Illustration Procrastination. . .

The title of today's post almost sounds like it could be the title of a 1930s-era screwball comedy, starring The Marx Brothers, Bing and Bob, Bud and Lou, and perhaps even Lucy and Ethel, or Jerry and Deano if we stretch things a bit. A sketch by Sellers, Secombe, and Milligan might also be a possibility. Maybe even a Little Rascals/Our Gang short? I can almost hear Alfalfa rehearse his pick-up line intended for the pretty young schoolmarm, with whom he has become so infatuated, "Oh, Miss Crabtree. . ." before comedic misadventure ensues.

In any event, to delay my planned Sunday grading session just a wee bit longer, here comes another crop of classic menswear illustrations -- many but not all by our friends Laurence Fellows and Leslie Saalburg -- that appeared once upon a time in either Apparel Arts, Esquire, or, in the case of the final picture, the German language Das Herrenjournal. Just like yesterday's post, there is plenty of inspirational material here for men who wish to kick up their everyday style several notches. That's not to suggest that all of us should aim to dress exactly like those less affected by the economic, social, and political developments of the 1930s, but there is a reason why that particular time remains the the golden age of menswear.

The attire of that period certainly beats the current slovenly alternative that holds sway over so much of society -- in public and in private -- at present. Why not take some useful cues from that era in our collective efforts as men to present a more pulled together daily appearance? Where is the advantage -- personal, social, economic, professional -- in continuing to present ourselves as though we are bottom feeders, who are out of the game before it has even started?

-- Heinz-Ulrich

The Problem of "Business Casual" Attire. . .

This is how it's done. Business Casual the RIGHT way, ladies and gentlemen. Even during the summer months. A photograph (taken by Studio B Portraits ) which appeared in 425 Business Magazine in May 2017. T his post on the problem of business casual dress began as a quick postscript to a previous blog entry last week but quickly grew and grew as additional thoughts occurred, were developed in more detail, and revisions made. So much so, that it seemed, eventually, like a better idea to make the initial P.S. afterthought into its own entry . Are ya ready, Freddy? Then, here we go. . . ------------ U nless you actually plan to sell beach snacks and trinkets on Cozumel, become a serial barista, or greet customers at a fancy nightclub after taking out huge student loans to attend university somewhere for four or five years, plus an MBA afterward, it's really a better idea to err on the side of (somewhat) more formal work at...

Friday on Campus Style. . .

S omewhat atypically, I was on campus for several hours today helping with an interview that is part of a larger documentary project on which a colleague and I are working. Although I am behind the camera (I'm the audio guy in fact), what better reason does one need to dress presentably? Exactly. Everything worn, barring the recently purchased University of Wisconsin socks, a gift from the Grand Duchess, has been in the rotation for a while now. And, of course, there was the Panama hat, which I'll wear until we pass October 1st when the felt fedoras reappear. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Tan Suit Tuesday. . .

W hile it's now after Labor Day here in the U.S,. we still have almost three weeks left of summer according to the calendar. And since today was bright, sunny, and pleasantly warm (though far from hot), it seemed like a perfect opportunity to trot out my tan cotton suit and tan loafers/belt. Slightly disheveled, yes. And the shoes need some Renovateur to moisten 'em up But not a bad overall look if I might be so bold. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Classic Style

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