Breaking the Law (the polo ape)

In the old days, when I was a lean and hungry aspiring rock star, I was quite fond of the dressy up top/jeans on the bottom thing. Then, inexplicably, I made the decision to behave more like a grown-up, and the denim went largely to the back of the closet. But there are times when it really is just the thing:

Vintage ex-letterman sweater, Levi's, Bostonian loafers, no-name silk repp/club tie, and an extra fancy shirt by Ralphie.I realize the whole thing smacks of a hopeless "Polo" affectation, but I'll justify it to myself because only one piece of it is actually Polo.

I wear a button down collar these days almost exclusively, but maybe I should throw in the English style spread a little more often. I know, you ain't supposed to wear a thin knot with a spread collar, but who cares, I dig it. And I finally realized that the cream colored cardigan is best used as sort of a sports jacket.

And cripes, to make matters worse, French cuffs with a sweater? Heaven forbid! I'll be the first to admit the "fashion" aspect of such combinations. But sometimes I like the extra fancy shirt with the contrast collar and French cuffs, and if it weren't for these kind of outfits, I'd never get to use them. The last time I wore this shirt was two years ago with a three piece suit and a solid tie. These days, it's highly unlikely that I'll be able to make an excuse for the three piece any time soon...Hell, even this outfit was excessively overdressed. But wouldn't it be a shame to waste such a nice shirt?

Finish with jeans and black tassels. Until I got these loafers, I was almost exclusively a brown shoe kind of guy. But I think these have broadened my horizons.

(photo: the Sartorialist)

All this just two days after I was ready to bust on this guy for taking the whole Polo look way to seriously, even if he does work for Ralphie. Good thing I held my tongue. But I will say, this whole lace-up dress shoe/no sock/rolled pants thing has got to stop. Loafers, o.k., but lace ups? Nonsense.

p.s. Fine and Dandy Shop has seen fit to profile yours truly. Shucks, I'm blushing.

p.p.s. Say it ain't so, Toad. We'll miss you

p.p.p.s. Who makes a sartorial bust on YSL? I'll admit, I agree with our man's thoughts on considered dishevelment, but seriously, how you gonna dog YSL? Really.

p.p.p.p.s. Mrs. G and I actually saw some guys playing polo last week. A first time for everything.