Dream Totes

Above: Bottega Veneta promo photo for it's Intrecciato line of woven leather goods, with the German born model, Eugen Bauder

Mr. Peacock has had crush on this men's woven leather tote-bag, by Bottega Veneta. Mind you, the size and style of the tote would be fantastic, however...

I’m usually schlepping an overloaded tote bag on the subway to meet clients and it gets a complete workout. I think I would feel like I was babysitting a small child if I used this chic Intrecciato Tote, and need to keep an eye on it wherever I went. I prefer something more utilitarian that’s durable, but still has a nice silhouette...but in the meantime, I can dream about this Bottega Veneta tote bag.

This Filson tote is a brilliant bag—it’s durable, functional and smart looking. You can buy one with or without a zipper top. Order one here or here.

I would use either of these bags this spring and all the way through summer.
Above left: I love the navy canvas, with brown leather trim, on this bag. The detachable web striped handle adds a preppy touch and the leather bottom adds durability. You can buy one here.
Above right: This blue nylon bag with black leather trim has just enough of a color blast, without being overbearing or too feminine. The bag has a detachable strap, so you can use it as either a tote bag or satchel. More information here.

Above left: This whimsical "Superhero Coal Bag," has quirky line illustrations of superhero gear printed on tarp cloth canvas. Don’t worry, it’s reversible, so if you’re feeling in a solid traditional mood, you can flip it to its solid black side.
Above right: Mr. Peacock has always been fond of L.L. Bean tote bags, especially the styles with zipper tops—you can’t beat them for the price and durability. When you're traveling, you just zip it closed and toss it in the overhead bin. You can buy this olive drab Hunter'sTote Bag here, with either an embroidered deer, trout, turkey, or wood duck.
I love leather totes, especially after you "break them in" and they get a rich patina. These two bags aren't cheap, however, they would last for years.
Above left: Mr. Peacock loves typography, and these embossed numbers on this beautiful leather tote are irresistible. I also like the adjustable buckle-style handle. You can buy one here.
Above right: This clean structured, moss colored tote, by Phillip Lim, comes with a detachable canvas shoulder strap. Click here for more information.

Although, I admitted I prefer a utilitarian tote bag, these two luxury tote bags are tempting.
Above left: This Saint Louis tote, by Goyard, comes with a matching portable small wallet—perfect for glasses or an iPod. It's made for a ladies, however, in a dark color palette, this simple structured tote bag could also be appropriate for a gentleman. Click here for more information.
Above right: This large flat leather tote, by Rick Owens, is very chic—with its zippered pockets and embossed ridge-like details on the front and back panels. If you really want to splurge, you can buy one here.

This past autumn, Mr. Peacock was using a fine wale cotton corduroy tote. This bag was given to me ages ago and I sewed on a blue jay patch I found at the flea market. It has been a very durable bag...and it’s washable too.

Designer Man, Richard Haines, uses a tote...while Matt Fox, from the Fine and Dandy Shop, prefers a vintage briefcase. What do you use—a tote bag, messenger bag, or briefcase?

A New Day Begins...

Designer Man, Extraordinaire

Richard Haines, aka Designer Man, is a talented peacock based in New York City who designs custom menswear for private clients. He’s worked with some of the best in the fashion business—Calvin Klein, Bill Blass, Perry Ellis and Sean Combs. He originally moved to New York to be a fashion illustrator and has come “full circle” to sketch for his clever blog, What I Saw Today. Each nuanced and subtly detailed sketch captures the essence of what caught his creative eye, and in turn inspires the blog viewer. Mr. Haines uses his knowledge of fabric, shape, and color combined with his love of illustration to document what he finds interesting and inspirational—whether it’s a guy he sees wearing a bow tie in Union Square or the latest cover of Dazed & Confused Magazine. Mr. Peacock also adores his series of interviews with "interesting guys without pants." All illustrations by Richard Haines.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your style?
Richard Haines: I'd call it refined American. I'm happy to say I've finally gotten it down to a uniform. Uniqlo 000 jeans, a navy or black v-neck sweater or cardigan, and a heather t-shirt, or white button down if I'm 'dressing up'—and always a pair of killer shoes to finish it off!

MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock?
RH: I distinctly remember being in kindergarten and seeing a kid who had a pair of shoes that I really loved. I think they were saddle shoes. I can still recall that feeling, as bizarre as that sounds.

