I’m planning to answer your questions—about style, travel, fly fishing and other urgent matters of the day. So please leave them in the comments and I’ll try to answer them each week. If you’re too shy then send me a message. Thanks!
I was hoping you could walk us through a typical writing session for your work. You touched briefly on the music below, but I am very curious about the where and hows (materials, at home or in the field, writing implements of choice, etc...). Thank you-
How do you actually listen to music at this point: Car, Homepod, iPhone (with or without earbuds/headphones), or a more audiophile way? Just curious. It seems as technology has advanced, somehow the sheer joy of music seeking and listening has been limited. I think it has to do with the advent of the podcast, which takes up so much audio time space now.
Thoughts on moderation? I love the idea of a well worn/well loved closet but also find myself searching for “the next thing” all the time. Periodically I find myself with a closet full of stuff I wear 4 or 5 times a year. I love your Belgian articles but have to tell myself I don’t need yet another pair of loafers (or do I?) when I can’t wear the ones I own enough. Besides improved self control...any comments? Thanks again
What are your thoughts on those Orvis fly fishing classes? My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all passionate about the sport but all passed before the tradition was passed down to me. I've been looking for some instruction but not sure where to start.
What are your thoughts on the 'costume' of modern fly fishing -- particularly the salt? It's hard to balance sun protection and fit while not succumbing to the 'pro bro' look.
What are your thoughts on beating the summer heat while remaining classically stylish? I live in a state where the humidity can make looking and feeling great a challenge. The battle between practicality, sweat, and style is a constant battle until the relief of fall.
Do you have any particular advice on how best to improve writing skills? (Aside from just doing it, I write a weekly paid article for the local paper but there is no editorial oversight)
I think the cravat is the hardest working accessory there is: it keeps you warm: it keeps you cool: you can wipe sweat from the brow with it: you can clean your glasses with it.
How do you balance your need/desire to dress well( nothing crazy of course) and feel good while also having to “defend” your approach to friends who don’t pay any attention to what they wear?
What is your take on black shoes, specifically a loafer like an Alden tassel or a horse bit? Never wear them/only with a suit or tie at the least/ could work for casual with chinos?
Conscientious drinking: If your go to drink is a bit more obscure, such as a boulevardier, is it best to give the bartender a chance, order it as a Negroni with bourbon vice gin, or stop being pretentious and order some simple while out?
This one may strike you as out of left field, but how do you maintain a constant physical size/weight that works for tailored clothing, especially these days? I find myself inching upwards a tiny bit in the waist/chest/back and I'm beginning to wonder about intermittent fasting as a good option to limit weight gain (besides exercising more). lol
I want to take my first leap into 1. A pair of Belgian Shoes and 2. Pants that aren’t denim. Do you have a favorite color/style of Belgians and any recommendations for non-denim pants? Versatility is my goal. Thank you David.
The one thing quarantine has me thinking about, strangely, is black tie so I’m working on assembling a tux. When it comes to studs in particular - and I know this is really in the weeds - but onyx or pearl? And white metal or yellow metal?
Hello! I’m in the market for white (or off-white) jeans. However, I like the cut to be a bit tapered because I think it looks better with loafers, which I wear nearly exclusively all summer. Problem I find is that the tapered cuts tend to also be “skinny jeans” and do not look flattering on an already skinny person. Is tailoring my answer? I know I’m probably overthinking/obsessing about this - so please slap some sense into me.
Are you excited about tailored clothing remaining a men's mainstay, even with what seems like a giant cultural shift toward egalitarianism and populism? Can tailored clothes eschew connotations of elitism or will they isolate the wearer to rebel or "failure to adapt" social status?
Some of these I’ll address at length in future newsletters. Some I can answer quickly here.
How do you create elegant style in your wardrobe on a budget?
Curious ... any grooming products you routinely pick up while you're traveling?
I was hoping you could walk us through a typical writing session for your work. You touched briefly on the music below, but I am very curious about the where and hows (materials, at home or in the field, writing implements of choice, etc...). Thank you-
Somewhere it's possible to draw a line on what shoes should sensibly be worn sockless. Maybe it's the sole?
Commando, dainite, quad leather - socks, otherwise - knock yourself out.
Maybe it's the construction, and a goodyear welt is the line?
Could be lining; unlined, ankles out.
Some thoughts and your time would be helpful; it could save not inconsiderable amounts of online ire. A public service if you will.
How do you actually listen to music at this point: Car, Homepod, iPhone (with or without earbuds/headphones), or a more audiophile way? Just curious. It seems as technology has advanced, somehow the sheer joy of music seeking and listening has been limited. I think it has to do with the advent of the podcast, which takes up so much audio time space now.
