tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35734139162973797882024-03-12T19:44:55.535-07:00Mister Midwesterstyle and stuff from the grain beltmistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-69472305449469844622013-12-22T19:19:00.003-08:002013-12-22T19:19:57.755-08:00Return of the tartan<p><a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2012/02/yay-or-nay-tartan-blazer.html" title="read about a tartan thrift find">A long while ago</a>, I ran across a rather insane tartan sport coat at the thrift store. I simply couldn't resist it, and stashed it away amongst some other clothes, only to forget it about it last fall in the midst of trying to pack up all our belongings prior to a house purchase (which subsequently fell through).</p>
<p>This summer, though, I took a couple pieces to my tailor and re-discovered the tartan jacket, so I took it in as well and had the requisite work done. It again got stashed for the proper time, which happened to arrive this week.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP3RgPG3FiePZbLp3meTWbglkvvC2s3FoSWQOrkxreA1OzwuRBxAX1jjU9bOA2Vyo0k6zeU5Tw4rhXV8NBTTDQ9STlJjEud3FXX_7BXn_ooLQoRWOt31gpLYb36F0_8Dqul99PABVT_k/s1600/tartan-fit.jpg" class="frame center" alt="tartan jacket full" /></p>
<p>Work holiday parties are as good of a time as any to kick out the jams, and while this particular piece got me some snarky remarks, I felt like it also worked pretty well (and I received some compliments as well).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdyZlC8LEEZWG1ZtVrLkIJoRdZMO6IsFlTiAPjdCoqPWkDqGAR14N_Vo-A4EcaavV7ND95s4gb69nxU-PwnrGue5Wt_Wx3nnyyvCRSWxueZTguCCFNl5NToObTd4bQo3UDU4Fcge2QUQ/s1600/tartan-fit2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="tartan jacket detail" /></p>
<p>Of course, the trick with a jacket like this is to not go too crazy and look like a clown (although some would argue it's bad enough by itself). It's loud enough that there's really nothing more needed, so I tried to limit my color palette to ones already in the jacket. A simple white OCBD and navy wool trousers were the base, then I tried to pop the gold with a vintage gold grenadine and a black and gold pocket square. A black belt and captoe oxfords rounded it out (I'm wearing house slippers in the pictures because it's been mucky around here).</p>
<p>As I mentioned in the original post, it's likely not something I'll wear more than a couple times a year, but that's part of the joy of thrifting, knowing I only have $25 dollars invested in it, and it will easily provide me with many, many times that amount in terms of sheer enjoyment.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays to you and yours. I hope that 2013 treated you well and 2014 is even better.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-25805995167535148822013-12-11T20:27:00.001-08:002013-12-11T20:27:51.046-08:00Style Share: December 2013<p>It's been awhile since I've done a <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="learn more about Style Share">Style Share,</a> I admit. With the holidays right around the corner, I figure there isn't a better time to fire one up. If you haven't heard of this thing before, the gist is that I give away items of clothing and the only thing I ask is that the recipient of said free<strong>*</strong> item email me back a photo or two of them wearing it for a follow-up post on this site (I'll give you credit for the photo and even link your blog if you have one).</p>
<p>This month, I've got five different ties from five different makers, all in fairly distinct styles (some of them more suitable for winter than others). I'm sending out the first <strong>three</strong> items claimed, so let's do this!</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFzJnYkp7o3I_bioW8cKqjK-csn3CyTEk-_i2tacEkue0R6Ya45_ubq7Zk1Bt5C-mfhS9X7x7nLm7j9741ZBisgGNe6BijOz_NwdjVfFAeTC4wCQrpD7QGldMhGJvQtyqgdprhgYd0kA/s1600/ss_bassbp.jpg" class="frame" alt="Bass black watch plaid" /></p>
<p>Vintage Bass tie in a nice black watch plaid. 100% cotton and great for holiday parties or anything else.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc4MowFJ2XX7tRKK3iRlnyahdAd9IzPlRB-KwiaihaitFtk3CtbEFjbViZRP6Gnt0Nwe8Az2L4PLcPYFj9Mj-D_05mxqRHCSlDu-isg7VaHtiWK9PAxcZySiL0ssnYB6d5zC-QoDhm2Y/s1600/ss_bbstripe.jpg" class="frame" alt="Brooks Brothers burgundy" /></p>
<p>Brooks Brothers burgundy / orange / blue striped tie. Winter with a wink towards spring.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjeI7iZDMqtad1ASDes94ZhsPNb2EvAIbFY4XTejDpsGCSOyGzYVOZoReErqMZ_3Ftovg4D3dv_0EPJYXzSraT8HE-XmsDUGoso7C9QmzYPW-plunMSll2kaHoLt54ah_s7JyhcEEesA/s1600/ss_jabregimental.jpg" class="frame" alt="vintage Jos A Bank regimental" /></p>
<p>Vintage Jos A. Bank regimental. JAB gets a back knock, but their vintage ties hold up against the venerable Brooks Brothers any day.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaHPihGhVmac7hEVnLKtH2mPbxa2oIjUcNQRVCXXgrk5H2bgjCT0NcOqwyA-IGz-_2v6-7UubMAL9EVIj-P7tu5k0KIdHtBl2Dl6FRjRkMm9JeIeL2-Qo9gBvB5MlVnZk9MN3-SzOPtY/s1600/ss_lecharter.jpg" class="frame" alt="Lands End Charter collection" /></p>
<p>Lands' End Charter Collection in wool and silk. Really, really lovely and I'm close to keeping this one.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3wEf6O4luWtpyddJepbKa74YGOYbiVx64qI1tugqMACX5CV4nmEYsr9XjexoElZ_hXkb3HfIMRdUfrv8OnD-sJ2nF10JldwbhELA6r9XQDyW3JmUnPs-eJEoqTce1rmD3Eyu2bnhS7g/s1600/ss_liberty.jpg"class="frame" alt="Liberty of London Repp" /></p>
<p>Liberty of London repp stripe with a slightly unique color combination.</p>
<p>As usual, claim your item in the comments, then email me through the address listed on the site. It's pretty darn easy and I'll get back to you fairly quickly.</p>
<p>Perhaps it goes without saying, but if you see something you like that doesn't get claimed and you want to trade/purchase it, just email me. I've actually traded for a few items in the past and frankly it's nearly just as fun for me.</p>
<p><em><strong>*</strong>Seriously, it's free, and yours to keep forever. No strings attached. I won't share your name on the site or with anyone else unless you have a blog of your own that you want me to link. Please note that all clothing will be used (but certainly not stained, smelly, or damaged, as I do have standards), so please only agree to participate if this sort of thing doesn't gross you out. Thanks!</em>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-68725101192961728792013-12-09T21:17:00.002-08:002013-12-09T21:17:47.647-08:00Something for now and something for later. <p>If your wardrobe is comprised largely of clothes that were bought at thrift or discount prices, you know that one of the best rules is to get while the getting is good. Finding something that fits well that isn't in season is no reason to not buy it if you're paying only a small pittance of what you'd normally pay, and by doing so you're often rewarded with some of your best finds during the time of the year when you can't even wear what you just purchased.</p>
<p>While ties are certainly a bit more season-agnostic than a lot of other articles of clothing, like other accessories such as shoes and belts, there's certainly a time and place for everything that works just a bit better. My personal luck has been quite good lately in both regards, as I've found some stunning ties that will add to my winter wardrobe, as well as several that I can pack away and surprise myself with again in six months.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSdXdXqEqjYWc-VeZXy3NXziIZt7VrRf1js5okx11wbsahoHr62vbrkwQ8KnBPio3E-4pAuN6CkNG10uKwcTWTrt3Ef2QrQh0-VxMlxIIS7sL5PGnVoZ_zywVAuSm6EDEslmhZaUeYAo/s1600/blog_ties_winter.jpg" class="frame center" alt="winter ties" /></p>
<p>First up is a batch of really varied, and lovely ties that should work well all through the cold months. The far left tie is a cashmere paisley piece by Etro (who are usually a bit garish for my taste), while the middle is a vintage Robert Talbott wool plaid. The far right is a first for me, a really old Bert Pulitzer limited collection made from imported ancient madder. It's really beautiful and I finally see the appeal of ancient madder ties.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM1sk4-W1Jv8_cI93WlfTsQATY8pay_yE-4l2WQTylFQQ0D1HUlsmSaDQmXXOeEsPZMR4nT1Y0jHDrJxxIBp7xXXG-48KokmrTVsnVNlpnPqmYpciNbB55M_G7wU3Jqf-GMnyaziSZCk/s1600/blog_ties_summer.jpg" class="frame center" alt="summer ties" /></p>
<p>Possibly topping the cold-weather haul is another varied batch of ties for the summer months. On the left is a mega-vintage PRL seersucker tie, while the 2nd and 3rd are both older Lands' End (I'm still not decided on the flower print, but for some reason I find it engaging for now). The beige/pink/navy stripe tie is another vintage number, and despite looking and feeling like cotton, it's actually a paper-thin wool piece. Very odd, but will probably work best in the spring. On the right is yet another shiny bubblegum number in pink and baby blue from Lands' End.</p>
