Even on a close to 100 degree day natural fabrics rule. Grabbed my old Garnet Flannel (summer flannel) HSM Hart Schaeffner and Marx navy blazer. I’ve recently bought some clothes from my buddy Steve Giles: light weight tan Gaberdine trousers (double front deep pleats) and a madras’s shirt (New England Shirt Company) and a silk navy with polka dotted pocket square. I added Pendleton socks, Martin Dingman bridle loafers and matching belt picked up from Travers Mahan Clothing and my old Wenger field watch with a navy/Green nato stripe band. Doesn’t get much more basic classic timeless menswear than this but still seems to fit the need. https://stevengilesclothing.com https://traversmahanapparel.com

I ran across this photo earlier today and realized it was probably the first time I curated a suit outfit for myself. I’m not even sure if it’s a proper suit. Whereas I loathe to think of the shoes I may have been wearing (Huntington Beach High School is very much known for surfing championships and beach community), I couldn’t believe I was wearing a Winchester shirt. The blue shirt with white pinstripes almost goes with the white tie too. Those in the US likely recognize this as a senior photo for the yearbook. And yes, that is not just an earring but a mullet. I tell myself it was a sophisticated mullet! I’ve tried posting this three times now - apologies if they all land later today!

It’s MONDAY!! 🎉🎉 As I start another week, I’ve been thinking about intentionality and what that means in my own life. I know how easy it is for me to get caught up in what comes next. The next goal. The next project. The next thing I want to improve, accomplish or experience. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. I enjoy growing, learning and continuing to push myself. But I also don’t want to become so focused on what’s next that I miss what’s happening right now. So one of the things I’m trying to be more intentional about is appreciating the life I’m actually living while I’m living it. Being intentional about how I show up. How I treat people. The effort I put into my work. The things I choose to learn. The people I make time for. Even something as simple as getting dressed in the morning and deciding how I want to present myself to the world. And alongside all of that, being intentional about gratitude. I’m thankful to have another Monday. Another week of opportunities, challenges, mistakes, conversations, experiences and hopefully a little more growth. I’m also thankful for the people in these groups. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from many of you, enjoyed getting to know you, and genuinely appreciate having a place to share some of the things I enjoy and some of the things I’m figuring out along the way. That’s where my head is on this fine Monday: keep moving forward, but don’t move so quickly that I forget to appreciate where I am. Today’s OOTD felt appropriate for that mindset as well — simple, comfortable and intentional. White shirt, blue trousers, tan shoes and the Panama getting some proper summertime use. 😎 I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday. I’m certainly thankful to have another one. 🎉👏 Wishing you all a wonderful Monday!