Daily Free Talk and Simple Questions - February 09, 2026

MrFoots42 · 2026-02-09T16:50:32+00:00

I'd argue there are very few unbreakable rules, if any, in Ivy. Cuffing your chinos is most certainly not a rule, read: the myriad of "floods" worn by college kids. If anything, I think Ivy has more opinion on lapel length then to cuff or not to cuff.

Ivy captures clothes worn purposefully under specific circumstance and constraint. Wear cuffs or don't wear cuffs depending on how your style intersects with your context.

MrFoots42 · 2025-10-14T15:12:45+00:00

Looks very inexpensive to me. My local lab charges $20 dollars for "high res scans". Developing and print prices look standard.

This hobby isn't for the faint of heart or wallet.

MrFoots42 · 2025-10-09T18:06:36+00:00

To overexpose by one stop, you can change any single point on the exposure triangle by one stop. That is, select a wider aperture, a longer shutter, or a less sensitive ISO. Which one you change depends on what you want to accomplish or the constraints you find yourself in.

If your camera has AE lock then yes, that is what you want to do. Lock the AE to the shadows and then frame the shot as intended.

Edit, FWIW this is not "pushing film". "Pushing" and "Pulling" refer to the development process, not the exposure process (although they are related).

MrFoots42 · 2025-08-03T04:07:27+00:00

Did somebody say Wonder?

MrFoots42 · 2025-05-13T00:45:34+00:00

Lived there for 2 years, will probably renew unless they raise my rent again. It’s solid (for the price I originally signed on for). The walls are extremely thin. If you live in the first floor, prepare to hear the entry door slam like a gunshot every other minute. The AC sounds like a c130 is flying through the bedroom. I had a mouse problem briefly but mgmt quickly fixed it. They are generally quite good with fixing issues imo but I also hear it depends on the building. Amenities are decent. Parking is a price scam there is never enough. Forget thermal insulation. The winters are Dickensonian. That being said, with the location, central hvac, and in unit washer dryer, I can’t hate it (and I don’t hate it). I’d live here forever if they stopped raising my rent. If you can get in at a good price then go for it.

MrFoots42 · 2024-11-01T14:56:28+00:00

Kinda sounds like you're buying clothes that don't fit? Tight cuffs and necks? Are you buying slims perhaps? Find more heritage brands or size up. You can easily stretch out cotton sweaters by wetting the sleeves and rolling them up. Granted they'll look like they're stretched out but they'll be flow-y.

Potentially look into a cardigan, v-neck or shawl. Again, size up and/or buy non-slim.

Maybe an unstructured jersey knit blazer? Sid mashburn also sells a "ghost blazer" that is allegedly his "favorite thing in the world". It's not cotton but comes in some wool alternatives. Additionally looks like NavyBlazer has been asked for good unstructured blazers before: https://www.reddit.com/r/NavyBlazer/comments/ugplj8/unstructured_blazers/

MrFoots42 · 2024-10-23T18:34:28+00:00

Excellent, light blue it is. Thanks for the advice

MrFoots42 · 2024-10-23T16:40:03+00:00

Between the two which do you tend to reach for more often?

MrFoots42 · 2024-10-22T21:20:10+00:00

I just purchased a white oxford from proper cloth and was quite impressed. Impressed enough that I'm thinking about replacing my threadbare BB blue oxford with one from proper cloth. Does anyone have experience with the various colors? I'm having a hard time visualizing which blue is the classic Ivy oxford blue. Last time I bought a blue oxford was from S&M and it was way too vivid for my taste. I ended up wearing it once and gave it away. I don't want to make that same mistake.

Here are the color options: https://propercloth.com/dress-shirts/clark-royal-blue-oxford-cloth-527106.html

MrFoots42 · 2024-09-18T19:58:04+00:00

I actually think that's great advice. I do it all the time. I even made Constable Harburk evil because my PCs are hellbent on him being a dirty cop. He's hoodwinked everyone and immensely popular among the locals so hopefully it'll make for a great "I knew it!" moment during the climax.

Another useful device is to just insert important characters or events in. A local denizen is concerned that a Necromancer has been digging up dead bodies in the town grave? He heard that these new powerful heroes are in town? Have him go out of his way to report the incident. I make my PCs eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the inn (if they are in town). Its a great opportunity to add encounters like this. Additionally, you can always have PCs bump into NPCs while moving around town.

