Versatile and planning are a good way to keep things going. Went to the office today but knew I would have a tight schedule to meet my lovely bride for a date night dinner out. So I planned this outfit knowing I would add a sport coat in the evening. Having an interchangeable wardrobe is essential.

A little late with the posting today, last night my youngest had the second night of the Queanbeyan Area Public Schools Performance. It is around 12 schools that perform singing and dancing on stage. It was a great show but 2 nights of getting to bed at 2300 took its toll on Jade and as Poppy came and watched last night both were very tired and cranky this morning. Dad is a meanie as he made the girls go to school where Mum was going to let them have the day off. It is funny in a way as everyone that knows us thinks it is the other way around and that I would be the soft touch 🤭 As I was heading back home after dropping Poppy to school I ducked up Mt Ainslie top the lookout to grab some photos, you can see Memorial Drive that leads to the lake and across to both Old Parliament and Parliament house. As it was a late night I didnt have the opportunity to get my outfit ready the night before, however when you know and understand the basics, it can be easy to grab an outfit. Todays outfit consists of; - Country Road Double Breasted Herringbone 100% Fine Wool Overcoat in Graphite - Brixton Brood Snap cap in Grey - MJ Bale Ashford Suit In Charcoal - OTAA Winthrop’s Gray Weave Lucious Shirt - OTAA Gibraltar Graphite Blue Stripe Tie - OTAA Shining Silver tie clip - OTAA Don Vitone Blue Wool Pocket Square - Monterey Watch Co Black Bead Blracelet - Mitch Dowd DIamond Pattern Socks - Ecco Ecco Vitrus Penny Loafer SOTD - Bond No9 New York Nights WOTD - Tudor Royal 41 Silver Dial

One of the things I love about Classic Timeless Menswear is the mastery in the minutia: The sheen of a highly polished shell cordovan shoe, the perfect silhouette of a pair of deep double forward pleated trousers made out of quality wool; The shoulder fit of a half or full canvas suit that’s been broken in that gets better with each wearing; The depth of a well harmonized outfit with a classic tattersall shirt featuring a quality regimental tie; the natural sprezzatura of a welted toe on a classic pair of dress tassel shoes with a suit or the beef roll stitching of a Waxhide pair of penny loafers; the elegance of a cardigan sweater with top and bottom buttons unbuttoned; etc. it’s the minor details that have enduring aspects of style that make clothing more of an investment rather than merely an expenditure. I miss the day when guys with discerning eyes lead gentlemen to admire this aspect of their friends wardrobe choices (yet I am inspired by this community’s return to this tradition). Today clothing has a throw-away aspect. Let me give one example: I saw an ad for Peter Manning (PM) recentlythat troubled me. It mistakenly conflated fit with its concept of style (actually a trendy fashion) PM has a great concept: to make clothing for the other half of guys, ie if 5’9” is the average height then presumably about half are above that and half are below that. Unfortunately PM has embraced the oddity of the modern fashion trends ( too short of a coat skirt, too high of an operable button, and a limited selection trend of solid quarter zips and non traditional polo shirts etc). I question if there might be a market of guys in that height range who would embrace a more classic timeless menswear design that is focused on 100 year old proven designs for gentlemen whose height is below 5’9”. Peter Manning fails in that CTM aspect in my eyes. Speaking of details, I find it easy to move from clothing design to interior design (an area of study that my friend @Trevor Hudson is much more qualified than I to address). As a complete amateur in this arena I have an eclectic sense that allows me to enjoy many different designs: from Frank Lloyd Wright and Bauhouse to classic Cotswold cottages or neo-Tudor and New England gambrel roof Dutch colonial exteriors; or interiors that mix antiques either with modern open layouts or interspersed within homes with cosy Ralph Lauren inspired nooks and rooms to escape and enjoy a cup of tea and a great book. The house where I presently live was built in 2004 out of a two year frustration of searching and not finding anything we liked, so when I was working 90 hours a week I built my 1st generation American born German wife a little cottage on my one person working salary. It was the best I could do with my severely limited time constraints, but I enjoy it.

In the office today and after a few days of much needed rain, the Sun is out and I wanted to be ready for it. Not that we are in August the reality of summers end approaching is becoming all too real 😢. So I chose a summer vibe and will add a sport coat later when I take my bride out to dinner. OOTD: Tan/Blue/White Tattersall shirt Oatmeal Linen trousers Light Tan OTC ribbed dress socks $35 restored Allen Edmonds Woven Derby's Marone Panama hat. Wishing you all a wonderful Tuesday!

Heading up to Amarillo for the day. Meetings with contractors and distributors. Tomorrow heading back to Albuquerque and Santa Fe for meetings, a customer training and a few other visits. I’ll probably just post on occasion instead of everyday. - black OGIO polo with company logo - Brown leather Buckly Belt - Slim straight fit blue jeans - Brown lace up boots