About a week ago, I debuted this vintage black flannel blazer. I like this jacket. It fits well, the cloth is beautiful. But those damned silver buttons were just too tacky, even for me. Something had to be done. A trip to the sewing store an a couple of bucks was all it took:
Silver buttons are a drag. Really, I can't think of any instance where they would look right on menswear. Brass, sure, but silver? Blech! They really limited the use of this jacket too, prohibiting a lot of otherwise sound color combos, like these tan cords.
The silver buttons gave this coat an air of pretension, like it was trying to be fancy, but never heard of understatement. The brown horn (okay, plastic, but still...) but give it just the right slouchy casual air, which is only appropriate for a flannel jacket with patch pockets.
Before, it only went with black shoes, which only added to the pretension in a way. Now, brown suede brogues are more than appropriate...which is good, since I'm mostly a brown shoe kind of guy. I picked up the tan cords a while ago. They're made of the softest mid-wale brushed corduroy you ever saw. I got these, and another pair in olive, for $4.99 each. From the Ecut Clothing Company, apparently an Iranian manufacturer. Guess that makes me an enemy of the state or something. No matter. They were about a mile too long when I got them, but today I hemmed them to my perfect 29 1/2 inch inseam, no sweat.Little changes go a long way, no?
An Announcement and An Invitation:
As you all probably know, I spend a lot of time culling the dregs of the thrift stores for these treasures I present to you here. For a while now, I've been collecting things not only for myself. Why? Because this May, if all goes well, I plan to host a bi-annual (does that mean twice a year?) cleaned up flea market. It will be a gathering of quality re-sale merchants in the greater Boston area, as well as many independent dealers, including yours truly. While you won't find things for the shamefully low prices I often pay, you will find clothes (both men's and women's), housewares, books and even furniture that has been thoughtful chosen, mended if need be, cleaned and presented, by people who really know their stuff.
