My Grandfather's Tuxedo Shirt

I'm sure most of you were eagerly prepared to read and view a blog post with pictures of my Grandfather's Tuxedo Shirt.  Well...you're kinda right.  What you will see instead is the outer wrapping of my Grandfather's dry-cleaned Tuxedo Shirt, still awaiting its opening for just the right black tie evening.  If you look closely, it's been waiting since 1973!  The box wrapping is from Munro's - Your Clothes' Best Friend - in Beaumont, Texas.  The date is September 25, 1973, and the price to clean the shirt was $.75.

Of all the things I own, this is truly one of my favorites.  This thing has been floating around in my parent's attic for quite some time.  It probably came to their house when my Grandfather, Delmas Lee Hybarger, passed away at the age of 88 back in 1998.  Since it was still in its cleaners box with wrapping, not one of us ever had the nerve to open it.  After my dear Mother passed away this past April, my Dad has been "purging" the house.  The shirt was available for passage to a new owner, so I jumped at the chance.  And as long as I'm the owner, it will never be opened. 

So to this day, I have no idea what the shirt looks like.  I assume only that it is a white tuxedo shirt just like every man in the late 60's wore for formal occasions (think Mad Men).  We have several pictures of Delmas in black tie, but I don't know if this is "the" shirt or not.  I can only wax on nostalgically about the evenings he escorted my Grandmother most likely to school, university or city events where he held court as Principal, Professor and Beaumont City Councilman.

I found this picture in my stack of stuff and thought I would include it so you can see the shirt in action.  And check out that shawl collar!  He rocked those big eyeframes most of his adult life.  He just looks cool doesn't he?  I wish I could see what record he is holding.  I've decided to assume it's Sinatra.

On another note, I decided to post this entry today because on Sunday we laid my Mother's remains in her final resting place in the Memorial Garden at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.  Now she can rest.  She would have really enjoyed this post about her Daddy and the fact that we are preserving the shirt in it's current wrapped condition.  She just loved quirky items like this.  If they've got Internet in Heaven...Love you Mom!

Friday Fashion Faux Pas - No. 1

This is a new series I'm calling - "Friday Fashion Faux Pas". 

Take for instance the nice young lad in the picture below.  Now I don't know him, but he happened to sit near me at my son's basketball game last Saturday.  Luckily, my friend Tara had an iPhone handy and quickly snapped this shot.  She may have giggled a little as she did it...I don't remember.

These Friday posts are going to chronicle fashion mistakes that just happen to be in my line of site.  I'm going to try and shield faces, etc. so as to not ridicule the wearer, but at the same time showcase an ensemble, outfit or an individual clothing choice that is just plain WRONG!  Like Sansabelt slacks, coach's shorts, black socks w/sandals...you get the idea.

So lets get started with our friend below who thinks he's trying out for the remake of Shaft.  I think the picture is good, but let me help you out.  He's decided that for a 6 year old basketball game, the proper article to pull from his closet is an old Starsky & Hutch, fake leather (probably vinyl) jacket/blazer with patch pockets and wide lapels that haven't been seen since 1978.  The color was something between a tan, taupe or split pee soup.  I think if he gets close to a match, the whole thing may go up in flames in a big quick puff of smoke.

Overall, this is just a poor choice.  With all the nice jackets to choose from, this is what he grabbed? I almost wrote down LLBean.com and handed it to him on my way past.  Now I'm not a fan of leather blazers, but there are some tasteful, current editions that would not make this faux pas list.  This item just happens to be a little over the top.  I can only assume it was a gift from the wife/girlfriend sitting next to him and she shamed him into wearing this horrible rag.  He was otherwise well groomed and not a bad looking guy.  So go figure!

So lets hear it for our first Friday Fashion Faux Pas - an old, out of date imitation leather blazer!  Folks...just don't do it!



The Shell Cordovan Project - Part 2: The Return

A few posts ago (1/4/11), I started a project to return some old friends back into public service.  That's right, I re-commissioned my old Alden Shell Cordovan Cap-Toed Brogues purchased about 1992.  After pulling them out though, I realized that they were not ready for debut, as witnessed by the pre-hospitalization photos below.  These boys needed some time in the easy chair with some soap, polish and a good deep tissue massage.  So I took them to see my friends at Houston Shoe Hospital on Chimney Rock/Westheimer.  I asked them to kindly pay special attention to the odd funk grunge thing that seems to be emerging from the leather.

So yesterday I went to the hospital and eagerly picked up my old boys.  I couldn't wait to see the results.  Here they are:

I am pleased to report that they are once again road worthy!  Although happy, I have to admit that I was hoping for something a little better. The odd funk on the leather is still a little noticeable.  But short of sending them back to Alden for a complete overhaul and re-conditioning at a ticket price of $150, I have to say that I am very satisfied with the work...which only set me back a cool $8. 

So welcome back into the mix fellas!  I don't think I'll trot these guys out but for special occasions.  They've served their time and have the miles to prove it.  So like an old horse, we'll suit 'em up and take them for ride when the mood is easy and the air is right for drinkin'!

