Today’s theme is decades day, so I went with 1980s wall street executive. Yes I have my briefcase, just click on the first picture

We'll be in Tuscaloosa tomorrow, but we're starting on Birmingham and trying out El Royale, a highly recommended Tex-Mex restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. For those across the pond, it's not BIRmingham - as in the home of the Peaky Blinders- but BirmingHAM - the steel city of the South.

I recently bought a suit from a thrift store, but when I bought it, I forgot to check the most important thing—the shoulder fit. It has quite a lot of shoulder padding, so I didn't notice the issue right away. It only cost me about $2.20, but I'm still disappointed, especially because the trousers fit me really well. What do you think about this situation? To be honest, I've already built a pretty good wardrobe and can put together some nice outfits, but this suit is genuinely a great piece.

I love my leather valise from Carl Friedrik in dark chocolate. The only problem is that it’s not also black! I have been casually looking for a used bag of sufficient style and design but that wasn’t going to cost me what the CF bag did. Last week I found a Montblanc 4810 Westside double gusset briefcase style valise. Never used. Came in the original box and MB’s cotton cover. These sell for a bit over $1500 and the seller asked for $650. I didn’t want to spend over $300, so I offered that fully expecting a no. I didn’t even get a counteroffer: they just accepted it. It arrived today and is in mint condition. I’m pretty sure I am fully good on leather work bags now… unless there’s an oxblood one out there!

In the two years I’ve been in this community I had only purchased one coat and two pair of trousers (plus some CT shirts and one tie). Most of what I’ve posted is quite old clothing. But as I am settling into a more desirable weight I broke down and followed my budgeted purchases which takes advantage of the seasonal sales. Since I need some tailored clothing that will actually fit I added some items to the closet. On a trip to Oklahoma City about a month ago I caught my friend Steve Giles of Stephen Giles Clothings clearance sale up to 60% off and got two pair of trousers and a very light weight fall jacket. My mother happened to be in OkC yesterday and picked them up for me and dropped them off about 10 O’clock last night and I thought that might work so as not to wake my wife as I slugged off to my early morning men’s group. Maybe a little late in the season for the coat but I had to try it out. https://stevengilesclothing.com •Sid Mashburn vicuña colored herringbone • Samuelsohn tan trouser • CT white French cuff shirt • silk pocket square • O ring belt • Pendleton socks in clay • Cole Haan Waxhides (1982) • antique shamrock cuff links • Ernest Borel automatic watch (1940’s)