Thursday, January 23, 2014

Menswear

I never think of showing you clothes I wear as a guy, but there's no reason not to.  Today, I bought a new vest and tie and am curious about your opinions on both.

The vest is made of soft wool in a quiet herringbone pattern.  Vests are rare these days.  When I starting work in the early-1980's, most suits came with three pieces.  Now, it's almost impossible to find a formal or informal vest.  Despite their scarcity, I like the impression that vests create.  I used to own many of them, but this is the first one I've put in my closet in two decades.  I found it at Macy's where it was half-price ($30 instead of $60).

The tie is an interesting story.  Recently, I bought two expensive wool suits for work.  As a reward, the store (Men's Wearhouse) sent me a $50 coupon.  I figured I'd use it on a tie, since their ties cost $55 (which is more than I like to spend on a tie).  When I got there today, I discovered they are running a sale (buy one, get one free) -- so I walked out with two $55 ties at a total price of $5.  Nice deal!

The colors in the tie are unusual,  They really appeal to me.  What do you think?


 
 
 

 
 
 

29 comments:

  1. I adore vests! I think they are slowly making a comeback in menswear - I've seen 3-piece suits in the higher-end menswear stores. I think it's the "Mentalist" (that show with Simon Baker, swoon) influence - he always wears a vest. Very natty.

    Personally, the tie has nice colours, but stripes don't ring my bell. I like paisleys, florals and stronger geometrics when I shop for L's ties. However, he does work in a very non-conservative area so he can do bolder patterns.

    You look very dapper in your menswear!

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  2. Ugh, I was so born in the wrong time! I LOVE a good three piece suit. Sure, they're making a bit of a comeback, but let's face it... I work in the wrong industry to see that regularly. Ugh, I miss the days when men were never fully dressed without a three piece suit, a proper hat and a pocket watch... not that I ever lived in those days (in this life...)
    (Love the colours of the tie. They're so you, even if it takes some adjusting to see you in the menswear!)

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  3. How dapper ! I quite like how the tie's design makes this ensemble feel a bit "Ally-ish".

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  4. The tie's colors make me think of spring. (: And you know I can't resist a vest! I really like yours, too.

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  5. chic!
    love the vest, that gray herringbone is a beautiful fabric. and the spring-y colors of that tie flatters your own coloring perfectly, together with the crispy white of your shirt.
    if i ever need a lawyer ;-)

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  6. I love the vest and the tie! You look great :)

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  7. There's something 'magical' about a man in a three piece suit - takes a lot to beat that look. I adore the vest as you call it (we'd generally just say a waist coat) and the tie is beautiful. When Keenan and I first met, he used to wear ties to work and I bought him so many it was quite insane, but I can't resist a gorgeous tie - I believe that there is power in them, or at least they convey a lot about the wearer.

    Very dapper as the other ladies have said - very dapper indeed.

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  8. I love the complete look, vest shirt and tie. I like vest on men, I like ties on men, I like men in suits. It's a shame that so many men just dress casual all the time except for work. You look absolutely great!!!
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  9. I like the look of suit vests on men, very sharp. I like the bright colours of the tie contrasting with the darkness of the vest. Two thumbs up!

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  10. I like the tie, the colours are fun but it's still quite conservative. Now that you mention it, I have that vests are hard to find! My bf used to wear them all the time and when birthday/christmas shopping for him I've noticed they're not really in stores. you look quite dashing in these photos!

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  11. Love the tie and its colors; they really reflect your playful side. And as for vests, I am such a sucker for them! Three-piece suits epitomize menswear style, and I honestly wish I'd see men dress up more rather than dressing down. Amazing look!
    xo ~ Lia | Smart n Snazzy

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  12. You look great! I love the vest and that tie on you. Not only do they look good in themselves, they really flatter your face. See I TOLD you I wanted you to wear purple. It works so well with your skintone. I have been searching for a tailored vest in the thrift shops but have not yet found the right one. Happy Friday!

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  13. I like the colours in the tie, especially paired with that nice crisp white shirt!

    Our lawyer wears a brocade vest and a morning jacket. I think that's an awesome combination, although I have no clue where you'd buy something like that besides from Prince William's tailor. Still, it might be something you'd like to check out. :o)

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  14. Isn't it funny that around here, the clothes you wear more often in your day-to-day life feel like some kind of secret alter ego? It's really interesting to see both Ally and Ralph make their appearances, and to compare the style of clothes you wear as each gender. Maybe it's because you're a lawyer, but your menswear always seems much more subdued than the outgoing dresses and skirts you choose!

    To answer your question, I am in looooove with that tie. It's a great spring-y color (is it March/April yet?) and it was such an awesome steal!

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  15. The tie reminds me of ice-cream!!! I love vests (we call them waistcoats). We bought my husband one in the January sales as part of a three piece suit and he had a lovely one for the wedding. Yours is great! X

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  16. Vests are really back in style now. (At least here in Canada) My husband must own 10 of them. The three piece came back into style about 3 years ago now and the vests came back with them. Justin Timberlake, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as stars wear them all the time and Ted Baker and Tom Ford are two designers that are well known for their love of making great vests.

    I especially love a vest with a bow tie.

    I like the vest. I think the colour is great and will go with everything. The colours in the tie make me think of Spring. Which I wish would hurry up and get here.

    Seeing you in your menswear is just such a difference between the bright sparkly pieces you choose normally. You look like a button-down lawyer by day and a party gal by night. Is that how you see yourself?

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  17. That vest is perfection. There are few items (it's in my top three for sure) that I adore more when it comes to menswear than a classic, well made and well tailored vest like this. Under a suit, it's blazingly sharp and with a button down it's causal yet polished. Such a great piece - and one that you could even style in a more feminine way, too, if you wanted, by partnering it with a pencil skirt and blouse or atop a fitted long sleeve (mid-calf or maxi length) dress.

    Have an awesome weekend!
    ♥ Jessica

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  18. I'm a sucker for the vest, always have been! Classic in the herringbone, very nice.

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  19. I love the tie & vest. The tie is very fresh and springy. During the 90's women fashion had a lot of vests & I loved them, I had several with patterns & made of silk, they were a nice alternative for blazers. I wish they would come back in fashion. Love the herringbone pattern.

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  20. I love to see older men in vests. It's classy and fashionable. You just can't go wrong with a vest and tie combo.

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  21. I'm glad you can have fun with the dreaded men's duds, too. I love the colors you chose.

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  22. I love the vest and the tie is just up my alley! and looks good on you!!!

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  23. You're a snazzy dresser no matter which gender you're dressing for! I have a love affair with vests. I constantly pick them up and occasionally purchase them. They don't get worn nearly enough though.

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  24. I think vests exude elegance - and the colour of your tie is lovely.
    I must ad that you have the most beautiful skin, tell me about your beauty regime.

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  25. I love the tweed. But the white shirt seems a bit flat--you could easily do a nice blue or lavender with those grey tones. Try shirts with a more textured weave. Nordstrom's "John W. Nordstrom" line has beautiful basket- and herringbone-woven cotton shirts that have a lovely sheen and hand.

    The tie's colors ARE great, but the pattern is nondescript as well. Look for paisleys and prints in that color combo. They will look richer and more sophisticated.

    Sue

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