Royster's Blog

“A tuxedo is the pinnacle of formality, it exemplifies class and style. It hasn’t been improved upon over time because it cannot be improved upon. That’s to say: regardless of your everyday sartorial prerogatives you should own one and own it proudly.”

I don’t own a tuxedo, mainly because I’ve never had the opportunity to wear one.  The formal events I’ve attended have never called for one, as a black suit has sufficed.  Rest assured that if I was invited to a tux-only event I would surely have purchased one, as I’m not a big fan of renting wearable items (yes I own my own bowling shoes).

 From the Style Men’s Buyers’ Guide for Spring 2009:

Bottega Veneta tuxedo with white jacket and black pants

$4,100, Jeffrey New York, 449 W. 14th St., New York, (212) 206-3928

I missed the boat on this Engineered Garments Quick-Release belt.  It’s sold out and apparently they aren’t making it anymore.  Just goes to show, you snooze, you lose!

The Future Perfect owner David Alhadeff offers several interpretations of this clever mug.

For the typical frustrated American: “Fuck, the economy—this sucks!”

For the laid back, hippie artist: “Fuck the economy—who cares what it does?”

For the trust fund baby or uber-millionaire: “Fuck the economy, I’m so rich it doesn’t make a difference.”

I’ve only owned one car in my entire life. It was a 1992 Acura Integra LS Four Door.  Last summer, after 16 years and 180,000+ miles, I finally had to send it to automobile heaven.

At first I thought life without a car would be difficult.  However, it has proven to be quite liberating.  Not only am I exempt from having to deal with traffic, rising gas prices, insurance payments, car payments, maintenance costs, personal property tax, etc., but I feel good about not contributing to polluting the environment or the insane traffic on the DC roadways. 

I’d be lying if I said that there are never times when I wished I had a car, but those moments are few and far between.  Living an automobile-less life is great overall, but can be inconvenient during those spontaneous times when I need to be somewhere at a moment’s notice.  But if I plan far enough in advance (which I do), then I can simply use Zipcar or, if I need one for a prolonged period of time, rent a car since it’s more cost effective.

I’ve never owned a bourgeois car, nor do I intend on purchasing one soon.  That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy the craftsmanship, speed and elegance of a fine automobile.  Here are a few which I’ve read about recently that are drool-worthy.

Aston Martin DBS Volante
Engine: V12
Top Speed: 191 miles an hour
Performance: 0 – 60 in just 4.3 seconds.
Price: ???

Rolls-Royce 200EX
Engine: 6.6L, V12, 500+ hp
Transmission: 8 speed automatic
Price: $250,000 to $280,000

 Bentley Azure T
Engine: 6.75L V8
Top Speed: 179 miles an hour
Performance: 0-60 in 5.2 seconds
Price: £240,000

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Coupe

Engine: 6.0-Liter, 65-Degree V12, 620hp

Price: ???

Every year I like to treat myself on my birthday.  Usually my birthday gifts to myself are coveted objects on the more expensive side, as past purchases have ranged from a suit to a watch to a snowboard.  A common theme in whatever I end up buying is that it is something I not only want, but also something I feel I deserve as well.  I use the word “deserve” insofar as it relates to the pursuit of happiness in one’s life.

I’ve always maintained that a birthday is one day out of the year when a person should be completely, unconditionally, selfishly happy.  That may sound like an oxymoron to be selfishly happy, but the day you entered this crazy world is *your* day, and I feel that it’s completely reasonable to receive whatever you ask for during those 24 hours.  Being spoiled by your friends and family for that one day is not only expected, but in my opinion required.

For this year, my birthday is obviously a little different since I’ve been deprived of the ability to treat myself to something nice.  Initially I thought that this would cause me to be less happy today. However, I realized that this does not necessarily have to be the case. I truly enjoy bringing joy to others’ lives, especially my close friends.  When they’re happy, I’m happy. So I contemplated the rules I forced upon myself when this game first started. Then I came up with an idea.

One of the few exceptions to my resolution is that gifts for others wouldn’t count against me, as acts of kindness and generosity are the very essence of what Lent is supposed to be about. So I decided to buy something nice for someone else, namely my friend Siobhan.

Siobhan calls me and her and kindred spirits, and I’m not one to disagree. I’ve known her for over a decade now, during which time we’ve created many lasting memories. She’s a wonderful person with a beautiful soul.  I’m grateful that she is in my life since she’s such a positive influence on me.

