CW = Critiques welcome! Several vendor meetings today. While no need to be overly formal with a bona fide suit, I still represent the company and our clients during vendor meetings. That said, I may need to start incorporating seasonal coloring as a part of the AI outfit selection. This feels rather autumnal , but I do love the look of an odd vest and an odd jacket. One final note: I hate this shirt. The tab collar takes forever to button and it is nearly impossible to iron sufficiently to get out the wrinkles. I don't mind when linen does this, but it is loathsome on cotton. Today's Look: Refined Earth Tones for Vendor & Contractor VC Meetings • Blazer — DOJ-003 (Ralph Lauren Green Label): A luxurious camel hair blazer in a rich caramel tone with light tan horn-pattern buttons and notched lapels. The full paisley lining in brown, gold, and red adds a hidden flourish of personality, while the single rear vent and bilateral darts create a clean, tailored silhouette perfect for commanding attention on video calls with vendors and contractors. • Shirt — DS-037 (Proper Cloth): A made-to-order mid-blue 80s 2-ply pinpoint dress shirt featuring a distinctive tab collar and French cuffs with white contrast details. The hidden placket and mother-of-pearl buttons deliver understated sophistication, while the tab collar ensures the tie sits perfectly elevated throughout the day—ideal for video conference presence. • Undershirt — US-007 (Pro Club): A chocolate-brown heavy cotton crew neck undershirt that provides excellent coverage without show-through under the mid-blue shirt. Reliable comfort and a neutral foundation that won't compete with the outfit's warm earth-tone palette. • Trousers — SL-010 (di Milano): Brown wool slacks with a subtle static-line weave and dark brown secondary tones that harmonize beautifully with today's earth-tone palette. Double outward pleats provide a classic, elegant drape with a break falling between medium and full—exactly right for business formality. These trousers deliver exceptional mobility (5/5) and all-day comfort (4/5). The matte finish keeps the look grounded while the subtle pattern adds textural interest that complements the houndstooth vest without competing. A true business-classic choice rated "In Person" meeting-suitable—ideal for impressing vendors and contractors.

This is definately a stretch for me. My wife and I are preparing to take a three week leisure/work trip. We’re expecting really hot temps. I’m experimenting with lighter colors and linen. Linen will be a challenge for me, as I’m the guy who always irons his shirts. We’re running down toward Kansas City today, so I’m trying a long sleeved linen shirt-sleeves rolled up, tan Anson belt, and light colored 511 straight-legged pants. Forgive my dark hiking shoes. I found a like-new pair of tan Topsiders which turned out to be too big. I will at times, also be sporting a Stetson straw for sun protection. Very non-western. It’s stretching me! 😆

Today was one of my biweekly commutes to the office. Ninety minutes of driving each way, which for the UK is quite a lot. I realise you guys in America have to drive for longer than that to go to the bathroom. First pic is for Outside the Office. Second pic is for Inside the Office. Third pic is for Post-Office Fragrance Testing in Town. Jacket - Stockport Vintage Emporium leather. Sweater - Cashmere 1/4 zip from John Lewis. Shirt - Next. Trousers - Black Next Chinos from Vinted. Boots - Blake Stitched Brown Suede Chelsea Boots from John Lewis. Hat - Grey Newsboy from Heritage Traditions Country Goods & Supply Co. Belt - Modular Ratchet Belt from Amazon. Bag - Brown canvas satchel from the Internet. Watch - Timex Weekender 38mm, and Apple Wrist Computer. Fragrance - Feather Supreme by Jusbox (followed by Encens Precieux by Van Cleef & Arpels in my testing session).