My latest addition to the traditional wet-shaving collection — another Simpson Chubby 3, this time in Manchurian Badger. And yes… I already own a Chubby 3. 😂 My original is a Silvertip, and I absolutely LOVE that brush. In fact, that’s really why I bought another Chubby 3 rather than going looking for something completely different. Sometimes when you find something that simply works, there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. What interested me this time was experiencing the same iconic Simpson brush with a very different knot. Simpson has been making shaving brushes since 1919, and the Chubby has become perhaps its most recognizable design. It is big, incredibly dense and unapologetically substantial. My original Silvertip has that wonderfully soft, plush feel that makes building and applying a lather almost ridiculously luxurious. The Manchurian, however, is a different animal. It has the distinctive two-band appearance you can see in the picture, but more importantly Simpson's Manchurian hair has noticeably stiffer shafts and greater backbone while still having exceptionally soft tips. So even though these are essentially two versions of the same Chubby 3, they should behave quite differently. My thought is to initially use the Manchurian primarily with my shaving soaps, where that additional backbone should be wonderful for loading the brush and working a harder soap, while keeping my original Silvertip primarily for creams. Not because either brush can't do both — they absolutely can. It's simply another little opportunity to enjoy the differences. There's also a practical side to having two. A natural badger brush should be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry completely after every shave. Alternating between them gives each brush plenty of time to dry and spreads the use between two brushes that, properly cared for, I hope I'll be using for a very long time. And that probably gets to the part of this hobby I enjoy most. I don't really collect shaving equipment just to accumulate more things. I enjoy the ritual.

Monday may be my new beginning each week, but Tuesday is usually when I start putting that beginning into action. Today is an office day spent with my accountant and finance team — which somehow makes “the details matter” feel particularly appropriate. 😂 With a warm and humid August day outside, I kept things relatively simple: blue trousers, a light checked shirt, brown suede shoes and coordinating socks. Comfortable enough for a summer day in the office, but still put together in a way that feels appropriate for the work I’m doing. And, of course, a watch to finish things off. 😎 One of the things I continue to enjoy about this journey is realizing that being intentional about how I dress doesn’t always mean being more formal. Sometimes the intentional choice is knowing when not to add the sport coat. For me, being a gentleman has never been defined by a jacket, tie or particular pair of shoes anyway. It is much more about the standards I try to hold myself to — how I present myself, how I treat people, how I conduct my business and whether I pay attention to the little things when nobody else particularly cares. Clothing is simply one visible part of that. Today’s outfit isn’t complicated. But every piece was chosen for a reason. And sometimes I think that is what intentionality really comes down to: The details matter.

A few errands a visit to the hospital. Cousin still in critical care but opened her eyes and said Hi Billy. I take that as a good sign. Collars and Co Navy cotton silk polo over tan Twillory performance shorts. Beckett Simonon suede loafers. Kitty Hawk blue dial watch and Versace Dylan Blue. Also my Stetson Aficionado hat!

Today was an early Daddy/Daughter coffee date as I am going to be taking my daughter to school both Tomorrow and Friday as she has Projects to take in and Extra Circulars that she needs some assistance with. I am also still trying the mis-matched cap and coat thing but still linking them both to the outfit. These Tiger Eye Cufflinks were given to me by Nicole’s Step- Dad, (Dave), as he said he has only ever worn them a coupe of times and they have been sitting idle for years. He figured they may as well get some use. As such I build this entire outfit with the cuff links in mind. Just some Greys, Blues, Browns and Gold for today. Todays outfit consists of; Brixton Brood Cap Washed Navy and Aluminium M.J. Bale Chardin DB Herringbone Overcoat in Charcoal M.J. Bale Aston Suit crafted from 100% New England Merino wool in a Charcoal Super 120’s cloth, with a subtle Navy POW check Charles Tyrwhitt Twill Prince of Wales Check Shirt in Cornflour Blue with a French Cuff OTAA Silver Navy And Light Blue Striped Tie OTAA Gold Bond Tie Clip Wife Gifted Navy pocket Sqaure with Anchors and Sail boats Anson Blue leather strap with a Gold Classic Buckle with a curve Charles Tyrwhit Navy Striped socks CNES MTO Oxford with Goodyear welted and crafted from Italian crust leather SOTD - Mancera Intense Cafe with a Bond No9 New York Nights overspray WOTD - Timex Q 1972 Machine Reissue Gold Bracelet Brown Dial Watch “TW2Y45200,” AKA The Mayor