Stopped by one of my local thrift shops this morning having a 50% off back to school sale. Picked up a sweet vintage Norm Thompson Harris Tweed wool sport coat, half lined, half canvassed construction, in excellent shape. It's a 44R, so its too big for me unfortunately. But, it will make a good resale item. I also picked up a pair of Italian made Blake Stitched Johnston and Murphy Domani oxblood tassel loafers. Excited to add these to my rotation, as I currently have no oxblood colored shoes. Best of all 5.48 total for both.

A bit late, but yesterday was all about a big client meeting and took every moment. Indeed, I woke up at 3am to begin preparing. Bringing the team together for a crazy timeline project on a client's strategy for a major project - that's why I love what I do. It presents challenges from multiple angles. Ultimately, the client loved it. Although we have some follow up over the next few days, it will take place as I head to Lake Tahoe for the last summer holiday with the family. • Suit — SJ-003, SL-012 (Peter Millar): An Italian-blue Peter Millar wool suit featuring a subtle tiny-dot texture, notched lapels, two rear vents, and multihued navy sleeve buttons. The excellent fit and restrained pattern create a polished matched-suit foundation that reads clearly and professionally on camera. • Shirt — DS-045 (Charles Tyrwhitt): A pale-blue cotton-twill shirt with a navy-and-white Glen check, semi-spread collar, and square French cuffs. Its non-iron finish maintains a crisp appearance, while the pattern adds visual interest without competing with the suit. • Undershirt — US-009 (Pro Club): A mid-blue cotton crew-neck undershirt with a comfortable fit. Its color coordinates with the shirt and suit while remaining concealed beneath the dress shirt. • Tie — NT-070 (Holland & Sherry): A three-fold silk tie in vibrant orange with purple medallions, a low-sheen finish, and a traditional 3.5-inch blade. The warm orange provides a confident focal point against the Italian-blue suit, while the purple detailing bridges the cool and warm elements. • Pocket Square — PS-040 (Fort Belvedere): A matte madder-silk pocket square featuring dark bronze, burgundy, and bottle-green diamond and paisley motifs. Its chalky hand, hand-rolled edges, and earthy palette complement the orange tie and brown accessories without creating an exact match. • Belt — B-013 (Hanks): A khaki-brown Hanks belt made from textured suede leather with a traditional buckle closure. The suede introduces a relaxed tactile element and coordinates directly with the cognac loafers.

We were literally just leaving the house for Tahoe when I got a notice from the PO Box that a package arrived and then the notice from Cobbler Union that my shoes were delivered! The mailbox is between my house and the freeway, so we stopped by to add them to the overpacked SUV (and just happened to have a package of my first bottle of Colonia Essenza by Acqua Di Parma arrived by the time we got there). During their summer sale, these oxblood Marco derbies attracted me as I do not have a new pair of derbies… and they’re in oxblood! The last looks wonderful to me even if I don’t typically were derbies. I’m sure these will make the regular circulation.

So I’ve shared my weight loss journey with everyone and today it goes full circle to when I was a kid. I am taking my father clothes shopping as he’s been on his own journey and, God Bless him, he’s in, he thinks a 34 waist and medium shirt, but still wearing 38/40 shorts and XL shirts. I remember him and my mother would take my brother and I to the Outlet Mall, when they were in their heyday, twice a year and said “you have x amount to spend today” and let us loose. Granted, he’d offer little advice as he knew our styles were different, but he’d throw out the occasional “you sure about that” look at me. So Happy belated Father’s Day to my dad once again. The picture is from my cousin’s wedding two years ago, got to get a current picture of us.

While visiting a local jeweler, my wife spotted a watch she absolutely loved. The sticker price was $395, but my inner WIS (Watch Idiot Savant) couldn’t resist doing a little reconnaissance first. Sure enough, I found the exact same watch online for $350. Armed with that bit of intelligence, I returned to the store and launched my opening salvo. “Is $395 your best price?” The sales associate didn’t even flinch. “Nope… I can do $340.” At that point I was already beating the online price, so I smiled and said, “Deal!” As we continued talking watches and swapping stories, a little rapport developed. While she was boxing up the watch, I casually asked, “Do you happen to offer a military discount?” “Yes, we do—and thank you for your service.” Just like that… another 10% vanished from the total. Final score: * MSRP: $395 * Negotiated price: $340 * Military discount: 10% * Final price: Just over $306 before tax. Not bad for a few minutes of friendly conversation. Watch collecting teaches patience, research, and timing. This time, all three paid off. Better yet, my wife walked away with a watch she genuinely loves, and I got the satisfaction of knowing the only thing sweeter than a new watch is getting one without paying full retail. I guess you could say this purchase was right on time