Five years ago today I posted on Grey Fox Blog for the first time. At that stage I thought the blog would last a few months before I ran out of ideas and steam. Here I am five years later, and I could write ten blog posts a day if I had the time.
In that first blog post (link above) I said:
In that first blog post (link above) I said:
"In my younger days buying clothes was easy; shops are full of styles for the younger man. But what to do with advancing middle age? The three options are 1) to keep dressing in younger styles, 2) to go for a safe option, or 3) to find a personal style that one feels comfortable with. The last is the option I have chosen and it is the hardest. This blog will show how I aim to develop a personal style that does not entirely depend on a youth-obsessed fashion market".The blog's main theme of 'a search for style' hasn't changed. In fact, I'm amazed how it's still central to what I do. I hope my style has improved, with the help and advice of some wonderful new friends, but the search continues.
 |
| Image Jonathan Daniel Pryce |
From men's style to lifestyle and a celebration of age
I'm slowly extending the range of the blog beyond menswear and style, writing about everything from automobiles, through menswear to whisky. I'm also aware that at 61 I'm not getting younger, so issues of age and ageism will be raised. Too many brands continue to ignore the older man (and woman) despite their increasing numbers, affluence and yes, dammit, coolness. Age is a privilege, bringing wisdom, satisfaction and, of course, increasing handsomeness in men and beauty in women. I want to celebrate this.
I'm slowly extending the range of the blog beyond menswear and style, writing about everything from automobiles, through menswear to whisky. I'm also aware that at 61 I'm not getting younger, so issues of age and ageism will be raised. Too many brands continue to ignore the older man (and woman) despite their increasing numbers, affluence and yes, dammit, coolness. Age is a privilege, bringing wisdom, satisfaction and, of course, increasing handsomeness in men and beauty in women. I want to celebrate this.
I hope you enjoy the gradual (and by no means overwhelming) widening of scope of the blog. Please keep in touch and let me know your thoughts, ideas and criticisms. Without you, the reader and follower, this blog would operate in a meaningless vacuum. Thank you so much for all that you've done for this blog. My search for style continues.
The commercialisation of the blog
I'm still struggling with the idea of monetising the blog. I'm very reluctant to make this a commercial site, at the same time I have to cover the costs, both financial and of time. If brands approach me for coverage I assume they feel this has a value and I'd ask them to at least offer something.
Readers will have found a few sponsored posts recently. These are clearly labelled as such and are there to help me with the costs I mention. If you find them intrusive, I sympathise, but without them I would be dipping into my own funds and effectively be subsidising the companies featured here. I only accept sponsorship from brands fitting the style and theme of the blog and have turned away many (and their money) who don't.
Meanwhile, if you'd like to help, please buy a Geoff Stocker x Harry x Grey Fox pocket square or tie as a proportion goes towards blog costs - to buy click here.
All comments and suggestions on this are very welcome!
Hearing from blog readers
Meanwhile, I sometimes receive mail from blog readers. I am often touched by these. As a blogger I work in a bit of a vacuum, not really knowing if anyone out there is taking notice. This letter, received a few days ago, is typical of the lovely, kind comments that are made. I quote it here both to show my appreciation and because I want readers to know that they are not alone in their searches for style. There is a huge community of like-mined and generous men out there. I wish I could hold a birthday party and invite you all:
David Evans
a.k.a. Grey Fox
I'm still struggling with the idea of monetising the blog. I'm very reluctant to make this a commercial site, at the same time I have to cover the costs, both financial and of time. If brands approach me for coverage I assume they feel this has a value and I'd ask them to at least offer something.
Readers will have found a few sponsored posts recently. These are clearly labelled as such and are there to help me with the costs I mention. If you find them intrusive, I sympathise, but without them I would be dipping into my own funds and effectively be subsidising the companies featured here. I only accept sponsorship from brands fitting the style and theme of the blog and have turned away many (and their money) who don't.
Meanwhile, if you'd like to help, please buy a Geoff Stocker x Harry x Grey Fox pocket square or tie as a proportion goes towards blog costs - to buy click here.
All comments and suggestions on this are very welcome!
Hearing from blog readers
Meanwhile, I sometimes receive mail from blog readers. I am often touched by these. As a blogger I work in a bit of a vacuum, not really knowing if anyone out there is taking notice. This letter, received a few days ago, is typical of the lovely, kind comments that are made. I quote it here both to show my appreciation and because I want readers to know that they are not alone in their searches for style. There is a huge community of like-mined and generous men out there. I wish I could hold a birthday party and invite you all:
Hello David,
I write to thank you for writing your blog. I ran across it about 18 months ago when I was searching for some advice on age-appropriate menswear. I’m now a 53 year old lawyer in the middle of America, and I have nice suits, most of which are 10 to 14 years old. They’re boxy, pleated pants, with lots of room, even though I’m a fairly trim 33 waist. I needed an update. So I went searching and ran into you. I’ll be putting your advice into practice and investing in some new suits and shirts very soon.