Her birthday isn’t until next month, and I plan on visiting her in the Bay Area to join in her festivities.  I wanted to get her a gift suitable for both the level of our friendship as well as her elegant taste.  I figured since I can’t splurge on myself, then I’d happily splurge on her.  She’s a great friend and she deserves it.

One of the many commonalities Siobhan and I share is that we are both interested in fashion.  We have similar taste when it comes to what looks good and, just as importantly, what doesn’t.  One of her favorite designers is Diane von Furstenberg, the queen of the wrap dress.  I kept that in mind when I paid a visit to my favorite store in search of her gift, which was when I ran across this piece:

Diane von Furstenberg Pitti Dress

The color in the picture (it’s called “Sunkist”) doesn’t do the dress justice.  In person, it’s more of a brighter, less muted orange – perfect for spring or summer and easy to accessorize.  The draping of the neckline and knot detail at the shoulder show how well designed this piece is.  In short, the dress screams “classy but fun.”

Unfortunately they only had a size 6 and 8 in stock, and if you know Siobhan then you are already aware that she isn’t anything close to a size 4, much less a 6 or 8 (although lately I’ve been pressuring the girl to eat more so that she gains some weight).  Those would fit like a trash bag on her small frame. Lacking a supply of size options, the salesperson suggested that I order it online.

By the way, I love the people who work the salesfloor at Barneys.  They’re helpful without being obtrusive, always smiling and friendly, and answer your questions without any condescension.  Not to mention the fact that they’re always dressed impeccably.  Other high-end stores could take lessons.  Anyway, I digress.

I consulted with Siobhan’s better half and he approved my idea and confirmed the proper size to get.  So one online web transaction later, I think I found a nice surprise gift that Siobhan will enjoy.  I can’t wait to give it to her in person.  If she’s happy, then I’ll certainly be happy. I just hope it fits!

Winterizing your wardrobe on a worn out budget, thanks to the wayward economy, can leave one feeling a bit frigid. Luckily for the conscientious spender, as the cold winter season draws to a close I’ve been seeing a lot of outerwear go on sale, which should bring a bit of welcome warmth to your heart. Two pieces in particular that caught my eye (and made me drool) can be found below.

Rogues Gallery Officer’s Coat

Woolrich Woolen Mills Field Coat

I usually don’t think of faucets as handsome, but this one is a welcome exception. It was created for Octopus Design by former Merc-Benz designer Bruno Sacco, so I suppose it’s the dishwashing equivalent of driving an E-Class.

Hansa Latrava by Octopus Design

Similar to yesterday, here’s a nice little toy that I wish I had when I was a kid. I think I’d be the envy of the neighborhood, parents and children alike, although this baby looks waaaaay to nice to ride . Is there a kid out there who would actually ride this outside? And not get jacked for it??

The Aurumania Gold Bike Crystal Edition is hand made, covered with over 600 crystallized Swarovski Elements, equipped with Brooks brown leather saddle and matching brown leather grips on the drop bar, and limited to a production of 10. Retail price: $100,000. What recession??

Aurumania Gold Bike Crystal Edition

Man…I wish technology was this advanced when I was growing up. I could totally have used this as a little kid!

50’ Snowball Launcher

YachtPlus 40 Signature Series Yacht

Architects Foster + Partners have designed the 40 Signature Series yacht for YachtPlus.

Exclusive to YachtPlus, the Foster-designed 40 “Signature Series” is a new concept private luxury super-yacht for a new generation of yacht owner. Her unique contemporary shape makes her unmistakably a piece of modern architecture.

Lord Norman Foster’s work on luxury hotels and residences provided a fresh approach to achieving privacy, comfort and usage of space onboard a motor yacht.

A new emphasis was given to such issues as quality and quantity of space, outdoor terraces, light and views. As a result, the 40 “Signature Series” offers more deck space and interior comfort than any equivalent yacht of her size, offering our Owners a genuine extension to the modern spaces they life, work and holiday in around the world.

The yacht’s design concept is the result of the work over a 15-month period by a permanent team of 7 architects at Foster and Partners in London and Italy, headed by Lord Foster himself. The result is a new concept private luxury yacht that compares very favourably to many predecessors in her type, with four genuine deck levels offering over 30% more outdoors and indoors space that any yacht in her category.

The result is a new yacht for a new generation of yacht owner, offered exclusively through YachtPlus for private cruising by its Owners.