<p>Now, if I could just thrift a couple more summer-weight sport coats that fit my ape arms, I would really be in business.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-45607237920820947582013-11-19T20:21:00.000-08:002013-11-19T20:21:06.092-08:00I Ralph, you Ralph, we all Ralph for Ralph<p>This year has been a doozy, but I'm not gone yet. The past few months found me struggling, then largely succeeding at one of my largest work projects ever while trying to still fit in family time and other important things. This blog found itself lower in the pecking order, and so it fell by the wayside.</p>
<p>Now that fall is here and things have normalized a bit, I plan on firing it back up again. I've had some quality finds lately, and I'm feeling a bit more motivated to write a little bit here and there.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubHRwY00oB2yjtoeogCU3nA-wOJa-vE9V1EQ52oTw6USnTcsquSBwoLJUldJ3X-HR-vm_lK0QC4pTbHWTzmVnc2Yr589nywgZf6jK_mpBbIE3e_kE_acv4lV0xT9qa-K2kuQq9SboX24/s1600/prl1.jpg" alt="Polo Ralph Lauren mugs" /></p>
<p>Although it certainly isn't my most exciting score as of late, one of the more fun things I've come across lately is this package of boxed-up Polo Ralph Lauren equestrian mugs from the mid 80s. Made of super-heavy ceramic, they're a little too small for my robust coffee-drinking needs, but for a couple bucks I certainly wasn't going to leave them on the shelf.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7yeVQhPWG0OeqofrPDnlQvq-CIyKlHUfx6j0B_e35fwqabfouyUMCur_smlqWG6BSB9wqHBdt6_EMQ9McN-Z5Jh_D0XyAoLJY-Q2uQplkI6ZWuECrGbm89sUf6oDJSXvE93z1SWCFsg/s1600/prl2.jpg" alt="Mug on table" /></p>
<p>Although I've certainly tried to be more picky when buying things at thrift stores over the years, I still have my weak moments where I buy something without really having a home for it. These still might end up in our cabinet at some point in the future, or maybe someone will end up with a retro white elephant holiday gift in their future. There's some fun in that as well.</p>
<p><em>New <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read more about Style Share">Style Share</a> coming within the next week or so. Stay tuned.</em></p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-46815926041238491642013-06-24T20:40:00.000-07:002013-06-24T20:40:16.895-07:00Style Share return: Brooks Brothers foulard tie<p>Seems like every time I post lately, I make an excuse as to why I haven't been posting more often. I will try to start making less excuses and more posts in the future. If you know the routine, you know that as part of my ongoing <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read more about Style Share">Style Share</a> project, I offered up a pile of ties back in <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2013/03/style-share-march.html" title="read Style Share march">March,</a> and most of them were claimed.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6js6QMVd2Q3JiwVmx0bRcA-j3bIJs4CTr3DrK2r2OtcHu46EgXzY5wX93Q3qoczyzOc81s7wD_5BMESlNbFvqmxI0hUCuZn3FYm6zPia_JcLHa5sGUnBd4-TQqIASywu8G-0LYNHjpg/s1600/blog_ss_bb2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers foulard" /></p>
<p>One of several Brooks Brothers ties that were handed out, this nice foulard print seemed like it could go either serious or not. It was claimed by repeat-contributor <a title="go to Prinz Ulrich von Boffke profile" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14173042438761572040">Prinz Ulrich von Boffke</a></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrAgP-cOMWwfIUAo8dSZPGFtfyCYT0DUXl2Ez8bdpyG31gYnxx8RwxCsW5Ud9AUsWaHu9LzD9YaGOxiz8NQcC5oEobc1hQth0TAsDj6WOxXGoHoDTvPe-ik4q6iorAiTdGXxAxco_Hv8/s1600/ss_bb2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers detail" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITshVUNk9LfFyj2-p88Zosj9hG8MF0KTMNRBHklwEMaXlTndSRHgUrJbACZ4Qlx2-QapjF2PoZ9SZyE3YCTM77SEgCPEUMiUUJMyuqPDdSyj6SiXSaqvJuQft3c5eLT0ml8dtE2Q3eC4/s1600/ss_bb1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers extra" /></p>
<p class="caption"><em>Photos courtesy of <a title="go to Prinz Ulrich von Boffke profile" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14173042438761572040">Prinz Ulrich von Boffke</a></em></p>
<p>As usual, I'll let him give the breakdown on the rest of the details.</p>
<blockquote>I am also wearing a recently thrifted and altered vintage Corbin (US-made with union labels) summer weight wool and silk suit in glen plaid and a pair of thrifted Allen Edmonds shoes that were then reconditioned at the AE factory in Wisconsin.</blockquote>
<p>As usual, PUvB manages to look great on a budget. The bonus action shot made me chuckle even more, as I know I've had a couple random nights where I've forgotten to remove either a jacket / tie/ shoes / some combination of the aforementioned before I got down to weeding the yard or dumping the compost. Cheers, and thanks again for participating to PUvB.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-61777690600969505272013-06-10T20:46:00.000-07:002013-06-10T20:52:17.683-07:00Fashion unforward<p>While I haven't made too many posts outside of men's clothing on this blog (and frankly, haven't made a lot of posts in general lately), I do have several other interests that keep me busy outside my main orbit of family and work. Although I've hinted at it in places, I'm a huge, huge, huge devotee of <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/music" title="read a couple more music posts">music</a> and film, and have been a dilettante of many different sports, with the latest being <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2012/11/shill-saucony-kinvara.html" title="read more about my running">running</a>.</p>
<p>Around the beginning of the year, I decided that it would be a good challenge (and goal) to run an official half-marathon. Despite living in the midwest, I managed to train outside all winter, and the very longest stretch I went without running was four days (when we got socked with snow). Fortunately, I live close to a route that is regularly cleared, all the ice, snow, and sleet (and more recently, rain) that mother nature threw at me only seemed to embolden my spirit.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVYfHfaK6QlQ7T5o8lhhdSGkFOw-PiZwWQKoOJ_gas_2FpBwgDxykp9PsUCcyNeVQp2W4NzRi9brxwPa0-oYsLy0-yrA7wRNusnHkWXhkd7V773haLXP03p21zQbZ-i3A7gqDOwAtd7U/s1600/run.jpg" class="frame center" alt="deal with it" /></p>
<p>The <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/deal-with-it" title="deal with it meme">aforementioned photo</a> was taken at roughly 3/4 of the way through the half-marathon, on one of the last major inclines. It was taken a little bit prior to me hitting the proverbial "wall," hence the awkward smile. The day was unseasonably cold, and with a start time just after sunrise, my choice of clothing was almost purely synthetics.</p>
<p>Prior to running, I challenged myself by setting a goal time and donation amount to <a href="https://secure.onefundboston.org/" title="go to the One Fund Boston">One Fund Boston</a>, noting that I would double my amount given if I managed to beat it. In the end, I managed to do so by almost five minutes, and saw a load of friends and my wife and daughter cheering for me as I neared the finish. Not the worst way to spend a weekend morning, especially when it involves a delicious post-race meal and relaxing day afterward.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-55801158226796134472013-05-16T20:40:00.001-07:002013-05-16T20:40:38.467-07:00Style Share Return: Brooks Brothers flower tie<p>It goes without saying that I've been kinda busy lately. The toddler in our household turned 2 years old and I ran a half-marathon and things have generally been more than a little on the frantic side. I will make no promises on regularity of future posts, but I will thank those who have sent back photos for Style Share, one of which is featured in this post.</p>
<p>Way back in <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2013/03/style-share-march.html" title="read Style Share march">March,</a> I offered up what I felt were some pretty nice ties and even a hat.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB2iLYSQ3944Tutaxb8OxuPNbxZe3UYQ7poe2ycCsAAhi0T5By0pZqSeB-q6SLvG86mnL_ESCsPg5T2CQioxGQSza1IpPtdDAJiaAW4e9BdUpRSw-reyz3uTpN8PJ1Oe9XJubu9m3kI8/s1600/blog_ss_bb3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers flowers" /></p>
