This is just a vent, nothing more than a few paragraphs of whining! Does anyone remember when you got dressed up before going to a steakhouse? Maybe it's just a Texas thing where people don't worry about appearance before going out. I don't mean blazers and shined shoes; but the outfit of choice had at least a touch of gentlemanly style. This Sunday (before Labor Day) I decided to treat myself to a moderately nice steak. I go to the local Longhorn Steakhouse and am advised there would be a slight wait. As I wait in the lobby, I start checking out the people around me--mainly those who were obviously together on some sort of date. The ladies were all dressed well: heels, semi-formal evening wear, care is put into the hair, make up is on point. You get the picture. They looked stunning. Then I look at the man they are with. Why is it some men look at the lady they are with and they think to themselves, "She looks amazing! I'm going to put on my best slides with black crew socks, a stained pair of cut-off camoflague shorts, a sleeveless shirt showing off my favorite metal band and my bushy arm pit hair, and then top it off with a grimey ball cap turned backwards. I'll even prop my favorite pair of sunglasses on the bill even though it's night." This was the majority of men who were paired with an elegantly dressed lady. There were some men who took some pride in their image. What has happened in society where it is an accepted norm for a man to put zero effort into his image, especially on a date? Why are the ladies putting up with this? I'm sure the immediate answer is "he's got a big, thick wallet." But if that's the case, couldn't he afford basic clothing that look presentable? I'm about to turn 51 in a few days. Maybe I'm just a grumpy old man who's starting to say, "Back in my day..." Yes, I need to just mind my own business and worry about myself. I'm only sharing a lamentation about the decline of gentlemanly presentation. Thanks.

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!

I have been looking for a proper hat for a LONG time. When I was 19 I had bought a Fedora from a hatter in NYC, sadly it got lost in a fire and I had never got another. I would walk into stores and try stuff on and they just didn't sit right. All the real hatters in NYC are gone 😢 at least the ones I have been able to find. I have been wanting a Panama hat to help keep me out of the sun during the summer. As a melanoma survivor this is even more important to me. While we were on a family vacation last week I found a store in Italy that sold Borsalino's and Marone's and they help me size and fit the hat. My wife and kids loved the look and I think it fit really well. I'd love your honest feedback. I will be going to England next month and am planning on visiting Locke & Co a 350yr Hat Store and am hoping to get another felt fedora or something similar. Just to reinforce what @Antonio Centeno says getting a hat that fits and the support of your family while you are wearing it makes the whole process much easier!!

Guess who is going back to office! I am attaching a collage with three images (all minimalist, no watch). I am pairing my navy blue dress pants (wool-viscose blend) with three Polos: a grey (Supima cotton), a violet (Supima cotton), and a magenta (thick cotton but not Supima). The grey and violet Polos have a different type of collar (you can see the difference compared to the magenta Polo, which has a more traditional collar). My work dress code allows Polos and Chino combinations as semi-formal wear, but I want to dress up a notch by pairing my Polos with dress pants. I will complete the look using dark brown lace up dress shoes. Since it is pretty hot (100F) outside, I won't bother layering. Of course, I will wear a brown leather strapped watch as a mandatory accessory. Let me know if any/all of these work for my intended purpose. I don't want to come across as an oddity based on the sloppiness of the attire. PS: I have folded the hand sleeves in the violet Polo as I thought the the sleeves are a bit on the longer side.

Gentlemen, I am curious to know who much time you would typically take to dress on your work day. For me, it is 20 minutes at least nowadays. Before me leveling-up on my style, it was under 10 minutes because I used to mindlessly grab whatever was easily accessible.