On another note and while I have your attention, I just received a new/used pair of Allen Edmonds Cap-Toed Brogues via eBay yesterday.  Yep, I do love me some eBay!  My old black calf brogues needed full retirement and donation to the house-help where they'll serve out the rest of their days.  So for $49, I'll think these guys are going to make a nice addition to the shoe squad!

What in the heck is a Tie Press?

Here's something you don't see everyday, an antique tie press.  Years ago, when men adorned themselves with a necktie prior to leaving the house, no matter the day of the week, a gentlemen would place his necktie into a tie press overnight to take the wrinkles out before replacing around one's neck.  It's a very simple item - 2 boards placed together with a clamp.  Ingenious!  Who would've thunk it?

I procured this odd little gem at the Polo Shop in New York City back in the mid-1990's and it has sat on a shelf or dresser in my home ever since.  Every once in awhile someone will ask what the devil is that?  And I'll enjoy regaling them with a quick history lesson about men's style and fashion.  I don't know the heritage of mine, but I would hope that for the $250 I paid our good friend Ralph, this one has some history.  I can only dream!  It is adorned with a royal crest and crown, so I'm thinking it belonged to a Duke or Prince in the late 1800's and pressed only the finest of neckwear.  I keep thinking that one day I'll go on the antiques road show and see if what I have is really something special.

Here's what our educational friends at Wikipedia tell us:

A tie press is a device, based solely on pressure, to flatten neckties. Its use is necessitated by ties usually being of silk or some other textile ill suited to the heat of ironing.

Tie presses usually operate based on two separate wooden boards which are clamped together with spring loaded levers. A cardboard cut-out is usually included to retain the shape of the tie during pressing.

Tie presses are particularly useful for bow ties, due to the creasing and thus deformative nature of the bow tie knot, which involves crushing the ends to produce the 'bow' effect. In time, this crushing affects the appearance of the finished knot. This is particularly the case with bow ties with rectangular ends, rather than the 'bow' shaped ends in some bow ties, though both suffer from crushing to some degree or another. Four-in-hand ties, naturally, are also creased, but rarely to the same extent and, as such, usually require less regular pressing.

As you can see from these examples, many were beautifully crafted with in-laid wood or painted with scenery.  And some were very utilitarian, but they all did the same job.

So if you ever have a necktie that needs a little pressing, bring it on over and we'll see how the press works.  I'll bet it still does a fine job!

Sharp Dressed Men excel in Business! And with the ladies too!

So I was reading through my weekly Houston Business Journal and came across this very interesting blog post by Greg Barr.  I don't recall ever seeing any real analysis completed with regards to dressing well.  So I was pleasantly surprised to see that Greg had taken the time and effort to publish the results below.  Enjoy and be amazed!

Can that power suit really seal the deal?

Houston Business Journal - by Greg Barr

Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 9:00am CST

 

 

 

• Greg Barr
• Managing Editor
• Email: gbarr@bizjournals.com

Maybe ZZ Top did have it right.

A new study says that not only do sharp-dressed men excel in business — you know, the dress-for-success adage — but they apparently can also add luster to their love life if they make a habit of hanging out in a haute haberdashery.

According to the national survey by Kelton Research, which sampled more than 1,000 men and women over age 25, 91 percent of Americans say a man’s physical appearance can be enhanced by a nicely tailored piece of clothing, and 75 percent believe well-dressed men are more successful in business than casually dressed colleagues.

The survey was commissioned by Houston-based Men’s Wearhouse Inc.

Here are some other findings:

• 64 percent of women say they are more likely to marry a well-dressed man than one who is disheveled. (Once the honeymoon is over, out come the baggy sweats);

• Eight of 10 women say they would give up something — such as going out to dinner, using a cell phone or even having sex for a whole year — in exchange for a better-dressed partner; and

• 32 percent of women say they have actually tossed out some of their partners’ clothing in disgust (in some advanced countries, this is grounds for divorce).

Journalists have been stereotyped for years as bad dressers. And because I started my career in print as a sports writer, I felt an obligation to appear particularly disheveled.

But a gig as an investigative reporter in Toronto with the Financial Times of Canada took my wardrobe (and wallet) in a new direction. It was a bankers’ suit every day (except for casual Fridays).
And it worked. With my three-piece blue power suit surrounding me like a superhero’s cape, I could wade into the midst of a group of CEOs and talk their language, even if I did need a translator at first.

Still, dress codes can go a bit far, as Swiss bank UBS AG found out this week after its 44-page employee style guide was plastered across the Internet. Employees are all told to wear wristwatches to “signal trustworthiness and a serious concern for punctuality.”

I think dressing well definitely has merit. But nobody touches my faded 1989 Rolling Stones Steel Wheels tour T-shirt with the holes in it. Nobody.

Brooks Brothers...Am I missing something?

I've been holding my tongue long enough!  This insanity just can't go on without comment!  I...must...say...something!  Here it comes....Brooks Brothers is out of their minds with the whole Black Fleece Collection!!!

