Sunday, May 4, 2008

My Two Lovely Chaps


I have two very stylish men in my life, neither of whom I am married too. (Sorry Honey, your talents lie elsewhere). Those of you who have been reading for a while will have heard me refer to these two before. My brothers. Seen above at my birthday, (1960's cocktail party) a couple of years back, these two handsome devils have quite the way with fashion. Mr. S (seen left), does cutting edge refinement with a casual and witty air. A man who appreciates good tailoring as much as a good cigar, as does his sister, truth be told. And then there is Mr.A (seen right), with an eye for colour and texture, as well as being very handy with a sewing machine. So it is with them in mind that I am so often disappointed by the questionable efforts of many a lad.

I find myself wishing for just a little more effort from the Average Joe, both in dress and manners. Although I have my preferred fashions, I honestly don't mind what your style is, so long as there has been some consideration and flair. My hero in this respect is none other than Beau Brummell (1778-1840).

Thank you to Mr James Purefoy for your beautiful portrayal.

Credited with being the creator of the Dandy, the illustrious Mr Brummell was nothing if not stylish. After becoming friends with the Prince Regent, Brummell was pivitol in popularizing trousers for men as opposed to the more French style of knee breeches. In a time when fashion for men was bright colours and high heels, Brummell went out on a limb, creating a new style. More sober than that of his aristocratic peers, Brummell's style relied more on the quality and nuance of his garments. The perfect way to tie a tie, the amount of cuff showing past the end of a coat sleeve or pleasure of a beautifully ironed shirt.

Whilst I am not saying that Mr. Brummell's style is the be all and end all, it is the principle of defining your style and executing it with flair that I admire. So when I came across The Chap Magazine, I breathed a sigh, somewhere between relief and pleasure, that creatures like the wonderful Mr Brummell exist.



I particularly loved this article on Civilizing the City. I highly recommend them for some enlightening and entertaining reading.

So whether you are a Goth, Punk, Dandy or Diva; I salute you and your sartorial splendor.

11 comments:

Fashion Addict said...

love your blog's title! So cute, I mean kawaii! Your blog in general is really great and I'd love to read all your posts (if only if I had that much time!!!) anyway, I was wondering if you would like to do a link exchange with me...

Anonymous said...

Men have been sadly left behind in the fashion stakes in the past few decades. My husband lets me direct his satorial choices and let me say, his wardrobe is one of taste and refinement! (which is the opposite of mine, strangely)

Anonymous said...

Oh you're right: both brothers look so stylish! I wish there would be a man like this in my life.

WendyB said...

Great photo of the three of you.

K.Line said...

Now I want to see a pic of your parents because the three of you are all so gorgeous, your parents must be godly!

Elizabeth said...

GORGEOUS family.

Candice DeVille said...

Fashion addict: Thank you, hope I provide you with hours of entertainment and some inspiration. I didn't know whether I should explain the title to my readership, but it sounds like you understand. I'm heading on over to check you out now. :)
Cybill: Sounds like you have a very compliant husband, some would say the best kind. :) He sounds very well dressed.
Nadine: Well perhaps if you visited Melbourne....
Wendy & Enc: Thank you, it is one of my all time favorites.
K.line: I think I may just have to do that. Perhaps a few vintage shots may be in order too.

annabananna said...

oh, how i agree with you! i don't get why so many men don't seem to care about their style. and what your (cute!) brothers are to you, my dad is to me - a great example for (male) style. so i am spoiled, too. have a great week!

Kelly said...

What an awesome magazine! I love a well-dressed man more than most things in my life. More than bourbon!

If I see a man walking down the street in a suit and a hat, well, catch me as I faint please!

(p.s. your brothers are quite stylish. I'm still working on my older brother to quit buttoning the top button of his polo shirts, and working on my younger brother to, you know, pitch things with holes in them. I wish I had brothers that I could actually learn a thing or two from!)

Anonymous said...

I love a snappy dandy and you'rr so right it's all in the execution!

Fab pic of you and your well dressed bro's

Candice DeVille said...

Thanks all. The boys will be feeling very chuffed with all those lovely compliments.