Pent-up Demand

[dopey]

. . . . I saw Tony G at EG for a fitting on my shoes -- he's done a magnificent chisel toe on some brogued elastic slip-ons, with a fantastic medallion and even put on the poncey detailing I asked him to. . . .

Please elaborate on the medallion and detailing. And I am intrigued that you have articulated a desire for something poncey. I am trying to imagine the conversation:

RJM: Those would be nice but can you make them poncey?

TG: Sure. Would you like some tassels?

RJM: Hmmm. Nice, but perhaps I need two tassels. What do you think?

TG: Two would be nice. How about a fringed apron?

RJM: Great, but I think they still need some more swish. Can you do some sequins? How about glitter?

TG: The fringed apron would be nice.

RJM: Yes. Yes. But I want heads to turn as I pass by. I can source these great Swarovski crystals. Perhaps you can do a jeweled cat medallion?

TG: The fringed apron would be nice.

RJM: [silence]

TG: I’ll make it extra poncey and we can embed a chip that plays Mame when you take them off. How’s that?

RJM: O.K. We can save the glitter for a two eyelet derby.

[Guest]

That is what I think of when I think of RJMan, bling bling and those gangsta rap videos on MTV!

[rjman]

That is what I think of when I think of RJMan, bling bling and those gangsta rap videos on MTV!

No, that's my cat. He's the one with the Posse.

[jekarwoski]

Back to travel - I think it's important to allow time and to be open-minded enough to allow for
serendipitous discoveries. For example, on a trip to Rome, we decided to take an indirect route to a particular sight. We found ourselves in a delighful artisan (of all types) street and I noticed a shirtmaker. The street was via Urbana, the shirtmaker Mimmo Siviglia...quite a discovery, especially since I didn't recognize the name or the high regard with which he's held. The same thing happened with a cobbler, also in Rome, who's sign advertised - of all things - the type of construction - "Scarpe Norvegese" not far from the Parliament. All bespoke, but I didn't have enough confidence in my Italian (or knowledge of shoes) to go beyond a few pleasantries.

So, yes, travel, have an itinerary but allow for your own discoveries.