MP: Who or what has influenced your style?
RH: My father was a huge influence. He was an officer in the navy and went to work in a uniform every day. Other fathers were off to work in their grey suits and white shirts, and my father was in a deep navy blue double breasted 'great coat' with epaulettes and the works...I still remember his summer uniforms—crisp white cotton with brass buttons. This stuff made a huge impression on a budding designer/illustrator.

MP: Who is your style icon?
RH: For men? Thats' tough...I would say the bands that came out of London in the early 60's. That narrow silhouette, pointed shoes, English shirts...I can never get enough of that. There's a picture of Mick Jagger taken by David Bailey and he's wearing a window pane shirt with a tab collar. I'd kill for that shirt.

MP: What do you generally wear when you're working?
RH: I'm in a uniform no matter what I do. I don't change the look—can't be bothered at this point of my life. After spending so much time of my life designing and being around clothes, it's a relief to have it down to a science—a clean palette.

MP: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe?
RH: I have a couple of 'safari-ish' jackets that I had made when I was consulting for a men's company in the Middle East. I've sketched myself in them—that's how much I love them. I also had a vintage Rolex Oyster that fell off at the beach and vanished, but it's still too painful to talk about!

MP: Do you remember your favorite wardrobe item as a child?
RH: It was always really changing. As I grew, it evolved. My favorite things were stuffed animals, then toys, then when I started drawing I lost interest in most other stuff.

MP: Do you have a particular item of clothing you're obsessed with now?
RH: I take really good care of my shoes, so I have some amazing pairs. Stuff from Weston, Church, old Prada. It's all about a wooden shoe tree!

MP: Do you wear vintage clothes or only "new" clothes?
RH: I prefer new clothes. I love vintage, love seeing people wearing it, and love using it as a design reference. But I'm not into wearing it. The cut never feels right. I did buy a tweed suit in London once and I wear the jacket. It's from the 30's or 40's and the tweed is so thick, and the silk lining feels like a cloud.

MP: Do you wear any jewelry? If so, what?
RH: Just a Tag Heuer watch that I love. And when I worked with Puff Daddy last year everyone there had some kind of bead bracelet so I do that—kind of a 'buddhist' look.

MP: Tote bag or satchel?
RH: Tote! I need easy access! And it's not like I'm an attorney (although sometimes I wish I was) and carry a lot of papers. I carry some copy paper, a couple of pens and pencils when I want to sketch someone or something.
MP: Facial hair or clean shaven?
RH: I love facial hair on other guys—it's great on 24 year olds. On me, I look like I just got out of lockdown, so I go for clean.

MP: Any sartorial disasters you can share?
RH: That's a book! When I was in my 20's I tried a lot of stuff—I was going to Paris a lot and trying to look French (a disaster)—typical stuff that is part of being that age. Then I realized I look good in some version of narrow jeans, a simple colored sweater, a cotton shirt, and great shoes. I've been working off that formula for years now—just changing the shape of the pieces.

MP: Any menswear trends you adore? or abhor?
RH: I hate those t-shirts that have all the stuff printed on them—starting on the shoulder. They look like an Old English font that someone on acid played with. I don't think anyone over 25 should wear all that Abercrombie stuff—same with sleeveless shirts and tank tops. And those straw cowboy hats—people, no. And anything George Bush wears—those cowboy boots, baggy pants and ugly suits. Ugh. I can't stand seeing guys in suits and overcoats that are too big for them. If people got clothes that fit they would look about 1000% better! I need to stop!

MP: Do you design apparel items for yourself?
RH: I used to make shirts for individual clients and I had tons of shirts—but I can't produce jeans so everything is pretty much purchased from stores. I do have a couple of the jackets that I mentioned earlier...

MP: What city has the best-dressed men?
RH: I love the way guys in New York look. I think it has really evolved and men here embrace their love of making a statement about who they are through how they dress. That aside, I am constantly amazed and the natural chic that Italian men have. It's uncanny how well they look in clothes, how they understand fabric, cut, color. After that, no one knows how to wear a scarf the way Parisian men do!

MP: What would be your dream purchase?
RH: A lovely little house in the country, and/or the bucks to pay from my daughter's college (she's 11)!


Mr. Haines was recently interviewed by Parson students (see video above from lovedi at vimeo) about his blog and how he's inspired by New York City. The video was created by Parson students: Malinda, Kelsey, Dianne, Ashley, and Veronica.

