Back to Work

Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen

Surround yourself with nice things for the first day back to work after your summer break. It will be a long one.

The Graf von Faber-Castell box of twelve fluted cedar wood pencils with silver end caps (above) positively implores you to start writing things down. Make a list. It's always good to start with a list. You will make lots of mistakes, so brush away the rubbed-out debris from your paper with the bristle pencil broom, also from Graf.

It pays not to stand out from the crowd at work. Blend into your surroundings elegantly with a conservatively tailored three-piece suit in 13oz Fox Brothers Chalk Stripe Flannel.

If the company is looking to 'shed resources', they'll get rid of that chap who wears those comedy T-shirts and hiking sandals to work. It's a shame, but you have to protect your own interests. You have next year's holiday to pay for.

Church's Maltby is a good work shoe. It is a classic Oxford made from soft burnished Betis calfskin (possibly from Ilcea — needs confirmation) with a traditional rounded toe. Fully-leather lined and goodyear-welted, these shoes will see you past any number of redundancy rounds right up to retirement.

For those welcome work-breaks, a silver Victorian hip flask and cigarette case might be useful — otherwise known as the gentleman's lunch box.