December 1996 in my defense - we were on our way out and it was -5
hat - vintage mohair (I still have it) leather jacket - men's vintage with a zip in liner (I wish I still had it!) wool gloves - military surplus trousers - men's vintage (I loved those pants!) boots - platform Fluevogs
You may only be travelling with two or three outfits, but if you choose wrinkle-resistant materials, unpack your clothes when you arrive, keep them clean (carry a spot remover), and press them, you will always appear well dressed—no matter how much the cost of your outfit.
Whew - I hope you've recovered from that cold/flu that was going around. No matter how many times I washed my hands it got me (after two weeks of teasing) - it's air born apparently. I made a feeble attempt at thrifting just before it hit - here are some pics from a store located about an hour south of my place. The poodle's name was Spring.
I look forward to getting fashionably back on track!
use the same cutlery for each course. If the waiter lays your dirty utensils back on the table cloth after clearing the first course hand them back and request clean ones.
break off a piece of bread without offering your guests any. When a loaf of bread is placed on the table break off two or three pieces and offer them with the rest of the loaf in the breadbasket or on the plate to the people beside you.
only serve yourself coffee or tea if the pot is placed on the table without first having been poured by the waiter. The person nearest the pot offers to pour, filling her or his cup last.
put those unfortunate paper wrappers and plastic containers that are now littering our dining tables into empty cups or glasses. These unfortunate sugar packets and jam containers should be placed on the edge of the saucer or butter plate.
pour wine from the ice bucket without first wiping off any water from the outside of the bottle. If the waiter does not return after initially opening the bottle and pouring the first glass you may refill glasses, after wiping the bottle, beginning with your guests.
use a comb at a restaurant table - or in any public place. Never rearrange or put your hands to your hair in any place that food is served.
blow your nose at the table.
lick your fingers. Ask for a finger bowl if your food is really that messy.
reach over and spear your dining partner's food. Hand your unused fork to him/her and they will then pick up a bit and hand it back to you.
offer a taste of your food to your dining partner with your dirty utensil. Instead, slice a small piece with their utensils, or with yours if it's before you've used them yourself, and put a small portion on their plate.
introduce every Tom, Dick and Harry in your group to people you know and happen to see at the same restaurant. Simply nod and say 'Hello' as they pass.
table hop. Pulling up a seat at another table is not in good taste.
call your waiter "Sir".
make a scene if there is an error on your bill.
offer to 'pay half' after the bill arrives. This should be brought up before you get to the restaurant.
make out. Even if it is a dark corner table - no matter how tempting it may be.
Absence - pull your own weight. Your team will resent you if you don't.
Borrowing - Neither a borrower nor a lender be.
Drinking - the unwritten 'rule' is one drink at lunch if your guest is having one. If you're a light weight like me don't even bother.
Gossip - don't talk about others, you're beyond that.
Gum Chewing - every time I see Johnny Depp at an event he's chewing gum and it looks terrible.
Messiness - make it a habit early in your career to clean up your desk before you leave - this includes putting pens and paper clips away.
Obscene Language - avoid using expletive adjectives - this may require extreme concentration.
Over Zealous Office Decor - keep it simple. One or two photos of family/friends/pets, and framed professional designations. The attention should be on you not your nick nacks.
Personal Comments - don't comment on someone's appearance if they look ill or thinner or heavier.
Personal Problems - keep it to yourself. You won't hear the CEO complaining about his or her spouse or finances.
Romance - keep it out of the office. Messy, messy stuff.
Shouting - get up and go over to their desk or call them - don't yell their name out.
Smoking - just because you smoke doesn't mean you get extra 'smoke' breaks. No one likes the smell of second hand smoke when you walk in after your break either. Take the time to wash your hands.
Soapboxing - the meeting wasn't held for you and you only. Share the floor.
Looking at the photos from the Adam Kimmel after party for his Fall 2011 menswear line I thought I'd been transported to a gig in Vancouver, or Seattle or Portland. You know what that means folks...
Oh, and it looks like Extra Happy Ghost released his 1990's Braindamage just in time.