<p>This Brooks Brothers tie with a flower motif was claimed by a reader who prefers to remain anonymous.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfwwSSANkTKUl-l6Jr7RjHlb0EGlgo4RlwJKR5l-CztjK9jhvFmatqDAWPUIeocjzIbA4zrvmNI_5vGkvICRkQRUl-CpRYPcVSZ23-0oYpa9qRUgbRqZu0JA1Fj_3KTm-F4QkACZ1ztg/s1600/ss_bb1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers flower tie" /></p>
<p>He sent along three photos, with details on the pieces that rounded out his ensemble.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHbwN-Of9klvNO4VB8gv9kr54FSFekOn74pfxhu3q4LYhO6wW6LdYDQ-txWsfX9p3lOrZfTKIcnbvAWweO3sO6EHwq8STTNJh7VQIXw5ogJ8szTUoYGCgOUUnTct1CWTfdqUrZvEcP_Y/s1600/ss_bb2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers flower tie" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pg4gTuaYXU2_2W7SMU9nHyV8YSaqdRd_UIA6_k9Pi3rKSU0omkD0ex0V_c8nhxFHrLWfFxCip6hDfIn7MA0ymsSoE7QnLGDWT2rRclCDDcmUpD_rBvZusR8I3oM7vyYLOsuq_5hdgy8/s1600/ss_bb3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers flower tie" /></p>
<p>As usual, I'll let him tell it.</p>
<blockquote><em>Because the Kentucky Derby was this weekend, I wore this Friday for work to amuse myself. The tie is paired with a micro-houndstooth Brooks Brothers O.C.B.D (alas, not made in the USA; this is still one of my thrifting white whales). On top is an Orvis gingham sport coat (goes for $198 on its website; I got it for $13).</em></blockquote>
<blockquote><em>Down below is a pair of Brooks Brothers plain-front seersucker pants (goes for $98 on its website; I got it for $6) held up by a belt by Narragansett Leathers. To finish, I'm wearing vintage made in the USA Dexter saddle shoes. Everything (but the belt) was thrifted from various Goodwill stores.</em></blockquote>
<p>I'm a huge fan of the look, in addition to the bargain hunting. Seeing his neat gingham sport coat reminds me I still need something like that to round out my warm weather wear.</p>
<p>As usual, thanks to <strong>anonymous</strong> for contributing.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-65632294177247361122013-04-25T21:12:00.000-07:002013-04-25T21:12:11.180-07:00Yay or nay: One button too many? <p>I know that some fellows avoid three-button sport coats and suits like the plague, but I have a full three pieces in my collection with three buttons that I wear, and one of them has become almost a staple over the course of the past couple months (more on it below). While I certainly prefer a 3 roll 2 style, and I'd certainly never go above 3, to my eyes a three-button doesn't look so bad at all (especially on someone with an extra-long torso).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPhPp9dVrkQS05GZpzti8LqF6mX8UgGcf6ATW3JQJrD1jEnNqobnWbpkc3WLN_DiMoE7uAvC6RatqPxB8_6I2G1by09wJ2LWhoHSD-FamrJWjYC2SJ008NUKyp_sP_HvtZyYeAQNesiM/s1600/blog_3button.jpg" class="frame center" alt="3 button 1" /></p>
<p>It could be, however, that I'm just trying to make excuses to justify wearing this great micro-houndstooth sport coat that I picked up on the cheap. Made by Hickey Freeman out of 100% cashmere, it has the softest touch of just about anything in my wardrobe, and fits like it was tailored for me without any alterations.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM95rOgqoL3o4U6x8U5srHuDU2C8RIyy7iNAWIch3MCn4ya6SGhBgAqC5pHUqAAt1iAwtdokAGBPpt0M4ksHMECNL7frdhwKFBkzt7qH82iMZZRSIwtLknuVoh-1El4E9qRS6RsDw_WHk/s1600/blog_3button2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="3 button mid-section" /></p>
<p>I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again that it is incredibly rare that I find something that fits just <em>so,</em> and my judgement may be impaired here. In terms of checkpoints, it fills all three (great maker, great fabric, great fit) nicely, but sometimes I feel like the extra button looks a bit dorky.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjIy3WpFSh2HBRfOLAXuiuHIyBC1Vokqo7-Kc4M2gXC4ZpdUcGDDFItVcJgCR6TCfrkU8ze-xOgWXMtcWTTywwNo9F_hWSdvxfQol7C5jYpYiTOwjbc6ymcmShpS_JT81azZ8nOi1hrU/s1600/blog_3button3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="3 button full" /></p>
<p>It's been cold (near record, actually) here, hence the extra sweater layer between shirt and coat. The forecast looks to trend upward soon, and so I must ask myself if I need to store this sport coat for the summer or try to find it a new home forever. What say you?</p>
mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-23940752249654604682013-03-24T20:30:00.001-07:002013-03-24T20:30:41.305-07:00Complementary caps<p>There's a reason that I haven't made too many <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/hat" title="read more posts about hats">posts about hats</a> on this blog, and there's a reason for that. As a person who is roughly six and a half feet tall, I simply get self-conscious wearing them most of the time. My ears get cold very easily in the winter, so I stick to a knit cap of some sort, and while I've taken to wearing flat drivers caps during cool spring and warm fall days, most others end up tucked away except for rare occasion.</p>
<p>Having said all of the above, I recently came across a couple hats that I simply couldn't pass up, even though both fall a bit on the bolder side of the aisle.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtk51Ca-QNRK0SmkLsWKGvwLJ_5FGCA_XIzLE-3w3Ed7QZEFsLKjeqJWvYIYlGEPcDAKvcxcterJPMnJ42VrCgeOhu2Gnsa2Il8DmlSUb9Cm0qpuxsTMAg5u9ywP0kooH3ZvjdZZ0kf4/s1600/blog_stetson1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Stetson drivers red" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYx5uMaVNG90gp46_KMyLuaAghAXVhhNeAUFMWmT7kKekyfx98kruTx8MOOV8PZMHSfI_P05_grSfXhHfmag9VdmqRyQBkJVZWC8I-L5ml81b0KWXoNm7NLwogqHe14h5L_fhCf9bEiI/s1600/blog_stetson2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Stetson red label" /></p>
<p>First up is a vintage Stetson drivers cap in a bright, cherry red. This is exactly the sort of cap that I've been wearing a lot lately (I have a tartan and a couple tweed flecks by Pendlton), but this one is screaming loud. I'm telling myself that I can get away with it once in awhile, and photo proof may or may not happen ever.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWMZvmk6KnPx4Dk070eVV6nylbq_pkDQgXhAaYT5hjuYWigF5g5QoGBQ5hxZdmSRJ8qswekAsX4Lzx73xeP-rKSkvqCDUxZkT6LgusVS9f0UyHqlY1FsQ1bG7umTuFFs_aSwMvMgx5vQ/s1600/blog_pendleton1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Pendleton tweed hat" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfMcTXxUcJTmDGCTFeGuyZ-Kz_PAtkL5d7lSiRpflcgOQD7FFEUiHHws4UrxO71sNkFo6ERMi0zncKG1qsRosIye25QVgIh6FAFOoDi-In8msS-aGssufEPWgvqmTLb6IXpRURNrJEYY/s1600/blog_pendleton2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Pendleton herringbone tweed" /></p>
<p>Next up is another vintage hat, this one a killer green herringbone tweed by Pendleton, complete with a medallion and a couple feathers (for good measure). This one definitely isn't as low-profile, but at least has a more reasonable color palette going on.</p>
<p>I'll never be able to pull off a fedora, but I think I can get a couple wears a year out of both these slightly jaunty hats. For less than $5 each, that's probably worth it, right?</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-31182618958843889372013-03-18T20:05:00.003-07:002013-03-18T20:05:39.160-07:00Style Share: March<p>I said I'd be back this month, and here I am. By doing <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read more about Style Share">Style Share</a> a little less often, I think I'll be able to offer up even better items, and I think that holds true here. Haven't heard of this before? Well, basically I give away items of clothing and the only thing I ask is that the recipient of said free<strong>*</strong> item email me back a photo or two of them wearing it for a follow-up post on this site (I'll give you credit for the photo and even link your blog if you have one).</p>
<p>This month, I'm going to welcome in spring with open arms with four great ties and hold onto the cool weather with one great tweed hat. I'm sending out the first <strong>three</strong> items claimed, so let's do this!</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmVMIcQEd0svsJ8VEpQleCauOXcfe3aTF_iXs6yfavWkR6Bf4XFOysezU5I7so5HVCJLbL3ssva_TxCeL_CQTDcSa0BfpJIW4sIeVeC6iCyPyAgBCTs3wq7pwmue7g_dMP_B8RRJxzxA/s1600/blog_ss_bb1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Green Brooks Brothers" /></p>
<p>I just missed St. Patrick's Day, but frankly this Brooks Brothers tie should sail clear through summer. Nice greens and blues without being too crazy.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB2iLYSQ3944Tutaxb8OxuPNbxZe3UYQ7poe2ycCsAAhi0T5By0pZqSeB-q6SLvG86mnL_ESCsPg5T2CQioxGQSza1IpPtdDAJiaAW4e9BdUpRSw-reyz3uTpN8PJ1Oe9XJubu9m3kI8/s1600/blog_ss_bb3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers flowers" /></p>
