My old chum Andrew has a new project which you really should see – a marvellous mag which goes by the name of Po’Boy! You can already read my debut article there – So You’ve Travelled Back In Time, a string of antique conchiolin deposits of wisdom for the cautious Connecticut Yankee. I thought I [...]
Lettres
Wherein the Author reflects upon certain topical & personal issues of the Day.
The archive for “Advice Columns”
The following lettres were filed in this category:
The Fop and the Dandy, a Guest-Parable
Posted upon the 8th of December, 2008
It is my great pleasure to present a guest-post by my friend Melanthios; a story… well, I shall let his own words be all the introduction it needs, other than to say that I think he has reached the heart of the truth of things. I am a Taoist Fop. It has come to my [...]
How to be Transcendental
Posted upon the 27th of November, 2008
“His business taught him expedients to husband time: in our victimizing climate he was fitted for storms or bad walking; his coat must contain certain special conveniences for a walker, with a note-book and spy-glass, – a soldier in his outfits. For shoddy he had an aversion: a pattern of solid Vermont gray gave him [...]
How To Be Lovely: How To Wear A Suit Part 1
Posted upon the 26th of April, 2008
This is a guide for all those men out there who don’t usually dress up, but want to. Why? Because I’ve been researching clothing history for years, and suits are still frankly BAFFLING. Suits are weird! Guides to wearing suits already exist on the net, of course, but they usually say things like “a navy [...]
Lord Gilchester’s Practical Precepts for the Morally Lax!
Posted upon the 14th of April, 2008
“Tally-ho! I’m Lord Gilchester, and this is some life advice for young and old, pulled from the experiences of my many, debaucherous – some would say lecherous – years. – Tired of bills? A revolving collection of false moustaches gives you as many identities as you like. You can be Olaf Hunderson at your tailor’s, [...]
How to Be Lovely: A Few Quick Links And Thoughts
Posted upon the 27th of October, 2007
I’m up to the top parts of my ears (do those have a name?) in research at the moment, but I thought I’d sit down, pen in hand, at my typewriter (thanks to Phil Ochs for that line) and dash out something to keep us all entertained. I’ve just been reading Whimy’s announcement that Duchess [...]
How To Be Lovely: The Paintings
Posted upon the 23rd of September, 2007
I take a lot of inspiration from great paintings; indeed, I find myself trying to live up to them, to the harmony and poise they express. Paintings can be a fine source of hints for dressing – really, it’s as if somebody else has already done the work balancing line and colour for you. I’ve [...]
Venus Infers: Parties and Partying
Posted upon the 9th of May, 2007
My deepest apologies, devoted readers, for my unforgivable absence. My only defence is that life in the House of Pain is not always the carefree romp one might imagine, and at times it is distinctly lacking in beer or indeed skittles. Necessary unpleasant misdeeds don’t perform themselves, and to top it all off, one of [...]