These boots are easy to scuff and scratch. I gave them a coat of mink oil. Although it darkens the leather, at least they are consistent and I'm not sure there are too many options with these besides some sort of oil.

I did a search to see if this article had been discussed. Didn't see anything but then, how do you get the search to show the newest results first? That said, have the younger crowd ditched sneakers and rediscovered loafers as stylish? "The Loafer’s Big Generational Shift" https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a70333866/loafer-generational-shift-trend-2026/ "“About 18 months ago we noticed the big fashion brands started to delete sneakers from their runway shows.” he (British shoemaker Tim Little) told me (the author of the article Nick Sullivan) over a steak au poivre at our seasonal and very unfashionable haunt in Bastille one night. “At the same time, we started hearing from our retailers that our youngest customers were bypassing sneakers in growing numbers and asking what they could get for their budget that—specifically—wasn’t sneakers.” Trends have their lifespan, of course. For Little this was something else. “I think it’s also partly fatigue” he told me. “As if that younger generation has grown tired of the endless drop culture in sneakers and maybe even a sense of nostalgia for a time—at least in their minds—when style wasn’t constantly being shilled at them. Buying shoes that will last past six months is an appealing way to escape that endless fast-fashion cycle.” --- I haven't bought a pair yet, but they are on my radar in the thrift store runs.

I've been informed that my wedding will feature some kind of hat contest purely for entertainment. I'm looking for ideas for a hat that I can wear with a black tuxedo that would be fun, but not be completely ridiculous. thoughts?

First off, this guy is the best watch reviewer on youtube, not only for his content, but MOSTLY because he's not incentivized to review something one way or the other. All these other guys on youtube are being compensated for their reviews by some manufacturer, in one way or another. Having said that, I'm posting this because MAN do I like this Iron Heart shirt that he's wearing in this video! It's $350, and looks every bit of that price. Now to find one in my size on the secondary market......Hahaha. https://youtu.be/Q09No03iDp8?si=Cw3zwjmRdX0hm8hl

Back in the saddle. With new overshoes. This time of year here in Chicago, you really need these if you want to protect your shoes. The suit is a bespoke one that I got at an estate sale and it fits me perfectly. The overcoat is a vintage Hart, Schaffner, & Marx gold trumpeter 100% cashmere. Shoes are Mercani Fiorentini, watch is a citizen dress watch. The tie is M.C. Escher art 100% silk hand made in Italy.