<p>Beautiful navy Brooks Brothers tie with a flower motif. Spring. Easter. Summer. Everything. Wear it with a dark suit and play things down a bit, it goes with anything.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6js6QMVd2Q3JiwVmx0bRcA-j3bIJs4CTr3DrK2r2OtcHu46EgXzY5wX93Q3qoczyzOc81s7wD_5BMESlNbFvqmxI0hUCuZn3FYm6zPia_JcLHa5sGUnBd4-TQqIASywu8G-0LYNHjpg/s1600/blog_ss_bb2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers foulard" /></p>
<p>Another Brooks Brothers tie, this one in a nice foulard print. At this point, you're probably wondering why I don't just sell these things on ebay. The answer is that I really like my readers. Again, this one can go with so much and leaves your pocket square options wide open and bright.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZOFuRSNo3tua8kZA0TX9UJI2qcnIOrfLgy362nrcNF7sVK-RWt59H34y53whryNPI3VVL6Bh6J11xFMbV7IPOVYvhu8RKdMTswrmAXcPMvbZomGqpPXdNrQvz-1I9JJtKIlsEf0ntjI/s1600/blog_ss_talbott.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Robert Talbott madras" /></p>
<p>If the above weren't enough, how about a mega vintage Robert Talbott madras tie? Cream and faint pinks and blues. Linen suits, white bucks, the whole nine yards. Claim it before I keep it.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMM5VbhHxsf74b3qV7ItWkOmhxS-Cn0n3hakQWDIuARNSpLWOUH2HsacZpIvjyIxTM2Z6M2n5gFoHGUrEiH9HOV-3_2d-ZYQZUxc25DD5dSWCMw1bTOHiGP205jiIKxj7oKNLftRAXLg/s1600/blog_ss_tweedhat.jpg" class="frame center" alt="flecked tweed hat" /></p>
<p>The wind was still whistling here today, and probably will be for a couple weeks yet. Size small. True measured circumference of 21.5". I have <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2011/03/sweater-surprise.html" title="read a post about tweed and sweaters">a hat</a> like this I wear incessantly and it's great.</p>
<p>As usual, claim your item in the comments, then email me through the address listed on the site. It's really that simple.</p>
<p>Perhaps it goes without saying, but if you see something you like that doesn't get claimed and you want to trade/purchase it, just email me. I've actually traded for a few items in the past and frankly it's nearly just as fun for me.</p>
<p><em><strong>*</strong>Seriously, it's free, and yours to keep forever. No strings attached. I won't share your name on the site or with anyone else unless you have a blog of your own that you want me to link. Please note that all clothing will be used (but certainly not stained, smelly, or damaged, as I do have standards), so please only agree to participate if this sort of thing doesn't gross you out. Thanks!</em></p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-16364142255940170482013-03-11T20:58:00.001-07:002013-03-11T20:58:11.081-07:00Handiwork revisited<p>Nearly two years ago, I <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2011/03/project-pocket-squares.html" title="read about ">wrote a post</a> about a little project I was working on while passing some hours one evening.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B96yCJUCbsj2yxxjj8mifHwAW0ZylaEIt7j8f057D_RZM2ppFPDeDkQaGUEbGxc9RaID_nPKN4iOAmZVcVA5APv2RObP_emoMqMt-jiJk8wDfgrHIQQF8y6l0QEOulg7V9N61xR5GyY/s1600/blog_ps2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="hand-sewn pocket square" /></p>
<p>Since that post, I'd worn the hand-rolled pocket square several times, and it was only today that I realized I had never properly photographed it in action.</p>
<p>I started a couple other clothing-related projects around the same time (including making a scarf out of a chopped-up tweed jacket with a few moth holes in it), but mostly abandoned them. Time with an infant (and then toddler) got to be much more important, and instead of learning the fine art and sewing and spending time with a needle and thread, I funneled time into other pursuits.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTL5FnrPJ0R9ktwKjNwo1d-8E5JRuLXoIUEJYoC54vsfU4G6t_Ff6WLkNLnhMeW_Ogz_6deqBYrJIxf7sK12jfNt0h_sfBt1mrR1CmtgXRLroM5I16AJLZ9Jnep2sjO7oLquYFTwnyhM/s1600/blog_ps1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="pocket square plus outfit" /></p>
<p>Truth be told, I only finished two edges of the above pocket square, but with some strategic folding and stuffing, it doesn't really matter. Sometimes life interrupts intentions in a good way, and the two rough edges are a good reminder of that when I wear it.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-45311440854089696812013-03-07T20:12:00.000-08:002013-03-07T20:12:33.666-08:00Style Share Return: Red Italian tie<p>Recently received another Style Share return from the month of <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2012/12/style-share-december.html" title="read Style Share December">December</a>. Reminded me that I should probably do another one soon, and I will within the month of March.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2WalzZY8EPzh17lXuk5Q0oqigkMD4w5hLxHEl_Ua-kewNuRYB5myp-Ynlll1UNY9lWvMHQPW7hmcm-VBOMS_5ZPEzl17QV4ir7F9Hu23E2jOZu9Pv6fv7u-eeLGshY-vmyRqrjN4Q7w/s1600/blog_reddot.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Red Italian tie" /></p>
<p>This lightweight, nice Italian silk number was claimed by the UK-based <a href="http://eclecticephemera.blogspot.com/" title="go to Eclective Ephemera">Bruce Partington-Plans</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjpOlza-pmS0ck8Al_C5Bp90K_MSh65C_tCwq7QXkTxb0VLtOSzsoH3nW9ITX3BCyYd8sr8KZ8IiFP4blWGljNptSdYBklxux-9XZljaAuE-HPd7hQ9XMLcF5UX_LsGleXu9xN1YPs5Q/s1600/blog_styleshare.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Italian red tie" /></p>
<p class="caption"><em>Photo courtesy <a href="http://eclecticephemera.blogspot.com/" title="go to Eclective Ephemera">Bruce Partington-Plans</a></em></p>
<p>As usual, I'll let him give the details.</p>
<blockquote><em>The shirt's nothing to write home about but the jacket was another charity (thrift) store steal from a couple of years ago. Hanging on a rail surrounded by polyester raincoats and leather jackets, this wonderful wool jacket made by Magee of Ireland would probably have cost upwards of £265 ($413) when it was new and it came home with me for £5 ($7.50)! The pictures from my ancient digital camera really don't do it justice - the deep russet brown with red herringbone and blue check made it the perfect choice to go with this tie.</em></blockquote>
<p>I always love it when readers combine their thrift scores with a return, as I know it makes me excited to know that others are out there finding great stuff (and honestly, it just makes me want to get out myself).</p>
<p>Thanks again to <a href="http://eclecticephemera.blogspot.com/" title="go to Eclective Ephemera">Bruce Partington-Plans</a> for participating.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-69374970710552182602013-03-01T20:42:00.001-08:002013-03-01T20:43:33.703-08:00Before the buyout<p>It's long been known that vintage (before they were bought by Gap and given a make-over) Banana Republic clothing and accessories are actually very well-made and in a completely different realm than what the brand has become known for in recent times. In fact, Scott Adams has gone so far as to <a href="http://scottcadams.com/bananarepublic/" title="go to a vintage Banana Republic site">dedicate a site</a> to Banana Republic when they were known as a "Travel and Safari Clothing Company." Needless to say, if you walk into one of their stores today, you're probably not going to find anything that holds up very well on either of the aforementioned.</p>
<p>I've often talked of patience on this blog in regards to thrifting, and I've certainly tested my own while trying to hunt down a new briefcase or satchel for work use. Since last summer, I've been dragging around an older messenger bag that I received back in the era when I was cycling to work every day. It's certainly seen better days, and has several holes and wear spots that have had me in search mode for a half a year or so now. In a combination of sheer frugality and the thrill of the hunt, I passed over several decent bags in the past couple months that would have set me back a little more than a Benjamin Franklin.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0tWeRT9wu6hFwxB2ldHJvpfOkQLgZ2_QWyZjWYlPDPFu1APdrL_OLkOWbqc_As04FEUbtR2K57J4RZObT_qdL3A03zoTS3lriZgEzIh3gK-0OE0V4wW8x0xpfQoVP5ioe-cUGkQ9QR8/s1600/blog_br1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Banana Republic bag" /></p>
<p>My patience finally paid off this past week in the form of a new, old stock bag by the aforementioned Banana Republic. Likely made in the mid 80s or so, it's made of a light green, super heavy cotton twill, with a ton of nice detail work and very solid construction (made in the United Kingdom).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfhdK437HoRx1VzYtnj3pEJPGT-V5egGvcNaxs5T_2DLuLH3MUKujyi_LImjSLTuWPLd06r8H6pOQOJccEbKHQI8qx4h1UxsPCFLaLeWV1ZCgbVQDIR5FJDgz3K1fRa26_6ooPSYf8Cg/s1600/blog_br2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Banana Republic bag bottom" /></p>
