BASIC MATTER 38 : PRINTED TUBES

Despite all the options available, I have always been an advocate for argyle, rugby stripe, regimental, fair isle socks (only when I start freezing my ass at work) and silk dress socks for work. Yes, I love the simplicity of my dress code though it doesn’t really produce the most exciting outfit, my selection of colored and printed socks are anything but. 

(My new pair of Argyles I got for a bargain at $9 a pair at Zara)

And oh, no need to spend an arm and a leg - you can spend $9 –  12 from Zara, Massimo Dutti, UNIQLO and get a really nice pair in paisley, stripes and red, however, you can also go to Paul Smith and get a nice pair of florals for $50 - 60.  

Yes, I’m a cheapo – deal with it!

MAMBO ITALIANO

Italian actor Andrea Bosca was in town for four days and aside from stuffing ourselves with mozzarella balls the whole night, we decided to have a few glasses of red instead and a platter of cheese at the Lanai.

( Top: Alfonso Tagliaferri, Andrea Bosca and Christian Besler. Bottom: Andrea and myself.)

And oh, don’t forget the limoncello and those bottles of ice cold, lemon flavored beer.

(Andrea Bosca in this year’s Magnifica Presenza, Ferzan Ozpetek’s masterpiece that finally, after years, departs from his usual production. Not bad!)

VROOM WITH A VIEW

"In Search of Italy's Dolce Vita on a '61 Vespa" - Peter Moore and no, this is not my version of Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday!

(Suit: Bespoke, Crisp White Shirt from Brooks Brothers, Red socks from UNIQLO and brogue lace-ups from Salvatore Ferragamo - La mia ode in Italia. Grazie Janthina Fong per la foto.)

OK, more like "Roman Holiday" minus Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert and no, I wasn't complaining. Blame it on the Mozzarella ball!

WHEN 36 DEGREES ISN'T ENOUGH

Last weekend, my sister and I finally headed down south for that much needed weekend just worshiping the sun and getting ourselves toasted in 36 degrees heat.  

(Relaxing day at the beach with these stylish and preppy swim trunks from Tommy Hilfiger)

No, we did not pack up our L.L. Bean tote but guess what, there is always our trusty J. Crew Kelly green tote and tracks from Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club to keep us bouncy whole weekend.

 

(Here's what I packed with me:  J. Crew Kelly green tote, espadrilles and my trusty straw hat from Florence)

(And yes,  here's what I wore to the beach: Purple trunks from Speedo, Espadrilles, white linen shirt, preppy nato straps and leather bracelet from Guam - a gift from my officemate)