Not a question but a thank you for turning me(and anybody else paying attention) on to The Financial Times. The Aesthete,HTSI and Travel columns are all columns I look forward to every week.
A question on Espadrilles. Love them but find it difficult to follow the mix of Coggins/Hranek rules. 1. Don’t pay more than a few Euros for them 2. They should only last a season. For those of us that do not do an annual pass along the Côte d’Azur, do you have any recommendations?
Oh I keep mine until they're destroyed (usually 2-4 years). In France they seem the easiest to find and I don't mind the price as long as they're less than 15 euros, or so. I just don't want designer, expensive espadrilles, since they aren't actually improving the basic design. If you come across a good place in France then buy three pairs. That's the best advice I can give.
My wife has made our entire family a pair of espadrilles this summer. We are road testing them in Barbados next week. She has put a lot of work into them and I’m very proud of her
Hi David, hope you enjoyed Pitti! I’m in Florence this week and it’s averaging 98-100 degrees. As someone that doesn’t wear shorts and thinks athletic wear should be resigned to the gym I have realized I have no idea how to dress in this type of weather. Is the answer all linen everything?
PS. Your article for CN Traveler in 2018 is a gem. Grabbed a fantastic knit tie and socks from Liverano & Liverano.
For those of us who are interested in getting into the camera game but want nothing more than a point and shoot, easy entry into the field what make/model would you suggest? Something high quality and very durable.
I have a lot of weddings coming up, including a “semi-formal” one at the end of July(in Asheville, NC). I decided to pick up a cream linen suit I found at Ralph Lauren, and my question is about summer weddings and linen in general. Any particular do’s or don’ts?
I plan to break in the suit as best I can before the wedding, and the current plan is to wear a sage polo and brown huaraches to make it more casual since I don’t anticipate other folks will be wearing suits.
Well you don't have to apologize for wearing a cream linen suit to a summer wedding (I think it's a great idea). I think you loosen it up with an expressive silk handkerchief in the pocket (maybe an old Charvet or Drake's). I also like the idea of white bucks or Belgians or some other loafer (huaraches might overwhelm the situation). Enjoy!
David - I'm sure you are already aware of the catastrophic flooding that hit Yellowstone Country including Gardiner and Paradise Valley. My wife and I love this area and felt compelled to visit the last couple of weekends. We were amazed how quickly things are bouncing back despite the northern park entrance being nearly obliterated. Many businesses are reopening and really need customers following many cancellations by those planning on visiting the park. Would you mind sharing some notable lodges, bars, restaurants, shops, or guides for those of us who want to see this area thrive this summer?
Oh that's a good idea, Christian. I saw the sad news of the flooding. Let me look into this and maybe I'll write a post about it or revisit it when I have a better sense of what's what.
Thanks David - I wanted to add that your Huckberry Sawtooth writeup was excellent. My wife and I spent much of the last three years all over the area and enjoyed the corroboration of our similarly held opinions!
An oft-overlooked gem is the Galena lodge located on the pass between Stanley and Ketchum, which is now community owned after being saved in part by the Heinz family. Galena has great outdoor bbqs and mountain biking in the summer and groomed XC skiing in winter. More importantly, Galena has the best amenity of any lodge - complimentary loaner dogs to accompany you on the trails.
Anglers west is a wonderful fly shop in paradise valley, they’re worth going into see, good friends. I always tell people to go to the Murray bar in Livingston that’s a personal favorite. If you’re going in through the west entrance due to closure, stop by the River House in big sky past the light in gallatin canyon, great food and great views. I recently moved from the area so I have plenty more suggestions if needed!
David, late to the questions. Just curious what your thoughts on plackets are. I saw you just got. a new shirt with a French placket. I also know you love your OCBDs which usually have a visible placket.
For a true dress shirt I want as little adornment as possible. No pockets, no visible placket. For a more casual Oxford cloth shirt I don’t mind either. That’s just my taste. But I definitely don’t want a pocket on a dress shirt.
