Life & and Fine Clothing

AS I approach 50 Years of living , I feel pretty good ,I have found fitness after all these years and find it to to be worth its weight in therapy, it definitely yields really big, life changing  benefits. I sleep better, its a natural anti depressant , and it definitely helps your attitude and outlook on things. I say if , working out or fitness is not apart of your life right now make it! commit to walking just 20 minutes a day to start out and see a difference.
   Live in the present, stop worrying about your past and your mistakes, I have made plenty!! I am trying to make a conscious effort  to live in the present, I try too fill my mental space with things I can do now instead of filling my brain with worries and what could  have been from the past , not easy but I'm trying.
  Finding  balance in your life, so hard , working long hours trying to make ends meet, family etc. Killing your self through overwork is not good, it is unhealthy , I think I worked so much in the 1990's and 2000's I can't even remember one year from the next when I look back, I wish someone had suggested a healthy work/ life balance, and the importance of  prioritizing happiness, remember no on looks back on there life and says Gee, I wish I had spent less time with my family and friends and more time at work or the office, well maybe some goof balls think that!
  This brings me too fine clothing , treat yourself to something nice, in the way of clothing . Today it seems everybody buys electronics , tablets, phones, Ipods etc, but neglect there dress. I like nice clothes they make me feel good and there is nothing wrong with a little self pride in the way one looks.

 I don't mean run out too Marshalls  or some other closeout junk store! Find something nice ,shoes from Italy  A sweater from Scotland , something made right here in the USA! break the pattern of buying junk clothes from China, build a wardrobe one piece at a time . Good clothes last, they are a investment that should give one pleasure for years to come. So next time you reach for that weird shade of turquoise , or those pants with the strange pockets and convince yourself they are ok , because the price is right and it says it was orig. $600. 00 now $29.99 think again  , our clothes make a impression, I think it might be better to be seen as a timeless classic rather than last years bad decision............

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!!