Stylish Characters

Well Folks,

I'm starting to get hip deep in the representative shows that were televised on TV.

First off, what is up with pinky rings? Perry Mason, Paul Drake and every character wear these big blocky rings. They have a stone the size of a quarter, and they wear it on their cigarette smoking hand.

These rings are so clunky, they would get stuck in a revolving door! I must admit, that they are a welcome addition to their dark drab suits and skinny dark ties. Don't they say that accessories make the outfit? In mens styling, they sure do.

As we move into the sixties, Mannix is the archetype of the start of the sixties cool. Since he's an iconoclast and a contrarian, he sets the tone. He wears a suit to the office, but no tie. He investigates wearing a glen plaid sport coat and oxford button down. Since every character is wearing brogues, wingtips or cordovans, Mannix, our contrarian, is walking the ground wearing loafers. Not slip ons, but loafers. Basic black, no adornments and in need of a shine.

For his off hours down time, Mannix wears typical lounge wear. He's got on a mustard green mock turtle, made of banlon, brown suede safari jacket, with required epaulets. Frankly, he looks more formal than if he was going to the office. Here's something else I noticed. His shirt cuffs. They were very cool. They weren't the typical barrel style, or french cuff. They were like a modified french - barrel cuff. They were extended tabs over the cuff. The best way I can describe it would be they formed a "T". I have never seen a cuff type like this before. Very, very, cool.

The producers of the show also allow you into the private world of the Mannix character. During his off hours, we get to see his apartment, which is done up in beautiful olive green carpet (NOT!), gold trim, fake cherry wood, wood slat blinds and of course plastic seat covers. Thank the Lord that he still has his fully stocked rolling bar, Barcalounger and 21 in. color RCA, Magnavox or Philco TV console.

So far, the early and mid sixties are starting to rev it up. Can't wait to get into the Summer of Love, in this the winter cold!