<p>All leather trim and brass fittings, it should definitely take a beating. On the plus side, it has enough room for me to haul my lunch, my umbrella, and anything extra I need to stow in it through the course of a day. </p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1molVDR2lJpkJHS_segOD5X6JRe_ws1CeYlMfBcuBJIwFQyC0jRd5LS0ojYcHtrwQ5yD_29zWHdfRyGZ5ehqgLM8J6xcE6dc0vhyEllyJzsvhSBmtDOFk8ncHBnbjUpjSgXHqmRImivA/s1600/blog_br3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Banana Republic bag tag" /></p>
<p>So, after my long wait, I managed to pick up this piece for a grand total of $12 (before tax). I doubt I'll find anything better for a long while.</p>
mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-45642458277481874272013-02-22T20:42:00.000-08:002013-02-22T20:42:06.563-08:00Desaturate<p>While my clothing selections are often a direct reflection of my mindset, lately I've been stripping things down and keeping them incredibly simple just for the sheer ease of it. I've never been accused of being a peacock, but I've been playing it incredibly low-key lately, stripping out as much color as possible while emphasizing texture. It seems a natural thing to do in the winter, and today was one of the more extreme examples.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaudDWDxMFZea67vThAU9xgGB-NAFlDlNx7hewSOVRhaCOTm7gR_4IrxIUQQBEDmBqNMKdjPL_03C9_zFQXAHnG8uZvDYAtfEUVRzZ12kk9OYJQGRzR4qGpVgVG6QdXEsT6rcjABtkSk/s1600/blog_gray.jpg" class="frame center" alt="close-up" /></p>
<p>Up top was a white Lands' End button-down, a dark-gray wool v-neck sweater, and a light-gray tweed Pendleton sport coat that's basically my go-to when it's cold. It has leather elbow patches that are almost the perfect shade of gray between that of the coat and the sweater. A plaid Balenciaga tie with a couple strands of red and some flecks in the tweed are the only hints of color at all.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUlvRfhBm5LfXtDVbjP45wpai2mLvsG593Y8eDyr-UZeiW6jd4XcJREsugGpmTDvZHH6esApi5pyG6alKCQU6DBVGnqltaNP1xp9itBK_W8hZ5UHrh9MnNKtME6TrjNscIvyx3F7mxyg/s1600/blog_gray2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="mid-range details" /></p>
<p>A shot of the midsection reveals even less color.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEbC_6RKyngASV8gKkxdsFVphyJmRvbCOTgzG1LAuqdNBco62w-zJjHkCDw40mYitlYdJzNZ9bHyv8NOgdyC3-YEiqHv4JN6goXxCons4mi7UZo8gkBTPEIj9z-icu8zgkO27Kk5ozKc/s1600/blog_gray3.jpg" alt="lower details" class="frame center" /></p>
<p>Since I went with a plain white pocket square, I figured I could get away with red socks, but even they were muted by black captoes. I suppose one could say that it's completely lacking personality (although the toddlers at my daughters daycare would disagree, with the sheer excitement they showed over the red socks), but it was comfortable and warm, and some days that's about all the personality I need. </p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-58441511955533033452013-01-30T19:42:00.000-08:002013-01-30T19:42:53.168-08:00Style Share return: Navy/Green Pendleton<p>After a long hiatus, I finally got back into action in <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2012/12/style-share-december.html" title="read Style Share December">December</a>. Some times were offered, and many were claimed. This is the second response that I've gotten (although there's certainly at least one good excuse as to why I haven't gotten more).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQJBgGyIm4dAXDNmVHdqtLK2KK7nB0psftmV2RvGdb6bM8pIHFsLdBze-sRJZu1Qiph9y4Wef8PaWQ26kETJLKwvsfnC_UjYr2XACD3tZ3cs2Xh4r0L0F71Hbr0aujTjxZKRO43EJVag/s1600/blog_pendleton.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Pendleton tie"></p>
<p>Long time reader, commenter, and all around good guy Mr. Readerston snagged this excellent plaid Pendleton, which I happen to have a duplicate of in my very own collection.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPz_DxAinGB6-lB3ERMqo55oNLYsuyeyRbCws6pl6KYHCPqCaC1Cory65VG2qjzetxMMoF6K6TyeTHIwGMp9W8hBn1LRJOHjnzwdW3K59HyX47KYIkfcIqs286OIctixY4b-KV1Zdl0I/s1600/styleshare_pendleton.jpg" class="frame center" alt="pendleton tie return" /></p>
<p class="caption"><em>Photo courtesy Mr. Readerston</em></p>
<p>As usual, I'll let him give the details.</p>
<blockquote><em>Mr. Readerston combined this Pendleton wool tie (courtesy of Mr. Midwester) with an Oxford cloth button-down shirt from Mettler's American Mercantile (gift), a cotton cardigan from Uniqlo (bought new), a Polo University by Ralph Lauren jacket (thrifted), and an unbranded Italian silk pocket square (also thrifted). Both the shirt and the jacket were made in the USA.</em>
<em>Out of the shot were a pair of unbranded dark brown heather flannel trousers (thrifted), green wool socks from Lands End (bought new), and brown suede brogues from Bass (also bought new).</em></blockquote>
<p>That cord jacket is absolutely awesome. I've been looking for one for ages, but haven't yet found one that fits my ape arms. The rest of the layers look nice and cozy too for this time of the year. </p>
<p>Thanks again to Mr. Readerston for participating.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-50141803634536212282013-01-15T20:26:00.002-08:002013-01-15T20:28:13.479-08:00Patience is a virtue<p>When I first started thrifting seriously for clothes, I bought everything of even middling quality that came close to fitting me. It was only upon finding that I had far too many useless, ill-fitting clothes cluttering up my closet that I had to change my mindset to one of biding my time until the right items came along.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uadvqBWs_h6VmpMlJaPKN-1qF-E-O-1Q_zFRlUXS06DYK6g9DBBNdQtE6HmDgQXtgq9CPFaF0VrkkQ0jQMPuaswUuI3EMR2PF25xcWb6EuVswx4_w52v9AQNaHZM7Wy29JHHSkyYKMA/s1600/blog_turnbull5.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Turnbull and Asser tie" /></p>
<p>Although I haven't been finding the wealth of ties that I used to when I went out more often, I've still run across a couple treasures lately. One is this heavy silk Turnbull and Asser in white with navy stripes and check. It has a couple tiny little pulls, but they're only noticeable on super close inspection.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-GVOYxxm38j8tm-5L081R9E_RaxqXD-kNG448VruGX2s-CYcFMClyy8zBwR5IizmJ18mC5JomhKR0QHc2cEIe5m3gmaDBljtwfw0qp4yp72fVYgvj4r6ou_sdra2mJnKIk1goO62a80/s1600/blog_turnbull1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Upper shot" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNQUV0beSFnO2Fi-497TAhnWGwm9uZZPXGIPHqij_2gGiqUXiRTncLsP9tWXD7ksQmmJGdM0ihWfyEgjRcxQsXHsXShCFVTs31nLuMuokDpUXYTy-Cj0dn5Bku5ZnzzEmPthABoHkzQk/s1600/blog_turnbull3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Pants and shoes" /></p>
<p>While I haven't been hitting the physical stores as much as in the past, I've managed to pick up a few great finds here and there on ebay. One example is this pair of made in Italy J Crew wingtip boots. J Crew isn't always known for their quality, and these boots looked ridiculously beat in the auction photos, but a couple points stuck out to me while looking at the auction.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPuJHzjcpKjVvn9gM4Mel-dNzcGM1MhPaCrZ6tub1MMCt62HvdBZcnLr7-Hi9OyEuIqGs0IkVyD4kQ-rj1yCRHxs6P_6TRCmX9ZLc8wlB687gtGlT4gnmQdnfrsSzoUW9yWbUNxJMbJc/s1600/blog_turnbull4.jpg" class="frame center" alt="J Crew boots" /></p>
<p>The first is that the heel is actually stacked wood, and the boots are entirely made of leather (except the heel). There are a few J Crew lines that have been licensed by seriously quality makers (in fact, they have done some with Alden), and these appear to be top shelf. One of the things I'd wanted over the past year was a pair of boots just like this, and instead of forking over $300 or more for Allen Edmonds or something of similar quality, I managed to make these mine for under $50 including shipping. After a quality polish, they've done quite nicely, and I'm guessing that if I take care of them, they'll last me a decade or so.</p>
