Rufio, Rufio, Ru-fi-oooooooo, Shanghai

Ni hao, sexy reader, it’s me, Crindy, guest contributor on VainLane.  Allow me to ruminate for a wee moment on this young man’s foppish (whatever, I’ve been reading Dickens) ‘fit and share some of my thinking with you, my Internet friends.

First of all, Tom’s outfit succeeds based on a fashion principle which has been oft-discussed on this site: effortlessness.  The sophistication lies in the fact that while the ensemble itself is well coordinated, nothing is too matchey and the look is all his own.  Of course once you find out that Tom is a designer it begins to dawn upon you that he’s been professionally trained to know what looks good with what, but the point is that it’s perfectly executed and it doesn’t look like he’s trying too hard (men of Shanghai: take note).

Secondably, the shoes.  I mean.  What?  Where do you even find vintage pirate boots?  Neverland?  Well they’re a damn good get and I can guarantee you that no one else has anything else like those in their shoe closets (exception: Johnny Depp) and that Tom is – to quote my favorite silver-haired sartorialist – making.them.work.

The last thing I want to point out to you, dear reader, having advantageously scooped the provenance of all the elements of Tom’s outfit, is that each piece has a story.  Shirt and shorts?  Self designed.  Shoes?  Hong Kong, Kowloon side, hole-in-the-wall.  Bag?  Thank you, grandma.  Shades?  Thank you, Tom Ford.  It’s these priceless histories that are the soul of the outfit because Tom’s fingerprint and personality are embedded in every part of the whole.  He’s a walking, talking conversation piece, but he doesn’t feel the need to scream at the top of his lungs, “Look at me! I’m bleeping awesome!!!”

Maybe you should, Tom.  Maybe you should.

Additionals:

Mix of Peter and Mary Poppins Inspired Leather Boots (for her)

Tom Ford’s Hawkings Aviator Shades

Similar perfect Bermuda Shorts from J.Crew

Not so similar, but also perfect, Plaid Shirt

Crindy’s main purpose in life