New Year's Resolution

2009 is very near and it is time to proclaim my resolution for the new year. LeDandy is a believer in resolutions as he tries very hard to keep them. The key is to make your resolutions practical and attainable.

LeDandy's resolution last year was to acquire some Italian knit polo shirts. He did very well and bought about eight shirts. All were purchased on eBay, a few new but most in used condition. Virtually all of them are Jeff Rose shirts with a few Bobby Jones shirts in the mix. Mission accomplished and I love those shirts.

This year I am more civic minded and want to give something back to the community. Therefore I will be preaching the gospel of Reform Dandyism. Simple principles but actually hard to implement as most of us try to conform to conventional standards. Don't worry, I will be providing guidance (free of charge) to all next year. I want my readers to reach a level of self-actualization in regard to appearance. The Reformation has begun!

From Russia, With Style

Yesterday I ran across an amazing fashion blog - LeDandy (Moscow Chapter)! Yes, dandyism extends beyond national borders and oceans. A young Muscovite has taken on the task of spreading dandyism in Russia.

LeDandy is impressed with the scope and quality of this young Musovite's taste. He has a category for Duchamp, including their shirts as well as socks and ties. He also has good taste with shoes and features many of the higher quality brands such as Crockett and Jones and Testoni. I saw many photos of colorful and bold cuff links. Obviously he is well versed in formal wear. I only wish that I was fluent in Russian so that I could understand the text.

Many years ago I took the Russian language in college. I don't remember much. Not even enough to get my face slapped. But I can pronounce the words so the classes were not a total waste. I do remember the word for suntanning: zagorait.

So what can one do to read his blog outside of hiring a personal translator or engaging in years of study? LeDandy (N. Calif.) has a good solution: go to one of the online translating sites.* He recommends Rustran.com as you can enter paragraphs at a time rather than one word. Simply copy the text and paste into the text window. The translations usually come out a little goofy but you can gather the basic thoughts through this method.
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*I will now have to use the designation (N. Calif.) as there is room for more than one LeDandy in this world.

Winner: LeDandy's 2008 Man of the Year

Is this really a surprise? The award process here was about as honest as a Chicago election. Nevertheless, LeDandy deserves this award for putting forward the principles of Reform Dandyism. A job well done!

LeDandy will receive a certificate and a $5 Starbucks gift card. This isn't the Nobel Prize Committee, our funds are limited.

[Editor's note: House rules prohibit a Man of the Year from receiving the award two years in a row. Someone else will get it next year.]

LeDandy's 2008 Man of the Year

It is almost the end of 2008 and it has been an eventful year. This Wednesday LeDandy will announce his 2008 Man of the Year. It will be a difficult choice given the stellar list of candidates. LeDandy's Man of the Year will be the man who provided the greatest contribution to men's style.

Reform Dandyism Is For Real

The other day I published the six core beliefs of Reform Dandyism. Self empowerment, responsibility, affordability, quality, pleasure, and humor. Lofty beliefs but what the hell does this really mean?

Reform dandyism is a postmodern approach to men's style. Technically, it is not a style in itself. It as an approach to style. But for the sake of clarity, we can use my particular style as an example. My style has its roots in the Ivy League/Trad look but it has taken on many significant deviations. I've made several key changes to this traditional American look. My style is unique, as should be yours if you believe in Reform Dandyism.

The term postmodern captures the heart of Reform Dandyism as it is a radical reappraisal of conventional style. The focus is not on the individual conforming to a particular style, but instead gives the individual the power to adopt, discard or mix elements from any source as needed. It is centered on the unique personality and tastes of each man. You are not dressing for anyone but yourself. You have the power.

Examples of my style illustrate this point.

I wear pince-nez glasses instead of conventional eyewear. I have never seen anyone else in public wear these glasses outside of the theater. Yet I decided that I want to wear them as my primary eyewear. If I waited for a vote of approval from others, I'd never be able to wear them. I receive a few compliments but I don't think most people even notice. The important part is that I love them and the way they look on me.

Also I love wearing low-vamp loafers. This is definitely not part of the Ivy League look! Far too European, provocative and a bit feminine (hurts to say!). Nevertheless, I am very fond of the way they look on me. It also allows me the opportunity to show my colorful socks.

I can sum up the essence of Reform Dandyism in very clear terms. It allows you to say "Everyone else is full of crap and I'll wear this thing (whatever it may be)." Listen to yourself and not anyone else when making a decision.

A Great Pen Store

LeDandy has a sour view on many retail stores and with good reason. It doesn't seem that many know how to properly treat a customer. I have written some very critical reviews of Nordstrom, Barneys and several other stores on Yelp. LeDandy tells it like it is. Very few stores put forth the proper effort to recruit and keep customers. Many businesses deserve to fail while others deserve to thrive.

