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Some folks have asked what it is like living next door to the PP’s…Well, actually it’s no different from living several states away…Never see them, they never call, never stop by, turn out the lights when I knock, get an occasional email and I do see Mr. P about every other week for movie night. And that’s it.
I suppose now that they are fixed in the local social whirl, such as it is, there is no time for old Sir Basil. You know, if I had feelings, they would probably be hurt.
Well, I do have a few things to be glad about…FLG is actually learning how to dress in the proper manner. It might be he will soon be throwing out the Crocs and cargo pants and adopting a more Cary/Basil look…It will probably get him fired for not pretending to be egalitarian, but he will look marvelous. We’ll work on the rest of him in due course, but it is a promising beginning. And I did notice that Our Maximum Leader has remembered the secret to good art…Where there is fruit, there is art around someplace, and he is studying diligently. And you thought we learned nothing at the RCBfA…
Dear Sir Basil Seal, 14th Baronet of Beauchamp-Cholmondeley of St. Jennifer: I've been reading the Flusser book, only to discover that the proportion section requires, get this, proportions. This means fractions. Now, your humble FLG can optimize a production function with respect to multiple variable subject to a constraint, but if Flusser thinks it's simple stuff to calculate fractions while some guy is leaning down in close proximity to the master of ceremonies with a pin in his mouth and a tape measure, then he's sorely mistaken. Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I can't determine the correct placement of some button that is supposed to be some sort of fulcrum or something when a surly fellow who smells of Dunhills is making inquiries into which side of my pants frick and frack are going to hang out. Sincerely, FLG My Dear FLG, Nobody said it would be easy. Nerves of steel are required, along with the ability to "adjust", as it were, at a moments notice. I might have forgotten to mention that part. Sincerely, Sir Basil Seal
“…North by Northwest isn’t a film about what happens to Cary Grant, it’s about what happens to his suit…” – Todd McEwen
See picture below and notice the color dfference when he is not under the intense lighting…
Each of you should, by now, own a copy of the original Thomas Crown Affair. Not the horrid remake, but the original film of 1968, directed by Norman Jewison. In this film you will witness some of the best tailoring evah. The bespoke wardrobe worn by Steve McQueen in this film is breathtaking. Any man whose suit matches his Rolls gets my endorsement. Goes without saying really…You will also learn, why, back in the day, we all wanted to play chess with Faye Dunaway. If you evah get the chance, and you don’t know how to play, believe me, you’ll want to fake it and play anyway.
Get it, watch it, live it…
By the way, the shades are Persol model 714 sunglasses with folding frame.
Further research: Breaking Down Thomas Crown
And yes, Miss Dunaway was very, very RCBfA…
If there is one person you are going to listen to concerning men’s clothing and the art of dressing well, Alan Flusser is that person. If you are not buying your clothes from him, or, if you do not own his books, then drop that television remote this instant and go get them. If you’re going to listen to two people, then you need to listen to Sir Basil as well…But do get his books…They are all you will ever need. I’ll even loan you mine, if it will help.
And yes, before any of you cretins say a word, if you’re a genius, you can wear your hair (if extant) long, wear jeans with your suit, dine at Dunkin’ Donuts regularly and avoid exercise like the plague. Just shut up and get the damn books.
BC posted this as well, which goes to prove that his closet is obviously worth a visit.
Gentlemen, ironically, even in toady’s era of the common man (and woman) where slob rules, the first thing a woman will do upon meeting you is to look down (farther down you perv) and check the state of your shoes. This is true. So it would behoove you to have clean and well-shined shoes upon your feet if you want her to think about anything above your ankles. Men will also notice a good shine, but never admit it. So toss your Crocs, flip flops and beastly ubiquitous athletic shoes into the dustbin and buy yourself a quality pair of Goodyear Welted leather shoes (but nevah the ones with the square pilgrim toes. Do you hear?). Ask about socks while you’re at it.
There is no easier and cheaper way to improve your overall appearance than a good shine. And if you live in a city or regularly pass through airports, there is just no reason for you not to take advantage of the professional shoe shine. Almost anywhere in the United States a shine will cost you from $3 to $5, yes that’s it, 5 bucks for a professional shoe shine and possibly a chance to finally get a date with a girl you don’t have to inflate. It’s even $3 in NYC for God’s sake, what are you waiting for? I personally married a Countess because I was sporting an incredibly wicked shine on my whole cuts. I do not lie (except to women). This coup has allowed me to continue my habit of being well-shod, well-groomed, well polished and well-soused. This too is within your grasp for a measly finsky.
Even if, like me, you prefer to shine your own shoes, and possess the requisite skill and knowledge, (and if you have not yet done so, this is something you should learn) it is still a worthwhile investment to use the shine when it is available. Of course, every Catholic school boy worth his salt, learns the value of a mirror like shine early on. Especially when he is regularly surrounded by lots of girls in plaid skirts. So these chaps have an advantage, true, but it’s never too late.
Good stands are everywhere in every city and major airport. Use them. The St. Louis airport is famous for it’s shoe shine stands, and when I pass through I always drop off shoes to be shined with my favorite shoe shine man and pick them up on the way back. Most shoe shine stands have drop off service, which is usually same day if you need it fast.
A good shine tells the world that you care about your appearance (at least long enough to get a date, right?) and puts forth the effort required to look presentable and professional. You will be amazed at how much this one detail will improve your appearance and your whole outlook on life. It will make you feel better just to know that all the women in the world no longer think of you as a big slob. Well, at least they will know that at the very least you shine your shoes. Now if they can only get you stop with the effeminate body sprays and hair gels. Worth the investment of a little time and an Abe don’t you think?
