Archive for June, 2009
Madras and The Outsiders
Image Credit: usonline.apc.fr
The Outsiders made the ALA’s ‘Top 100 most frequently challenged books’ list. Written by then 16-year-old Susan Hinton, the 1960s novel spurred controversy for its depiction of violence, alcohol abuse…and divorced parents. The story revolves around Greasers and Socs – two rival groups. ‘Socs’ wore “a ski jacket, a madras T-Shirt, and slacks or khaki pants.”
‘Bleeding madras’ were popular in the 1960s. The dyes were not colorfast, so each time the garment was washed, colors faded and bled into one another.
Fact Credit: Wikipedia
Military Mondays: Prussian Uniform 1910
Military Fashion, John Mollo, 1972, p. 229
When To Wear White
Rule: Only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Origin: The rule was created for the nouveau-riche (late 19th century) who were unaware of the standards of high society. Originally referring to white shoes, the rule was created in order for the nouveau riche to fit it. According to Hoyle, rules are sometimes meant to be broken.
Fact Credit: ask.com
White Tie: The term used to designate formal dress. White tie is one step above black tie on the formality scale. A white vest, bow tie, and shirt are worn with a black tux to such occasions.
White-On-White: White fabric with a raised white pattern.
Fact Credit: Dressing The Man, Alan Flusser, p. 304; about.com
Photo Credit: men.style.com
Giveaway: Barbour Sapper Jacket
J. Barbour & Sons founder John Barbour ventured from his Scottish farm to England, where he made his start selling oilskin coats to ship builders, ship-owners, and those engaged in nautical pursuits.
Barbour has been a family company for generations, a favorite among British Royalty. According to Hoyle, Barbour is a classic, and a Barbour Jacket is a must have for every man’s wardrobe. Hoyle will provide a free Barbour Sapper Jacket to one reader (retails for $399).
Email Hoyle at info@accordingtohoyleblog.com
Submit one sentence letting us know what you would like to see in an upcoming post. The Hoyle giveaway ends Sunday at Sundown. Good luck!
*Sapper Jacket shown in Olive color. The giveaway Jacket will come in Rustic, which is a rich brown color.* Jacket details here
Hoyle interviews Emil Corsillo of The Hill-Side
Photo Credit: The Hill-Side
Emil Corsillo values integrity. He values the honest way selvedge indicates fabric quality – he values consistency. Emil’s aesthetic approach to utility is seen in The Hill-Side ties, decorative yet made with utilitarian fabric. According to Emil, function should come before form, or at least have equal weight.
Hoyle: On handkerchiefs…
E. Corsillo: A worker never wore a tie to work, yet a handkerchief historically was carried both by gentlemen and working men. Whereas a tie has no real function a handkerchief is the opposite: it has many functions, the smaller ones look great in a suit jacket. (more…)
Military Mondays: The Redcoats Are Coming
Photo Credit: Military Fashion, John Mollo, 1972, p. 208
British Military Frock, 1882
Blazers: Roguish Red to Laid-Back Blue
Photo Credit: roguesgallery.com
According to Hoyle, Blazers were named after the original bright red fabric. The blaze of color may have faded, but the smart styling has not.
Fact Credit: Wikipedia
How To Dress Like James Dean
1. The Jacket. A leather jacket, the ultimate “bad boy” fashion item.
2. The fitted white T-shirt. The sensitive inside of the bad-boy exterior.
3. The Jeans. James Dean has been credited as being one of the celebrities that brought jean into fashion.
4. The Boots. Classic black boots.
Fact credit: ehow.com
Photo credit: http://images.google.com
Penny for Your Thoughts…
Photo Credit: tresbienshop.net
In 1934, G.H. Bass started making “weejuns”, a name given to his version of Norwegian moccasins. (With a name like Weejuns, it’s not surprising that the trend was slow to catch on). 1950’s American prep school students brought the term “penny loafer” into existence by placing a penny into the diamond shaped cut-outs of their Weejuns, popularizing the shoe.
According to Hoyle, penny loafers are good, but pennies should remain in your pocket.
Fact credit: wikipedia
Blanket Yourself in Plaid
Photo Credit: stevenalan.com
Plaid was originally a rectangular cloth worn by Scottish shepherds. Worn over the left shoulder, the black and white check served as a nighttime blanket.
According To Hoyle: If you are going to wear two different plaids or checks, make sure the patterns are two different sizes. The same rule holds for wearing two stripes at the same time- keep the scales considerably different.
Facts from Dressing The Man, Alan Flusser, p. 296 and p.69