Skip to main content

Every Once in a While. . .

Not my neighborhood thriftshop, which is shortly to move into newly renovated premises, but a nicely appointed one from somewhere else.  A seasoned thrifter never, ever, EVER reveals the location of his shops of choice.

Most of the time, what you'll find in thriftshops is junk.  Especially where menswear is concerned.  But every once in a while, you'll strike gold.

This summer hasn't seen me in the three area thrift outlets in my neck of the woods very much.  You reach a point where, due primarily to closet space, you must become even more discerning and simply say no to most additional purchases.  After all, how many Brooks Brothers neckties, Harris Tweed jackets, and pairs of Allen Edmonds wingtip brogues can you hoard?

But sometimes, a guy has to throw caution to the wind and snap up those rare gems when he spots 'em.  And that is what happened yesterday evening and this afternoon when I visited two of my local thrift haunts for the first time in four weeks or so.  

At the first one yesterday evening, I stumbled across a pair of men's brown wool pants by Ralph Lauren with a subtle herringbone pattern.  They are cuffed, have a pleated front, were made in Canada, and are a medium weight.  Perfect for six or seven months of the year here in the wilds of the American Midwest.  Best of all, the pants will require no alterations, just dry-cleaning, pressing, and they'll be ready to go.  Oh, and the cost?  Just  US$2.68 with tax.

But hang on.  It get's better.

Today, on a whim, I stopped in the best of my three area shops and in two minutes found a summer weight, cream-colored sports jacket in a wool, silk, and linen blend, made in Italy and sold by Brooks Brothers.  Once again, it fits well already, especially in the shoulders, and even the sleeve length is fine, so no immediate alterations are necessary.  I plan, however, to have the waist nipped in just a bit this winter, to give the jacket a bit more shape.  I'll also have some some of the lining removed and the inner stitching finished up, to ensure the jacket is comfortable enough for all but the most miserable summer weather next year.  Still, an incredible find for only US$7.00.

So, average guys looking to kick up your style a few notches in an economic way, take note.  Two amazing new pieces to work into the wardrobe rotation for next to nothing.  Each looks almost new.  Probably worn a few times and then relegated to the back of the closet until they were given away for whatever reason.  I'll drop 'em off at the dry-cleaner's tomorrow on the way to pick up a few items from my tailor, and have them back in time for the start of the new semester midweek next week!  Certainly not bespoke gear from the finest old tailors of London or Milan, mind you, but great off the rack pieces nevertheless.  I'll certainly wear and enjoy them.  Stay tuned for a couple of new photos of ol' Heinz-Ulrich von B. next week.

Comments

Popular Posts

Avoid Careless Chatter. . .

    E specially about the personal details of our lives.  There is a lot that OUGHT to be kept more private in 2022 than has become the accepted norm for many.  With the conscious and intentional cultivation of classic style in mind, however, we want to avoid oversharing and keep a bit more of ourselves to ourselves.  Exactly what personal information and how much of it to keep private seems to be a slippery concept though.  Here’s my take based on what I was told and observed as a child and young person at home.  Basically, one should keep oneself to oneself in all respects (finances, personal worth, accomplishments, politics, sex, dirty laundry, etc.).  As my late father used to advise when we were very small, and I am talking preschool and kindergarten, there were particular subjects that were not discussed outside the immediate family.  There is a time and place for sharing certain details of one’s life, but most of the time, those should be played very close to the chest,

Chilly Late April Wednesday Attire. . .

    Y ou know, if it is going to remain this cold and blustery, I need about eight inches of snow for some more cross-country skiing.  But since the white stuff is long gone, it was time to fish through the cedar closet down in Zum Stollenkeller and pull out some cold weather attire for a seasonal reboot.   But I decided to forgo the usual gray herringbone jacket from J.  Press (my go-to tweed  sports jacket) and instead opted for this number from Hart, Schaffner, and Marx plus the tan cords that hang on the same hanger, so strenuous mental effort was not required.  Pressed the shirt after tucking in the Young Master last night at 8:30, grabbed these shoes, and socks, and Bob is your mother's brother as they say.   Occasionally gazing through the large library window to my immediate left this morning, and I keep hearing that old Jobim tune drift through my mind this morning (aided by the windmills), as sung by Astrud Gilberto ( together with Leonard Cohen and Paolo Conte, the musi

The Pleasaures of a Well-trained Dog. . .

  A few final photographs from my visit to my sister in Washington, D.C. last week.  These include  one of 'Mr. Beau,' my sister's meticulously trained and truly wonderful Doberman, another of my sister, second cousin, step-father, and yours truly on the steps of the church outside Lexington, North Carolina just after our late mother's interment service, two of me solo at the National Cathedral, and a final one of my sister and me hamming it up during a long evening walk the day before I returned to Michigan. My sister routinely walks to the cathedral, about three blocks from her place, to enjoy the grounds and gardens.  The Bishop's Garden, in particular, is a place she likes to sit for quiet contemplation and internal dialogues with our late maternal grandparents and mother, very much in keeping with the Episcopal side of things.  Our grandfather, who was raised Methodist, became an Episcopalian when he married our grandmother.   Before you ask, I am not sure tha