Trying to train our new records clerk! It's a task. Twillory black performance dress shirt over tan Vertx pants. Black Anson belt with silver buckle and black Tecovas boots. Orient panda watch and Scent Reserve inspired by Spice Bomb.

When looking for something sartorial to buy from Rome, I opted for something new (vs. going vintage in Athens with a second-hand tie). When looking for great local artisans for neckties, my AI bot shared that pocket squares from Rome are maybe even more interesting and precious. It found me a store that makes both of these with their designs via local artisans: Cruciani & Bella. They are in the sartorial district near the Spanish Steps, but are not a fashion merchant. Co—Pilot nailed this selection. Given the heat and being shortly after siesta, I was the only customer. Once I asked about shantung and noted my salesman’s tie was grenadine, both staff were very engaging. The only limit is that they are just about to shut down for summer break and will receive their autumn collection upon their return. Their current coffers were limited for more interesting designs, including their typical extensive collection of madder silk. They even walked me through their bespoke tie process, but this was about something custom to Rome and Italy for me. About half way into my visit, I realized that the two staff were actually Cruciani and Bella! They started the store 30 years ago and still run it. They were endlessly patient, proud of their work, and are sending me one of their autumnal madder ties, which I was able to try, once they get their delivery. Photos of the store and the two items I took away are below. The tie, go figure, is a Glenn check, but in a fresco wool weave. The pocket square is madder silk and two sided.

Today its the moody Grey’s 🩶🩶🩶 Another cold start for the walk to school, then a quick diversion to grab the Caramel Cappuccino before heading off looking for a good phot spot to show off the foggy start to the day. Same temps at yesterday day with a solid 4°C (39°F) but that fog makes it feel so much colder. I have gone with the Greys and added the blues to compliment that Windowpane Pinstripe of the PoW check in this suit. Todays outfit consists of; Brixton Brood Cap in Grey Herringbone M.J. Bale Chardin DB Herringbone Overcoat in a distinct Charcoal Herringbone Weave M.J. Bale Aston Suit, crafted from 100% New England Merino wool in a Charcoal Super 120’s cloth, with a subtle Navy POW check Charles Tyrwhitt French Cuff Twill Prince of Wales Check Shirt in Cornflour Blue OTAA King Solomon Silver Cufflinks OTAA Navy Blue Tie OTAA Silver Blackboard Tie Clip OTAA Don Vitone Blue Wool Pocket Square Anson Blue Leather Strop with a Classic Curved buckle in Gunmetal Monterey Watch Co Black Bead Bracelet Mitch Dowd Diamond Pattern Socks CNES MTO Oxford with Goodyear welted construction and crafted from Italian crust leather SOTD - Bond #9 New York Nights WOTD - Erebus Origin GMT - aka Wade Wilson