To start, let me clarify that this is based on my own life experiences and research so far… It is not intended to be an all and end all view of this attitude or sentiment. Neither am I seeking to establish nor argue whether it is an emotion or attitude, as this is a long and frankly unfruitful debate. We know what is meant by this four-letter word. We use it quite gingerly, a la: I hate winter! It’s -21 Celsius as I write this, and it will likely drop to -24 this evening. My nickname is Sunbum and I even have licence plates with Sunbum1, no need to go into a long harangue on my love of the Sun… Having said this, hate for winter is really not accurate. Let’s just say if I had a choice, I prefer any other season over winter… Hate is a strong word, it promotes visions of Violence and Destruction to name only one visualization…human history and the present is more than enough to get the picture… But it expresses itself in much more subtle and covert ways as well. Before I share my experience, is there anyone else who would like to share their own experience and viewpoint? The purpose is to bring this harbinger of evil into the open where it can be displayed and perhaps destroyed, as it often thrives under the covers...

I would like to explore the topic of the rules of being a gentleman or what is a gentleman a lot deeper. There are many different lists out there feel free to post any lists you find. Also feel free to just add single rules or anything relevant to this topic. If there are any rules here that you don’t agree with I would also like to hear about that.

Corduroy jacket, Liberty of London tie, merino wool vest, glen plaid Scotish wool trousers, chocolate suede brogue oxfords

Today’s ensemble is an exercise in quiet authority and textural dialogue—where fabric, color, and proportion conspire toward a single end: presence without ostentation. - Navy herringbone sport coat, Ventura line, cut by Tom James in Holland & Sherry Super 140s merino wool - Gold Label ivory shirt - Orange silk tie by George Howard with a handmade orange linen pocket square - Grey high-waisted, double-pleated, cuffed trousers by Ballin (not pictured) - Brown cap-toe oxfords by Allen Edmonds The Jacket — Texture as Authority The navy herringbone does the heavy lifting. Herringbone is never loud, yet never anonymous. It carries the quiet gravitas of pattern discernible only upon approach. In Super 140s merino, the hand is supple, the drape dignified. One does not wear such cloth; one is gently held by it. The Shirt & Tie — Warmth Against the Cool Ivory tempers the austerity of white. Against navy, it reads warm, civilized, and deliberate. The orange silk tie introduces vitality without aggression. Its echo in the linen pocket square is not matchy—it is conversational. Silk speaks; linen listens. The Trousers — Line and Proportion High-waisted, double-pleated, cuffed grey trousers restore the vertical line modern tailoring often forgets. The rise allows the jacket to sit properly; the pleats permit movement without strain; the cuffs add visual ballast at the hem. Proportion is not fashion—it is architecture. The Shoes — Grounded Elegance Brown cap-toe oxfords anchor the palette. They prevent the ensemble from becoming too maritime, too severe. Brown introduces humanity. Well-kept leather is the gentleman’s quiet signature—noticed rarely, remembered often. What this Coordinating Accomplishes: - Navy and grey establish discipline. - Ivory softens. - Orange animates. - Texture unifies. - Proportion dignifies. This is not an outfit assembled for attention. It is the pathway to the understated gentleman. It is assembled for bearing—the bearing of a man who understands that dress is neither vanity nor costume, but a form of social courtesy. One shows up for others first, oneself second. Show Up for Life.

Your life perspective changes the farther into your life you go. I find myself asking the question "If not now, when?" I am not old in body or mind. I am healthy, have no physical issues and work 50 hours a week with no problems. At 63 I also realize life is finite, health can change on a dime. Why wait to dress better, feel great about yourself and strive to be less judgmental, kinder and more empathetic? There is an old song entitled "enjoy yourself, it's later than you think" One of my colleagues said " I would love to dress like you do every day" my response. Why don't you? Why not look as good as you can every day if that is what you want. If not now, when? Have dinner on you mother's best China on Monday night. Use the linen napkins and good silver. I drink diet coke from crystal champagne glasses my parent bought in Austria years ago, why not? What are you saving them for? Your kids don't want them, and no one will care if they are not perfect and you'll be dead, so there's that.......use your good China and live for today. If not now, when? Today I am wearing an Albert Nipon DB blazer, Ralph Lauren shirt, Valentino tie, fine cashmere/wool trousers. My overcoat is a Khayam Cashmere vintage from the 1950s in perfect condition, saved by my uncle who paid a small fortune for it and only wore it a handful times??? Why? My Fedora is a 1956 Champ Kasmir finish, one of my favorites. Why wear this "fancy stuff" on a Thursday? If not now, when??? Stop making excuses for why you can't and start DOING!