Newly Arrived for Spring/Summer - 'Bucktown' White Bucks by Florsheim

Very Brief History of the White Buck Shoes:
There are few shoes that represent summer more quintessentially that white bucks (short for Nubuck).  look at photos of American College-age men dressed for summertime from the 1950s and chances are, they'll be sporting white bucks in various levels of distress.  So prevalent were these shoes among the attendees of Ivy league colleges that East coast law, investment banking, and management consulting firms which drew their new recruits from these elite universities became know as 'White Shoe' firms. New York Times Magazine published an interesting article by William Safire on the topic way back in 1997, which is worth a read.

The Unboxing:
These arrived fairly quickly from Nordstrom's in the US with all taxes and duties collected in order to avoid the long trip to German Customs.  Nicely packaged and presented from Florsheim:

In any case, if you're a man who loves traditional dress, a snappy pair of white bucks are a must have for the summer months.  I am happy to say that I've recently taken delivery of a great looking pair of Bucktown' White bucks by Florsheim via the Nordstrom website.  These beauties are nicely made from white suede with a very lightweight brick red rubber sole, a cool striped cotton liner, and with a padding pigskin leather footbed.  The sole is more spongy that for instance Dainite sole (even though of similar design) and the shoes are therefore lighter and provide a much softer step.  What this sole gives up in durability, will doubtless be made up for in comfort.  These shoes very certainly are soft and flexible with the comfort and weight of court shoes.

These shoes are best suited for casual office wear,  garden parties, around town, and resort wear, not tromping through the countryside as grass stains will be difficult to remove.  I am looking forward to enjoying many days at the lakeside drinking G&Ts while wearing my 'Bucktown' white bucks.  I can even envision seersucker in my future.  I'm getting thirsty already.

Newly Arrived and Just in Time to for Spring/Summer a Straw Boater Hat from Gamble & Gun

Those of you who have been following The Landless Gentry blog for a while will know of my fondness for the classic Boater Hat.  It's accessory for Spring and Summer that adds a great deal of character and a huge dash of style to just about any traditional summertime outfit (this is true of both men and women).  Last year having acquired a Panama boater hat with I still love, I've decided for this year to add a more traditional stiff straw boater.  During my online searching, I kept coming back to this very special Boater hat from England's Gamble & Gunn hatters.  Located in Devon, UK, this traditional hatter have a really wonderful and informative website offering everything from tweed caps and traditional felt hat to a couple of models of straw boater.

The model I purchased is their Striped Ribbon Boater that I found to be more interesting an unique that the typical boater hat with black ribbon (and since my Panama boater has a black ribbon, I was looking for something a bit different).  Quoting from their website:

'We have commissioned one of Britain’s oldest firms Toye Kenning & Spencer to create our custom ribbon trim. Still run by the Toye family, the firm has grown and diversified since its foundation in 1685 however its original values are unchanged- superb craft skills, quality, and service. The company holds a royal warrant from her Majesty the Queen as supplier of gold & silver laces, insignia, and embroidery and was commissioned to manufacture the medal presented to serving personnel in celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee.'

Needless to say, I was smitten.  Having ordered, the hat arrived very quickly to me here in Germany from England packed nicely and I must say, I couldn't be more pleased.  The hat itself having been made in England is of very high-quality construction and the ribbon is stunning.  Inside a Gamble & Gunn's great looking label and a very nice wide genuine leather sweatband.  I ordered a size larger that is recommended because I wanted to add some padding for my unique long oval head shape to add a bit more comfort (these hats are pretty stiff) and with the addition of a bit of foam inside the sweatband, the hat now fits me well.  I'm looking forward to warming summer days wearing my great new hat, which I fully expect to wear with joy for many years to come.

Beautifully Printed Silk Scarf by KulturGut

Something about a beautifully printed scarf /pocket square/cravat that is what some might characterize as a force multiplier to elevate the common outfit into something special.  Pound for pound these accessories are really worth their weight in gold.  Case in point is this beautifully printed scarf by KulturGut.  I was lucky enough to pick this square scarf up in the gift shop on my recent visit to Burghausen Castle.  At 55cm square with hand rolled and stitched edges, it's just small enough to be used as a pocket square, but large enough to also function as a cravat/neckerchief or ladies headscarf.  The KulturGut website says:

The "Kunst- und Wunderkammer" or Art and Curiosity Chamber of Trausnitz Castle remembers a tradition of the Dukes of Wittelsbach to collect exotic items and curiosities. A very precious piece is a picture table of the 16th century which shows a garden of paradise with animals, flowering branches and fruits.

The 'KulturGut' or "Good Culture" collection offers a number of silk clothing/scarves and other beautifully made objects including ceramics,  whose patterns are borrowed from or inspired by treasures in various state-owned Castles and Museums of Bavaria. Drawing from the rich cultural heritage and art of Bavaria.

The synergistic effects of a great looking boater hat and a neckerchief: