The Mrs and I ran over to Tulsa to pick up my repaired Bimini (canopy for the cockpit of my sailboat). I have been in need of some new shoes for a VERY LONG time. We popped into see Travers Mahan at his namesake store. Travers started in clothing when I was in grade school. His knowledge of menswear surpasses mine by many exponentials. He is infinitely more experienced in clothing than I. I always love speaking with him. His son, wife, and Daughter in Law all work at the store and he carries through that family business attitude by buying from family businesses. One such company is Martin Dingman. Martin was the accessory designer for Cole Haan back when Cole Haan was Cole Haan. A fantastic shoe company. I wore my 1982 Cole Haan Waxhides and naturally Travers gave me a lot of grief. So I bought a new pair of bridle loafers. It’s ok I needed some brown shoes to compliment the two pair of deep tans I own. Tomorrow is a big promotional day where he throws in a Martin Dingman belt while old fashions (cocktails) are being served- so he threw in a belt tonight for me to seal the deal. Then Anita and I went out for a delicious Italian dinner. OOTE •Pink Rl polo picked up in August in Aruba •Tan Gaberdine Samuelsohn trousers picked up last month •Pantherella socks bought from Travers last year •and the new shoes and belt This is completely blowing the average age of my wardrobe 😎 https://martindingman.com/collections/loafers-drivers?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1051546313&gbraid=0AAAAAD3og8aoNstt3Clkiy-otDUNp0uBg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqtyN1OWHlAMVYkd_AB0LqTEWEAAYASABEgLlhPD_BwE https://traversmahanapparel.com

Fiesta week in SATX calls for a wardrobe adjustment, and this one felt less like a pivot and more like a promotion. The usual Stetson hat, denim Wrangler’s, and Lucchese boots were respectfully retired for the day in favor of a Panama straw hat—practical, sharp, and frankly non-negotiable in 95-degree heat. Leaning into the occasion, a soft pink Irish linen guayabera set the tone, delivering that rare balance of polish and airflow that South Texas demands. Navy shorts kept things disciplined, anchoring the look with a classic contrast that doesn’t try too hard but still shows up correctly. Knowing the day would involve some miles on foot, I selected my Allen Edmonds cognac leather sneakers which handled the job with quiet authority—comfortable, refined, and aligned with the overall color story. Instead of playing it safe by matching leathers, I decided my watch needed to take a different route: a bold gold and black Invicta on a crisp white silicone strap, adding contrast and just enough attitude to stand apart. It’s the kind of detail that doesn’t ask permission but earns its place. I finished things off with a generous application of Bond No. 9 Island—clean, bright, and built for heat and humidity. Fittingly, the full look stood its ground in front of the Alamo, right where SATX history and Fiesta spirit meet.