Hi David, thanks as ever for answering these. A lot of the clothing and footwear you recommend is (rightly) from smaller or artisanal companies that put a high emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. This comes at a cost too (think Drake's, Crockett & Jones etc) so I am wondering what more mainstream/more affordable brands you favour? (assuming there are any?)
Also, do you have any particular style rules for those of us who don't have model-like proportions (i.e. in my case 5'8 and a medium/stocky build) - beyond the obvious 'don't wear horizontal lines' are there any particular tips you would offer?
Hi Matt, this is a good question. I buy clothes from J. Crew (I really like their secret rinse shirts) and their straight-legged chinos. I look around the Polo store, but end up buying more of their vintage clothes (quite cheaply) on eBay. Sid Mashburn has great sport shirts (sometimes you get lucky on a sale). And you can look around for made in USA Brooks Brothers Oxford cloth shirts and J. Press too--they're not cheap by any means, but you can be strategic and also get lucky.
I know you catch and release when fishing, but are there ever circumstances where you eat the fish? If so, how does it taste in comparison with something bought from a store?
We ate a few Pacific salmon in British Columbia last year. A fish that was in the water an hour before tastes very good. Most places I fish the trout, bonefish, etc. are protected. So I try not to even take the fish out of the water if possible. And I think that's a good habit for most anglers.
Hi David, I was curious if you had any thoughts on Duluth Pack Co duffel bags? I’m looking for a bag to wrangle fishing jackets and other layers. Im also open to any other suggestions. Thanks!
Hi Will, well I have some old Orvis bags (made by Gokey) that look like their sportsman duffels. I don't have any Duluth bags though they look nice. I also have some Filson duffels. And then I have large Patagonia bags that I use on my fishing trips. They aren't the Black Hole bags, they are slight variations. But that's what I use when water is involved.
Hello, sir. In the June 8 “Checking In” podcast you mentioned a good, historic hotel in South Bend/ Notre Dame, Indiana (professorial and corduroy-forward, I hope). Do you recall the name? We’ll be heading out for a game this fall and would love to give it a try.
To get a room for game weekends, you'll need to plan a year in advance or have University connections. If you'd really like to stay there and see campus, a summer visit is often available. Campus wont be empty, but you'll avoid the crowds and see what you came to see.
It’s that time of year when we are hosting and visiting friends. I have been thinking about how to be a good host and likewise a good house guest. Other than showing up with wine or picking up the tab for dinner, any other advice?
Well I think it's nice to prepare a simple meal--you don't want to commandeer the kitchen, but if you say, I'm bringing a nice piece of salmon over can I grill it, then you are doing your part and it's celebratory. Or discuss with the host a nice way to divide the kitchen labor. Large format wine is fun. And cleaning up is always welcome. Good luck!
Hello David, where did you start with wide brimmed hats? I love the look but still really only brave enough to go for it with a cheap one on holiday which, never survives the trip home.
I think a hat generally looks good with a wide brim and a tall crown. It helps if you have a largish head full of knowledge. But a Stetson Stratoliner is a pretty good gateway and you might want to start there.
Hi David, what do you recommend to a future Father, to do in regards of safety when using my bicycle while getting around town. Helmet ( for safety and also as a role model for my daughter) ? If yes, what kind of helmet? Thank you! Big fan of your writing
Hi Pieter, that's a good question. I guess the helmet question depends on what city you live in. If it's New York (or someplace with similarly insane traffic) then a helmet, by all means. I'm afraid I don't know which one. When I ride a bike it's usually ancient and loaned by a small hotel in the country or something random like that. Sorry!
As a road-going cyclist for exercise, recreation, and some car-replacing transportation, I recommend white helmets to everyone. Your head is at a driver’s eye-line, and is a thing that moves because you’re looking around, making it white which contrasts most of the world, and reflects light, makes you more visible.
A good blinky rear tail light AND a blinky headlight are a must any time. Bontrager make good, small, daytime running lights that are about making you visible, and they’re easy to remove at your destination so they don’t get nicked.
