Ascots

[theoldesouth]

Love 'em. Keeping the vulnerable part of the neck warm against the chill, they're a chic, practical and often less cumbersome alternative to scarves.

Dad wore them regularly. As did others of his generation.

In the images that he posts here, Michael (Alden) is often sporting them, too.

When in Paris, a favorite place to drop by is L'Escalier D'Argent, where it's a pleasure to chat with Mme. Jacquard. Her silks are, of course, superb and each visit usually results in the purchase of, at least, an ascot.

Any other fans of ascots here in the LL membership? I'd guess so!

Would any of you be familiar with other purveyors of fine ascots in Paris that I could visit?

Thanks, in advance, and best wishes,
John

[cathach]

By ascot do you mean a rectangular narrow piece of silk, or that sewn with two triangular ends? In french the former is called a 'foulard' and is hard to find out of the winter season. I got some before in Galaries Lafayette but a better option would be to wander around the Marais a bit there's bound to be a few specialists there.

[rodes]

I really like them, but sadly have never worn one. In my locale the ascot would be viewed as making an extreme statement. This issue of the fine line between dressing to complete one's own aesthetic taste yet not giving your community reason to keep you at arm's length has often been discussed here. It is an interesting philosophical question for it seems to me that a person dresses to satisfy both himself and his community. You dress, but the community draws the line. Perhaps you can move the line in subtle ways but even the most stylish of us can not move the line very far or very quickly. Would we really want it any other way? Fortunate is the man who lives in a circle that welcomes such expression.

[theoldesouth]

Cathach,

The latter. And Mme. Jacquard seems to have them on display year 'round. Look for her shop at the Palais Royal, next time you're near. It's quite an extraordinary place and she's very kind and speaks English fluently.

You've heard of Jacquard silk. Yes, she's a member of the very family!

I'll have a look around Lafayette. And the Marais is an easy walk. So, thanks for the suggestions.

[theoldesouth]

Rodes,

Yes, I know just what you mean. I live in a similar environment.

Until now, the ascots have only been worn when I'm in Europe.

But, it's quite often chilly in the winter even in 'the woods' where I spend most of the year. The solution which I'll try when I'm back there will be to just keep the ascot tucked well into my shirt collar.

I'd guess that some might notice the discrete tuft of color, sparking their curiosity and perhaps even encouraging a small revitalization of the chic practice of ascot wearing.

Join me?

[uppercase]

Curious how ascots give men hives.
I'm going to wear one tomorrow to see if I've outgrown that complex.
I suspect I have, as I enjoy them and don't give a shit anymore what other people may think.

[davidhuh]

I'm wearing ascots every now and then, especially on weekends. While I agree that it is not the most common sight, I don't understand why somebody would stand out wearing one? It is both elegant and relaxed…

Cheers, David

[Luca]

I wear them all the time at the weekend.

[theoldesouth]

Great to hear, guys, thanks.

No hives with the ascots here, Uppercase, just, occasionally, mild heat rash with scarves (even cashmere) tightened against the chill and with snug fitting, woolen roll necks.

[alden]

The first thing I do when I dress in the morning is to wrap a nice piece of silk around my neck. I wear it all day, every day and have done so for more than 30 yrs. I do not like my neck to be exposed and the scarf is a useful tool to keep covered that which should be covered.

Personally I cannot conceive of what it must be like to worry about what other people might think about my dress. Try as I may, I cannot force myself to feel that kind of anxiety when there are so many more interesting things to be anxious about. Life is so blinking short, always travel first class and choose your worries well. Live and dress to please yourself and you will please others. Your confidence and joy will infect even the most recalcitrant. The only way to add value to others is to refuse to think and act exactly like them because value comes from outside the box.

If you are attractive, you will necessarily attract the ire of men and the love of women. If you are wise you will know how to relish both...with moderation!

Cheers

[cathach]

I really like them, but sadly have never worn one. In my locale the ascot would be viewed as making an extreme statement. This issue of the fine line between dressing to complete one's own aesthetic taste yet not giving your community reason to keep you at arm's length has often been discussed here. It is an interesting philosophical question for it seems to me that a person dresses to satisfy both himself and his community. You dress, but the community draws the line. Perhaps you can move the line in subtle ways but even the most stylish of us can not move the line very far or very quickly. Would we really want it any other way? Fortunate is the man who lives in a circle that welcomes such expression.

Rodes, being based in the US you have a great blue collar tradition of the silk square and neckerchief and Western or Rodeo sites have some great examples including some with handrolled hems:

http://www.calclassics.net/php/buy/scar ... carves.php or http://www.cattlekate.com/store/western ... lk-scarves

Just give 'em that thousand yard stare.

[Rob O]

Life is so blinking short, always travel first class and choose your worries well. Live and dress to please yourself and you will please others. Your confidence and joy will infect even the most recalcitrant. The only way to add value to others is to refuse to think and act exactly like them because value comes from outside the box.

Hurrah and Huzzah!

[theoldesouth]

Taken to heart, Michael, thanks.

[theoldesouth]

So, Uppercase, what happened with your 'experiment'? Hives? No hives?

[uppercase]

No. I never had hives. I've been wearing ascots for centuries now.