Thursday, July 9, 2009

Remembering a joyful spirit from J. Crew outlet

I was stunned to find out about the recent passing of Noah Wapemba Jjemba on July 1.

I met Noah several months ago during one of my frequent visits to the J. Crew factory outlet store in Katy Mills Mall. He was unfailingly polite and positive person, and we would have enlightening exchanges during my visits to the store.

The last time I saw him, Noah had a few items held for me a couple of weeks ago at the store. I got word of his passing when I returned to buy them yesterday. I will always remember his kindness, his smile. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family.

Most assuredly, Noah, you will be missed.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Maximizing sportiness in jackets

Once you have established possession of a navy blazer in your closet, allow yourself to branch out when selecting sportcoats.

A sportcoat is an important element of style because it not only gives your blazer and suit coats a rest, it's an opportunity to make a sartorial statement that reflects a different side of your personality.

I have been experimenting with patterns such as glen plaid and wide stripes and fabrics including tropical weight wool, linen and cotton. My choice of jacket depends on the occasion. Click on the following from Polo and Brooks Brothers

If you're serious enough to have shelled out significant dollars in developing your wardrobe for the office, consider other environments outside of work: off-site conferences at hotels, golf and tennis clubs, fine restaurants, concerts.

The average guy figures that if he's not wearing a tie to these places, he's not likely to take the time to coordinate an outfit that includes a sport jacket. However, those who understand the power of clothes send a message of authority without trying to act important.

Try putting this concept to the test. The next time you plan on wearing a windbreaker when going out, put on a sport jacket instead. Notice the difference in how others react to you.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Hats off to this classic by Orvis

The Soft Panama Boater from Orvis is an elegant throwback to the 1920s, from the Ivy League to riverboats on the Mississippi.

In full disclosure, I am a part-timer at the Orvis store in Houston, so my take on Orvis apparel comes not without bias. That said, this particular straw hat stacks up well with Makins and Stetson.

The Orvis straw boater hat, woven in Ecuador and made in the USA, is very much an American classic. I would see this hat being worn by older alumni at Harvard when I was a student setting up tables at tents for class reunions. The flat crown and red-and-blue band are distinctive features. Wearing the hat reveals a man's posture and magnifies his confidence. There's no shame in tipping or removing the hat, of course, when a woman is present.

The simplicity of the straw boater is its most striking quality. The brim is firm and does not droop. A cotton band lines the inside and absorbs sweat. Wearing the hat with a navy blazer and khakis, or with seersucker, yields best results.