VintageGent’s Menswear Daily

Live to be 150

A few months back, I reported that one of only several remaining World War I veterans, J. Russell Coffey, passed away at the ripe old age of 109. For centuries, people have been searching for the surefire way to live past the age of 100, and being of able mind and body for the duration as well. The Fountain of Youth was never physically found, but we are all still looking for it.

Part of my opinion is that stress causes illness and wear and tear on the body. So, perhaps thinking about achieving centenarian status just adds to the stress. Pass me the cake made with five sticks of butter per serving like Grandma used to make, and that will preserve me better as it will create a relaxation response in my body as my arteries clog. After all, she was in a bowling league until she was ninety.

Barbara Walters is doing a special on Tuesday night, which is tomorrow. The subject is: Live to 150, Can You Do It?

One of the interviewees is Dr. David Sinclair who will talk about U.S. Lab Tested Resveratrol, which he supports as one of the insurance policies for a longer life. As the site explains, it is not the work of a mad scientist. It is actually the “good” molecules in red wine isolated into a potent form. Why wouldn’t I just slurp back grape juice and red wine? Apparently, the liquid my bladder and the law could stand would not be enough. The product takes out all the negatives such as alcohol and sugar and isolates the “good stuff.”

I plan to tune in to see what he has to say, as well as listen to the tips that some centenarians themselves have to contribute. The jury is still out on whether I will side with them or will keep my trust in the tried and true theories of Ponce de Leon. Just because he didn’t happen to find the actual Fountain of Youth doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t exist, right?

Caviricci Redux

Quite some time ago, I wrote about Z. Cavaricci pants. Let’s take a trip back in time, shall we?

I had a bad flashback today. I read an article that mentioned Z. Cavariccis. For those that want to forget, Z. Cavaricci created a men’s style in pants that in the late 80s to early 90s. Many a young man who I knew wore them. I am asking whoever made themselves in charge of looking at influences from the 80s to overlook this one when designing next season’s clothing.

They were high waisted like tux pants, but the belt loops were a bit lower, at the natural waist. The legs were pleated, and what made them veer way off the track of a classic trouser, was that they featured a deep “v” front yoke. It caused the legs of the pants, because they were pleated but flat acrossed the stomach and groin area, to pleat out even farther. On the tall, gangly, and knobby kneed gent, it was actually flattering because the pleats laid right and it made his legs look more proportional. You noticed the guy’s overall ensemble.

But on everyone else…it was “Here comes pants.”

If you were stocky, or were fit but were more muscular of leg, the pleated legs brought a strange adaptation of puffed out harem pants to mind or made one look bowlegged. Of course, this was overcontrasted by the virtually flat triangular yoke covering the stomach to the top of the groin area, appearing like a virtual “directional arrow” towards something that I am sure the designer could not have realized, or the joke was on the wearer that their whole…um… “area”… was being pointed to. The finishing touch was to buy them long and cuff them.

The rear of the pants had little style, most of the budget had been put into the front.I have no photo to show you. I could not find one anywhere. So you may just have to take my word for it!

Well, flash forward to this week, when an alert reader sent me the following image:

The shirt is hiding just how high the waist band is on the man, trust me. Maybe I remember them worse than they actually were. However, having them on a model doesn’t have quite the same effect.

Design Your Own Bracelets

Remember pop beads? You could build your own necklaces and bracelets with them. It was pop beads in the 50s through the 70s and then charm necklaces came along. Both gave the ability to make your own creations. Or, if you are a different persuasion, you probably took those supplies and made a rope for your GI Joes or other action heroes to slide down.

MyBeadGirl allows you, if you are so inclined, to design your very own bracelets online. You make selections with the click of the mouse. You can choose different types of beads, and add charms. There are charms with letters, and symbols that represent different interests and causes. In addition to what you can dream up, you can purchase other creations that have already been designed, if you just like to browse and buy what catches your eye, as well.

By using this image, you can let everyone know you, your kid, or your sweetie is a hot new designer.  If you designed that special someone’s gift yourself, you can PROVE it!

MyBeadGirl Design. Share. Wear.

