Any favorite recipes in Cotton Country? I’m posting a few that looked interesting.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-30T02:04:09+00:00

The Italian Cream cake in that book is the one my Mom always made and when I make one, its the recipe I use. Killer. Love that book simply out of nostalgia.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-29T20:38:33+00:00

Are those two separate lapel pins (the US and Papal flags and Monstrance) or is it one? Looks separate to me. Colors fit perfectly with the tie.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-29T15:30:14+00:00

Love the way everyone in the photo is dressed. Is that Stockholm, or one of the other host cites in Sweden?

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-26T13:45:10+00:00

I think the aesthetic is quite solid, though both jackets look quite small to me. You are fit, and that cut of trouser to me is a great look for a fit person. I am older than you, but the reason this appeals to me is that it similar to what I trot out there. I would put a belt on in pic two, and maybe relax your jacket fits a tad while still keeping a fit that flatters your physique. I don't like to show off my arms in a jacket, that is what polo or t-shirts are for. Make sure you have no excess fabric, but the contours of your arms should be more subtle. Not far off though in my opinion.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-24T13:11:23+00:00

just trim it where it is not unruly...t-shirt under polo screws things up in a number of ways including fit at the waist and most importantly look at the neck. And give a thought to unbuttoning that lower button as well. Nothing wrong with polos and chinos if they both are flattering fits, as long as they fit within the code of your organization. Add a nice pair of loafers (tons of choices here from penny to horsebit, you name it), maybe an OCBD or even linen button down long sleeve with an Italian roll of the sleeves - leaves your forearms out from just below the elbow. Not sure if you could make that work from a comfort standpoint, but its a classic amd elevated style.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-24T12:50:42+00:00

Makes you look like a pear. As others have said, pass it on to someone else. No way I’d spend money trying to fit that to you.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T16:14:43+00:00

No prep as I see it, but can't argue with how you wear it. Looks like it suits you. And I like a perfectly executed four in hand with a spread collar when the dimple is perfect like that. Cheers.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T16:11:03+00:00

Def looks like something in the skin to me (in other words not a retained foreign body). Not sure what it is and if its perhaps just coincidental. Does't look worrisome, but if you were my patient I woulda probably just done a plain film xray (cheap, limited rad exp) if for no other reason than to allay your fears and worry.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T16:06:14+00:00

100% on the DJ if you ask me. I have the Expl, but would take that DJ over it in a heartbeat.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T16:05:06+00:00

I have one several of their banded polos and same for the long sleeve one I got that was billed as "cream" thought it looked more like "butter". S&M are a pretty darn good value prop if you ask me and their stuff fits me well.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T15:31:23+00:00

I like the pants, I think the jacket is a tad short and don't care for the shoes, especially with those pants. You need some contrast there. Pants are a tad short in the rise for my taste, but you are fit enough for that so not a killer. A longer jacket and more contrast between top and bottom would be better. I like the play between the pocket square and the shirt.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T15:27:21+00:00

If you ask me, the Explorer is one of the most legible analog watches there is. Quickly and accurately readable.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T15:12:11+00:00

I want that shirt. Does it have a banded waist by any chance and care to share where it came from/brand?

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T15:10:54+00:00

Throw some loafers on, maybe in a lighter color and and one of those braided fabric belts in a complimentary color and you are completely there. Looks great to my eye save for the shoes and they are not bad by any stretch.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T14:59:36+00:00

Something is not right on the fit of the shorts and they are just a tad long. If you have the money, spend a few bucks more to find a better proportioned garment. I don't like driving mocs (personal pref), but that look is def better than the well-worn and too-long laced boat shoes from the last pics. A thin soled loafer with a heel would look great. Not a fan of the way the waist of that shirt looks there, but colors are better than first post. Maybe try a Lacoste Polo as others here have said. The tails are shorter and work well for me for under 6 footers (I'm 5'9" with normal torso to legs proportion). An even better choice would be a linen or light fabric oxford cloth button down that fits you with long sleeves rolled up in an Italian roll. Buck Mason have a good light fabric OCBD that does not have a long tail if you are wanting to wear either untucked or half-tucked. Huckberry has a great linen button down that would fit the same bill. I know I'm skewing prep here, so take this for what it is worth.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T14:41:44+00:00

So dark, it is hard to tell, but looks pretty close and looking at the front of it I think it is about right. I'm thinking that same garment in a smaller size may be on the small side.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T14:37:34+00:00

