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.

It’s the FIRST day of a brand New Year!! Like a little kid I love a new day, week or year!! The future is unwritten and we can make it what we want. It’s so exciting! 2026 is going to be a great year. I can feel it. It will have its ups and downs and challenges but it’s going to be great because I can make it that way!! My mindset won’t allow struggles to do anything but motivate me further. So today after spending a relaxing morning with my bride and lunch at a diner. I went back to projects. I have a deep desire to feel productive everyday so I spent this afternoon doing projects. Laundry, restoring a pair of friends shoes and sanding and oiling cedar planks for the closet so I don’t have a repeat of the Clothes moths massacre summer 2025!! Wishing you all an amazing 2026!! The future is bright my friends!!

The jeans are new - everything else you've seen before. I visited the Design Museum today. One of my 'resolutions' this year is to Do More Stuff so I thought I'd start as I mean to go on!