Last minute change of plans for NYE. Had party plans but the hosts had flu plans. The Mrs was able to secure a dinner reservation at our favorite dining establishment so a final 2025 casual family dinner it is. Have a great night everyone and a happy and prosperous 2026! Bar III Velvet Sport Coat-Navy Calvin Klein Merino Crewneck Sweater-Sun dried tomato Diesel denim Tommy Hilfiger loafers Pair of Thieves socks Finley the Dog MVMT watch Xerjoff Naxos

While watching a YouTube video by Chris Madaras (an absolute must watch channel if he returns - best and most entertaining shoe review videos out there), I learned of Japan-based Il Regalo who specializes in the production of OTC men’s dress socks. They have shadow stripe, two toned, and some other classic patterns, using all/virtually all natural materials. Better still is that their prices are 50% less (or greater) than places like Fort Belvedere or Kirby Allison. During Black Friday, their prices came down to about $20 per pair. So, I bought 5 pairs. Upon arrival, they seemed every bit as good as the several pairs of FB socks I own. I washed them and put them into my sock stock (see below on the meticulous way I care for my socks). Within a single use, I noted a small hole to the underside toe line. Patching this with an egg was possible, but why did I get a hole so quickly. After 3 uses (keep in mind that I log every single item I wear each day in a database so I have data for my AI system), a different pair of their socks developed a sizable hole in the upper elastic. This is when I reached out to Il Regalo. I subsequently wore that pair an additional time and develop a nylon-style run from the bottom of my shin to just under the knee and I noticed another small hole in the toe on this pair and a third pair. Customer Service at Il Regalo has positives and a big negative. When I reached out to Il Regalo, they asked for pictures which I provided. They quickly replied - on Christmas Day (I know it’s not a big holiday in Japan), noting that they almost never refund/replace the socks unless a defect was noticed while opening a shipment from them. They decided to make an exception here given the care I put into taking care of my socks. That said, I was taken aback by their modus operandi: never refund for any defect that doesn’t show immediately upon receipt. In our sartorial world, we often pay a premium for natural materials made by artisans using traditional or best-in-class manufacturing. With this comes pride in providing warranty of these products over anything that may have been from their side, most offering even quality satisfaction guarantees as well. Fort Belvedere is a shining example of such faith in their products.

For years, I resisted experimenting with a "day ascot" because I thought the look might be too flamboyant. Well, I have taken the plunge. Here I am having lunch in Grand Central Station. (And many thanks to a friendly waiter who snapped the photo). As it turns out, I like the look, which is much more subdued than a tie. How about you? Do you wear an ascot?