Spur Cycle makes a pricey, but beautiful bell that has a nice polite tone that will still cut through all but the loudest headphones, if you’re sharing paths with pedestrians.
Forgive the long answer, cycling is wonderful but drivers are dangerous and I want to make sure you live to be an old, old father.
I have and love my Thousand helmet. I say always wear one. Too easy to go ass over elbows and end up with brain damage...even on a casual ride. And now my girls (10 & 13) wouldn't think of riding without one.
I have been riding with a POC Octal helmet for the past few years and it’s been fantastic. Lightweight, relatively neutral (matte black is an option), and very safe. They’re not cheap but might be worth a look!
Well, the Armoury is great, but Sid really owns the $1600 range. When I'm looking for something in a certain zone (whether it's on a wine list or whatever) I see what they seem to believe in and go with that. I think Sid has the widest selection of good suits in that price range. You'll do well!
Good Morning David, Do you have any rules or suggestions around wearing polo shirts or other short sleeves with summer weight blazers? Even though my work tends more casual in the summer and the weather is hot, I would like to find a way to wear my linen or lighter weight jackets with more combinations.
Oh you can definitely wear a polo shirt with a lightweight blazer. I think it's a great look. That's what unusual colored Lacoste shirts were made for!
Not a question but a thank you for turning me(and anybody else paying attention) on to The Financial Times. The Aesthete,HTSI and Travel columns are all columns I look forward to every week.
A question on Espadrilles. Love them but find it difficult to follow the mix of Coggins/Hranek rules. 1. Don’t pay more than a few Euros for them 2. They should only last a season. For those of us that do not do an annual pass along the Côte d’Azur, do you have any recommendations?
Oh I keep mine until they're destroyed (usually 2-4 years). In France they seem the easiest to find and I don't mind the price as long as they're less than 15 euros, or so. I just don't want designer, expensive espadrilles, since they aren't actually improving the basic design. If you come across a good place in France then buy three pairs. That's the best advice I can give.
My wife has made our entire family a pair of espadrilles this summer. We are road testing them in Barbados next week. She has put a lot of work into them and I’m very proud of her
Great question, I’m looking forward to David’s response on this too!
Hi David, hope you enjoyed Pitti! I’m in Florence this week and it’s averaging 98-100 degrees. As someone that doesn’t wear shorts and thinks athletic wear should be resigned to the gym I have realized I have no idea how to dress in this type of weather. Is the answer all linen everything?
PS. Your article for CN Traveler in 2018 is a gem. Grabbed a fantastic knit tie and socks from Liverano & Liverano.
I think a light poplin shirt is good too. Drake's has a few really good ones out now. Just toss on a knit tie and you're doing your part.
Thanks David! As a recent transplant to London I’m loving being near the Drake’s mothership.
For those of us who are interested in getting into the camera game but want nothing more than a point and shoot, easy entry into the field what make/model would you suggest? Something high quality and very durable.
I’m in the same boat, Sam. Asking some friends. Will report back when I’m up and running.
Thank you, David!
Hi David, hope you’re well:
I have a lot of weddings coming up, including a “semi-formal” one at the end of July(in Asheville, NC). I decided to pick up a cream linen suit I found at Ralph Lauren, and my question is about summer weddings and linen in general. Any particular do’s or don’ts?
I plan to break in the suit as best I can before the wedding, and the current plan is to wear a sage polo and brown huaraches to make it more casual since I don’t anticipate other folks will be wearing suits.
Thanks!
Well you don't have to apologize for wearing a cream linen suit to a summer wedding (I think it's a great idea). I think you loosen it up with an expressive silk handkerchief in the pocket (maybe an old Charvet or Drake's). I also like the idea of white bucks or Belgians or some other loafer (huaraches might overwhelm the situation). Enjoy!
Espadrilles would look fantastic to rotate in with the hauraches!
