Most people overcomplicate leadership. It’s actually simple. Not easy… …but simple. If you want to be a great leader ... you have to master 2 things: 1. Lead by example. You don’t get to tell people what to do if you’re not doing it yourself. No one respects that. No one follows that. And it’s not something you do when it’s convenient… It’s something you do every single day. 2. Hold people accountable. You can’t let crap slide. You can’t play favorites. You can’t avoid hard conversations. Some people will hate you for it. Some people will rise because of it. That’s how you build a real team… A team that grows. A team that wins. Leadership isn’t easy. But it is simple. Do these two things… Or don’t expect to lead anyone anywhere. ~ Andy Frisella

I rarely get over to the shoe discussion but a recent exchange with @Steven Hotchkiss about three great shoes he inherited from his FiL inspired me. He recieved a horse bit black loafer, a burgundy captoe and a suede penny. Each of these shoes are absolute classics and have so many uses. In fact less popular today but nevertheless timeesss is a cordovan or oxblood (burgundy) leather. Because this color crosses over the hump between outfits that are brown tans or outfits that are blue/greys, it is the most versatile color shoe a man can have in his wardrobe. In doing a little inspirational research on Pinterest for some combos I thought I would share to the whole community if that’s alright Steven. In American classic timeless menswear, shoes are much less restricted than in many parts of the world. The two perfect examples are the loafer and the brogue. In England for example loafers (especially thinner soled ones) are kind of impractical apparently because of the persistent rain as well as the un-even pavement and muddy ground (although this last issue i find a bit odd since many cities in Italy (home to the Gucci loafer) are older than England and have all kinds of surfaces like cobble stones etc). The loafer fits perfectly with the American comfort sensibility-: looser sack fit suit, full cut oxford shirts, button down collars (which are fine with a suit by the way) full leg double pleated trousers etc. while a loafer can be worn with a suit ( as can a button down oxford shirt), unquestionably they are a significantly less formal accessory. Furthermore there are suit loafers and sport coat loafers. This last aspect is dictated by whether the shoe has a moccasin toe(aka apron toe) or raised lake (aka welted toe.) These descriptions can go down some weird rabbit holes- https://shoegazing.com/2023/03/26/guide-types-of-apron-front-and-split-toe-seams/

As I’ve shared, I travel a Lt for my job and usually I’m finished my day around 3 pm leaving me with a lot of free time especially on a day like today that saw me see one customer then drive twoish hours and have my afternoon rescheduled until the morning. So I did what I normally do and stopped by the Dillards to take a look around. While there, it was dead, I saw the very nice and informative Charlie. I shared with her about my weight loss and asked her about how to measure , which she offered to do a proper measurement for me. We went on to discuss proper fit of suits, shirts, and pants. She spent the better part of an hour with me, again teh store was empty, and really taught me a lot. She shared the two pictures with me and I wanted to share with y'all as it shows about collars, cuffs, buttons, etc. Hope you learn something.

Twillory multi colored checked patterned shirt over Brooks Brothers Madison tan pants. Black Anson belt with silver buckle and black Tecovas boots. Invicta Dive watch and Scent Reserve inspired by Spice Bomb. Later this afternoon escorted the Mayor to the park football pep rally. Put on my Nautica blue Sports jacket with checked patterned presidential fold pocket square and subdued American flag thin blue line lapel pin. Got soaked head to toe. Hope my boots survived.