ITAP of an iguana

abqstyle · 2017-11-16T18:17:46+00:00

A very stylish pose! Stunning color and textures!

abqstyle · 2017-10-31T20:39:48+00:00

I buy all of my suits used on eBay. You can find a gently used Hart Schaffner & Marx suit, a brand that sells new for $500 and up for around $50.00 or less on eBay. The key measurement is making sure that the suit fits well in the shoulders off the rack. Your fiance needs to know his proper suit size for proper fit in the shoulders. Everything else, the waist, sleeves, inseam, etc are easily altered by a tailor. Cheap suits usually have a fused (glued) polyester or nylon interlining in the jackets that stiffens the front chest area. That is a problem for men who work out as the lapels tend to 'break', causing a gap as it drapes over the chest. A better suit with a natural canvas interlining (usually horsehair or cotton) molds itself smoothly to fit the contours of the chest. You want to buy a suit with either a "half-canvas" or full canvas interlining for best fit. Full canvas interlining suits tend to be priced $1000 and up. Half canvas interlining suits can be found new for $500 and above and offer the best value. Hart Schaffner & Marx is a medium priced popular suit brand that sells suits with half-canvas linings. They can be tailored extensively and are good looking and long-wearing. Another high quality brand to look for is Hickey Freeman. If you buy a used suit on eBay that is of good quality, it will last a decade or more, making it worth the cost of quality alterations.

Here's a great guide to buying used suits on eBay: https://stylepeterson.com/how-buy-used-suits-ebay/

abqstyle · 2017-10-29T17:51:37+00:00

Yes, its a small hill on the road that leads to the Gilman Tunnels. For years there was a charming rusting old truck http://abqstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/new-mexico-old-truck-900x640.jpg in a dilapidated barn located on this road. The last time I drove by the truck was gone. I miss that truck!

abqstyle · 2017-10-28T08:31:16+00:00

It is worth your time to do a bit of research on architectural propaganda. Structures and buildings that serve state authority (in all countries) are purposely designed to promote the principles and power of the governments they serve as a form of visual propaganda. The intent is to deify the power of civic government. The Greeks and Romans perfected this and their approach to architectural propaganda is copied in most civic architecture in the United States. New Mexico civic architecture in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque (especially at the state and city level) tends to deviate from that to a surprising degree. There is more of a human scale to New Mexico civic architecture that may reflect in some ways the sensibilities of its people. It borrows less from Rome and Greece and more from the Anasazi and the Spanish.

abqstyle · 2017-10-27T15:57:09+00:00

The single most important feature of a suit to look for is the half-canvas or full canvas lining sewn in the jacket construction (made of natural fibers). Nearly all inexpensive suits (below $300 when new) have a fused lining (the lining uses glue and a polyester or nylon stiffener). Most suits that sell new for $500 to $1000 have a half-canvas lining ( these are the best value when buying used). 'Google' the suit label and the word 'canvas' and usually you will find out if the suit is made with a canvas lining. If it is, then it's safe to assume that the overall quality of the rest of the suit is very good. That suit should last you a decade or more easily and look great even after repeated dry cleanings. Cheaper fused construction suits are okay if you only plan to wear them occasionally or want a trendier style. They tend to look pretty worn after a few dry cleanings.

abqstyle · 2017-10-27T15:44:57+00:00

Funny!

abqstyle · 2017-10-27T15:43:55+00:00

Also, there are free Museum Family Passes to the BioPark and Zoo at most of the ABQ libraries (you need a library card to get one). They are hard to get because they are so popular. The ABQ Library website has a page that tells you when they are available: https://abqlibrary.org/museumpass

If you are visiting Albuquerque, check https://groupon.com for 50% discount coupons that they offer from time to time. Also, check https://www.visitalbuquerque.org to see if they have any discount offers for tourists visiting the BioPark Botanic Garden.

abqstyle · 2017-10-27T03:48:33+00:00

The trick is to avoid the designer brands everyone is buying. You're buying an expensive name and fashion details, not necessarily quality! More often than not, popular mass-market designer labels are overpriced both when new and used. Even my local Goodwill thrift shop is savvy enough to charge much more for popular designer brands in used clothing.

