Analyzing purple

January 24, 2008:
I've always had a respect for purple, but never knew what to make of it and certainly didn't know how to wear it, or if I should. The connotations of purple have always been effeminate, which takes away from the historical value of the color as that of royalty, power and wealth, all very masculine things in my book. Needless to say it took some feminine direction and support and I have a healthy dose of it in my wardrobe and I am not the least bit ashamed - as you will see. The word "purple" comes to us from the Latin "purpura" and didn't make into the English vocabulary until 957AD. Tyrian purple, the "original" purple, was the color of a dye made from a mollusk that, because of its incredible expense (many times more expensive than gold), in classical antiquity became a symbol of royalty because only the very wealthy could afford it. I don't want to lay blame on anyone for making this color one that men stay away from, but I don't necessarily think that you should drape yourself in it. It should be adopted but modified to fit within your limits until you trust yourself with it. Today I chose a purple paisley tie Tasso Elba by Macy's, which I know pushes the limits a little, and chose a blue and purple striped shirt from the Gap, which pushes it a little more I think. I attempt to solve the situation with plain black suit from Brooks Brothers - my interview suit. I had worn this combination a lot in the fall of 2005 and I liked it, and I still kind of do, but looking at it now I am distracted by it quite frankly. Paisley is an interesting pattern concept but I think that it is better off much smaller than the one here. I think that this tie is a selfish look at paisley. The focus is in the lower, lighter vine thus hogging the rest of the visual effect. I think the paisley looses its richness when the focus is so intently on one feature. Maybe it's confused more by my choice in shirt in a completely contrasting manner. I don't know, you tell me what you think. . . either way I won't see the tie for a couple months so I have some time to mull it over.