David - I'm sure you are already aware of the catastrophic flooding that hit Yellowstone Country including Gardiner and Paradise Valley. My wife and I love this area and felt compelled to visit the last couple of weekends. We were amazed how quickly things are bouncing back despite the northern park entrance being nearly obliterated. Many businesses are reopening and really need customers following many cancellations by those planning on visiting the park. Would you mind sharing some notable lodges, bars, restaurants, shops, or guides for those of us who want to see this area thrive this summer?
Oh that's a good idea, Christian. I saw the sad news of the flooding. Let me look into this and maybe I'll write a post about it or revisit it when I have a better sense of what's what.
Thanks David - I wanted to add that your Huckberry Sawtooth writeup was excellent. My wife and I spent much of the last three years all over the area and enjoyed the corroboration of our similarly held opinions!
An oft-overlooked gem is the Galena lodge located on the pass between Stanley and Ketchum, which is now community owned after being saved in part by the Heinz family. Galena has great outdoor bbqs and mountain biking in the summer and groomed XC skiing in winter. More importantly, Galena has the best amenity of any lodge - complimentary loaner dogs to accompany you on the trails.
Anglers west is a wonderful fly shop in paradise valley, they’re worth going into see, good friends. I always tell people to go to the Murray bar in Livingston that’s a personal favorite. If you’re going in through the west entrance due to closure, stop by the River House in big sky past the light in gallatin canyon, great food and great views. I recently moved from the area so I have plenty more suggestions if needed!
David, late to the questions. Just curious what your thoughts on plackets are. I saw you just got. a new shirt with a French placket. I also know you love your OCBDs which usually have a visible placket.
For a true dress shirt I want as little adornment as possible. No pockets, no visible placket. For a more casual Oxford cloth shirt I don’t mind either. That’s just my taste. But I definitely don’t want a pocket on a dress shirt.
Thanks for grabbing this one a day after the post!
Hi David, thanks as ever for answering these. A lot of the clothing and footwear you recommend is (rightly) from smaller or artisanal companies that put a high emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. This comes at a cost too (think Drake's, Crockett & Jones etc) so I am wondering what more mainstream/more affordable brands you favour? (assuming there are any?)
Also, do you have any particular style rules for those of us who don't have model-like proportions (i.e. in my case 5'8 and a medium/stocky build) - beyond the obvious 'don't wear horizontal lines' are there any particular tips you would offer?
Many thanks,
Matt
Hi Matt, this is a good question. I buy clothes from J. Crew (I really like their secret rinse shirts) and their straight-legged chinos. I look around the Polo store, but end up buying more of their vintage clothes (quite cheaply) on eBay. Sid Mashburn has great sport shirts (sometimes you get lucky on a sale). And you can look around for made in USA Brooks Brothers Oxford cloth shirts and J. Press too--they're not cheap by any means, but you can be strategic and also get lucky.
Thanks David, I’ve always leaned towards J Crew and Brooks on the US side (am based in U.K.) so that’s good to know.
The GH Bass weejun is a classic penny loafer at a very attractive price point. They also make a tassel.
I know you catch and release when fishing, but are there ever circumstances where you eat the fish? If so, how does it taste in comparison with something bought from a store?
We ate a few Pacific salmon in British Columbia last year. A fish that was in the water an hour before tastes very good. Most places I fish the trout, bonefish, etc. are protected. So I try not to even take the fish out of the water if possible. And I think that's a good habit for most anglers.
Hi David, I was curious if you had any thoughts on Duluth Pack Co duffel bags? I’m looking for a bag to wrangle fishing jackets and other layers. Im also open to any other suggestions. Thanks!
Hi Will, well I have some old Orvis bags (made by Gokey) that look like their sportsman duffels. I don't have any Duluth bags though they look nice. I also have some Filson duffels. And then I have large Patagonia bags that I use on my fishing trips. They aren't the Black Hole bags, they are slight variations. But that's what I use when water is involved.
Hello, sir. In the June 8 “Checking In” podcast you mentioned a good, historic hotel in South Bend/ Notre Dame, Indiana (professorial and corduroy-forward, I hope). Do you recall the name? We’ll be heading out for a game this fall and would love to give it a try.
I think it's the Morris Inn. If it's not then that looks good.
The Morris Inn is the historic hotel on the Notre Dame campus. For a game this fall, call today!
To get a room for game weekends, you'll need to plan a year in advance or have University connections. If you'd really like to stay there and see campus, a summer visit is often available. Campus wont be empty, but you'll avoid the crowds and see what you came to see.
It’s that time of year when we are hosting and visiting friends. I have been thinking about how to be a good host and likewise a good house guest. Other than showing up with wine or picking up the tab for dinner, any other advice?
Well I think it's nice to prepare a simple meal--you don't want to commandeer the kitchen, but if you say, I'm bringing a nice piece of salmon over can I grill it, then you are doing your part and it's celebratory. Or discuss with the host a nice way to divide the kitchen labor. Large format wine is fun. And cleaning up is always welcome. Good luck!
Hello David, where did you start with wide brimmed hats? I love the look but still really only brave enough to go for it with a cheap one on holiday which, never survives the trip home.
I think a hat generally looks good with a wide brim and a tall crown. It helps if you have a largish head full of knowledge. But a Stetson Stratoliner is a pretty good gateway and you might want to start there.
Also, wear it a lot so it doesn't seem new. Wear it in the country and when it rains.
Hi David, what do you recommend to a future Father, to do in regards of safety when using my bicycle while getting around town. Helmet ( for safety and also as a role model for my daughter) ? If yes, what kind of helmet? Thank you! Big fan of your writing
Hi Pieter, that's a good question. I guess the helmet question depends on what city you live in. If it's New York (or someplace with similarly insane traffic) then a helmet, by all means. I'm afraid I don't know which one. When I ride a bike it's usually ancient and loaned by a small hotel in the country or something random like that. Sorry!
As a road-going cyclist for exercise, recreation, and some car-replacing transportation, I recommend white helmets to everyone. Your head is at a driver’s eye-line, and is a thing that moves because you’re looking around, making it white which contrasts most of the world, and reflects light, makes you more visible.
A good blinky rear tail light AND a blinky headlight are a must any time. Bontrager make good, small, daytime running lights that are about making you visible, and they’re easy to remove at your destination so they don’t get nicked.
Spur Cycle makes a pricey, but beautiful bell that has a nice polite tone that will still cut through all but the loudest headphones, if you’re sharing paths with pedestrians.
Forgive the long answer, cycling is wonderful but drivers are dangerous and I want to make sure you live to be an old, old father.
I have and love my Thousand helmet. I say always wear one. Too easy to go ass over elbows and end up with brain damage...even on a casual ride. And now my girls (10 & 13) wouldn't think of riding without one.
https://www.explorethousand.com/collections/thousand-products?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TNT|Thousand|Core_Brand|EXT&utm_content=Core-Brand&utm_term=thousand%20helmet&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtvqVBhCVARIsAFUxcRu5C9Mm_QbamoQpmuWelVHvMoqNtB106ZBBNnBcgrW-O2MuDZI_WGEaAratEALw_wcB
I have been riding with a POC Octal helmet for the past few years and it’s been fantastic. Lightweight, relatively neutral (matte black is an option), and very safe. They’re not cheap but might be worth a look!
Hi David - I’m in the market for a new suit, $1600ish budget. Your opinion on The Armoury vs Sid Mashburn?
Well, the Armoury is great, but Sid really owns the $1600 range. When I'm looking for something in a certain zone (whether it's on a wine list or whatever) I see what they seem to believe in and go with that. I think Sid has the widest selection of good suits in that price range. You'll do well!
Good Morning David, Do you have any rules or suggestions around wearing polo shirts or other short sleeves with summer weight blazers? Even though my work tends more casual in the summer and the weather is hot, I would like to find a way to wear my linen or lighter weight jackets with more combinations.
Oh you can definitely wear a polo shirt with a lightweight blazer. I think it's a great look. That's what unusual colored Lacoste shirts were made for!