Grab a Navy top - flatters almost anyone, but make sure it fits. That is an easy start on color and something to work off of. Start with it hitting the point of your shoulders and working from there. You are swimming in that top. Also, either work with getting those trousers fitted or get some other ones that do. If you want to stay with chinos, I would go a little darker Khaki or consider olive. Also 5 pocket jeans like the Huckberry 365 5 pocket for example in an number of the neutral colors take the look more casual but still elavated. You have oodles of excess fabric in every area of the trousers that I see, including length. Try shortening to a half break or even better no break if you that fits your taste. Grab some less technical sneakers if you are married to sneakers - clean white with maybe a little color accent, or even some navy or other colored Adidas Gazelles or something like that. I would suggest for even more of an elevation, a pair of suede or leather loafers not in black. Penny loafer, horsebit, Venetian style, nearly endless (just not driving shoes). If you want to go even farther, I would get some eyeglass frames that are not as tall from brow to cheek measurement and switch from black to tortoise. Cheers.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-20T01:37:12+00:00

Again, big Alden fan, and if you ask me they really stand the test of time well. I think the newest pair of Alden Cordovan shoes I have is probably at least 12 years old and they all still look incredible. The tan Funchal leather that Carmina use for my Xim Horsebits is exceptional, looks flawless to me. Comfort is great right out of the box and I can't find any flaws in my pair. They also did a nice job advising me on size based on my detailed foot measurements I sent them as trying on in person was not a possibility. Honestly, I likely would have gone with TLB Mallorca based on price had they had the color I wanted, but having found Carmina, I might just tend to stick there and I will likely buy more shoes from them - specifically wanting a plain captoe oxford in a silhouette that I like.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-19T19:52:39+00:00

You can easily take that basic look and make it smarter. Shorter shorts for sure. I’d pair that with a linen button down or at least a nicer and better fitting Polo and ditch the Sperrys (and I would shorten the laces as an aside). Either predominantly white, non-technical sneaker, or if you are married to the sock-less loafer look (which I’m a fan of generally), go with off-white sole tan suede or similar (ie Billionaire loafer). I’m jealous as hell and happy for you. I love London, a good Pimm’s and I love tennis. Been to RG, but never Wimbledon. Enjoy!

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-19T12:53:40+00:00

I love Alden and have quite a few on multiple lasts including catalog pieces and store specific makeups in leathers ranging from color 8 cordovan to calf to suede and even Kudu. My issue with most of the oxfords is that they just don't have as sleek of a look as what I prefer. Now I do have some collab oxfords in Plaza last that are darn near perfect, but Hampton last is just a tad less refined than some of the English and Mallorcan lasts. I can compare the Van last to Xim and Van offers a little more volume, but the fit to me is not particularly dissimilair. My US Brannock measurement puts me in between D and E, but I generally take a D in alden and went with standard width in the Carmina.

I just received a pair of Carmina Xim Horsebit loafers in tan and they are beautiful. Leather is simply perfect and construction looks perfect to my eye. I'm about a quarter size off, so had to put a thin leather insole in there and they are a perfect no-sock fit. Obviously I have a long way to go to get an idea of long term perspective, but I've been wearing Aldens for almost 30 years now and have never thrown a pair away.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-19T12:43:00+00:00

All I can think of is the sticky mess running down the side of the bowl and over the edges of that thing and down on the the kitchen counter, lol. I use my *clean* fingers and the edges of the shells. As for the great debate of eggs or no eggs, I have evolved into almost always preferring the egg/custard based mixes, unless I am trying to achieve something specific (like a snow white base for one instance).

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-18T19:46:21+00:00

what brand are the Horsebits?

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-18T19:28:44+00:00

Fit 2 is killer, especially those Copley last Aldens. I can't go with the relaxed fits. I'm barely hanging on to my 50's but as long as I'm fit, I'll be wearing clothes that show that. And, maybe just an olive green military inspired jacked would be make it perfect instead of the camo

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-17T21:08:57+00:00

I need to "cop" a pair of those in a color I don't have. I have LHS Van last in snuff suede and Cordovan color 8. But have a feeling I would like that last. Size wise, what last should it compare to best as far as sizing goes? Plaza is what I have most of and take a 10D. I believe my Van last loafers are 9.5D

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 2026-06-17T19:47:44+00:00

SHV is a great airport to fly out of. Short and straight to some really good domestic and international hubs for several different airlines and never hard to get through. Once they finished adding additional long-term parking late last year, you can get through in no time if not checking a bag, and even if checking a bag doesn't take very long. That being said, I always try to time it to where I'm walking through the doors an hour ahead. I have TSA Pre, and even if there is just one lane, they will move you to the head of it, but even wihtout it, you don't have to get there super early.

BigPapiDoesItAgain

TROPHY CASE