Update to the Countdown

Call me a geek. Call me a nerd.

The return of the most popular fedora wearing persona returns to the big screen on May 23, 2008. I have included this convenient time clock so that you may synchronize your watch. As of this writing you have less than 52 days to get ready. Are you planning to camp in line to get tickets to “Indiana Jones IV?” With Fandango and other websites, that sort of thing may be a remnant of the past. So, call me a wimp, but I will probably be waiting in line from my desk.

LA Police Gear Boots

Many of my readers participate in reenactment events. It ranges very widely. Some participate in Gatsby Picnics and Art Deco New Year’s Eve Balls. Some participate in Civil War or World War II reenactment. Historical accuracy is important, but sometimes for events that include physical exertion, you don’t want to ruin antiques and vintage items. The LA Police Gear website offers tactical boots.

In particular, they have a very light weight Operator Boot. It is very protective, but very light, and it was made for movement. The very narrow boot shaft makes it very feasible to make a fabric or leather over cover to transform them into character shoes for the Renaissance Faire. Some of the other, heavier boots may not look exactly like WWII boots, but if they don’t have the resources, many of those involved in reenactment spend more of their resources on the uniform to get the look and purchase the big ticket item, such as boots, last. A few of the LA Police Gear boot styles may work, and offer a more economical alternative until you find your sixty year old pair. Or, you may have a reproduction pair, but they aren’t always practical for all situations.

Film Festivals go Viral

I once read an interview. Was it with Stephen Speilberg? I don’t recall. Anyway, the message was that with technology changing as much as it is, it may not be too many years until we see an Oscar nominated film that was shot on a hand held digital camera by a twelve year old. We may not be at that point yet, but the Viral Film Festival acknowledges the ability the masses have to create. The BeFilm Underground film festival is hosting it as part of their annual festival at 7:00 P.M., April 28th at the Dolby Theater in New York City. The founders have the world view that “shorter is better” when it comes to film, so videos created for online distribution are a natural fit.

What would people wear on the red carpet for a “short” film festival. Mini Skirts? Tube Tops? Briefs (Bad joke, I know)? Or would they just “come as they are” and just walk really fast so as not to waste any time? I can’t wait to find out.

A 1970s Frame of Mind

Mentally, I am on a 1970s kick right now.  I know, how could I be with VLV coming up in a couple weeks? Don’t worry, I will talk about that too.    I thought I would share the mood with you.  Stay tuned during the next week (or so), where the decade of fondue, leisure suits, and “what were they thinking” hair takes center stage.   I think I may just wear some platforms around the house.   Maybe I am a bit insane.  At least I will be able to reach the top shelf a whole lot better.

Don’t Get Moldy

An aunt of mine is quite a pack rat. In fact, every spring, her basement floods, and she panics over what treasures have been ruined. She will not listen or read anything I present to her about properly preserving antiques or clothes. Over the years, most of the antiques have been damaged beyond repair and kitschy avocado shaped ceramic lamps remain. Every year, family dons their rubber boots and tries to shovel whatever they can out of the basement.

I am abundantly aware that as collectors, as antique dealers, as treasure seekers that sometimes we undertake unecessary health risks to “save a treasure.” I suffered an infection once myself breathing in mold from an attempt to save a box of 1940s hats. I was in denial for awhile about what it was caused by.

Recently, a friend reported that they actually got a nail infection from trying to fish out a few things that he was hoping were not water damaged. He actually was able to get rid of it with some Mycozil. Treating Nail Fungus without Drugs is important to me because of my multi-allergic life. Also, I don’t like to have ointment and other junk all over my hands because it might ruin something I touch. This one was actually more of a supplement, contains organic ingredients, and worked from the inside out.

Hopefully, I will stay away from situations where I would create that situation for myself. Just in case, with the way I tend to be the one to pick up every illness, I think I will plan ahead and stock it just in case myself or someone way greedier than me gets any ideas about “saving the antiques.”

Sunday Funnies

Add your own caption!

This vintage ad from the 1970s (as if I had to mention the decade as it does all but smack one in the head) is one of my favorites. I was going to add my little historical commentary about it, but thought it would be far more fun for people to comment with their own captions or commentary about what is happening here to see what readers came up with.

