A Peacock in New York City

Bart Boehlert is a writer in New York City with a specialty in fashion, style, and the art of living. He has worked for W magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, and is now writing projects for fashion designer Elie Tahari and fashion PR firm LaForce + Stevens, and a luxury car campaign for CondeNet. His blog, Bart Boehlert’s Beautiful Things, covers clothes, art, style, travels—all of his favorites.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your style?
Bart Boehlert: Kind of a mix of classic American and Edwardian vintage and bohemian hippie. There is a sense of ease.

MP: What are you wearing in the photo? (see photo above)
White shirt: Barney’s New York
Knit vest: Brooks Brothers
Scarf: Dries Van Noten
Jeans: Levi’s
Shoes: Gucci. Love these Guccis; they lace up on the side.

MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock?
BB: I have a photograph of my sixth grade graduation and I remember what I was wearing very distinctly—a cotton khaki double-breasted jacket, olive green pants and an olive green Rooster print tie. (see photo below)

Mr. Peacock loves the white carnation in the lapel. How dapper is that for your 6th grade graduation?!

MP: Where did you grow up?
BB: New Hartford, New York, upstate, a suburb of Utica.

MP: Do you remember a favorite clothing item from when you growing up?
BB: I had a pair of gladiator-style sandals from Nichol’s department store.

MP: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe?
BB: Currently, this Dries Van Noten scarf that I bought in Paris.

MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand?
BB: Paul Smith and Etro, I go for the bohemians.

MP: Do you have a particular item of clothing you're obsessed with?
BB: I like shoes and scarves. You can wear a white shirt and jeans but if you have on beautiful shoes then you have style. I love textiles, and a small scarf at the neck offers a nice way to add a handsome fabric.

MP: Do you wear vintage clothes or only "new" clothes?
BB: Clothes are new, and I have a few vintage scarves.

MP: Who is your ultimate style icon?
BB: Cary Grant because everything he wore was perfect and elegant and natural, and that’s hard to achieve. (see photo below)

The impeccably dressed Mr. Cary Grant, holding a lavender aster which will presumably be placed in the lapel of his jacket. You can buy similar cuff links here.

BB: Gerald Murphy, the American expat who lived with his family on the French Riviera in the 1920’s, because he turned his style and the way he lived into a work of art. (see photo below)

Gerald and Sara Murphy posing somewhere in the French Riviera. You can get a shirt similar to Gerald's here.

MP: Who or what has influenced your style?
BB: Looking at art and nineteenth century paintings, and looking at books on fashion history.

MP: How has your style changed or evolved over the years?
BB: I am more interested in styles that go back in time—collar band shirts, tuxedo pants, French cuffs, a silk scarf.

MP: What city has the best dressed men?
BB: Paris.

MP: Any trends you adore? Abhor?
BB: I personally am not a fan of the new big white sunglasses for men. Also, men’s black square-toed shoes are not a good look.

MP: Do you carry some sort of totebag/messenger bag?
BB: I have a great brown canvas messenger bag with an orange lining from J.Crew.

MP: Your blog is called Bart Boehlert’s Beautiful Things; how can someone make the world more beautiful?
BB: Consider the things around you—your clothes, your home, your garden, and think, “How can this be more beautiful? What adjustments or changes can I make here?” On a larger scale, I’m a big believer in manners, kindness, and tolerance.

In addition to his "Beautiful Things" blog, Bart Boehlert also has a blog with samples of his writing. Take a look here. Mr. Peacock especially enjoyed Bart's profiles on style legend, Polly Mellen, and his tribute to the late Pat Buckley. Thanks Bart!