Wm. King Clothiers-Bristol, Tennessee

Remember when mother would take you to the department store? It was a big deal. Shopping then wasn't far removed from Miracle on 34th Street. In whichever department we shopped, whatever we may have purchased, Mother told the clerk "send it". No lady sullied her white gloved hands schlepping packages home. Sometime later that day, or certainly no later than the next morning our packages would be delivered by a man in uniform, beautifully wrapped in mountains of tissue.



Sharing that story with my children might have me committed. Verily, there was such once a day, although to paraphrase Dylan Thomas, it is "now and out of all sound."

Such a place still exists however. I was telephone shopping with my friend Wm. King of Wm. King Clothiers in Bristol, Tennessee not long ago. He invited me down for the NASCAR doings held nearby, but I passed, giddily happy to be amongst people who love sharing their passion for fine clothing.



After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing I eventually made my mind up, and placed an order that was more trouble to Mr. King than it was worth. Ever the gentleman he kept a straight face and pretended he had all day. I love shopping there.

Amongst the mound of exquisite wrapping was this belt from Southern Proper, which in a just world I'd be considered too old or not old enough to be sporting. Now that I appear horizontally thinner I do not care.





The green ribbon which tied the package is their signature croakie. How cool is that?

If you're unable to stop in give William a call, just never on Wednesday. Thank you Mr. King. I do so love our time together.

Toad

Disclosure: This post like all others is my gift to you and Mr. King, and not a paid endorsement. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this post, save for my paying for the goods I purchased. I've got the receipt.

Bow Ties

Photo courtesy of Ben Silver, Charleston

I love bow ties so much that I have not worn a long tie in 8 years. It's Mrs. T's fault.

In fall Y2K her brother's wedding was on the horizon, and in anticipation of the blessed nuptials I refreshed my wardrobe. When time came to pick up the altered goods I make the worst mistake a man can make, as concerns his appearance. I brought the wife.

Adults should dress themselves. Every lazy man deserves every fate which befalls him who takes his wife shopping.

While in the shop she asks what are you wearing to the wedding? I replied and then she handed me this tie. It would look lovely said she.

I protested, I wept, I cried, I wore it. After the wedding I tried to take it back, but the merchant had had a party when they finally got rid of that tie, and wouldn't hear of it.

Slowly at first , then quickly, I rid myself of all my long ties, save 3, which I keep around as an aide memoir, and went the bow route, never once asking my brides opinion.

Bow ties are somewhat subversive. So few men wear them that its rare not to get a reaction when wearing one. Stereotypes run wild. I love it, much the way Tom Wolfe loves his white suits. Its a stick in the eye to portentousness.

Bows are found in the dusty bins in back of most haberdasheries. Ben Silver in Charleston, and Southern Proper make my favorites. Now if only I could arrange a trip to Bristol Tennesse, Wm King has my next favorite of tie.

http://www.southernproper.com/

http://www.bensilver.com/fs_storefront.asp?root=1&show=26

In the mean time, thanks for reading. Stop in and say hello.

Toad