Getting my cupboard in order has not been without its moments. At my advanced age clothing is nonetheless important though naturally the scope is far more limited than when younger and practicing law and doing things. The primary motive now is comfort which to me means slightly oversized, generous if you will, but certainly not tight fitting or anything resembling what an Italian would endure in the name of fashion.

My days of bespoke apparel have vanished (along with the historic evidence of same which has been delivered to the local second hand shop). Getting oversized apparel is not as awkward as it once was. I recall frequenting retail stores and being told (after endless searching, trying on and compromising) “we could order it for you” because naturally their routine stock didn’t include the exaggerated sizes. Now that purchasing “on-line” is possible there is convenient access to an inventory of “big and tall” each of which has become a distinction for the appropriate size. It is not however a guaranteed proper measurement so there remains the risk of having to return the merchandise or swallow the cost or give it away. Having once located an item which fits the bill, the record of the purchase is again conveniently maintained on-line so a failing memory is no obstacle. This feature is particularly useful for one such as I because I routinely order the same thing again and again (forgive the echo).

Though I have long surpassed the boundary of a sylphlike model I persist to explore fashion possibilities. The resource though limited is highly profitable. I have with some tedious application unfolded several bountiful chests of fashion and accessories. They are things predominantly which I had seen years ago but hesitated to purchase for fear of being conspicuous or inappropriate. Now however those limitations have become unmoored and unhinged. There was a time when a pocket watch suited an elderly gentleman only; but I located a replacement of my grandfather’s Ponchèlon et frères timepiece with the fob adjunct, a modern battery-powered device with a curious chain resembling what might normally be hung from a belt loop rather than a waistcoat, but otherwise perfectly wonderful.

But perhaps my most successful retail venture has been the purchase of a bee broach which I had seen on the internet but never before dared to investigate seriously. If you are wondering what might have provoked my initial inquiry into the strange item it was a general amusement I had with broaches, their brilliance and shine, all of which I had hitherto purchased at Holt Renfrew  & Co in a moment of material edacity and subsequently given to my sister or my goddaughter because the pieces were simply too preposterous.  The bee however affords a qualified dilution of showmanship while significantly capturing the purity of Italian composition and hallmark.

But it hasn’t been all fun and games in this nonpareil appareil. The machinery of my wardrobe has conveniently descended to fundamentals of the identical colours and fabric thus allowing constant repetition. This is not to be confused with a dismissive approach to outfitting. It only as lately as this week that I have discovered a source of pure white woollen socks. While you may at first reckon it a small compliment it is in fact near impossible to surmount synthetic fabrics for socks. Naturally mine are only for wearing with Top Siders but I can assure you they are nonetheless an inexpressible delight and a wholesome reminder of early autumn days on Cape Cod where I traditionally renewed my inventory.

Without invoking further tarsome sartorial details I shall add only that the evolution is marked with what I suppose is characteristic of old age; namely, retraction and definition. The imperturbable limitation is a pleasure because of its simplicity and digest ability. There are as well the singular items of hats and silk scarves, each of which abounds with effervescence and gratification. Nor are they irresolute distractions. They each have a function and a purpose. They are neither purely cosmetic nor fashionable. The purity is once again inescapable.