Let us in on a secret

both photos: Jak and Jill

Ladies, let us dumb boys in on a girl secret please. The audience here is approx 50/50 boys to girls. The scruffier half will spend many of their waking hours comparing notes with their scruffy companions. Save us and the sisterhood some grief, save us from ourselves.

It's holiday shopping season and I see clueless guys roaming the malls in search of what is hoped will be the perfect gift for the woman in their life. Leather goods are heavily advertised, perhaps a purse would be just the ticket.

Pretending the season's "it bag" is unavailable, should men just keep on walking (my vote) and avoid this minefield altogether, or is this an opportunity to pay attention, observe and learn more about the women in their life?

For instance, does a woman ever change the style of her go to, everyday bag? Could/should she be persuaded to update her choice? Color choice depends upon.....

Guys pay attention.

Toad

Straw Boaters

Bobby's Boston

Maxminimus photo

My father went to great lengths to keep my rule making wish list in check, although I'm certain the world would now be a better place had my younger proscriptions been taken seriously. Time and again dad would quietly yet forcefully explain how those who cared enough to make rules, proceedures or policies had to care enough to enforce them. Not just once, but near forever I heard "It saps a man's will to live." That said,

I propose the following law:

That no man, not yet old enough to draw his retirement pension, may at any time or circumstance appear in public wearing a straw boater.

It's corollary is simple: Take the damn hat off, you look like a doofus. This, coming from a hat guy.

Have you ever seen a young man in a skimmer that didn't look like the hat was wearing him? No!

A skimmer needs more than youthful aplomb, it requires dignity, elsewise it looks costumey. The required gravitas is accrued only through experience. I've 2 in a hat box in my closet, that I hardly dare to look at, much less consider wearing.

These gentlemen demonstrate a properly worn boater.

Mr. William Benemann-UC -Berkeley

Conta Costa Times

Hat Ladies of Charleston (and next)

My law specifially applies to menfolk only. Charlotte may wear whatever she chooses.

photographer unknown, maybe Mr. Mort

Toad