My investiture as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Just outside the Cathedral with my wife. Pronto Uomo wool blend suit. Cloak is from Barbiconi of Italy.

"Expect the best, prepare for the worst, and prepare to be surprised." Dennis Waitley Have a great day brothers. My spun on this is to prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and and have contingency plans.

I have a really bad back and have been actively trying to fight off major back surgery. I've done everything I & the doctors have thought about. I have been a "Shoe guy" for quite some time, but have never tried anything ultra high end as I didn't want to fall down the hole. Because of my back my wife suggested I go out and see if there is any difference between the high end MTO's or even bespoke vs. my Allen Edmonds. So off I went with her permission and support. Several months ago I went online to Gaziano & Girling and ordered a pair of MTO's. They were wonderful to deal with. They sent me a "Fitting" shoe to make sure that the last I was choosing was appropriate, they then got on the phone with me to discuss what if anything I was feeling. After our conversation they were going to make some minor changes to accommodate my foot they set off to make them. After 12-16 weeks they showed up today! All I can say is WOW!! The attention to detail the color and Patina work, the velvet shoe bag. the velvet cloth wrapping the shoes with a rubber mat in between. The brochure and the card about "Founding Principles" are an attention to detail which I love. No wonder they are a recent recipient of a Royal Warrant! I am excited to go home and try them on and see how they feel. This however, may lead me to try a "Bespoke" shoe in the future but who knows. Not sure if anyone has any experience with G&G but I'd love to hear it if you do. Thanks in advance

Gary my first boss in the clothing industry when I was 14 was then only about 23. He was buying a beautifully fixtured store over time from its owner, Bob Hunt. I called him recently to offer my condolences for the loss of his wife who unexpectedly died having suffered a massive stroke while having a surgery. In our conversation I let him know how much I respected him and how monumental his influence was on shaping my life. Even the last previous time we spoke which was about 15 years ago I was gleaning information. He is one in a million when it comes to professional salesmen. I’ve spoken before how twice he tried to hire me: once to run another store he bought and the second was to become a professional clothier who came to guys places of business and even their homes. His clientele are some serious movers and shakers. I am on a board with at least 4 of them. These 4 guys have a combined new worth of at least a half a billion dollars it’s not their net worth that gives me trepidation. Rather I provide this background because he is coming to speak with me about clothes at my request (and to visit my parents, his friends who live 3 minutes away). He is used to these high flyers who totally rely on him to construct a wardrobe for them. I on the other hand- kind of have some pretty distinct ideas. As a guy from Wichita, KS his style preference tends to be very midwestern. Whereas mine are definitely more east coast. (I’ve spoken before about US regional sensibilities). Should prove to be an interesting dynamic. Since I see his wardrobes on guys at the 4 annual board meetings and our social functions, I can reasonably anticipate how he might view my stuff. (Plus it’s mainly 20 -30 years old). We shall see. OOTD 28 year old MTM Royal blue blazer Golden yellow p square CT blue basket weave Oxford Robert Talbot 25 year old tie 20 year old MTM charcoal Calvary twill trousers Smart wool argyle socks 1982 Alden shell cordovan tassels 1940s ERNEST Borell automatic watch

I grew up without a grandfather and a father so ive never worn a suit or tied a tie. But i am curious about it now that i have seen most of you guys wearing them and finding the right styles. Id like to know where you get them from?