<p>I'll admit it's fund to splurge and strut your stuff with something new once in awhile, but I somehow manage to get that same feeling when I find a screaming deal.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-47462137321216035432013-01-08T20:35:00.001-08:002013-01-08T20:35:23.777-08:00Style Share return: Skiing tie<p><a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2012/12/style-share-december.html" title="read Style Share December">Last month,</a> I finally got back into the swing of things with Style Share and offered up a pile of ties. Not sure if I'll do it every month, but I have some seriously rad stuff that will be offered up as soon as the temperatures go up a bit.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79AR97RRZe6-W4mh9VVgvSBkR4kCWxNt39FVAe79oloKgHUlqc3pu2O8Uce3Ec9HYEvrrKdB8Xg8nq-NBZY7Bpq5SWh4Jgio8r5kUIbShDCpbRtRLthWeAfh0d67xSaWiAArbQAmDKWs/s1600/blog_skibrown.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brown ski tie" /></p>
<p>GetTicketsToTheDance claimed this fun ski motif tie from the Squire Shop, and even provided a link with a bit of history about the place it was made for.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUO80x7fAt-rUdGTtx3F0M2mIrUyp5whwDrGk7SLVALNLejvEjeVlwOUkZuQdk8Mif4KttH4KpQQG7KJ9hkn4ALN8r-Fn92UMJghQ2Xp_2V77Rro7UZcI7vVgyIFgYsHFPiPlK8InDRKk/s1600/styleshare_ski2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="ski tie detail" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1YUM5tBaGvqeuzqyEHN1Any0Qzlp3EniZdGofmK4zgmYsPGOGtMVVQYfJpy8cDaQf7qJe2d6QwNUs5W7RQZ2g7Vg3fdldFJV3h3Dy2mpbd2OVZoGz5vMOirdFfIbgRG08yRsVSBwSfo/s1600/styleshare_ski1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="ski tie lower shot" /></p>
<p class="caption"><em>Photos courtesy GetTicketsToTheDance</em></p>
<p>As usual, I'll let him give the details.</p>
<blockquote><em>The coat is a vtg Navy flannel 3/2 Sack from the Harvard Co-Op, the shirt is a current Brooks Brothers Oxford Cloth Button down (USA Made), the khakis are LL Bean flannel lined, the ragg socks are Cabot Brothers (now Darn Tough out of VT), and the Beefroll pennies are Florsheim Imperial. The Coat and Khakis were thrifted, the shoes a cheap ebay pickup.</em></blockquote>
<p>Not only classic-looking, but warm as well (I've got to get some flannel-lined pants for the days when the wind gets wicked around here). I'm a big fan of mixing in a <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2010/11/for-birds.html" title="read an entry about bird ties">playful tie</a> with a more traditional coat and pants combination. Lots of bargain shopping as well!</p>
<p>Thanks again to GetTicketsToTheDance for participating.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-48822516445051291552012-12-17T19:41:00.000-08:002012-12-17T19:41:00.620-08:00Style Share: December<p>Sheesh. What a year / month / week (pick one or all of the aforementioned). I sincerely hope that you and yours are well and that you're able to spend some quality time with the ones you love over the course of the next couple weeks. If nothing else, remind the people in your life that you love them every chance you get.</p>
<p>It's been awhile since I've done a <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read more about Style Share">Style Share,</a> so even if you're a new follower to the blog, fortunately the rules are quite simple; I offer up some items of clothing and the only thing I ask is that the recipient of said free<strong>*</strong> item email me back a photo or two of them wearing it for a follow-up post on this site (I'll give you credit for the photo and even link your blog if you have one).</p>
<p>This month it's all about ties, and each one has sort of a winter / holiday theme. I'm sending out the first <strong>four</strong> claimed, so have at it.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtD5RvdL-FWSb2hzgg_Tt-SJiRrBnw6dDMPT_51DDSnTTkdQXw8IeN1ofKynmffPoz7s-Fc75Wv2cAvYP8C11ru8pYfBOXsGsbkK6IR76NlZqamQfpcOkJaz7WVAhlAdmp9lPpWph9Xs/s1600/blog_brookssanta.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers Santa" /></p>
<p>Vintage Brooks Brothers Santa Claus emblematic tie. Not really much more to say other than that it's a classic.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKnIfL94duQc5NFrXsQoAnSzrn6HJGrM72fWxM-tumAMgS9lJvTCbgNsE-cpg73uHZ2pGdyGFtIZJUn-9G-IqWAIuj1gZ1gTF3C0bJberWG4rZMFjKzTVloGAucJg0-8JIuINvFzm6rc/s1600/blog_skinavy.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Navy ski tie" /></p>
<p>Yellow ski jumpers emblematic tie on navy silk. Awesome as well.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjhTjgBTZJFIcaZubOspxvge35h8u5mJLcXAro3GFkohuzLEGpjDi1gnHpeMvWsWrBIdQNkEWDgmKx2aXsYuRT2PsFKs_-UmUTiyasSY63Y9Ws1NblcL_DjFe7thmIU6NEf9IRskC-B4/s1600/blog_le-candy.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Lands End candy cane" /></p>
<p>Lands' End green candy cane / mistletoe colored tie.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQJBgGyIm4dAXDNmVHdqtLK2KK7nB0psftmV2RvGdb6bM8pIHFsLdBze-sRJZu1Qiph9y4Wef8PaWQ26kETJLKwvsfnC_UjYr2XACD3tZ3cs2Xh4r0L0F71Hbr0aujTjxZKRO43EJVag/s1600/blog_pendleton.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Pendleton tartan" /></p>
<p>Semi-wide Pendleton tartan tie in the colors of the season.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79AR97RRZe6-W4mh9VVgvSBkR4kCWxNt39FVAe79oloKgHUlqc3pu2O8Uce3Ec9HYEvrrKdB8Xg8nq-NBZY7Bpq5SWh4Jgio8r5kUIbShDCpbRtRLthWeAfh0d67xSaWiAArbQAmDKWs/s1600/blog_skibrown.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brown ski tie" /></p>
<p>Wool / silk knit with another skier motif. I think it's going to snow here soon, and I hope it does in your area as well (once you reach your intended location).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2WalzZY8EPzh17lXuk5Q0oqigkMD4w5hLxHEl_Ua-kewNuRYB5myp-Ynlll1UNY9lWvMHQPW7hmcm-VBOMS_5ZPEzl17QV4ir7F9Hu23E2jOZu9Pv6fv7u-eeLGshY-vmyRqrjN4Q7w/s1600/blog_reddot.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Italian red dot" /></p>
<p>No-label made in Italy beauty with small black dots on juicy red. No problem going year-round with this.</p>
<p>As usual, claim your item in the comments, then email me through the address listed on the site. It's really that simple.</p>
<p>Perhaps it goes without saying, but if you see something you like that doesn't get claimed and you want to trade/purchase it, just email me. I've actually traded for a few items in the past and frankly it's nearly just as fun for me.</p>
<p><em><strong>*</strong>Seriously, it's free, and yours to keep forever. No strings attached. I won't share your name on the site or with anyone else unless you have a blog of your own that you want me to link. Please note that all clothing will be used (but certainly not stained, smelly, or damaged, as I do have standards), so please only agree to participate if this sort of thing doesn't gross you out. Thanks!</em></p>
mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-48439717279357690902012-11-28T20:33:00.002-08:002012-11-28T20:33:47.765-08:00Gray things for gray days<p>If I ran down a litany of all the things that have happened in my life over the course of the past couple months, it would sound like a sad country song. I've been busy, and not always in ways that have been happy, but things have now settled back into normalcy and I'm going to celebrate that by keeping on.</p>
<p>For obvious reasons, one of the last things I felt like doing was updating my blog, but along the way I realized that even though it's somewhat frivolous in nature, I actually did miss it a little. If nothing else, it kept my creative juices flowing a bit in trying to capture some decent images and string together some words that made a little sense.</p>
<p>After the most brutal summer that I can remember living through (in terms of heat and drought), we finally got a bit of a cold snap here, and it was welcome to me, as my fall wardrobe contains my favorites. I love my tweed jackets and over-the-calf socks and chunky ties and yes, even sweater vests (and sweaters). It gives me an excuse to wear wool hats and scarves and for once I don't have to worry about what hour of the day I'm going to inevitably sweat through my undershirt.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWEG7awP-Oafba-X-ispeoA0oy1Uki2fVGqdc8KFipUih2o-H-ELYXYsic26rvq1EdQnrynxzfBL9eh-FseeAlCUmwSV6ysSGb2Cl81b7o7G0ChAdijYAkf13iTDWhUkdq3kETn6l_r4/s1600/blog_tweed1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="tweed upper" /></p>
<p>This past week, I finally broke out some of my tweeds, starting with this color-flecked gray Pendleton. It pretty much goes with anything, but I paired it with navy trousers and a green, vintage v-neck Pringle sweater.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT_H_rtEoFzh2LwWK4lFNWdFzRrEK7t_g-ATy5xeKI6c1v7G2gh9_eBf2H-J2XlVDcDp6X5IYBD-zf94TnkVN_4-6JREIY4MxfqVOB_9B91RI_NlgKZs3soTmX-oYICHd499BEOod0E4/s1600/blog_tweed2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="tweed lower" /></p>