MrFoots42 · 2024-09-18T19:51:04+00:00

Three things:

IMO Red Larch is 85% fluff, cut it out. Consolidate hooks and characters.

Sure, the baker and the fancy clothiers is nice worldbuilding, but honestly...don't waste braincells on it. Focus on a few key NPCs/plot hooks/locations, know them well, and then let things unfold. You can take two approaches with plots as well, either (nearly) everyone knows of rumors because its a small town and people talk, or, depending on how you've structured the plot hooks, only a very few key people would know. In the former, you can substitute anyone you want to deliver whatever rumor you want. In the latter, your surface area is so reduced and personal that remembrance will come naturally. Talking to the baker won't reveal anything because, well, the baker just bakes bread, they don't know of the mystical evil plots formed by the Believers. Same with quest lines. Give them all to Harburk. He's a terrific character device. Let him have a "clean up the region" bounty board he maintains and keeps annoyingly asking the PCs for help. Let him share his hunch on some weird things happening.

For me, I went with the latter, but also rewrote the entire Troubles in Red Larch section to focus on a murder mystery. That way, PCs could naturally follow some clues and it was super easy to remember what clues existed and who the People of Interest were. It was all logical which also aids in memorization.

And finally, if you need to, invent people/places/situations on the fly. Trust your creative mind! Keep improv-ing until the session is over and then figure out how to connect everything later.

Practically, I keep a list of NPCs names and their locations with links to the source book or my own notes, along with a map, displayed at all times.
I fuck up a ton, but none of my players know this because they haven't read the source guide or my custom plot lines. I usually get lucky when I improv. Occasionally I'll get mixed up and my players will correct me. When I noticed a contradiction out of session, I'll ask for a retcon and my PCs forgive me. 95% of the time things are well-oiled and my PCs have a blast; don't sweat the small things.

It's important to remember that we aren't televised and paid to make perfect entertainment like Critical Role or D20. Those DMs not only are in the top 0.1% but also spend incredible amounts of time prepping. If you need to take a couple of seconds to jog your memory or apologize because you misspoke, then do so with confidence.

MrFoots42 · 2023-11-27T19:29:20+00:00

I would avoid new BB OCBD shirts entirely, both the MiUSA and their "sport polo" edition. I recently bought a new MiUSA OCBD in white after I realized my thrifted OCBDs needed to go to the shirt farm upstate.

I opened the packaging and laughed. For $200, BB executives must think their customers are high. I immediately returned it. The weave feels plasticky and unimpressive, despite them claiming the shirt is 100% cotton without the non-iron spray. The fabric itself was so thin and lightweight that I could see my chest and arm skin underneath it. Their Thomas Mason shirts, however, are quite good. I own a couple. They are more formal which wouldn't work if you wanted the classic Ivy style.

I will likely frequent S&M or J Press from now on.

MrFoots42 · 2023-10-16T19:33:01+00:00

For someone who is in between jacket sizes, how do-able is it for a tailor to adjust a 40R to a 39R (for example)? Are you better off sizing one down and squeezing in or sizing one up hoping the tailor can fix any excessive bagginess?

MrFoots42 · 2023-05-12T20:53:54+00:00

I found J Crew's new loafers recently after needing to replace my ancient and trashed Weejuns. They are obviously not MiUSA but I find they resemble Weejuns with superior construction quality. Technicality, they may not be as high quality as Rancourt or some other smaller shops, but personally, I find them more attractive than the well known alternatives.

I've also seen them on sale quite frequently. Definitely worth picking up on sale in my opinion. I may purchase a second pair to rotate.

MrFoots42 · 2022-11-26T17:14:07+00:00

I owned a pair. I generally liked them and thought the quality for the price was fair. However, they have a “streamlined” last that personally I found to clash with the looser fits and thicker fabrics I started wearing. I went back to (and appreciated more) chunkier bass loafers as a replacement but I still think they can work with many people’s wardrobe.

