Did a one-hour stage show as a fundraiser for an elementary school. Between loading and unloading equipment in 90°F (32°C) heat, I decided to dress casually and change at the venue, which fortunately had a full dressing room. But a one-hour high-energy magic show under stage lights, running out into the audience every few minutes, is a serious workout. So I was pleasantly surprised when the client asked me to pose in front on one of their photo backdrops after the show, and I didn’t look sweaty and exhausted. The fit (totally breathable): Custom black camel hair frock coat with silk lining, Dennis Kitmore Studio, Washington, DC Custom purple and gold silk brocade vest, silk lining, Betsy Mitchell Henning. Purple silk tie, Macy’s White 100% cotton wrinkle-resistant dress shirt, Pronto Uomo (Men’s Wearhouse’s house brand) $3 at thrift store new with tags. Black wool trousers, Michael Strahan Collection, Men’s Wearhouse Not pictured: black Merino wool socks, Amazon; Black Florsheim cap toe Oxford shoes, DXL

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 represents my linen shirt after wearing it all day. Wrinkled, but not bad. And I did a change-up in the shoes and bought a pair of new Sperry Topsiders. They don’t boost the outfit quite like full leather loafers, but they will coordinate quite well with the look I’m going for. It’s been a good day!