<p>Although this time of year features my favorite outfit combinations, it's also the hardest time to get decent photos outside, as the sun goes down so early that I have to get home early and set aside a couple minutes in addition just to have a chance. With a toddler and various household things that need done, it just doesn't always happen. In the previous photo, I managed to kill two birds with one stone in shooting photos at the same time I was emptying our compost bucket (pictured).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m8m2m6dUlpDlFyk2C5u887qtSxEIfRne0tyuxz2ttMEIhFHRIKcCbGYy1j0kxTqltZMGeRdvTWMERjZ8JjQaMIvqYFQMGXLIIthyphenhyphen2V2uHMLjCbYn8eFgDAb40ngFzmUfwaGmsd_XFV4/s1600/blog_tweed3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="pumpkin" /></p>
<p>With a dry summer and a really long, mild fall, the squirrels have all gotten incredibly fat. We still have two pumpkins left from Halloween, but one of them has been almost completely destroyed (this is the lucky one).</p>
<p>I'm going to be in the giving mood in December. Six months is long enough to go without <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read more about Style Share">Style Share,</a> don't you think?</p>
mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-58499735589277331212012-11-11T19:54:00.005-08:002012-11-11T19:58:53.048-08:00Shill: Saucony Kinvara<p>Prior to our daughter being born, my exercise of choice was cycling. Several summers back, I found an old (1985, to be exact) Trek touring bike and modded it out, turning it into a poor-mans cyclocross bicycle that was perfect for riding the crushed limestone rails-to-trails paths that snake across the countryside in my state.</p>
<p>Over the course of under three years, I put over 5000 miles on that bike, and would routinely leave the house for 2 hour rides, my favorite being a 30-mile jaunt that I finished in an hour and 20 minutes at my peak.</p>
<p>With a month left in the pregnancy, I started getting the feeling where I didn't want to be too far of a distance away from home (especially in the middle of the countryside), just in case. The bike got parked in the basement, and I dusted off my running shoes.</p>
<p>It wasn't enough to just start running, though, as I'd done that many summers ago and ended up paying for it with some severe shin splints in the fall. Instead, I did a little reading up and decided to rebuild my running technique based on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChiRunning" title="read about ChiRunning">ChiRunning</a>. Having read up on it, I figured a change might be in order, as over time it's supposed to reduce injury and be better for the body in general. After five summers of hardcore tennis playing and some bone spurs in my hip to show for it, I was looking to reduce wear and tear in any way possible.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDdrpuy9i1Lzoo2zKFZHMVaHgasjZzLOn5ZzaQM2E9E4hGvT946VgDqxoXMmQMN7p2eB6j92pYizJFdSxY4SqanjldQLloqZMH3fs2Atz5-ZOSZDA0B_ZEqG2LFh22QFIZt8TYsTjfDc/s1600/blog_saucony1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Saucony tread" /></p>
<p>Here's a picture of the bottoms of my first pair of minimalist running shoes (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-ProGrid-Kinvara-Running-White/dp/B00386I2BW/almostcoolmusicr" title="go to Amazon.com">Saucony - Kinvara</a>) after almost 600 miles. The outsole is massively compressed, but they're still wearable and even comfortable.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis38CrfiiPKuF4ODWAvf4Zyf_NihuyAiOwyjeSr3MaPvPD5VxO6swjf_bvS1rrLRSopk-2oXW6jNnWa_kDtPPOEClV9vyPQTZUZFTHeNH3o6ZuZw6FzDtN4e5lYy4yIRlj8kh7HGaPfwQ/s1600/blog_saucony2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Saucony shoes" /></p>
<p>Here's the same shoes from above, showing a little bit more wear and tear, including a bunch of dirt and crud that got embedded in the mesh while running off paved paths (about half my mileage). The shoes are crazy light, weighing in at only 12 ounces each (and that's for a size 14 shoe), and have just enough cushion for a large-framed fellow without going full-on barefoot style (which I know my body would not like).</p>
<p>Since I retired the aforementioned pair, I picked up the latest model from Saucony, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-Progrid-Kinvara-Running-Black/dp/B006MQPJKM/almostcoolmusicr" title="go to Amazon.com">the Kinvara 3</a>. They've upgraded a few of the things that bugged me (the outer mesh is stronger), while keeping everything great about the shoe.</p>
<p>I'm up to almost 1000 miles run (since I started up again) and haven't been slowed by injury once (with the longest break between runs being 5 days due to sickness). For an old, lanky fellow with a tendency for aches and pains, I consider that a win.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-24696239564633689332012-10-02T19:43:00.003-07:002012-10-02T19:45:44.118-07:00Gone carving<p>Our long, brutal summer has finally given way to some cooler temperatures, and while we're still running at near dust-bowl levels in terms of moisture for the year, the bearable nights and reasonable days have me at least thinking about my favorite season in terms of clothing.</p>
<p>It's closer to pumpkin carving season than it is powder carving (heck, we haven't even gotten frost here yet), but if nothing else these ties helped me mark the changing of the seasons.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSskbrSgLdt2kuUD6G1E3ADfwQR4BT49wmy4NiA61VRFYnK8c8Yzh1mJum28egXpMitcS101sNMq5Zi2u-wIgKDuo5LJL6hFDygo6M1Dp9_jUGqxqTkURlbOCSN9pfg6dHFPZmPbZJY4Q/s1600/blog_skis.jpg" class="frame center" alt="ski ties" /></p>
<p>I haven't skied in years, but I have a flaw in my character that I simply can't pass up novelty ties like this when they come my way. They're all great colors, with excellent movement, and while the fellow on the right might be a hiker and the odd man out, I couldn't just leave him hanging there.</p>
<p>More content coming this month, including a return of <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read about Style Share">Style Share</a> and more. Stay tuned.</p>
mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-19025048742637513002012-08-22T20:02:00.000-07:002012-08-22T20:02:02.865-07:00Casual glen plaid<p>While tradition (<a href="http://putthison.com/post/29635680290/q-and-answer-when-can-i-wear-a-tie-without-a" title="read a post at Put This On">and many others</a>) says you probably shouldn't wear a tie without a suit, blazer, or sport coat, I'll admit that it's one of the rules I break sometimes. I've <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2011/03/jacket-not-jacket.html" title="read another entry about wearing a tie without a sport coat">written before</a> about mixing more casual shirts (and a tie) with more sporty jackets, and I'll probably do it again at some point in the future. There are days where I require at least a thin extra layer in the morning and after work, but barely leave the office during the day, and sometimes I find myself with this combination.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M9nbGiqtXETnugcksPNPmMplbMTy8L-5Lo2GrgYKVNSzvK0Z97YxI8jay3Yx0zTCnyrI8kxyzIH5u3JtCia3NiwiGpqz7UJMOGWX3K9uVc7TTdfytvmxXvkQdlZ2QNTv6zQ9lIn354o/s1600/blog_tiejacket.jpg" class="frame center" alt="tie and jacket" /></p>
<p>I fell into this look recently, during a week when work was a grind and the temperature was just a pinch below the heat oven it's been for months. It made even more sense given my bicycle commute.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGamBDQsaXg-TtlrkK0_bwjDRgPCUXkNih9Fi7sbAHq72zokXDSGTRYJ2pth3z8_QI1vqjXzWSBiDx_E0Qx9g8sJfwkb8I9-ZM7cQrlKjRNlvyvnjZ6-CSed8ewvMGo9_fJosCNwnwiR0/s1600/blog_tiejacket2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="jacket and tie detail" /></p>
<p>It is summer, and a cherry red linen tie popped over a brightly-colored striped shirt. Showing a complete disregard for eyeballs everywhere was the lightly-colored glen plaid jacket over the top.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe5JDXtF8RTePUx67LACJM1PzPGL6EJXEbvgRwSnQ0HawYBjgT4Hrpz0C-I2PjTEJebXlUzAf13YSYwY7x1Z0RmuTHckJYjQnM9ZXDHbbSSkg37tBPuGW2BH1B4XL5yWco7xW6g3d19c/s1600/blog_tiejacket3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="jacket tag" /></p>