"Look into your heart!" (No question, just pleased to see the Miller's Crossing photo)
Thoughts on moderation? I love the idea of a well worn/well loved closet but also find myself searching for “the next thing” all the time. Periodically I find myself with a closet full of stuff I wear 4 or 5 times a year. I love your Belgian articles but have to tell myself I don’t need yet another pair of loafers (or do I?) when I can’t wear the ones I own enough. Besides improved self control...any comments? Thanks again
What are your thoughts on those Orvis fly fishing classes? My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all passionate about the sport but all passed before the tradition was passed down to me. I've been looking for some instruction but not sure where to start.
What are your thoughts on the 'costume' of modern fly fishing -- particularly the salt? It's hard to balance sun protection and fit while not succumbing to the 'pro bro' look.
What luxury (indulgence) items do you consider "must haves"? I have a Louis Vuitton wallet, Gucci loafers, Omega watch. Tiffany? Rolex?
What are your thoughts on beating the summer heat while remaining classically stylish? I live in a state where the humidity can make looking and feeling great a challenge. The battle between practicality, sweat, and style is a constant battle until the relief of fall.
Any gear recommendations for fly fishing beginner?
David,
Do you have any particular advice on how best to improve writing skills? (Aside from just doing it, I write a weekly paid article for the local paper but there is no editorial oversight)
Read any good books lately?
who makes the best chinos in your opinion?
I think the cravat is the hardest working accessory there is: it keeps you warm: it keeps you cool: you can wipe sweat from the brow with it: you can clean your glasses with it.
Just got engaged! Any sartorial advice or otherwise to make the most out of engagement season?
What is the perfect gin cocktail and which gin do you prefer (even if only available in limited quantities;))
Any Catskills fly fishing guides you might recommend for a small group of beginner friends? Thank you!!
Preferred fishing outfitter/area around NY?
How do you feel about Sid Mashburn tailored clothing?
What are your go to fly rod setups?
Where is your favorite fly fishing destination in the U.S.?
How many shoes should a man own?
Hawaiian shirts, are they solely for beachy vacation?
Much more of an observation than a question--I see my work productivity plummeting in the most beautiful ways, via The Contender. Thank you, kind sir.
How do you balance your need/desire to dress well( nothing crazy of course) and feel good while also having to “defend” your approach to friends who don’t pay any attention to what they wear?
What is your take on black shoes, specifically a loafer like an Alden tassel or a horse bit? Never wear them/only with a suit or tie at the least/ could work for casual with chinos?
Everyday carry - pockets and bag
What do you think are summer essentials in your wardrobe?
Conscientious drinking: If your go to drink is a bit more obscure, such as a boulevardier, is it best to give the bartender a chance, order it as a Negroni with bourbon vice gin, or stop being pretentious and order some simple while out?
Would you ever consider posting more about your outfits/wardrobe? You’re a big style inspiration and I would love to see more of your style!
This one may strike you as out of left field, but how do you maintain a constant physical size/weight that works for tailored clothing, especially these days? I find myself inching upwards a tiny bit in the waist/chest/back and I'm beginning to wonder about intermittent fasting as a good option to limit weight gain (besides exercising more). lol
I want to take my first leap into 1. A pair of Belgian Shoes and 2. Pants that aren’t denim. Do you have a favorite color/style of Belgians and any recommendations for non-denim pants? Versatility is my goal. Thank you David.
Will there be a Belgian Diaries article on the Chinese/eBay Belgians?
Any thoughts on proper beard care during this time of quarantine?
What should be my other blazer once I have a navy blue one?
How does one dress elegantly for travel by flight. I see too many hoodies in the airport. Also, come swing by Bozeman, let's fly fish.
Hi David. I’m looking for a new source for dress shirts that are suitable for humid central Florida weather. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.
Are bracelets okay to wear? If so, what are the parameters. (Miller’s Crossing!)
Any style advice/encouragement for a guy on the hefty side? Can be demoralizing at times.
The one thing quarantine has me thinking about, strangely, is black tie so I’m working on assembling a tux. When it comes to studs in particular - and I know this is really in the weeds - but onyx or pearl? And white metal or yellow metal?
Invisible socks or no socks? I am conflicted. The responsible man in me thinks invisible, the wanton man in me thinks none
Favorite Afghan Whigs album?
Hello! I’m in the market for white (or off-white) jeans. However, I like the cut to be a bit tapered because I think it looks better with loafers, which I wear nearly exclusively all summer. Problem I find is that the tapered cuts tend to also be “skinny jeans” and do not look flattering on an already skinny person. Is tailoring my answer? I know I’m probably overthinking/obsessing about this - so please slap some sense into me.
What are some of your go-to party cocktails. Cocktails or drinks for when you are having guests over? Does it differ based on the numbers?
Do you like the denim with sportcoat and knit tie look? If not, why not?
Are you excited about tailored clothing remaining a men's mainstay, even with what seems like a giant cultural shift toward egalitarianism and populism? Can tailored clothes eschew connotations of elitism or will they isolate the wearer to rebel or "failure to adapt" social status?
Any advice for a young dandy?