As I’m ready to invest in new work clothing, I came back to your blog about 90 days ago, and I’ve been following it daily, along with your lovely Instagram account. I thoroughly enjoy both. It turns out we have a few things in common as I went back and read your earliest posts. We’re both lawyers and cyclists and love hiking outdoors with dogs.
I started my investment in new work clothes with purchases of Shaun Gordon ties. I can’t think of anything I’d rather have than a hand-made piece of limited quantity...... Apologies for the long message, but I’m not sure how much a blogger knows about the effect of their work on readers, or how their work influences the work of others, like Shaun. So keep up the good work......
Best regards.Finally, many, many thanks to all of you and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Successful New Year.
David Evans
a.k.a. Grey Fox
David,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed, and continued to enjoy your posts about, well, everything. I recently celebrated a certain birthday that puts my squarely in the camp of the Grey Fox blog, and the advice its presents. Here's to your fifth year and to many more should the spirit seize you. Merry Christmas.
Heinz-Ulrich von Boffke
Classic Style for the Average Guy
Hi David, Congratulations on 5 years of great blogging! I thoroughly enjoy reading every one of your posts. Best wishes, Colin
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Your blog is one of my go to sites for style matters. I'm a Spoke fan in particular due to reading about them first on your site. Purchases from Jigsaw menswear, Gaolhouse and Hiut Denim and Cheaney were also directly as a result of your blog. You took the trouble to advise me on style matters for a first time Dad 3 and a half years ago and I have another baby boy now (and you're right: everyone is more interested in the baby and Mum than me and quite right too!). It's a great blog and I'll continue to read with interest in the pursuit of style. Rich (age 44).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations indeed! I haven't been reading since the beginning, but once I started reading a few years ago, I had to go back and start at the beginning to find out "what came before".
ReplyDeleteYour blog has encouraged me to look at menswear through a different lens other than simply fashion. Stylish clothing isn't ephemeral. If it's well made and of quality construction, it will last for years and develop a patina; No longer fresh out of the box new, but infinitely more appreciated and comfortable to boot. (Beausage is what Grant Peterson of Rivendell Bikes calls it). I also think about what materials have been used, and where it was made. Sometimes I'm probably kidding myself that a piece of clothing that meets all of this is more cost-effective over its life than the equivalent number of cheaper items, but rarely do I regret the purchase of such at item.
The Grey Fox email with another blog post remains one of my most-looked for emails of the day - thank you.
Tony
Congratulations with 5 years of splendid blogging, David! You're an inspiration to many and I hope you keep a full head of steam going into the future.
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Nick (WellDressedDad.com)
Grey Fox,
ReplyDeleteMay I also please add my thanks to all of those who, like me, appreciate your blog. Even at my age it is good to still be learning and I find your comments helpful in that respect, so please keep them coming.
Very best regards,
Snapper
Congratulations on the blog's anniversary. Really enjoy reading the articles and links. I have no doubt that I am far more informed about style since I started following your blog. I for one don't have a problem with making the blog more commercial and have noticed many other bloggers in other fields doing this too. You provide a valuable service to us and someone or something has to pay for your time and effort. Keep up the good work. Best wishes Matt
ReplyDeleteHi Grey Fox,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 5th year and thanks for the guidance and inspirations over those 5 years. Rock on.
Regards
David
Hello Grey Fox, As a 52 year old, living in London, and having changed careers a couple of years ago, I have found your blog to be of enormous value: you've helped me rebuild my wardrobe after many years of pine-stripe suits and (poorly) fitted chinos and jeans! I completely respect your need to offer some sponsored posts: you've always done this in a really professional manner. Thanking you again and wishing you the v best for your family for the Christmas season. Dimos
ReplyDeleteWell, what can I say - thank you all so much for your very kind comments - it really makes it all worthwhile (although I do enjoy it!)
ReplyDeleteThank you all and have a Merry Christmas and Stylish New Year.
GF
I am very pleased to add my voice to those congratulating and thanking you for your blog, David. I'm your age, and have faced the same struggles in arriving at my present (frankly, amazing) stylishness. I hope to have your blog as a resource for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteI also, just so you know, have made several purchases from makers and sellers featured on Grey Fox, and have never been disappointed.