Hey everyone, my names Steven… I’m new here and I’m trying to better myself life. I’ve been kinda down on my luck over the years and I’ve never really had too many friends to give me any advice. I’ve haven’t really studied style too much before and I’m really excited… the guys here seem really helpful and outgoing. … it’s something to inspire towards. Anyways, I just wanted to introduce myself and post a picture of my mug & everyday attire. I’m feeling better now than I have in a while so I want to set a new standard for myself by getting feedback and getting my life together. Here’s to the first day of the rest of our lives! Thanks.

Mixing new (to me) and old today. New: Brooks Brothers button down shirt, Tom James trousers Old: Allen Edmonds Park Avenues and Jones New York suit jacket I bought in the late 90s. The weather here is gray today, so I'll be accompanied by my gray hat, also from the 90s.

We all ride the rollercoaster of life with its highs and lows, and how we tackle those moments really builds our character—let’s embrace the challenge! I wanted to share a quick video that resonated with me and about 14 million other viewers, thanks to its clear, uplifting message—definitely worth a watch. Perhaps this little boost is just what someone in our group needs today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdTMDpizis8

Team, I used AI to help me write this because I wanted to drive home, via application of one of Flusser's many principles on Pattern Pairing. Did I get it right? In "Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion", Alan Flusser dedicates significant attention to pattern coordination in the "Neckwear" chapter (pp. 144–169), emphasizing that successful mixing hinges on scale, contrast, and harmony rather than rigid rules—timeless principles drawn from classic menswear's history. He advises starting with a solid suit as a "blank canvas" to let shirt and tie patterns shine, then layering patterns by varying their sizes (scales): pair a small-patterned shirt (e.g., fine check or subtle stripe) with a larger, bolder tie pattern (or vice versa) to create visual interest without chaos. For contrast, ensure the tie is darker than the shirt to draw the eye upward, while harmonizing colors via the color wheel—complementary shades (e.g., blue shirt with orange accents in the tie) or analogous tones (blues and greens) prevent clashing. Flusser warns against "competing" patterns of similar scale and motif (e.g., two large plaids), which can overwhelm; instead, he champions "pattern-on-pattern" as an art form for the discerning dresser. Application to My Recent Outfit (Tan Suit, Blue Checkered Shirt, Patterned Tie & Pocket Square) Your ensemble—a tan suit (likely solid or subtle texture), blue checkered shirt, patterned tie, and coordinating pocket square—aligns well with Flusser's guidelines, making it a correct and effective application for a polished, versatile look suitable for San Antonio's mild September weather. The solid tan suit provides the ideal neutral base, allowing the shirt's check pattern (assuming a fine-to-medium scale) to interplay with the tie's bolder pattern (e.g., stripes or geometric), creating balanced contrast as long as the tie's tones echo the shirt's blues without matching exactly. The pocket square adds a harmonious "echo" (Flusser's term for subtle repetition of colors/motifs across accessories), elevating the outfit without overcomplicating it—perfect for daytime professionalism or evening transitions.

In Ohio we grow some extremely big pumpkins, my grandfather helped start this years ago in thr basement of thr Catholic Church and then the festival kept growing and now it’s famous in our small town of Barnesville ohio And no center vile wishes they were us Also yes one of my cousins is one of the growers and set the Ohio record last year at the Ohio state fair