I was able to find these Stacy Adams suede loafers for $10 on eBay. My price per wear is $2.50 at this point. They are basically new.

10/7: My grandmother (maternal) and I were having lunch at this incredible 99-year old dining lounge in the heart of my great city located at a place called the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, a place where time stands still, it’s sandstone exterior and art deco interior married together in aesthetic harmony. As we were waiting for our food, an older gentleman (late 50s) dressed in a sports coat and scarf approached our table and asked as point blank “Excuse me what European extract are you from? As I could have sworn I’ve seen you both before.” Now bear in mind my family is Australian based with British, New Zealand and French ancestry. After saying this to him, the gentlemen went onto gush about our outfits and how we looked and dressed like European aristocracy (Hungarian aristocracy to be precise), as well as (rightfully) take aim at the ill-dressed patronage of the dining lounge and how the place went from being the place for high society and common folk to mingle and converse with each other to a place where ill-dressed old people and guests indulge in the lounge’s menu whilst on their phones. To be mistaken for Hungarian royalty is something that wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card, and now my grandmother and I jokingly refer to each other as “Your Grace” and plan to return to the dining lounge in the future especially as I signed up to become one the establishments many members, due to my love for the place. Banjo

Man I love how the Van Wijk knot looks, the structure to the stack and the way the dimple comes out are just perfect. This is what I wore to the client interview today, and if I can toot my own horn, it went well. I always interview well, it’s that gift of the gab thing. Having grown up in a defense family and spending 26 years in the navy myself I am very comfortable talking to people. The role should be interesting, but I wont know until probably tomorrow (Friday here) and Start on the Monday at the earliest. Todays outfit consists of; M.J. Bale Pascal Peacoat in Navy. Such an amazing coat to wear in 4°C (40°F), M.J. Bale Aston Suit in a Charcoal Super 120’s cloth, with a subtle Navy POW check, Charles Tyrwhitt Twill Prince of Wales Check Shirt in Light Blue, and probably my favourite shirt, OTAA Silver Navy And Light Blue Striped Tie with the amazing Van Wijk Knot, Anson Black Premium leather strap with a Classic Curved buckle in Gunmetal Mr Perfect Sock, I can wear these guilt free as they were given to me by my wife 😜 Ecco Vitrus Penny Loafer, SOTD - Dior Fahrenheit Parfum WOTD - Islander Greenport with Stone Grey Dial and Sky Blue Accents

Today, I decided to wear linen on linen. After-all, Summer business casual doesn’t have to mean sacrificing elegance. I had a couple of meetings today, so I opted for my oatmeal linen suit paired with an olive linen shirt. Together they create a refined earth-tone palette that’s both comfortable in the Texas heat and polished enough for the office, while dark chocolate suede horsebit loafers and an olive wool pocket square add texture and depth without overpowering the look. Finished with my Tissot watch and a confident attitude, this outfit proves that classic style is built on harmony, fit, and attention to the details—not following trends.

Back to a normal WFH situation which means I get to suitup and wear ties again. I did enjoy the warm weather in Cairns but I do love to be able layered and dress nicely. I am now on the Bench awaiting my next contract assignment and any information regarding the internal applications I have put in for the Domain Manager roles. Todays outfit consists of; M.J. Bale Chardin DB Herringbone Overcoat M.J. Bale Ashford suit in Charcoal, The Ashford features a Birdseye weave. This is a "micro-pattern" weave that creates a subtle, dotted texture. OTAA Winthrop’s Gray Weave Lucious Shirt OTAA Gibraltar Graphite Blue Stripe Tie OTA Bond Tie clip in Silver Anson Black Leather strap with a Traditional Buckle in Silver Whiskey Makes me Frisky black sock Ecco Vitrus Penny Loafer SOTD - Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Nightvision WOTD - Erebus Ascent 41 with Blue MoP dial