Today I went into school with my daughter as part of education week. We played a game called “Golden Child”, went on the playground and then into the classroom to do some spelling. I chose to wear my new Sparrods & Co Double Monks to get more wear into them. Also chose the flat cap to match the overcoat. I have also done a “Layer Cake” fold with the pocket square, this requires two square to give it the layers look, next time I might try to constraint them a little more. Plus a have used the Van Wijk knot again because I just love the look it has. Todays outfit consists of; Oxford Wool-rich Roger Overcoat in Camel Brixton Brood Snap Cap in Oatmeal and Charcoal houndstooth M.J. Bale Bonato Suit, in a Super 130’s Washed Cherry cloth Charles Tyrwhitt Westminster Weave Shirt in Mocha Brown OTAA Sheffield Burgundy Line Tie with a Van Wijk Knot OTAA Silver Bond Tie Clip OTAA Don Vitone Blue Wool & Mr Bandito Wool Pocket Squares in a Layer Cake fold OTAA Wine Burgundy Textured Socks Sparrods & Co Oslo Double Monkstrap in Espresso (Referal code is ChadS) SOTD - Versace Eros Flame WOTD - Islander Greenport, Stone Grey with Sky Blue Accents

In the office today and after a few days of much needed rain, the Sun is out and I wanted to be ready for it. Not that we are in August the reality of summers end approaching is becoming all too real 😢. So I chose a summer vibe and will add a sport coat later when I take my bride out to dinner. OOTD: Tan/Blue/White Tattersall shirt Oatmeal Linen trousers Light Tan OTC ribbed dress socks $35 restored Allen Edmonds Woven Derby's Marone Panama hat. Wishing you all a wonderful Tuesday!

One of the things I love about Classic Timeless Menswear is the mastery in the minutia: The sheen of a highly polished shell cordovan shoe, the perfect silhouette of a pair of deep double forward pleated trousers made out of quality wool; The shoulder fit of a half or full canvas suit that’s been broken in that gets better with each wearing; The depth of a well harmonized outfit with a classic tattersall shirt featuring a quality regimental tie; the natural sprezzatura of a welted toe on a classic pair of dress tassel shoes with a suit or the beef roll stitching of a Waxhide pair of penny loafers; the elegance of a cardigan sweater with top and bottom buttons unbuttoned; etc. it’s the minor details that have enduring aspects of style that make clothing more of an investment rather than merely an expenditure. I miss the day when guys with discerning eyes lead gentlemen to admire this aspect of their friends wardrobe choices (yet I am inspired by this community’s return to this tradition). Today clothing has a throw-away aspect. Let me give one example: I saw an ad for Peter Manning (PM) recentlythat troubled me. It mistakenly conflated fit with its concept of style (actually a trendy fashion) PM has a great concept: to make clothing for the other half of guys, ie if 5’9” is the average height then presumably about half are above that and half are below that. Unfortunately PM has embraced the oddity of the modern fashion trends ( too short of a coat skirt, too high of an operable button, and a limited selection trend of solid quarter zips and non traditional polo shirts etc). I question if there might be a market of guys in that height range who would embrace a more classic timeless menswear design that is focused on 100 year old proven designs for gentlemen whose height is below 5’9”. Peter Manning fails in that CTM aspect in my eyes. Speaking of details, I find it easy to move from clothing design to interior design (an area of study that my friend @Trevor Hudson is much more qualified than I to address). As a complete amateur in this arena I have an eclectic sense that allows me to enjoy many different designs: from Frank Lloyd Wright and Bauhouse to classic Cotswold cottages or neo-Tudor and New England gambrel roof Dutch colonial exteriors; or interiors that mix antiques either with modern open layouts or interspersed within homes with cosy Ralph Lauren inspired nooks and rooms to escape and enjoy a cup of tea and a great book. The house where I presently live was built in 2004 out of a two year frustration of searching and not finding anything we liked, so when I was working 90 hours a week I built my 1st generation American born German wife a little cottage on my one person working salary. It was the best I could do with my severely limited time constraints, but I enjoy it.