together weird hybrid outfits that are strange, somewhat arbitrary combinations that don’t necessarily need to be on the blogo-nets. Oh, and the dog, she takes up some time.
Basically, I’m not dead, and I have lots of ideas I haven’t had time to actualize. So in the next few weeks prepare for some stuff!
—A guide to consignment and selling clothes for fun and profit (not that much profit, but still).
—A pseudo-history of Dexter, shoemaker to America.
—Probably some rants about what the kids today are wearing and how much better it was in my day**
—My unique brand of “pretending to be not-super influenced by #menswear but still posting WIWT on the internet” personal style.
Hopefully you’re still marginally interested. I like to think I am
Best,
AFoS
*I’m just kidding, nobody’s ever made anyone feel better on the internet.
**Extra just kidding, “my day” would probably be the early ‘90’s, and nothing was better then (except the Wu-Tang Clan).
If you’re a size 43, this is your last chance to pick up at Brooks Bros seersucker suit for less than $100 before the Kentucky Derby. Just saying.
(via Vintage Brooks Brothers Classic Blue/White by AFistfulOfVintage)
Too early for patchwork madras pants?
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Anonymous asked: I see lot of shoe-game going on here recently so let me ask: I've acquired a Crockett&Jones oxfords through thrifting recently, but they are slightly beat up. They hold up a shape (more or less), but leather has minor cracking on a side, lots of scuffs, wrinkles and excess cheap shoe polish on it - they've been obviously mistreated by previous owner. Is there any potential for second life with such pair? How to 'renovate' them a bit?
Short Answer: Yes, but it’s work.
Longer answer: Probably, if you’re okay with shoes that have some age and character.
First if you have a shoe person, just bring them to him/her and ask for a professional opinion. If it’s just you I’d say brush up on your shoe restoration, then be prepared for some elbow grease.
Basically, you’ll want to carefully saddle soap off the old polish (with cedar shoe trees in them if you have them!) and then hit them with a cream polish (first couple layers, to recondition. Alternately, if you have leather conditioner, that should probably be your first step) then sit, buff off excess and polish again with a wax polish (for a protective coat). This is kind of a “lather rinse repeat” step that you’ll have to do until your satisfied.
I can’t promise anything, but I would imagine that C&J shoes would be very resilient and that with some hard work (or a top shoe guy) would come back for many years of use.
Best,
AFoS
secretaryofswagriculture asked: I've been looking through your thrifting posts and I saw the post about the Bostonian shoes. Same thing happened to me, I was in a Goodwill and saw some nice Oxford Wingtips, leather soles, full grain leather uppers, no scuffs or cracks or anything but they were Dexter brand. I'd never heard of that but I looked it up and wasn't impressed. But the quality of the shoes was so good that I had to get them($5!), and have only had to spend 50 dollars since to get them resoled and they're perfect.
Fun fact, Vintage Dexters are my favorite shoe. They’re currently a crap payless brand, but have longstanding New England ties. I’m working on a post about them and their history. Should be coming within the next 2-3 days months.
In any event, congrats on your fantastic shoes.
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It was kind of cold and windy, but IT HAS TO BE SPRING GODDAMMIT!
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Thrifted:
Sport Coat: Paul Stuart $5
Shirt: LLBean $5
Tie: Polo $3
Pants: Marc Jacobs $4
Shoes: Bass $7
Pocket Square: Vtg. Liberty of London $10
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erasuretim asked: Do you sanitize thrifted shoes at all? I only buy shoes from thrift stores if they are in really good condition and then just bung them on. It's not like I'm going to wear them barefoot! The other week I picked up a pair of custom made Barker brogues [hand made in Northampton] They are ace! Keep up the good work and lucky thrifting!!
Shoes, no (I just wipe them out). Other clothes I’ll wash if they are dirty/smelly/I just don’t trust them, but often I’ll wear pants and outerwear straight from the store (is this a grimyliving hashtag?)