LeDandy is an admirer of nice pens and has a small collection of interesting writing tools. I have a Michael's Fat Boy "Comet" (my favorite, pictured below), a Waterman Charleston (best for long writing sessions), a Rotring 600 (most rugged) and a Waterman Carene (most elegant). I like having a variety to meet different needs. Ok, I'll be honest: I just love collecting them.

LeDandy recommends Fountain Pen Hospital. It is a great example of a business which provides excellent customer service and has good prices. I had a four star review of this store on Yelp based on a few purchases I made with them. A few weeks ago I received a very nice email from one of the owners. He thanked me for the kind words and offered to send out a catalog and 2009 calendar to me. Virtually anyone can request a catalog and calendar from a business. What impressed me was the personal note that he sent me. In an age of massive group emails, a personal note is a great touch and not forgotten.

Can you find pens at a cheaper price? Probably, if you shop on eBay or buy on the gray market. But price isn't everything as it is also important to know that you are buying first quality goods with a guarantee of authenticity. Most pens have a manufacturer's warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer. You probably would not get the necessary warranty with an eBay purchase and definitely not on a gray market item. Warranties do come in handy as I had to send a Waterman back for repair a few years ago. You have to find a proper balance between value and security with your purchases.

Fountain Pen Hospital has a great selection of vintage items. LeDandy loves the old stuff.

Oh yes, I upgraded my review to five stars. They deserve it.

The Christmas Spirit

LeDandy can be a cranky and cynical guy. However, something happened to me the other day at work which restores my faith in people.

Two weeks ago I was listening to Dr. Laura on the radio and listened to some distraught woman who recently lost her job. The caller sounded like a very good person who worked hard at the same job for ten years. She was laid off because of poor business. Her main concern was her reputation as she was not able to tell vendors and clients why she was no longer with the company. She was concerned about what others thought of her.

LeDandy has a rather jaded outlook on this situation. We all exchange pleasantries at work, a good deal of it not sincere. Politeness and courtesy are necessities in the business world. We'll say "How are you?" and not really listen or care about the response. It is expected and even I do it a lot of the time (shame on me).

So when I heard this caller express concern about what others thought of her, I thought that most people simply don't care. Upon learning of her termination, I'm sure many customers just ask for her replacement to help them with no concern for her. It is a cold world.

This situation hit me personally last week when I called one of our vendors to place an order. I've worked with Jill, their sales agent, for about two years and we always engage in small talk before getting to business. I thought it went beyond the basic pleasantries. To my shock, I was told that Jill is no longer with the company! Damn. I didn't want to inquire about what happened as I know they would not (and should not) say anything, nor give out personal information.

I did an internet search for her. She has a distinctive last name so I thought that I might find her email. I checked Facebook. No luck. I wondered what happened to her. More importantly, I wanted her to know that I really care.

Yesterday I received a Christmas card from her in the mail (actual one pictured). She wrote a very nice, personal card and wished me well.

Jill restored my faith in people. That simple Christmas card really had an impact on me. Thanks for the card, Jill and stay in touch. I mean it.

LeDandy & Son

Yes, LeDandy is a dad again. Last week Jon Dean and I went up to Petaluma to look at some Pomeranians. They are a great breed and a lot of personality for a small dog. The breeder had about a half dozen dogs available including a few rescue dogs.

My final choice was a young man by the name of Leo. He is three years old and a former show dog. His personality had me sold. Definitely a lap dog and he is very playful. Leo should fit in well with the rest of the family.

Did I mention that Leo was in the June, 2008 issue of Vogue? I've been telling everyone. He appears on p. 144 in a photo shoot with Pierce Brosnan and a tall drink of water by the name of Daria Werbowy. The photo below is Leo with Daria.*

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*LeDandy ordered five back issues of this magazine.

Legal Disclaimer Added

On the advice of LeDandy's legal counsel, I have to add a disclaimer to this blog. Please read this item at the bottom of the left hand column.

LeDandy's Winter Look

It is almost Christmas time here in the Bay Area and the weather is finally cooling off. October and November were rather warm months this year so I delayed thinking about winter wear. Last year I was into the merino wool polo-style sweater. A very versatile garment and wonderful for layering. A few years ago I was partial to rugby shirts for the same reason except these shirts are much more casual. So what about this year? It will be both styles with a change in the bottom layer.

I always liked the turtleneck. It always had a certain degree of elegance to it. Probably because it covers the neck. I even like it with a blazer. But its real strength is as a warm underlayer for sweaters and rugby shirts. And it looks great.

My only turtlenecks are rather old so I decided to splurge on some new ones from Lands' End. I bought two white, one black and one navy at $12.50 each in all cotton.

This is a simple post but it does illustrate several points of Reform Dandyism, notably affordability and quality. Are these turtlenecks the finest shirts available? No but they do not have to be superb. It is a layering garment and I need good quality. My other Lands' End turtlenecks have lasted well for many years. Sometimes "good" is good enough.

