Downy hats and clean shirts…

Ambrose Bierce defined aristocracy as, "Government by the best men. Fellows that wear downy hats and clean shirts — guilty of education and suspected of bank accounts."

I just booked an appointment with my shirtmaker in Manhattan the week of the 21st, and somehow that quote made it into our conversation. Anyone looking for the most amazing sensual experience you can have in public needs to wear a bespoke Turnbull & Asser shirt. Even if you’re dressing in total darkness, you know you’re putting one of these on.

While I’m there, I’m having dinner with a friend who is the director of the Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens zoos. He wants me to try a Persian (Iranian) restaurant that has authentic dishes – and he should know, as his best friend growing up was a post-revolution refugee from Iran. He enjoyed many a meal at his home.

The Carnegie Club and The Campbell Apartment are both on my itinerary for some after-business decompression. Probably two of the most elegant bars left in the city. I’m also seeing the Bryan Reeder Trio at Feinstein’s at the Regency on the 23rd, a late night (show starts 10:30PM) of Gershwin, Porter and Berlin. The night before will be the Loston Harris Trio at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. New York cabaret is something unique, and probably one of the few things I miss about the place.

Telynor

May 11, 2012

I like the quote! Yes, getting handmade clothing that’s been properly fitted and made of the best materials is a delight.

I grew up near Prospect Park. I love the Campbell Apartment and the history behind it.

I gasped at the price of the knitwear, in pounds.

Only sujema

You’ll have lots of rice. Frederick Law Olmstead is one of my ancestors I’ll be leaving NYC when you’re coming in.

MageB

May 12, 2012

The Campbell apartment is one of the most elegant buildings of that era I’ve seen. Wear your bespoke shirt and other proper atire….and have fun.

edna million

May 14, 2012

ryn — We were debating the same thing, despite being very happy that he did it. I’m hoping gutsy. It could really go either way, although I think it’s much better than he came out with it now rather than closer to the election. He was pretty much at the point where he had to take a stand. An elegant bar sounds wonderful!

Just looked at the Campbell Apartment and now I REALLY want to have a drink there. I’d have to find some proper attire, though.

the_mysticalmuse

May 21, 2012

Aristocracy also bred themselves almost into ‘duhhhdom’, so to speak. Blue blood had too many hidden mistakes behind thick protecting walls, so I’m not impressed. I lived my whole life being touched by that system, and I resent it. Sorry for being so blunt. Intelligence is everything to me, not bloodlines. If you can afford ‘their’ lifestyle, good for you, as long as you did not build your wealththey way they did. It’s a blessing to be born common. What a statement! Lololol. Besides, the well-made clothes are made by masterful commoners with a talent. I’m so very proud of them! So let’s celebrate talent and intelligence! Ambroce Pierce did not tell the entire story, and that’s my job as a sociologist. He would not have liked my comments at all! You probably won’t either, so I apologize for making them. I’m proud of you supporting masterful craftsmen!