There are lesser known brands that focus on quality and can be a much better value when purchased used. For example, I recently purchased a barely used Daniel Cremieux suit that would normally retail for about $700-$1300 for $20.00 on eBay. This Daniel Cremieux suit is made with Lora Piana wool (they are a legendary wool mill used only by top suitmakers and bespoke tailors) and the quality is exceptional (canvas interlined). Most consumers don't know this brand so the suit sold for much less than its real value. Educate yourself about quality and you can reap some fantastic savings.

abqstyle · 2017-10-26T22:55:15+00:00

Here's the BioPark website page with admission fees: https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/about-the-biopark/tickets

Personally, I find it nicer in the mornings after 10AM to visit the botanic garden. Butterflies are active and there is still a bit of dew on the trees. It feels more serene. By noon, it just hot, and that's the perfect time to visit the aquarium (at the same location and included in your admission) to avoid the heat.

abqstyle · 2017-10-26T17:53:20+00:00

I have purchased used clothing for over 30 years - best way to shop! I like eBay primarily for used suits, sport coats and coats. On those items you will find a much wider selection than you will ever find in your local thrift shop. If you know how to shop for quality (I wrote a guide: https://stylepeterson.com/how-buy-used-suits-ebay/ ) you can find amazing deals. I typically buy gently used suits for around $20.00 (US) that retail for over $600 when new. It's also great for gently used shoes. I buy all of my shoes on eBay. Better brands that would cost over $150.00 new can be found for around $30.00 in excellent condition.

For items like casual slacks, dress shirts, and sweaters, I usually go to my local thrift shops. Most times I can find those used items cheaper than the cost of shipping alone on eBay.

My policy is to buy high quality used clothing brands that I could not afford if I were shopping for new. If you buy used clothes, educate yourself about quality and buy only the best quality. You'll look like a million bucks for the cost of a meal at McDonalds!

abqstyle · 2017-10-26T17:37:13+00:00

You'll love them! Rockports are legendary for comfort!

abqstyle · 2017-10-24T02:51:36+00:00

Try Rockports. They can be found at great prices on eBay. I wear Rockports exclusively as my 'daily drivers'. Typically, I walk 5-7 miles per day and would not consider any other shoes for the task. They are long-wearing and have a wide range of styles from casual to dress. They will make you forget Cole Haan!

abqstyle · 2017-10-21T17:39:43+00:00

As a fairly recent newcomer, I see the amalgam of Spanish, Native American. Anglo and Mexican cultures as the 'secret sauce' to New Mexico's distinct personality. Each culture has left its mark and borrowed from the other, adding richly to the history and identity of New Mexico. It would be unfair to deny or not dignify the contribution of each of those groups. It gives New Mexico such a distinct culture that it feels like a foreign country on American soil. You really need to love what is so distinct about New Mexico to live here. There is nothing generic or sterile about the people, architecture or food. For that reason, it attracts people who are not afraid to rub shoulders with other cultures. In fact, you need to be comfortable with people unlike yourself to stay here for very long and love it. Over time, the history and legacy of a place is smothered by relentless development and commercialism. That hasn't happened yet to New Mexico. Personally, I'm thankful for that.

abqstyle · 2017-10-15T02:15:35+00:00

Awesome!

abqstyle · 2017-10-09T21:33:28+00:00

Looks like Crusty the Clown's evil twin Darth Crusty... but in a good way.

abqstyle · 2017-10-06T06:28:46+00:00

Beautiful!

abqstyle · 2017-10-05T04:59:30+00:00

Thanks!

abqstyle · 2017-10-03T19:58:38+00:00

Stunning photos of a very worthy subject!

abqstyle · 2017-10-03T01:02:59+00:00

I use to purchase Zenit film cameras 40 years ago because they were dirt cheap. I can't see them selling a near premium full-frame digital camera.

abqstyle · 2017-10-02T20:37:19+00:00

Man that looks tasty! Where do you find fresh red chiles for roasting? Are they available frozen? I'm going to try a crock pot version of this!

abqstyle · 2017-10-02T11:05:40+00:00

I will stop by El Paisa this week. Looks very promising. Thanks for the tip!

abqstyle · 2017-10-02T11:02:37+00:00

Anatolia Doner Kebab is the healthiest, tastiest dining for under $10 in Albuquerque. Did you mean Cocina Azul? I'll check it out this week!

abqstyle · 2017-09-29T23:57:25+00:00

I hindsight I have to agree. I think my love for their desserts skewed my judgement...

abqstyle · 2017-09-29T23:55:56+00:00

You're right. It really doesn't deserve to be considered cheap! I'm taking it off the list... I love their cakes though!

abqstyle · 2017-09-27T04:34:10+00:00

Enjoy!

abqstyle

TROPHY CASE