Look at his eyes

I change my computer background photo almost every day, but for the past three weeks this has been in place.  I'm mesmerized by a photo of 3 men taken early in WWII.  The airman on the left is cipher, on the right a Canadian flight sergeant,  it's the squadron leader in his Mae West life preserver, dead center which holds my gaze.  Look at his eyes.

Perhaps all of 25, became squadron leader through attrition and because he attended college, at least for a while, he also fit within the tight confines of a British warplane. Likely as not none of these men survived the war. Look at his eyes and you begin to wonder if dying may have become welcome.  These brave men saved the Empire in spite of their former king.

For a great story of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights latest Spitfire resurrection follow the link to  Eclectic Ephemera

J Peterman has dropped the hammer on squadron leaders scarf.  It's $50 this weekend, it was $119. Believing they would never drop the price to a level I was willing to pay I purchased an alternative yesterday. Having acted in haste I am now repenting at leisure.

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

Ellie did it!!!!!

Those with long memories may recall I made some minor effort to convince my buddy and favorite bow tie maker Ellie Stager to create a patch tweed winter scarf. My timing was initially poor, since Ellie did not care to make such a heavy item while it was still summer in her little corner of South Carolina.

None the less she eventually came around, and sent the following photo for my consideration.





Immediately I jumped at the opportunity and commissioned my first bespoke scarf.

A week later it arrived. Mrs. T immediately claimed it as hers. Ellie says it was a one off, so my search continues.



Toad

The Patch Tweed Scarf

This is another great idea that has a thousand fathers, and whose fate may depend upon you and one very creative woman.

For the past couple of years I have been toying with the notion of patch tweed and/or patch tartan winter scarves. I want it long, say 6 foot, and appropriately wide.

The plaid, on plaid on plaid on plaid outfits in the photos below are the inspiration. I love how the the plaids are all different, yet when worn together make for a cohesive whole.



To bring my idea to fruition I asked bow tie creator extraordinaire, Ellie LaVeer Stager, if she may be interested in taking on the project. I got a firm maybe.

I don't intend to speak for her, but I believe her hesitation was sourcing a suitable selection of tweed and tartan jackets at various yard and thrift sales to make this worthwhile. Tartan jackets may be a real pain to locate.

My plan was to use a basic wool, or other winterish fabric. Seems more readily available to me. I however am not the doer, I'm just the idea guy.


So, what do you think? I have no details about the three c's, cost, color or cut, but if the past is any guide I believe the product will not only be beautiful but affordable.

If there is a suitable level of interest Ellie just might be persuaded to put together a batch. Not soon, but in time. Anyone want in? I get mine first.

Toad

My apologies to the photographers. If anyone knows where these snaps came from, will you please let me know so I may credit the artist.

Lower photo, The Sartorialist