Menswear Moments: James Ellroy, American Tabloid

Ellroy's clotheshorse FBI agent Kemper Boyd is always nattily attired and has a memorable exchange with his boss J. Edgar Hoover:

"In fact, you've always dressed distinctively. Perhaps 'expensively' is more apt. To be blunt, there have been times when I wondered how your salary could sustain your wardrobe."

"Sir, you should see my apartment. What my wardrobe possesses, it lacks."

Hoover chuckled. "Be that as it may, I doubt I've seen you in the same suit twice. I'm sure the women you're so fond of appreciate your sartorial flair."

"Sir, I hope so."

I especially like this because it reminds me of my own budgeting practice: any amount for the wardrobe; as little as possible for the apartment.