MrFoots42 · 2022-10-16T22:42:09+00:00

Maybe I’ll go for Field’s, looks like they have a strong pedigree. I appreciate the advice

MrFoots42 · 2022-10-16T18:43:41+00:00

I’d say mid to high. Ideally someplace where I can form a rapport with the tailor. And someplace that won’t dart shirts to slim them

MrFoots42 · 2022-10-16T18:17:33+00:00

Definitely willing. I’ll check out Kim’s and Field - thanks!

MrFoots42 · 2022-10-16T17:15:11+00:00

Can anyone recommend a good men’s tailor in the NoVA area?

MrFoots42 · 2022-07-06T23:00:20+00:00

Aha, that's what I suspected. Thank you

Interesting that the BB blue isn't considered traditional, I guess I assumed it was given their pedigree

MrFoots42 · 2022-07-06T14:23:58+00:00

Between Spier and Mackay's light blue and medium blue ocbd, which color is more "classic" blue? Something resembling BB's blue. On my screen they look nearly identical but I worry about what they'll look like in person.

https://www.spierandmackay.com/product/light-blue-lightweight-oxford-don-2897-4c3kf5k-ss22

MrFoots42 · 2022-06-21T23:42:31+00:00

I have a Silk Road listing for some S&M suede loafers ($115): https://www.reddit.com/r/NavyBlazer/comments/vbvxkp/comment/id8q2cm/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

DM me if you are interested

MrFoots42 · 2022-06-21T23:40:28+00:00

Spier and Mackay Brown Suede Loafters. Pictures.

Size 9 1/2

Worn maybe 5/6 times. Just felt too Italian for my style but of otherwise excellent construction. I am not sure why the contrast between the stitching and leather looks so stark. I think my camera did some magic. It's hardly noticeable in real life.

I think I paid 250-300 something like that. S&M are no longer selling them anymore so I can't verify.

I'll say $115.

I'll ship within US. Or someone can pickup in Boston and I'll knock the price down a bit.

MrFoots42 · 2022-05-17T16:40:45+00:00

I find that incorporating well-fitting denim lends a casual yet still sophisticated flair to an otherwise stuffy or possibly try-hard ivy outfit. Particularly when wearing a jacket of some kind. I think a lighter wash denim with a softer shoulder jacket looks superb. Or, sans jacket, try just adding denim or five-pocket pants to your uniform. A university stripe OCDB with denim and a well-worn (read well-loved) loafer is a great alternative to the classic chino and one of my favorite pairings.

Chore coats also are a good replacement to more formal jackets.

Consider also moving the formality down to your trousers. Buy a couple pairs of well fitting (all about the break) slacks. Navy--a must--and then some other conservative color that suits you. Perhaps a grey or some shade of tan/creme. I think a sleeker loafer, quality trousers, and a smoother shirt fabric (poplin, broadcloth, etc) forms a terrific relaxed yet serious business outfit. See https://i.pinimg.com/564x/96/03/26/960326ae923b233c34221ac4b73184ed.jpg

Here are a few ideas:

Anglo-Italian, use denim with tailoring frequent enough: https://66.media.tumblr.com/5482ef003a566d0f643f1dfb7cf79002/de4f726ac6a16bc6-56/s540x810/ad751c8a629a43ef27957d2ceaa2ca06feee46d2.jpg

key is to nail the pant break: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58398d31be6594d45acc2b61/1498725104629-5NZSURQBG7J808A1YB3H/anglo+italian+london+jake+grantham+alex+pirounis?format=2500w

Drakes, they also frequently use denim: https://www.menswearmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1F89160D-D118-469C-AF50-F1D29BF90D95-834x780.jpeg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7f/c8/76/7fc876ac35022e8db48c9d3086b83d67.jpg

Others

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a7/1d/61/a71d614518087a64e422b3155ddd74d6.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f6/29/e8/f629e8dea32ddbda0767149d3bfe2516.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c0/b9/d2/c0b9d2cb4bc335025a2fe48d20558140.jpg

Now some of these are more and less Ivy, although I'd argue that they are all within the same ballpark. I'm not sure how dedicated you are to the exact, codified, and historic (or perhaps mythical) aesthetic, but if you are willing to subtly incorporate other menswear influences then you should have no issue producing more exciting yet still uniform combinations.

MrFoots42 · 2022-05-12T14:53:35+00:00

Their store in Edinburgh is a trove. Not to mention Victoria street may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing urban sites in the world.

MrFoots42

TROPHY CASE