The Reform Dandyism Manifesto

It is time to formalize the principles of Reform Dandyism in writing. Countries have constitutions and religions have bibles. Virtually all great movements in history have written declarations. LeDandy has gone into a deep meditative state (i.e., had his cup of morning coffee) and hereby, forthwith presents the Reform Dandyism Manifesto:

1. Self Empowerment - You are the ultimate judge of what looks good for you, not any other party;
2. Responsibility - While you have tremendous latitude with your choices, there is responsibility attached to this power;
3. Quality - You should have, at the very least, "good" quality items;
4. Affordability - Spend within your budget, whatever that may be;
5. Pleasure - You must derive pleasure from your appearance;
6. Humor - Don't take yourself so seriously all the time. Maintain a sense of humor.

I am serious about these six points. They are simple but there is a lot of meaning behind each one. I'll be exploring each point in future posts. I invite you to join the movement.

[for a practical discussion, see the posts "Reform Dandyism Is For Real" and "Is Dandyism an Art or a Science?"]

If Only They Were in My Size

This is a shoe addict's mantra. "If only in my size..." The other day a kind reader of this blog sent me notice of his auction for a gorgeous pair of vintage Braganos. Last year, I had the chance to get a pair of these classic shoes on eBay but was outbid at a high amount. It was the only time I saw this style in my size (8M).

I am strongly biased in favor of the old Braganos as they have much better construction and better styling when compared to the current crop. These Braganos have a low-vamp and a beautifully scalloped cut. Unfortunately this pair is a 9.5M. If you are interested in this style, they are available here on eBay until Dec. 16th. If I could have only one pair of shoes, it would be this particular model. They go with everything.

I shouldn't complain as I'm very well set with shoes. At least through my next lifetime.

On Being a Gentleman

"A gentleman should be like a fart: always noticed, but never commented on." -- A very wise man.

Novelty Ties

LeDandy doesn't wear a tie at work. I work in personnel for a mid-size nonprofit in San Francisco and the dress code is definitely casual. Ties are only worn there at interviews and special events. If I wore a tie at work, people would think that I'm looking for a job somewhere else. We did have one fellow who wore a suit and tie every day but he didn't last long. The formal clothes did not cover his incompetence.

Outside of the Financial District in San Francisco, the business atmosphere is far less than jacket and tie. LeDandy actually likes this freedom as it suits his reform dandy style.

The other day I noticed the tie pictured at left on eBay. It is from the now defunct clothing store called Chipp in New York. They had an offbeat, Ivy League style when it came to their clothes and they had a devoted following. If you look closely at this tie, you'll see that the emblems are little jockstraps. I saw one of these ties about twenty years ago in Connecticut when I visited a friend there. I haven't seen one until this eBay posting.

Yes, I could picture myself wearing this tie. I was all set to bid on it but I had one nagging question: is it all silk? I sent a question to the seller and was saddened to learn that it is all terelene. Polyester. When it comes to neckties, I insist on all silk. The tie sold for $26.

I do have one novelty tie in my small collection of neckwear. It is a Three Stooges tie bought many years ago by an ex-girlfriend. Bless her heart, she knew of my love for the Stooges. I wore it only once or twice over the years. Unfortunately it is polyester. This is a tie which I believe can be worn in a very specific instance.

Such an instance will occur next week when my workplace has its annual holiday party. It will be a great icebreaker and provide a good topic of conversation (the Three Stooges).

Christmas Shopping Hints

As you have gathered from my previous post, LeDandy doesn't like to shop at brick & mortar stores these days. I prefer doing my shopping online, if possible. I can't stand pushy crowds and I usually find limited selections in stores. If one knows where to shop online, the possibilities for quality and value are great.

When it comes to buying gifts for others, I must admit that it can be very challenging for me. Christmas is especially difficult. I feel like a "deer caught in the headlights." This year my better half pointed out a wonderful resource: etsy.com. It is a shopping site where people sell handmade arts & crafts. The quality of the goods is far above what one would find at a local arts festival. Furthermore, prices are very reasonable. Why buy shlock mass produced in Asia at department stores when you can buy a quality handmade item at a fraction of the price?



Last night I bought two bowls as Christmas gifts. One is a gorgeous copper red cereal bowl. The potter, Jeff Huebner, gives a detailed explanation of the process behind making one of these bowls. As he states, no two bowls are alike. The colors are what attracted me to this piece. My other purchase was a green lotus serving bowl from LaPella Pottery. The shape and the colors are definitely unique and eye-catching. Both bowls were under $30.



Several months ago Jon Dean purchased two custom made wedding cake toppers for us on Etsy. At the time, I planned on buying a shawl collar tuxedo. She even made a tiny pince-nez for me. These toppers are only two inches tall. There was a lot of detailed work done on these pieces. I believe Jon Dean paid only $20 for them.