Style Inspriations....... The Avengers!!

I don't know why but I tend to look back instead of the present when it comes to style and design, inspiration , it just seems to me , people , cars , homes, and yes our manners were just better, and evoked class and style.  When I was a wee lad  I used to love The Avengers TV show , John Steed and Emma Peel, they were so cool!, great clothes , the lotus and Bentley cars, and of course their epic adventures each episode brought. Emma Peel was way ahead of her time , a confident no nonsense woman, Ha! she'd fit right in today 40 years later. Mr. steeds  suits were impeccable and his signature bowler hat and umbrella so very British. I understand in real life he served in the military and grew to despise guns, so he had his character, use his hat and umbrella as a personal statement against guns . Emma peel was always dressed to thrill , in true 60's style :) and despite her no nonsense self reliance she still needed Mr. Steed sometimes in the end , which was nice to see and together they got job done which is a message seemingly forgotten , in real life and on today's mostly  lousy tv shows. I still watch the show and I still think Emma Peel (Dianna Riggs ) is one cool Lady and Mr. Steed , well , today's Man could benefit from his sense of style and grace in my mind it'sorely missed.......... .

Design Ideas.....

 For me half the battle is coming up with  clothing and accessories that will be classic and fun too wear. I would like to create more men's  items, but I'm afraid most men have zero sense of style or really care anymore! Of course I will continue to seek out great men's things but I am cautious to say the least. As a example take a look at the current Lilly Men's line , A few ties and polo shirts and swim trunks......,



 

1968



1967

I have no idea who these two are ! , but they look pretty snazzy!  and it is nice to see people having fun with clothes.

   I have been thinking about trying some very simple A line ladies skirts and  sleeveless Shift dresses that harken back, in time , I have come across some great fabrics that seem perfect for the  styles I have in mind . I like to look at old ads which I have mentioned before in previous posts, for inspiration , and I have found patterns that are in keeping with my ideas, so I think I will give it a whirl in small doses  . Who knows If I feel brave enough , perhaps some fun wild men's pants are in order for the future!!

Walks, Thoughts and the Tartan Terrier......

I have always enjoyed walking  over the last 4 months combined with diet and fitness training , lost 44 LBS. I guess a big deal, I know I feel great and My bloodwork  has changed so much my doctor first read and cked the name to see if she was reading  some other persons results!!, So I am pleased, and my goal is too stay this way from now on, no simple task.   I  am kinda wound up most of the time , walking really helps to burn some extra energy , and be at home with my thoughts, and I love walking with my little Jack Russel Terrier , Joplin, she likes the walks as much as I do and can match my pace step for step!
     
     I also do alot of thinking about  this little business and my life , creating and selling great clothes and accessories by adding a little twist on classics and putting it all together into the Tartan Terrier theme and brand, It really excites me and my hope is others will see my passion and see the value and quality , and ultimately want to buy and  Wear them!
      As  young boy hanging around  My families clothing store I was intrigued with the fabrics, textures colors and fashions  I enjoyed learning from my grandfather, and dad about how clothes were made, the function of certain styles etc. It has always been interesting for me , and isn't that half the battle , finding something you are passionate about ?
    Doing this is something I have thought about  off and on for 30 years, When I was in College I wanted to finish get out and help my Dad in his store, help grow it and take it to the next level of success. A few Months after my graduation , my Mom died suddenly , needless to say it changed my plans and my life forever.
   I have had a interesting life  ever since, success and yes failure  in business, I"ve learned and grown from both, made many mistakes and come out he other side with my sanity somewhat intact!! I have never been a follower, I do my own thing and scoff at  the Idea that if everybody has one or is doing something it has to be better. I like being surrounded by nice things , clothes , cars, furnature, home decor etc, Not that they have to be expensive or new , just nice, tasteful and make you feel good to be around them., treasured things handed down, with meaning are extra special. These days it's a throw away world , and that is  disappointing . People flock to Target , Walmart, Etc, for god awful junk that just falls apart and you just throw it away, we are raising a generation to believe this is how it is supposed to be! As a country we used to make quality things  with pride , now  we just buy junk from other countries, do people really think this is  the way a country prospers? Sure a few people are making huge money at  the eveyday mans expense and laughing all the way too the bank! My point of all this ? I am trying to buy and work with small companies here and in the U.K. that make quality things and  offer unique products that will last and give a sense of pride of ownership, it is not easy , but having something nice is worth it and I just really hope I can make people feel good about the things I have to offer........  As far as my walking I do it everyday , 9 miles! it is amazing how many ideas you can come up with and how good The excerise can make you feel!!

Sailing Gear

 Having always pretty much been around the water my whole life  , you come to realize you need good foul weather protection! It can make or break you day on or around the water! I have tried just about every brand out there , and they are all pretty good , Alot comes down too brand loyalty. I have noticed since J.P. has been sailing and racing since he was a wee little kid , like sneakers kids want to be on the water in the right gear, even if its inferior if it got the name , wear it!






    I have recently started ordering and stocking a few things from Gul of England , Since 1967 , they have been making wetsuits and keeping English sailors and watermen warm. I like the breathable waterproof ,lightweight outershells, fine fleece linings and the longer tails to keep your backside warm! they make  great spray tops for dingy sailors and offshore jackets and bibs for big boats sailors too. when I 'm just hanging around the water , sometimes its damp or windy its just nice to have the right jacket or vest on , Gul really has it all, in typical tasteful English style of subtle colors and pure function and durability for men ladies and kid sizes too!  Hopefully the website will be functioning soon! I know I am ready to launch Gul to those who want the best.

Vintage sportcar racing

 My great Passion it seems is Vintage sportscar racing , I have been told recently I am a obsessive compulsive person with tendency to be over the top with my energy level, in short this makes  me a pain in the ass to be around for the most part I guess ! my brain never stops thinking I am always moving , while others may be on the ground going about at a perfectly normal pace I seem to be flying around on another plane . I get bored easily and I like change . I have tried all kinds of sports , my least favorite being Golf , Christ is that a frustrating and annoying game.
    I have always loved cars , they way they look the way they sound , smell, and the passion some brands evoke . I have owned so many cars I have lost count , some disappointments , some like a beautiful lady but always temperamental, and a few that were just simply a joy to drive and own.

    Vintage racing just seemed to fit for me , My favorite old cars racing ,like minded people , the challenge , and finally something moving at the same pace as my over the top energy! I explained to others that for me at speed in the racecar  things seem to slow down almost in slow motion , it becomes very graceful and fluid,it may seem violent from afar but in reality the driver , hardly moves the wheel , being smooth is fast , and that's hard at over 100 MPH.

  I have taken a break for various reasons, , I thought for a bit ahh, I don't need it anymore, but simply I miss it. I worked at it and there was a sense of pride in my getting better and better , and being respected for my driving skill and the level of preparation I put into my cars, they became a reflection  of me and a extension of who I am. I have found without this in my life something is missing ,I don't need it like I did a few years back when it was racing or nothing ! But I would like to go a few times a year to my favorite tracks  and see friends and climb into the cockpit , buckle up and tingle the senses and feel the rush of  racing really cool old cars again. I hope somehow in time I can get a sportsracer like the ones pictured here , they are fast , pure racecars and evoke the essence of racing in a bygone era.
  I have also been told I need to save some of my dreams for the future and not live them all in the present !
    I'm really trying to work on that! I love my Elva Curier , but a Elva mark 6 looks like so much fun........