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.

I haven't been active for a while, sorry, if I'm not all updated. However I have a question: Now that summer is approaching in lightspeed, I'm in need of a new pair of sunglasses. Do the style-gurus here can give me good recommandations what shapes and colors are a good look? I know I can try on sunglasses virtualy online with a camera. But I don't trust my own taste too much. Update that I have ordered some aviators and wayfarers. Tips stil welcomed.