Now I've been a friend of the Brothers ever since High School and they've never steered me wrong.  But I really think they are missing the boat on this trendy, gonna last about 2 years, everything is too small collection designed by Thom Browne.  I know they can't live on the over 40 crowd forever, but I think they've strayed too far!  Take a look yourself...see what you think.

Did they run out of fabric?

Oops, my sweater and bowtie shrunk in the dryer!

All I see is stripes!  Just stripes Man!  They're everywhere!

Have I gained weight?  This use to fit!

Get to higher ground!  There's a flood a 'comin!

Is that my old tuxedo from Jr. High?

And finally, the Abe Lincoln Presidential Collection

I'll probably catch some grief from the folks that just get bored with the consistency.  I know that fashion has to move forward and edgy is fine with me.  But I pride myself on creating a style that last decades.  I try to purchase items that my kids will want to own.  So why 'o why did the executives at Brooks Brothers do this?  Yes, they'll sell some of this stuff in New York City where trendy has a proper place.  But outside the City, this ain't gonna fly.  Forget that you'd have to be 38 slim to even try and pull this look.  I feel sorry for the 48 Long guys that fall for the advertising and show up at a party with an overpriced schmuck suit.

Thom Browne himself...obviously practicing what he preaches!  Hasn't Pee Wee Herman been doing this for years?

Look Familiar?

So Mr. Brothers, please keep your head about you and go back to doing what you do so well - dressing the masses professionally and elegantly with aged conservative sophistication.  Leave the trendy stuff to Abercrombie and Aeropostle where if grown men are stupid enough to purchase, they deserve every laugh and sarcastic remark!

Houston - We have a Monogram Problem

Oh how I do love a cool monogram.  I have shirts with monograms, a wine bucket with monogram, a custom-made cigar humidor with monogram, cocktail glasses, cufflinks, lighter, letter opener, etc., etc.  So for Christmas I decided that my wonderful wife should have something of her own with monogram.  I thought she might like a nice set of Tervis Tumblers, those cool clear plastic cups with an inner lining of plastic so the glass doesn't sweat. 

www.tervis.com

So I set out to purchase the cups and add the monogram.  I chose the diamond shape with the last name initial in the middle.  I entered the initial information, completed the purchase and eagerly anticipated their arrival.  Now here's where I teach a valuable lesson about returning monogrammed Christmas gifts...you can't!  Upon their arrival, I was surprised to find that the monogram read JAS instead of the proper layout of JSA.  I hurriedly checked my Tervis order form only to find that ole' Britt had screwed the pooch and forgotten to "carefully" read the instructions.  Jen was just going to have to live with some pretty awesome glassware sans correct monogram.

Herewith is my mistake:

Now on to the good part.  My super observant wife decided that I too would like something with monogram and thoughtfully remembered that I have had my eye on a new stainless steel martini shaker.  The plastic shaker we have, that has indeed served its time well, needed retirement.  Upon opening the gift, we both looked at the monogram and realized that she had made the identical mistake.  But could I be upset? How could I?

Herewith is her mistake:

So as we both laughed at the mistakes, we agreed that a little Sudduth Law (very much like our friend Murphy) had occurred and that for the time being anyway, the Sudduth family will just call itself monogram challenged.  Dear friends, next time you order anything with a monogram, please read the instructions carefully, lest you might encounter a case of the dreadful mistaken monogram!

What's up with the skull and bones?

What is going on with the Skull and Crossbones gig?  The old pirate sign is everywhere these days!  There is even a "Real Pirate" exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science - which is quite an interesting exhibit if you have some time.  When did the symbol become mainstream?  Anyone?  Bueller?

I have to admit it's pretty cool.  I don't know why...but it is.  Here are some examples I've witnessed of late:

Needlepoint belt by Ralph Lauren

Preppy Pants

Socks - {Courtesy of my friend at Affordable Wardrobe}

Boxer Shorts

Tie

Bowtie

Velvet Slippers

Braces

Cufflinks

Now don't you worry ladies, there's even skull and bones for you as well!

Blouse

Mini Skirt

Dress

Handbags

Leggings

Underpants

There's even a very fine English shoe company that has used the Skull and Bones as part of their logo!

The pirates of old would be so proud of such great representation!  Since I really couldn't figure out what was going on, I simply googled "Skull Bones" and mostly what came up was information regarding the old secret society at Yale called Skull and Bones.  The lineup for this club reads like a who's who in American Politics and includes both George Bush's!  I also located a movie called Skull and Bones, a gay horror flick...I'll skip that one!  And then of course, several references to the Jolly Roger flag flow by Pirates.

I guess everyone wants to be a Pirate!  Except Jerry Seinfeld of course!

So at this point I'm lost.  No clue!  If anyone would like to shed some light, I'm all ears.  Regardless, enjoy the skull and bones whenever you feel appropriate.  I'm looking at the velvet slippers and thinking a size 12 sent to Houston would be a good way to start my collection.  Until tomorrow...Arrrgh eee Matey!