I'm not quite certain who said, "Looking for a job is more work than having a job," but whomever it was, they were incontrovertibly correct. Since being laid-off from my job in the mortgage industry (the second largest bank failure in US history), I've been on the hunt for new employment.  Even though my background has been in banking (first, at a financial institution and then in mortgage banking) I'm at a crossroads as to what I want to do for a second act. While I'm willing to, once again, take a job in the banking industry (since bills never seem to cease), how lucky would I be to now be able delve into something that I'm truly passionate about? The question, of course, is what exactly will that be? Become a vintner? Seek a job for Ralph Lauren? Finally venturing forth with an idea I've had for a start-up since before Moses parted the Red Sea? Whatever I decide to persue, what better way to take along my resumé than in this Louis  Vuitton envelope that I purchased nearly 15 years ago? Long gone are the days of the bulky, hard-sided briefcase and since I'm well past puberty, so is the thought of using a backpack, or worst yet, a plastic folder to ferry around my professional life on paper. I also have a black crocodile embossed attaché from Aspinal of London, as well as, a chocolate-brown, croc embossed document carrier.


(Note: I've never actually worn the vest on an interview, since that would be a tad much, don't you think?)

You'd think that since I've worn a hat nearly every day for last four years, that I would have made it into Goorin Bros. Hat Shop long before yesterday. This gem of a hat shop has been in Old Town Pasadena for only three months, but the company has been around since 1895. (In this economy, that's always very encouraging news). Handsomely housed in a hat-box sized store front on Colorado Boulevard, this outpost of Goorin Bros. offer a rather vast selection of classic and modern style hats: from bowlers, straw fedoras and "apple caps" to women cloches. While I didn't find the hat I wanted in my size (this after being encouraged to try on any hat in stock), the very knowledgable and helpful sales associate, Liz, said that they should have more of the fall collection coming in shortly. I will definitely be returning.

All above images by N.D. Harrington for The Sophisticated Gentleman

If you're going to be in the Pasadena area this coming Thursday, October 13th, the store is having their Grand opening from 6-9pm. (Hopefully, I can make it.) Liz invited me to stop by to listen to some live music  and to try on some more  hats. This store's interior, with its  wood check-out counter, banisters, shelves and tables remind me of a small saloon from the 1920's. Because of this wonderful "old world" feeling,  once you descend the wooden stairs, you're bound to feel like you're in a scene from HBO's Boardwalk Empire. (Just be sure to not get "whacked" after indulging in the free libations.)

The man behind the infamous beard, Quigi Theodore, is also the man behind the incredily stylish store/website, Bk Circus (The Brooklyn Circus). Have you ever seen/read about something and then all of a sudden it seems like you're seeing it everywhere? For me, the Bk Circus is one such example. Since the first store's 2006 opening in Brooklyn, New York, "The Bearded Man" has reached many with his well curated clothing and accessories collection. It is quickly becoming a sharply edited lifestyle for many; from the U.S. to Japan. Check out this article on The Bk Circus)

Bk Circus' "Attitude" Varsity Jacket $480.00

Similiar looking, but less expensive letterman jackets,
can be found at The Jacket Shop.

Sitting through the movie on last Saturday, I realized that, since it's been about four years since my last eye exam, I probably should make an appointment. Either the images on the movie screen were fuzzy or... I should probably, at least, wear my old glasses in the meantime. Come to think of it, I haven't even seen (no pun intended!) my old glasses lying around in ages. Or have I?

I came across a write-up in GQ a few months back for Warby Parker  (888-492-7292). Have you heard of them? This company will undoutedly revolutionize the way we buy prescription glasses in the future. It is being touted as the Netflix of eyewear. More importantly, because they sell directly to the consumer, bypassing high priced boutiques, they've set their eyewear at an unbelievable price of $95.00 - including prescription lenses, which are made of an anti-reflective polycarbonate material. Equally impressive, is that they will ship you up to 5 pairs of frames to try on before your actual purchase. 

Another reason that I'd like to purchase my next pair of glasses from this company is that, whenever possible, I prefer to support a company that is trying to make a difference in the world and Warby Parker, along with companies such as Restoring Vision, is doing just that. Like TOMS shoes, for each pair of glasses that you buy, they will donate a second pair to someone in need. Clearly, anyone should be able to see the benefit of buying your glasses from these guys.                       (Image via website)

(Larkin Oakwood Brown, here and above)

(Larkin Revolver Black)

(Digby)

(Thatcher)

(Thatcher, Polarized Sunglasses)