With @Jeffrey Plotka as my most recent inspiration, I have completed my first attempt at restoring a pair of Allen Edmond Strand Oxford dress shoes that I thrifted last week. I cleaned them thoroughly with Safir Renovateur, then let them dry over night. I then rubbed in Safire shoe cream in a light brown. After allowing that to dry, I applied Safire medium brown cream to the toe and heel area. It didn’t seem to darken the leather as much as I liked, so I applied Kiwi brown wax polish. I may eventually darken the whole shoe slightly. Regardless, I am very happy with them! Oh, and did I mention I got the shoes with cedar shoe trees for $5.00? I got a second set of AE branded shoe trees for $3.00. That makes me love my new AE’s even more!

RMRS crew, here are a few standout posts from the RMRS community this week. 👏 Big shoutout to @Brian McGuire for “The Book of Kells, and my confessions” and the thoughtful way he connected his outfit choice to supporting a friend facing a difficult family moment. It showed how personal style can be an intentional expression of care and solidarity. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/the-book-of-kells-and-my-confessions 👏 Shoutout to @Chad Smith for “Day 4 - Japan” and sharing a detailed snapshot of the trip, from origami lessons to exploring Nihonbashi and Shibuya. His travel updates give the community a fun, personal window into style and experiences abroad. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/day-4-japan 👏 Shoutout to @Sam Merritt for “OOTD Back to work Monday” and reflecting on how dressing toward the professional end of business casual helps set the tone for the week. It sparked a valuable conversation around intentional dressing and confidence at work. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/ootd-back-to-work-monday 👏 Shoutout to @Alan Dormire for “9/19/2026 Shopping Trip” and sharing a memorable real-world compliment received while out shopping. It was a great reminder that putting thought into how you present yourself can positively affect the people around you. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/9192026-shopping-trip 👏 Shoutout to @Anthony Buntyn for “Are You A Rebel?” and posing a timely question about wearing ties in an increasingly casual workplace culture. The post encouraged members to reflect on personal standards and the confidence to dress with intention.

Tonight was Cindy’s 50th class reunion. I had no idea what any of the guys would be wearing, but I was determined to not underdress. I started with my bespoke (for someone else…I thrifted it) blue dress shirt, Anson belt, grey Brooks Brothers chinos, blue Calvin Kline over-the-calf socks and brown Allen Edmond shoes. I topped it all with my navy blue sport coat with a burgundy pocket square just for fun. Out of about 50 men there, only three of us had sport coats and only one, our attorney friend, was wearing a tie. I did bring a tie along, just in case, but did not deploy it. I have to say, my outfit allowed me to feel both confident and at ease. I felt no need to judge those men who were “dressed down, nor did I feel any urgency whatsoever, to apologize for dressing up. Cindy had a lot of fun, so I’ll certainly chalk this night up as a win! Oh, but I do need to remember to straighten my pant cuffs before taking selfies!

Week three of the knee replacement. at physical therapy this morning my therapist told I have a 10% increase in my extension and my range of motion went from 79 to 100. Being ahead of schedule makes it easier to accept that I’m still several months away from recovery, but I’m closer to driving myself and wearing regular clothing, a watch and fragrance soon. Have a great weekend everyone!

RMRS crew, here are a few standout posts from the RMRS community this week. 👏 Big shoutout to @Brian McGuire for “Suit Confessions” and sharing a practical approach to getting dressed quickly by starting with the simplicity of a suit. It sparked a strong, helpful conversation around personal style and reducing decision fatigue. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/suit-confessions 👏 Shoutout to @Chad Smith for “New Ivassi Shoes” and sharing the unexpected win of his recent collaborations and new footwear. His post brought genuine enthusiasm and a relatable look at building confidence through style. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/new-ivassi-shoes 👏 Shoutout to @Raymond Reeves for “Learning from a funeral” and reflecting thoughtfully on the blue blazer that marked an early step in his sartorial journey. It gave the community a meaningful reminder that clothing can carry both purpose and personal history. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/learning-from-a-funeral 👏 Shoutout to @Anthony Buntyn for “Update On My Eye” and openly sharing his recovery update with the group. The post brought the community together with encouragement and support when it mattered. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/update-on-my-eye 👏 Shoutout to @William Feldtmose for “OOTD September 16th” and continuing to contribute a strong daily-style post to the conversation. Consistent outfit sharing gives members fresh ideas and keeps the community engaged. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/ootd-september-16th Keep sharing the outfits, lessons, milestones, and real-life context behind your style choices.