<p>The jacket itself is a vintage (I'm guessing 60s or so from the tag) piece that I picked up years ago, and despite being lightweight, it's held up incredibly well (the talon metal zipper alone is massive and feels indestructible). It's not really a windbreaker and it's certainly not waterproof, but sometimes it's the perfect jacket for layering, tradition be damned.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-11979074005207543842012-08-02T20:05:00.000-07:002012-08-02T20:06:08.843-07:00Paper trail<p>Earlier this summer, I was scanning some ebay searches while rocking my daughter to sleep one night. I ran across a seller who had obviously come into a good-sized stock of Brooks Brothers sport coats that were new with original tags. I could tell that they were older (given the script on the tags) and although there weren't exact measurements in the listings, I could also tell that they were completely unfinished, most with original basting through the sleeves (and later found the small paper packets of mother-of-pearl buttons in the breast pockets).</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XedSjhSluQlpvBF4RMLMkGzCuQP4B1mFdIcbA9y7wFSKBv9C1saUFsbF5tj21WP39cHKvCAzNzsnxzPbGdIcX4bPnnlYs-9MeeowK3-94fUnUKJ7_lnNEQ8sPQXQFdbvnn6sEu9Y1v8/s1600/brooks1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers arms" /></p>
<p>Even though I typically wear a 42xl in Brooks Brothers, I took a chance and pulled the trigger on a couple of them in size 42l, as they were only $24 each, plus a total of $12 shipping (the seller kindly combined charges). They shipped quickly, and after I'd received them and determined that there was indeed enough extra fabric in the sleeves for my ape-arms, I quickly purchased the final one in my size and had it sent my way as well.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SfDt421RV8AvuiatQmCPU7deiSia_HfWvdPb5jiz0w2KPH12xN3B9vsf-chyOmQY6bmzyVqXE1D6RJEJRzP6joIRn-QZJiFxdQnu-EkI9Lw_FVbvFyOgYU8869tQd4W3dxFnqMFqG4Q/s1600/brooks2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Brooks Brothers 2" /></p>
<p>They instantly became some of the most peacock-esque things in my entire wardrobe, and I took the one I thought I'd wear most to my tailor and had him finish it up for me (before he left town for an extended vacation). While it's certainly on the bright side, the deep teal has become a favorite, as it goes especially well with anything blue (even seersucker, as <a href="http://yankee-whisky-papa.blogspot.com/2012/07/olympic-efforts-velvet-slippers.html" title="post at Boxing The Compass">seen in this picture</a>).</p>
<p>The others still need to be finished, and I'm honestly fluctuating back and forth on whether I even have enough swagger to pull off the bright peach number. Heck, it could probably even become it's own <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/yay%20or%20nay" title="Yay or nay">Yay or Nay</a> post.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KPdFhBTk8HOnZ7ytmX7S5QCxGwyWxZz83SikkQ7kyLws2kEWXANZz8debB5WcNiF159PE70jczuDUtjbMTBCMFfRoq6aSzgnMgupNVSPlII-qkNqjz6w4TGcxwQvCHDKJ-f0rjbY9lE/s1600/brooks3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="Filenes tag" /></p>
<p>As someone interested in provenance, one of the most interesting things about the sport coats were their original tags, including this one from Filene's Basement with an original price of $48.00 (twice what I paid for it). One can even make out the date on the small sticker attached to the tag (May 6th, 1989), placing the pieces right about where I figured (I had guessed mid 80s in my head).</p>
<p>A true warehouse find, with a decent bit of history. Oh, and I even got the 20-year discount price.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-53137792406216617252012-07-25T20:07:00.000-07:002012-07-25T20:07:57.031-07:00Slow motion tie haul<p>Although I haven't had a <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2011/08/tie-bonanza-continuing-saga.html" title="read about a tie bonanza">big</a> <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2011/01/brooks-bonanza.html" title="read about a Brooks Brothers tie bonanza">tie</a> <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2010/06/tie-bonanza.html" title="read about a tie bonanza!">bonanza</a> in some time, there was a period of about a month where I found one decent tie every time I ventured into a thrift store. They were often the only good things I found on my adventures (other than some great toddler outfits), but a couple of them filled holes and some others will probably find themselves returned to the wild at some point.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmsKjebvdI674QMrcdScmSJeU7hANvcMaNinGlxZFkWQs2HXEDaNr5_ck-xaGvHbBPsY_mBWswCTIFa17v3Krqk6kJtsFLhV4f5grZClRsdHi8IF9Px0o83piJhptnoRivCAcf35p4WQ/s1600/blog_ties1.jpg" class="frame center" alt="four ties" /></p>
<p>First up is this stack of really varied pieces, from several different makers.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqTca4HgKAa3Q0Z5l06JgWPsap_PrpPg56cOl6YOQfwxM2Q6fZp0FgTzo-q8fjuxdAZOv7Oe77jG6ADlu7DDn1AE4VTu8ZJpLUOZNmYuQALePtuTTB8riSNq41_R59_Qeo2Ctuz94Ld0/s1600/blog_ties2.jpg" class="frame center" alt="paisley and prints" /></p>
<p>I don't have too many green ties, so the Lands' End on the left definitely fills a void, and while I knew nothing of Pineda Covalin, the Mexican bird motif charmed me (in an Hermes, Ferragamo-esqe way). The construction on it is quality and I can't quite decide whether I should keep it or not. The Polo piece is one that I'm still torn on as well, as I fluctuate between thinking it's bold and something I need to keep while at other times thinking I need to burn it with fire. The far right Lands' End is also a keeper. Lovely summer colors.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXnGC9LSn7YHORdMF5rOKkpTgAVwtMnobYuk8L-thS_p1x4d02HRLesHiaudQ8itTjjg3TL8l6lhNSJY0zcCXgExj6YMQ6e2MmkloIsCCm9eMTftvQkGUEF3wkoiN3QVLlQXc-aphzd8/s1600/blog_ties3.jpg" class="frame center" alt="madras and plaid" /></p>
<p>Stack of madras and plaid, again from different makers.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoUXMS2m6nULE_V9ukn2_TA-okkHh0bcMuv_yYul9vaERLgmZPtXp-8G38k91fbI4kod8RIdd3cLMhr9rBvNpM5H4e_dpSTk-4io1_CVFIV3ptgiri757kvZQl3bjohZ8k52jRSTQOQ/s1600/blog_ties4.jpg" class="frame center" alt="madras and plaid ties" /></p>
<p>After not finding any madras for ages, I ran across three all in just over a weeks time, including the two, old Talbott pieces in the middle. Of these three pieces, my favorite may very well be the really unique "Country Traditionals" plaid cotton tie by Pendleton. It's not madras, but the greens, blues, and reds are really lovely and it's casual in all the right ways.</p>
<p>I've promised myself I will get rid of at least one tie from my collection with every one that I bring in, so this slower uptake makes for easier decisions than finding two handfuls in one swoop.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573413916297379788.post-19748392311605608342012-07-22T19:59:00.002-07:002013-03-07T19:59:03.274-08:00Style Share return: Two-tone cufflinks<p><a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/2012/06/style-share-june.html" title="read Style Share June">Last month,</a> I broke from tradition a bit and offered up a batch of cufflinks on <a href="http://mistermidwester.blogspot.com/search/label/style%20share" title="read more Style Share">Style Share.</a> I wasn't sure how well they'd go over, but the minimum got claimed and there was interest in others as well. Perhaps I'll offer a few more in the future.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AcJR2LUSzlVYC4cjsk3tI5T4ntQIrnq1Hlx8fb4nvDQ3M7smA02FlxOPjl-OLGocSC493SmJTh81LL-_sRsteqjXRYyPsepDW8nbpoqh5DAFzNh9HOATZMwWJ5dEDyu8wAFWq9nE5jk/s1600/ss_links5.jpg" class="frame center" alt="links 5" /></p>
<p><a href="http://eclecticephemera.blogspot.com/" title="go to Eclective Ephemera">Bruce Partington-Plans</a> claimed these chunky silver tone brushed/matte deco style numbers.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjnbaDvFEBsjhfnZ-yS3ALTzPQCnc2Og3_5_MrFS2tm8C3rRNLAI2oBUl3NF0P9IbriijKE9nASGgPZr0uubBmto5Lx3K8Q31l0Y-JdBQTVPfQsE6UpaRItaGvhjLQF_52u8jax9WeZQ/s1600/blog_links.jpg" class="frame center" alt="cufflinks" /></p>
<p class="caption"><em>Photo courtesy <a href="http://eclecticephemera.blogspot.com/" title="go to Eclective Ephemera">Bruce Partington-Plans</a></em></p>
<p>As always, I'll let the recipient (him) explain...</p>
<blockquote>The shirt that I thought would be the equal of the 'links was quite possibly my find of the year - an Ede & Ravenscroft two-fold cotton black/blue pinstripe number. Ede & Ravenscroft is the oldest tailor in London (est. 1689) and holds the Royal Warrant (i.e. Purveyors to The British Royal Family). Their off-the-peg shirts usually start around £70 ($110). I found my one, hardly worn, in a local charity (thrift) shop for - £3 ($5)! The woven silk tie is also a second-hand find and another good old British name - Wolsey - for only £1 ($1.50). I think the pattern sits well with that found on the cufflinks.</blockquote>
<p>A fellow thrifter from across the pond! Thanks again to <a href="http://eclecticephemera.blogspot.com/" title="go to Eclective Ephemera">Bruce Partington-Plans</a> for participating.</p>mistermidwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991447839707804625noreply@blogger.com1