The 'Optimo'-l Summer Hat

The Optimo style straw hat (not to be confused with the Optimo hat works in Chicago) is considered to be a somewhat outdated style hat by many in the mainstream.

Thankfully we're not in the mainstream, here.

The unique look of the open crown with a solitary ridge running down the center of the crown is a conservative (read old fashioned) and therefore a somewhat daring (in this day and age) shape to give a hat. So its name 'Optimo' is well deserved, as I consider it the king of summer straws.

click images to enlarge

Finding a vintage Optimo straw is difficult: while popular back in the day, the fedora-style Panama hat still took first place in the hearts and on the heads of hat wearers. Seeing an Optimo straw on the head of a man meant he was a little bit of a dandy and that the rest of his attire would not disappoint.



And so, I'd never seen let alone handled a vintage Optimo. Until a couple weeks ago.

That's when I bought this beauty from the 1930s:




It's a Stetson, as are so many fine quality hats from that era. The very finely and tightly woven straw was in perfect condition and still flexible.



No stains on the thin bi-colored ribbon and bow. The ventilated sweatband in beautiful condition. Size 7 3/8.



Pristine. Rare. Not my size.





So, I sold it the same day I got it. Truthfully, it sold within 5 minutes of being offered.
And don't ask the price. Let's just say it was fair for both the seller and buyer and that both are very happy with the deal.


But one thing's for sure: if you ever see me scouring the thrift shops and antique malls, I'll still be looking for that King, the Optimo.

In my size.

You Don't Have to be Boating...

...to wear canvas boat shoes. These casual summer shoes are a classic and perfect for bumming around your place, making a quick trip in-town or exploring the countryside on a hot summer day. Go sockless to avoid that hapless old man look.



Wear with pretty much whatever you want that's casual, especially a lightweight button-down shirt, linen trousers and a Panama hat.

For those of you looking for a pair, the best deal I've found are (surprisingly) Faded Glory shoes from Walmart. They're $12-$14 depending upon your area and come in two canvas colors: blue (pictured above) and light gray. My (blue) pair from Wally World have been comfortable and durable so far this Spring and required no breaking in.

Enjoy the warm weather and check out these classic shoes.

Use Your Hat

They're not just for wearing.



Have some fun with 'em.

Style: Comfortable in Your Own Skin

Read the following article and know that style, while it has much to do with knowing the rules and how to break them tastefully, also has much ado about being comfortable with yourself.



Who's ever seen a stiff and uncomfortable stylish guy?

Article: The Importance of Being Oscar

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”

Time to be Best Dressed

Yup, Esquire is having its "best dressed real man" contest again and I've entered it (as of this writing you have 38 days to enter as well).

Anytime is a good time to dress well, especially for this contest put on by what many consider to the be foremost men's magazine.

In last year's contest I got as far as the semi-finals, being one of 25 that made it that far out of over 400 entries. Hopefully this year will prove to be just as successful if not more.



You can view my profile by clicking here. Also check out the other profiles, you may or may not like what you see.

The top 25 are chosen on May 1st along with the begining of voting for your favorite. The 5 finalists will be revealed on August 17th and the winner will be announced sometime in September.

May the truly best dressed man win!

WIW: Blue and Gray

It may seem like this blog is turning into a 'What I Wore' site, but it's not. I've been busy with work, hobbies, guns and more work. I've more up my sleeve...

Sunday I wore this 1941-dated 'Fashion Park' suit. It's a great fit with a nice silhouette.

Strangely enough, all of the buttons are cream on the front and purple on the back. Question is, were they made like that or did they all fade? I'm thinking the former.

click photos to enlarge

The trousers are flat front, which was fairly common in the early to mid-'40s though pleats still ruled the day. While I'm not usually a fan of flat front trousers these are wonderful. They drape beautifully and the front crease is so strong, makes for a very angular appearance.


The rest of the suit is just as fine, too. The lapels nicely roll to the center button, as they should.
The tie is a late '20s/early '30s specimen with a great Art Deco pattern to it. It along with the pocket square (especially the pocket square) help bring out the very subtle plaid pattern with light blue windowpaning that pretty much can only be seen in sunlight:

It's that subtle deepness of vintage colors that I love so much. Respectful yet playful and usually won't make your eyes bleed.

Usually.

It's That Time Again

Even while it's still cold outside and we pray for no more snow, it's that wonderful time of the year when we start thinking of Spring and Summer (Spring does start later this month, after all). And while the cold weather is sure to continue least to the end of the month, retailers are at that transition point when they've brought in new Spring styles while placing the old Winter styles on sale.

The best of both worlds.

This is a great time to scope out the new warm weather styles (everything old is new again), color combos and fabrics while saving a bundle on heavy winter clothing that you can still use for the rest of this Winter or save for when the cold blows in again next year.



Below are a few things that await you on this blog when the warm weather does finally hit, just to give you a small taste, a sneak peek:

click photos to enlarge

Until then, enjoy the rest of the cold weather. Hopefully we'll be able to discuss overcoats before it becomes too warm to wear them.