When deciding to level up my style game, it was almost through necessity. I was (and am) on a weight loss journey, and had hit the midpoint-plus mark when literally all of my existing clothes no longer fit my shrinking frame. I needed a new wardrobe, completely and entirely, so why NOT shape it with intent and chase a New Me? I came to Skool, joined style groups. Looking to learn, but also to inform. My journey, to me, seemed intriguing, unique. I’d have Opinions, and Insights, and Things To Say. Turns out that EVERYONE is seemingly on the exact journey as me. I’m not a special snowflake. But that’s great! I can still share what I’ve learned, so those on the first steps can benefit from the mistakes and decisions I’ve made. So this is the first post in a series that will share my knowledge of the “glowing-up while sizing-down” process. Hopefully it’ll prove enlightening. #1 - Clothes That Fit Are Very Tight. At my largest, I topped 20 stone. I’m short too, so those factors combined into making me largely spherical. And, as a fat man, I leaned into the trope of the Baggy Fit, believing that an oversized jumper would convince the world I was a closet waif. Ridiculous, I know. It was a jumper, not an invisibility cloak. I’m almost 7 stone down from those heady heights, with another couple to go, and my learnings from groups such as these have driven me into clothes that are more stylish and suited to my frame, and clothes that actually fit me properly. And BOY, do they feel tight and restrictive. There are a couple of factors to this. The first is that yes, the fits I’m choosing now ARE a little snug. Because I’m still shrinking, so I’ve chosen clothes with a modicum of future-proofing in this regard. When I hit my ideal size, the gloves will come off and I’ll be exacting in the dimensions. But the second and most important factor is that while the head can do the maths, the heart still believes I’m as big as I ever was. And after literally fifty years of comfort and expanse, there’s a little rebellion against the new slimline casements. How can I wear something so form-fitting?! People will notice how fat I am!!

Here's a short clip of a race that I watched yesterday. It's known as the Sydney Cup a qualifying race for the prestigious Melbourne Cup. Amazingly this race was one of 4 Group 1 races that I had the privilege of watching yesterday.

Corrective Strategy & Preparation Mechanical Leveling Abrasive Pass: Used 1200-grit silicon carbide paper. Lightly sand the scuffed toe box and deep vamp creases. Mixed filler with black and yellow acrylic to get the olive color Chemical Cleanse: Wipe with a lint-free cloth dampened with Saphir Reno'Mat to ensure all residual waxes are gone. Wait 20 minutes. Saddle Soap Scrub: To ensure all chemicals and any residue is completely removed. Waited four hours Hydration: Applied a "whisper" of Saphir Renovateur. Allow 45 minutes to sink in, then brushed. This stabilizes the fibers against the alcohol solvents to follow. Ready to begin the Patina process

Hello Gentlemen! I understand that ties with short sleeved shirts are a style faux pas, but what do you think about a bow tie with a shirt sleeved shirt?