Caveat Emptor

Today's subtle reminder is targeted for the younger gentlemen. Women know this intuitively. Boys do not.

Regardless whether you live in the northern or southern hemisphere the weather is changing. For convenience sake I'll focus on the northern hemisphere's drift into spring, but the same rules apply if your down there somewhere.

By now you've grown tired of last season's clothes, so with a spring in your step and coin in your pocket you feel a want to update your wardrobe to accommodate the coming season. This is right and just, but pay attention. No one is out to getcha, everything is in plain sight, I'm warning you not to fall for something pretty without looking.

Every garment sold has a care label sewn onto it. Before buying that shirt or pair of pants, find the label,

read it,

understand it.

and decide if you can live within its means. When in doubt ask.

If you normally launder your shirts and pants hoping the wrinkles will fall out on their own and the care label says dry clean only, you are going to be sorely disappointed when the washer ruins your clothing, and there is little value for money if your new favorite outfit spends more time at the cleaners than in your closet. Especially if you visit the cleaners less often than the dentist.

Most garments are OK, but be especially watchful when shopping on EBAY and for anything, especially Spring pants with a bit of silk in it.

Toad

More Window Shopping

First and foremost Happy Mother's Day. I salute you, and thank you for your sacrifice. Mother's make the world a better place, and I'm grateful for you.

My bride generously gave me a handful of Sears gift cards last week. Neither of us could recall where they came from, and since we rarely shop at Sears, I went shopping at Lands End.

So what if Lands End isn't the retailer at the top of the clothing chain? I have always found their goods well made and a good value, and most importantly for an on-line retailer, their stuff can be returned to Sears, no questions asked.

First I hit the sales racks.

It was 85F in Mayberry on Easter, and has barely hit 75 since. It's still sweater weather here. Summer sweaters are an oxymoron in Mayberry. Rarely, is a summer evening cool enough to consider donning a sweater, but I can hope, or perhaps dream can't I? Maybe someone will offer a trip to New England this July.

I have a linen and shawl collar fetish. I have proven my bonafides several times in this regard.




So when I found a linen shawl collar sweater here I pounced. $35, choice of colors, I couldn't go wrong. I just hope I get to wear it.


Next came the latest edition of my Johnny Apple blue gingham shirt collection.

Mr. Apple was famous for his Harvie and Hudson gingham shirts. H&H's off the peg don't work for me, and I do not get to London as often as I'd wish for custom. This is my summer 2010 alternative. Offered sized, none of that S-M-L nonsense. Under $40. I purchased a LE Canvas scarf in this material last month, and am awed by the softness of the cloth.

Last, in the hope this fabric is just as soft I picked up this scarf.

Until last summer I never wore scarves, but a combination of The Sartorialist's inspirational photos, and to wick away summer humidity I have come to like them. The added color is nice as well.

Happy shopping.

Toad