Stop by What I Saw Today and take a look for yourself at Designer Man's unique visual record of cool stuff. The compelling hand drawn sketches by the talented Richard Haines are filled with vitality, warmth and wit—which Mr. Peacock finds very appealing, especially in this fast digital age we live in. Thank you Richard!

Memories of Palm Springs

Above: Mr. Peacock and his father sitting in front of the Palm Springs International Airport. Of course, I’m wearing plaid and my father is wearing all black and gray—note my rooster toy and my father’s alligator weekend bag on the bench, along with my overcoat.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic golf tournament in California’s Coachella Valley. Mr. Peacock's father played in this golf tournament during its heyday of the 1960's. The Classic was televised for the first time in 1961, becoming a pioneer in bringing the tournament's excitement into the living rooms of golf fans around the country and a prime factor for popularizing the sport among the general public. The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is well known for its celebrity pro-am and is part of the PGA Tour. For non-golfers, the PGA stands for “professional golfer association” and a pro-am is a tournament comprised of golf professionals paired with amateur golfers—and in this case celebrity amateurs. My father, like most golf pros, disliked playing pro-am tournaments because most amateurs aren’t very good players and the pacing of the game becomes very slow and tedious with poor players.

Here’s my father checking in at the airport (above) with his alligator weekend bag resting on the counter. His weekend bag was the real deal, genuine alligator—not embossed leather. It’s not politically correct today to wear alligator or crocodile, but it was the only “pattern” my father included in his wardrobe. Many of his bags, and most of his shoes (both golf and street), were either alligator or crocodile skin.

Above: He played with Danny Thomas (Marlo's dad) at the Bob Hope Desert Classic.

Mr. Peacock’s father played in countless celebrity pro-ams, but one of his favorite celebrity golf players was Willie Nelson (who’s an avid golfer). He played in at least 2 different pro-am tournaments with Mr. Nelson.

At the airport, with my mother (above)—dressed for traveling. I’m dressed in my overcoat with matching cap and my mom is in her trench coat with kid leather gloves, white-rimmed sunglasses, and scarf. We would accompany my father occasionally on golf tournaments—mostly the ones held at beautiful golf courses or celebrity pro-ams.

Above photo: Mr. Peacock (with chubby toddler legs), posing poolside by one of the pools at our hotel, with a rooster on wheels toy.

My parents and I would always have breakfast together on these trips, usually in the hotel restaurant. Although on this trip, I remember, we once ordered room-service for breakfast—because I wanted to try the cinnamon rolls on the room-service menu. During the first half of the day, my mom and I would watch my father play a round of golf—which is very boring for a small child. In the afternoon, she would always plan something fun.

Above photo: Renting a bike in Palm Springs—I’m dressed in all red with a plaid jacket and my mother is in some chic little outfit and white sunglasses.

We tootled around Palm Springs one afternoon on a rented bicycle that had an attached baby seat and a little wicker basket. My mother always owned a bicycle and loved riding bikes her entire life. Along our ride, we stopped off at a sidewalk snack bar (similar to the old-fashioned Lobster Roll Stands along the coastal roads on the East Coast) and got a fresh Palm Date Milkshake. I don’t know if it was the richness of the dates mixed with the ice cream or the bumpiness of riding in the baby seat, but we had to pull over during our bike ride and I threw-up. The next afternoon we hung out at the huge swimming pool that had an “island” in the middle.

As a child, I simply thought of these tournaments as part of my dad’s job. I believe golf icon and current tournament host, Arnold Palmer, won The Classic the year these photos were taken. I wish I’d kept a journal documenting all of my father’s tournaments, scores and prizes. He won numerous cars and prizes over his career, but unfortunately I don’t remember where my father placed in this particular tournament.

The Bob Hope Desert Classic (now Bob Hope Chrysler Classic) doesn’t seem as glamorous as it did in it’s early days, when my father played alongside other well dressed peacocks like Desi Arnaz, Danny Kaye, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and namesake Bob Hope. Hopefully celebrities like Oliver Hudson (son of Goldie Hawn) or Alice Cooper will dress dapperly in this years 50th anniversary tournament of the Bob Hope celebrity golf pro-am.

A Magical Peacock, Indeed

Mr. Bluehaunt, of The Haunted Lamp blog, kindly gave Mr. Peacock a tip on this amazing eBay treasure—an elegant vintage peacock mobile. The silhouette of this lovely peacock mobile is very hypnotic.

This body and base of this unusual sculpture (7”h) is made of black painted metal. The kinetic “feathers” of this quirky peacock mobile are made up of steel wires, beaded with dazzling metallic pearls.

