A 6 am demo, a customer visit after that at 830 then heading home. Make it a good day.

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/

I’m grateful to mark 60 today—full of joy, perspective, and a deep appreciation for how the Lord’s grace and mercy have shaped every step. He’s blessed me with salvation, a strong and loving family, good health, and more provision than I deserve—and for that, I’m thankful. I also want to tip my hat to Antonio for building RMRS and the brotherhood that’s come with it—proof that sharp dressing and solid men still go hand in hand. Now, on to the OOTD. Keeping it clean and intentional with a navy crewneck and mid-wash denim—simple, timeless, and reliable… kind of like me on a good day. After a second look, the Seiko is getting relieved of duty—Alpina panda steps in. Even watches deserve a promotion now and then. Finish it off with a few spritzes of Creed’s Green Irish Tweed—because if you’re going to turn 60, you might as well smell like you’ve had it together the whole time. Have a blessed day, brothers.

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