Classic Style

S ounds like the opening line of a tune by Sergio Mendez and Brazil '66.  Maybe the B-side of Mas Que Nada ?  A lthough I prefer the original version by Jorge Ben from 1962 .   But I digress. Monday was warmer and slightly muggy with temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit by early afternoon, so time to break out a warm weather navy blazer and gray gabardine trousers along with tan shoes, belt, and a suitably seasonal shirt from good ol' Mercer & Sons. Must admit I had a spring to my step as I made the short jaunt from the front door to the car early that morning. The shoes and pants have been in the rotation for years at this point.  Now, tan shoes are not everybody's cup of tea, but they work reasonably well on warm, sunny days unless one wears a dark suit when the combination looks a bit off.  Light gray, beige, or taupe pants are somewhat easier to pull off with tan footwear. The matching belt (not shown) was added about four or five years ago.  The...

  F riday's attire worn for several errands on campus that morning, culminating in a luncheon to recognize outstanding students and colleagues in my program.  Exceptional coursework on the one hand as well as retirements, teaching awards, and such on the other.   Into the shoulder season now, so lighter weight attire is/was in order even in light of still chilly mornings.  Probably few occasions before the end of the regular semester for heavier flannel, tweed, and corduroy.    The jacket here is one of my favorite mid-weight wool jackets.  An interesting pattern but not overpowering. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  O r back to the saltmines as my late maternal grandfather used to joke.  Remember when we used to have Good Friday and Easter Monday off?  How times have changed. Chilly and sporadically rainy yesterday (Monday), so corduroy and wool flannel along with oxford cloth were the order of the day.  Along with some newly moisturized and shined shoes, which have needed some TLC all winter.  I snapped these photos of my attire during and early morning stop at a cafe along the way for the obligatory large mug of fresh dark roast coffee ahead of my 8am class. The overcoat received a compliment later in the day as I ran some errands on the way home.  Never necessary, as I say, but always nice to hear. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  K eeping things calm, classic, and carrying on here this Easter Weekend.   Rather wintry today, with chilly temperatures, wind, leaden skies, and even some sleet ticking against the windows late this morning after an Easter breakfast with the Grand Duchess and Young Master.  Hence the flannel shirt and corduroy jeans yet again.   As I have said many times previously, for six months of the year, flannel shirts or Rugby jerseys with corduroy jeans and ribbon belt are an easy, comfortable way to attire oneself at home, during those occasional errands that either come up on weekends, or during evening early hours.  On a different note, I foresee egg salad sandwiches in our immediate future later this week. -- Heinz-Ulrich