Mr. Bluehaunt, nor myself, have ever seen anything quite like this quirky peacock mobile.

Unfortunately, Mr. Peacock is on a restrained eBay budget right now, and couldn’t splurge to outbid the fellow bidders. But I’m happy knowing that some other collector is probably thrilled with this rare purchase. Meanwhile, I’ll take pleasure in admiring these lovely images of this crazy bird mobile.

The Viennese seller of this unusual item listed it's possible origin from the 50’s, however, Mr. Bluehaunt felt like it looked more late 60’s/early 70’s.


Mr. Peacock imagines this unusual bird mobile perched on the desk of gentleman peacock icon, John Steed. He would use it, no doubt, as whimsical toy to flirt with the always alluring Mrs. Emma Peel.

Mr. Bluehaunt has impeccable taste and a very discerning eye for unique and inspirational goodies. Be sure to stop by The Haunted Lamp and take a peek at what rare treasure he’s sharing right now. Have a great weekend and happy treasure hunting. Thanks Mr. Bluehaunt!

Everything's FINE AND DANDY...

Matt Fox, the shopkeeper of Fine and Dandy Shop, stocks a very thoughtful and reasonably priced collection of accessories that would appeal to any gentleman peacock. In addition to ties, hats and socks, Mr. Fox also has a great selection of money clips, tie bars, cuff links and pocket squares. The median price point for these dapper goodies is only about forty bucks.

Above: Matt Fox portrait, drawn by the very talented designerman (check out his clever blog, What I Saw Today)

Mister Peacock: How would you describe your own style?
Matt Fox: New dandy...stealing components from dapper men of yesteryear, but put together in a modern, fresh way.

Here's some sartorial goodies at Fine and Dandy Shop (above left to right)...black tie with the regal pegasus, quirky little key-chain with a rotating airplane, lavender bordered handkerchief with a purple medallions, suave grey hat with a feather adornment, "Always coming-always going" bi-fold poplin wallet with auto graphic.

MP: What's your daily uniform?
MF: Well-fitting suit, skinny tie, tie bar, bright/fun socks, wing tips.

MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock?
MF: From my earliest memory I remember always wanting to look good. I was known in high school as the kid who wore a tie each day.

Above: This very classic, but very current hat is on sale here for only $45.

MP: Who or what inspires you?
MF: My grandfather and other fashionable men of his age. Style is very natural for these guys.

Above: A pocket square is a nice accoutrement for any modern peacock. Buy one here.

MP: What current trends in menswear to you adore?
MF: Dandyism, of course. I love that bow ties, skinny ties, tie bars, etc. have gained popularity in the last several years.

MP: Abhor?
MF: Mass-marketed, ill-fitting/oversized casual clothing. Oh, and Casual Friday.
Fine and Dandy Shop has a great array of bow ties. Buy some here.

MP: What's your favorite item in your own wardrobe?
MF: My bow tie collection. I have nearly 50. Some new, some vintage. Some are tiny and some are ridiculously big.

Above left to right: Classic leather key fobs for only $7, Silver crown tie pin, Cuff links fit for a King, old school leather coin pouch, Silk knot cuff links (part of a set of 3 pairs)

MP: Tote bag or satchel?
MF: I'm currently carrying a soft, vintage, brown, leather brief case.

MP: Favorite menswear designer?
MF: Currently intrigued by Antonio Azzuolo. Very dandy/nerdy/young. Very fresh.

Above: Antonio Azzuolo—Fall/Winter 08/09

MP: What is your dream wardrobe purchase?
MF: Bespoke clothing in general. I love the idea of clothing made specifically for me.

Above: Every peacock needs a collection of scarves in their wardrobe. Buy wool or silk scarves here.

Add some peacock flair to your wardrobe today and stop by the Fine and Dandy Shop. For a daily dose of dandyism—be sure to check out the Fine and Dandy Shop blog. Mr. Fox also has some great photo albums of "new school dandies" over at his Facebook. Thanks Matt!

How to tie a bow tie—Glenn O'Brien

Glenn O'Brien, gentleman peacock extraordinaire, gives a quick demonstration (courtesy of GQ) on how he ties a bow tie. Mr. O'Brien is no stranger to bow ties (and I'm not talking about the clip on type either)—he's worn bow ties for years. You can read the musings from this style guy, and authority on men's fashion, over at Glenn O'Brien's Style.