DEAR LORD WHIMSY...
A gentleman about to disembark for the Middle East writes:

Dear Lord Whimsy,

I am planning a trip to Egypt this summer and I was wondering if you could give me some tips on maintaining ones dernier cri in the arid calefaction of such a clime?

Thank you

ps- is your mailing list operational? I signed up twice a while ago but have recieved nothing!


....

Hello M~

Things have been quiet of late, which is why you have not found any dispatches in your mailbox. I've been busy with my new house, setting up the garden, outlining the next book, and contributing to exhibits for a couple museums you've doubtlessly heard of. I'll certainly start sending out announcements when things liven up again. In the meantime, you can find my daily journal here:

http://lord-whimsy.livejournal.com/

Nothing terribly profound there, but there it is.

As to your trip to Egypt: I've been to some out-of-the-way spots myself, and three factors to one's style overrides all other considerations: simplicity, practicality, and versatility. After all, a breezy linen shirt can be just as stylish as a bespoke suit given the right setting. I'd also be open to the local flavor of the place: its colors, textures, forms, etc--and draw inspiration from it. Try a fetching head wrap with your light-colored attire--it's Egypt, after all. Get away with something there you could never pull off at home.

Have a wonderful time--I'm quite envious.

Word to the Aten,
W