some tips on dressing for yourself (margiela, panerai, hermes. . . it's not cheap, kids) -

i'm probably as sick as you are with all the "self-help" guru crap out there for men.

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seriously, who gives a fuck about how to tie a windsor knot

(i can google that, thank you.)

or whether denim is officially "over"

(yes.  but not dead.)

or why men CAN use a face cream and still be men

(someone shoot me.  or ryan seacrest.)

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how about we just have some fun with this,

and not be afraid.

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for instance,

i dress for myself

(obvious, landis)

and here's what i'm licking up these days:

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this martin margiela cardigan.  the ONLY sweater i need this fall.

i have a navy one from last year, it's flawless, 

part blazer, all knit,

compliment magnet,

thoughtless fashion.

the pants rock too.

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someday if i make crazy cash

(that i don't sink into investments, property, or stupidly expensive sweaters)

i will buy this limited edition panerai.

the "california" dial speaks to me.

it says

"your life is less without me".

i never said fashion was kind.

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anything hermes.

they are having a moment again in menswear.

watch for the resurgence.

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alright, this scarf, losange, in particular.

i wouldn't call it a steal.

but it would complete me.

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coveting the attitude of this guy in richard haines' sketch.

though richard is a friend,

he has yet to send me this attitude.

pity.

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this delicious lanvin suit.

i have no place to wear such a colored suit.

but for this suit,

i will create an event.

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see?

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wasn't that more fun than reading about why you should wear stripes this fall?

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you are welcome.

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES - investment dressing

this is in reply to a question richard posted on my other blog

about how many lanvin trainers i own.

i find that an intensely personal question,
so instead of answering in a direct and honest fashion, i'm going to point out to you all that when you find something of quality that makes you feel special, something that works more than one way for you, something that gives you that little thrill inside, you should buy multiples to cover your bases.

this holds true for every category in fashion, from american apparel deep v necks to good denim, to brazilian pool boys. 

i, personally, continually strive to reach the nirvana of the perfect closet,
well stocked with casual basics (by rick owens),
everyday wear (by martin margiela and raf simons)
and that "item" piece that pulls the twain together (most often, lanvin.  surprise.)

so, in closing,
i would say it's rude to ask "how many"
and more polite to ask
"how do you like the latest pair?  isn't navy wonderful?"