Do you think I will regret my decision about opening up the floodgates on this one?

I will reveal the product that this ad was hawking and the probably less thrilling real captions later.

To add your two (or three) cents, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post. I will approve them as I go for others to read, and then will publish the best ones when I post the true details of the ad.

I can’t wait to read it.

The Wide, Wild World of Hangers

Hanger tips
A non-ode to the wire hanger.

(at left: “Automatic Drawing: Coat Hangers IV” by Ellsworth Kelly)

Vintage wooden hangers

Pros: They have great provenance, often with the name of the tailors or hotel destination imprinted in some way on them. They lend an air of authenticity to any vintage coatrack or closet.
Cons: The acid content of the wood can be very high, so has the potential to damage garments being stored for the season, collected for later, or otherwise not in high rotation.
Use Them: For items that receive heavy rotation in your wardrobe. Put them in the front hall/guest closet. Guests usually have their coats their for an evening or just a week at a time, and the extra touch might impress them!

Plastic “Crystal Hangers

Pros: Plastic is a smooth, relatively sanitary material. Storage on a plastic hanger won’t contribute to the deterioration of an item, as long as hung correctly
Cons: They do break if stepped on by accident! They are sometimes wide so not for use with children’s or some ladies clothing with very narrow shoulders.

Fabric Covered Hangers

Pros: The padding is gentle on clothing
Cons: If the fabric is not clean or has been just stored for awhile itself, it can trap
dustmites, or more so absorb/retransfer garment odors. There are scented available as well, but watch for acide content.
Use For: These are great for garment transport of delicate items such as antique garments, wedding gowns, and the like. These are also apropriate for garments that will be in rotation, or to match a decor, but to know when to clean, or replace them.

Wire Hangers:

Pros: You can retrieve your keys sitting on your car seat if you leave your car windwo cracked open but lock your keys in your car. They are lightweight. They are free from your drycleaners with a clearning.
Cons: They can puncture clothing, and can cause rust spots.
Use them: To bring your clothes home from the cleaners and then take them off. But, BEWARE - they multiply like rabbits!

Yes its true…

They arrive at least in groups of 3-5 every week from the drycleaner. There are a few that are kept with the shirts, but the rest just end up in the worst places.

I, at first, just left them hung up, empty, in the closet. Then they started taking up too much room. So I had to move them aside. I put them on the chair in the bedroom, thinking that I would think of something to do with them. They quickly spread out. Then I gathered them up and put them in a paper bag. I hate to clog up a landfill and throw them away. I kept one “just in case”. If I am ever walking down the street and drop my keys down a drain, I can take a wire hanger, bend it oragami style and suddenly, I am MacGyver. Only, he would have been able to do it with a twist tie and a gum wrapper. Since I no longer live in one of America’s major cities like I used to and have to learn to leave that mindset behind…there just is less of a possibility of something like that happening anyhow.

I cannot see myself fashioning them into hangers for wind chimes. I could stretch them out, drive out to a farm and replace a barbed wire fence with hanger wire. But that might not be a good idea either. It would certainly be dangerous. Or i could twist them into a hook and be really lazy and never reach over to pick another thing off of the ground again. And then there is the wire candelabra idea. Those the candles would slowly dip south by the flimsiness of it all. And who needs 105 candelabras of questionable fire code compliance? For the time being, I will just sit and contemplate my bag o’ hangers.

And by the way, the drycleaner won’t take them back. They will have been USED and they wouldn’t have come with those paper sleeves on them (which actually, our drycleaner doesn’t even use. They like the hangers au natural with a cumbersome cardboard insert popped between them and the garment.

You never know, they could finally make it to the garage this time, so they are out of site. Until I go out in the garage that is. But I can’t do that. Then they would be rusty. And NOBODY would want them then!

I stumbled across a site where people have a wire hanger exchange. At the moment there is someone in New York that actually WANTS them in large quantity. I don’t know if this unassuming soul knew what they were in for when they dispatched the request. They may just end up with a U-Haul’s worth from my state.

Until Next Time,