I like to carry a pen with me wherever I go. But I hate the thing bouncing around in my pocket, banging against my cell phone or getting lost in a larger jacket pocket. So I'm having my tailor install "pen pockets" on all of my jackets. There's room for one under the inside jacket pocket on the left side. See photo for example. The pen, by the way, is a Scriveiner Silver Chrome Rollerball Pen, sold on Amazon. Anyone else like pen pockets? Take the poll!

This is one of my favourite pairs of shoes. However, I'm not sure how to classify them. They have brogueing, but no laces; so they're a slip on. So, are these considered loafers?

Two weeks ago, I had the knee surgery done and once the surgeon got into my knee, he discovered that rather than the expected tears in the ACL, MCL, and meniscus, I had a shredder ACL that, as I was informed yesterday at my two week follow up, caused no stability in my knee and explained 95% of the pain I had been experiencing. Now again, two weeks out, I was told to start putting weight on it, ween off crutches, and they took the restrictions off the brace but I will be wearing the brace for the next two to three months. I’m to go full steam ahead with PT and by medical standards, I’m much farther along than a normal two weeks post op. In fact my surgeon was almost giddy sounding when he looked at my repaired knee and how well it looks now, apparently the first time in almost 30 years that I’ve had a fully functional knee. PT and shorts, can’t get pants over the brace, for the foreseeable future.

….headed off to Greece with my kids. Needed something to keep the sun off my face & head. I find function is the easiest way to justify trying a new style. Any other hat wearers in the house? Anyone else taking a break this month?

When looking for something sartorial to buy from Rome, I opted for something new (vs. going vintage in Athens with a second-hand tie). When looking for great local artisans for neckties, my AI bot shared that pocket squares from Rome are maybe even more interesting and precious. It found me a store that makes both of these with their designs via local artisans: Cruciani & Bella. They are in the sartorial district near the Spanish Steps, but are not a fashion merchant. Co—Pilot nailed this selection. Given the heat and being shortly after siesta, I was the only customer. Once I asked about shantung and noted my salesman’s tie was grenadine, both staff were very engaging. The only limit is that they are just about to shut down for summer break and will receive their autumn collection upon their return. Their current coffers were limited for more interesting designs, including their typical extensive collection of madder silk. They even walked me through their bespoke tie process, but this was about something custom to Rome and Italy for me. About half way into my visit, I realized that the two staff were actually Cruciani and Bella! They started the store 30 years ago and still run it. They were endlessly patient, proud of their work, and are sending me one of their autumnal madder ties, which I was able to try, once they get their delivery. Photos of the store and the two items I took away are below. The tie, go figure, is a Glenn check, but in a fresco wool weave. The pocket square is madder silk and two sided.