Fine clothes, and how my interest and wardrobe developed

[jrandyv]

As I have done on initial postings on other clothing forums, I wanted to explain, by way of introduction, where my interest in clothing began and how it developed to this point. I am nearly 60, five years retired from a career in labor relations and live just outside Portland Oregon. My first real interest in clothes was in college in Oregon in the mid 60's when the Ivy League look of khakis, oxford button downs, and wool v neck sweaters (rather than crew shetlands found on the east coast) were what I and many others wore; although it was short lived. (However that look still has some appeal-see below)The 70's clothes wise are best forgotten. I began a more serious approach in the 80's and 90's, and have reached my current level in the last three to five years.

During the last year, and the previous two or three, I've added and expanded my wardrobe so it is about where I want it to be; which is fortunate since it now matches my available closet space.

Other than the note below about replacing sport coats with Oxxford in the coming years, I'm only planning on the occasional individual shirt, tie, sweater or pant that either replaces something I have worn out or is truly distinctive.

Because of the location where I live, and the fact I have little need for business wear (I wear suits when I visit NYC or SF occasionally, and once in a while here in Portland), having clothes made by a tailor is not particularly an option, although I may have an Oxxford blazer done at some point and Alex Kabbaz's shirts certainly have an appeal

Here's where my wardrobe stands: (I appreciate your indulgence for the length of this)
Suits-4-Oxxford Super 110/120/s; 1-Cable Car Poplin; all with working buttons
Sport coats-wool/cashmere/linen/silk blends-6-Oxxford, Zegna(to be annually replaced by Oxxfords)-with working buttons, including those listed following:
Double breasted Blazer-1-Loro Piana Super 110 by BB(eventually Oxxford)
Corduroy sport coat-1-Loro Piana by BB
Harris tweeds-3-sack by Ben Silver/BB
Camel hair-1-sack, Loro Piana by BB
Single breasted Blazer-1-sack, Andover with Silver college buttons
Dress shirts-pointed/spread collar-15-Charvet, Borrelli, T & A, Zegna couture
Dress shirts-button down-5-Mercer
Ties-wool-4-Scottish tartans/Pendelton
Ties-silk-BB repp-2, Zegna-3, Talbott best of class/collegiate-2, Drake-1, Kiton-1, Brioni-4, Borrelli-1, Hermes-1, Isaia 7 fold-1, Talbott 7 fold-1
Trousers-wool-pleated-solid color-5-Oxxford, Incotex sartoriale
Trousers-wool-pleated-patterned-2-O'Connell's
Trousers-wool-flat front-4-Silver, Andover, O'Connell's
Top Coat-1-Piana storm by BB, with working buttons
Trench-1-Burberry with camel insert
Car coats-2-Piana storm and Pendelton
Leather coats-2-Zegna car coat and Barbera leather button front
Wind breakers-3-Piana, Normandy & Monroe ventile, Paul and Shark Yachting jacket/vest
Outdoor coat-1-Barbour Beaufort
Gore tex pants-1
Short sleeve cotton polos-20-Zegna, P & S, RLPL, Bobby Jones, Smedley, Piana, Celli
Long sleeve cotton button downs-11-Zegna, P & S, Barbera, Borrelli, Piana
Long sleeve Viyella button downs-5-Andover, British Sporting, O'Connell's
Cotton trousers-10-Incotex, Piana, Bill's
Cordoroy trousers-4-RLPL, Incotex, Silver
Moleskin-1-British Sporting from England
Belts-4-Ferregamo calf with brass buckle, coach calf, Orvis bridle leather, P & S ribbon
Walking shorts/Swim trunks-3-P & S
Sweatshirt/Rugby/hat-University of Oregon
Polo-Kenyon college
Sweaters-wool-4-Pendelton, Zegna
Sweaters-light wool-2-Zimmerli
Sweaters-cashmere-7-Silver/O'Connell's from Scotland, Piana, Cucinelli
Sweater-camel hair-1-Orvis cardigan
Sweaters-Shetland-4-McGregor, Andover
Sweaters-cotton-8-Piana, Cucinelli, Sea Island by BB, Crossings, P & S
Shoes-Penny loafer-1-J M Weston
Shoes-Cordovan tassel-1-Alden
Shoes-tan kiltie-1-AE
Shoes-Oxfords-3-Lobb Prestige
Shoes-Driving-1-Tod's
Shoes-Boating sneakers-1-P & S
Shoes-Camp moccasins-2-Orvis with embossed fly pattern and Gokey
Shoes, Country Pebble Grain-2-C & J brogues and ankle boots
Slippers-3-Silver leather from England, and 2 cloth from Hotel Russie in Rome and Mayflower Inn-CT
Robes-2-Wool/cashmere Andover, BB Terry, (will add cotton in spring)
Pajamas-3-T & A, Derek Rose
Boxers-14-Zimmerli
Socks-10-Pantherella
Running clothes/shoes-Addidas and New Balance (now retired)
Walking shoes-1-Mephisto
Garden boots-1-Gates
Rubber moccasins-1-Orvis
Rubber/leather lined Wellingtons-1-Chameau
Hats-12-Irish/English caps, Millar Irish walking hat, baseball caps from Nantucket, Oregon, John Deere, Willis + Geiger, and Zero King, Pendelton Panama, Felt Cowboy hat, Watch cap, Orvis summer hat
Scarves-2-camel, wool
Gloves-4-Dents unlined, BB Italian cashmere lined, Swiss outdoor, leather work
Umbrella-3-Briggs, Kenyon college and Lexus golf
Walking sticks-3-Cable car English brass duck, Orvis wood duck, Cable car country wood
Briefcase/luggage-Hartmann, Scully zippered notepad
Watches-2-Rolex, Orvis

In my trouser pockets are a Montegrappa silver pen, Smythson wallet and diary, coach coin purse, BB/Luxottica glasses, a Kent comb and a razr cell.

I don't think I've ever said, except indirectly, how much help these forums have been in finding out about the quality and availability of clothes. __________________
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jrandyv
Portland, Oregon