Today is a WFH day, with a couple of teams calls around my looking to move into the Growth and Bids part of the business. As such its still suits and well dressed as always for work, though I have gone with a more muted palette for today. Todays outfit is: M.J. Bale Aston Suit in Charcoal with a Navy PoW over check. Here I had been thinking it was a pin stripe for a couple of years now, but looking closer last night it is a PoW over check OTAA Winthrop’s Gray Weave Lucious Shirt OTAA Gibraltar Graphite Blue Stripe Tie OTAA Silver Ingot Tie Bar OTAA Skull and Crossbones Lapel Pin OTAA Mister Show Business Wool Pocket Sqaure OTAA Blue Anchor Socks Brando Gaetan-St Lace-ups Anson Black Leather Strap on a Classic Curved buckle in Gunmetal SOTD - Montale Intense Cafe WOTD - Monterey Blacktip GMT “Alfred”

I am heading to a meeting to sign a contract that came from appearing and doing; not to be noticed, but because of who you are. About a week or so ago, I was out working running errands, meeting people, and following up on meetings. I did not plan to stop for lunch because I was not planning on being out that long however, time got ahead and it was late and I was getting a headache from not eating. I went to one of those Taco Bell/ KFC places and it was right around late afternoon lunch time. there was a line inside and while I was waiting; mind you I am in a suit, I ended up having a brief conversation with a lady and a gentleman about the line, basic customer service, along with how people tend to treat servers. I had placed my order and while I was waiting; I was given my cup to get a drink so, I went to my drink from the fountain and I also got my eating utensils and napkins. I basically set my table like I would at home and waited for my food. I went and got my food and after I sat down, this same lady and gentlemen asked if they could join me, naturally I said yes, they were dressed well like myself. During the first few minutes, the lady stated that they noticed how I set my table and they were impressed because they always set theirs as well and they wanted to have a nice lunch with me. They stated that my appearance, demeanor, and how I carried myself drew them to me and they wanted to know more about me. We ate lunch and got to know each other and they asked my what I did for a living and at the end of the lunch, they asked if I would come to their company and discuss security and give a evaluation of their current security in place. So, I did and this morning I am going to sign a contract with their company and it all started because they saw a well dressed professional gentleman and they wanted to get to know me.

CW = Critiques welcome! Another crazy day! Lots of planning for the big expansion, so it's fun stuff! Client, vendor, internal, and recruitment meetings today. The tie is a great one I often forget I own. Seeing it camera (still and video) makes me realize how the shading forms into a nearly stripped tie pattern. Outfit SUIT — Ralph Lauren Light Brown (SJ‑010 & SL‑019) This light‑brown RL suit brings a refined, confident presence with warm tones that project stability and approachability. The wool drapes cleanly and keeps you sharp through VCs, hallway conversations, or internal leadership moments. SHIRT — Charles Tyrwhitt White Twill, Point Collar, French Cuff (DS‑040): The white twill shirt adds a crisp, authoritative foundation that balances the warm suit. The point collar gives a streamlined vertical line that works perfectly with today’s tie and the Half‑Windsor knot. UNDERSHIRT — True Classic White (US‑001): This white undershirt disappears under the twill and keeps you cool and comfortable throughout the day. Ideal for a 69°F high while maintaining a clean silhouette. TIE — Kenneth Cole Green & Tan Micro‑Square (NT‑003): The green introduces a cool contrast to the warm suit, while the tan pattern ties everything together. Finished with a Half‑Windsor for a balanced, structured look that pairs well with the point collar. POCKET SQUARE — Light Tan Silk/Wool (PS‑002): A subtle light‑tan square adds sophistication without competing with the tie. The Presidential TV fold keeps everything clean, professional, and business‑formal. CUFFLINKS — Gold Rectangle / Woven Gold (CL‑011): Warm gold tones elevate the light‑brown suit and pair effortlessly with the gold accents on today’s watch. The rectangular shape reinforces clean lines and a composed executive look. Tie Bar — TA‑003 (Gold Plain Bar): A minimalist gold tie bar with clean horizontal lines that adds a precise touch of structure without drawing attention away from the tie’s green‑and‑tan pattern. Its polished gold finish perfectly echoes the gold tones of today’s cufflinks and watch markers, reinforcing a unified metallic story while maintaining true business‑formal restraint.

We’ve talked about airport attire before. Today I was boarding my plane in my usual business airport outfit: dark denim, loafers, collared shirt, sport coat with pocket square. I also had my killer Saddleback Leather briefcase. Two flight attendants greeted me. One looks me up and down from head to toe…”You look very nice.” “Thank you,” I replied, “I appreciate it.” “No, we appreciate it,” she countered with a smile. Flight attendants, always look professional and put together. Dressing nicely in their place of work repays, in a small way, the respect and care they show us as we travel.