July, 2014:

Adriano Meneghetti Belts

While planning ensembles for a few trips recently, I realized that I was quite lacking in the belt department - particuarly the casually elegant sort that one might wear with espadrilles, loafers or sandals. Enter Adriano Meneghetti.

The Milan-born designer, Meneghetti, was able to realize his dream to form his own label in 2011, and the line now delivers everything one expects from a top tier Italian brand. Superb craftsmanship, style, elegance, and a respect for the past typify the Meneghetti line, and the time honored tradition of long wear and durability have been a core design ethic from the start.

Adriano Meneghetti Belts

You’ll find woven leathers and waxed cottons, unusual colorations and fabulous buckles — there’s a sort of wonderful merging, an Italo-WASP sensibility if you will, that made me an instant fan. In fact. I’ve procured several of these beauties.

Adriano Meneghetti Belts

Now, on the subject of wearing a belt: There are a few WIJW suggestion that one might choose to observe. For instance, if one’s pants or shorts have belt loops, one really should wear a belt. The only exception I can think of is if one is wearing a kaftan or tunic type shirt — a Cuban guayabera or something of that ilk — something that is not meant to be tucked in, then one could forego the belt. Other than that, I’m pretty adamant on this subject! Actually I’m fairly appalled when I see even some of the most highly regarded men’s style/fashion bloggers not wearing a belt. Similar to adding a pocket square when wearing a sport coat, suit jacket or blazer, wearing a belt is not only a way to express one’s sartorial splendor, but it really does complete an ensemble.

I do see a lot of young men in ill fitting jeans and dress shirts untucked and somehow this has become an acceptable form of “dressing up.” To me, when clothes fit properly and shirts are tucked in and the ensemble is finished with a fine belt, the extra effort shows that the wearer respects himself and those around him.

Well, enough of my rant. Now do go and enjoy the brilliant belts online at Adriano Meneghetti and pick up a few while you’re at it!

James Andrew, Cape May

In addition to studying the incredible architecture on Cape May, there are many other amusing diversions to be had, including visiting the splendid lighthouse, hiking nature trails, bird watching, walking the sublime beaches, and of course hitting a few of Cape May’s divine dining establishments. In particular, I would suggest stopping at the legendary Lobster House which is really like five restaurants put together. We had a superb lobster luncheon there served al fresco aboard the Schooner “American.”

I’d also suggest Chef Lucas Manteca’a Red Store. Manteca - a James Beard nominee - serves seasonal cuisine with a South American flair inspired by his Argentinian heritage. It is the ultimate in organic farm-to-table cuisine. They actually grow their own organic produce for the restaurant at the Fincas del Mar seaside farms. Manteca (a gorgeous surfer-type) has a rather impressive resume having worked with the likes of Alain Ducasse and David Bouley in New York City.

For the most fabulous farewell Cape May dinner we gathered chic friends to dine at the Peter Shields Inn. The restaurant is housed in the most glorious Georgian Revival mansion. Commissioned by the developer, Peter Shields via the famous architect Lloyd Titus, this grand turn of the century home design can be seen as an extension of Shields’ plans to reclaim Cape May’s former glory (he along with his partners, aspired to create a resort out of Cape May to rival Newport). Sadly, Shields lost his son in a boating accident in 1907, only a year after his grand home was built, and this, combined with his failing real estate business, saw the end of Shields’ plans. He subsequently returned to Pittsburg with his family.

Peter Shields Georgian Revival Cape May Mansion (Click to enlarge).

The Peter Shields Inn serves sensational seasonal cuisine. Like many places in Cape May, one brings one’s own liquor, so if you’re planning a visit, do stock up on rosé. The food and service is stellar (though sadly I cannot say the same about the decor which was rather plain and commercial, but as you know, I am a bit particular about these things. I do feel that it is a missed opportunity to capitalize on this beautiful setting.

The Cape May Light House

Cape May Lighthouse out building.

I’m pictured enjoying one of the many glasses of chilled rosé we had on the porch, and bringing a bit of my own brand of chic to Cape May! I’m wearing a Tom Ford pink silk “Spencer” jacket, white cotton shirt with French cuffs, pink and green silk madras plaid pants, black and white silk pocket square, ivory suede loafers, vintage Rolex, a set of moonstone cuff links, and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.