“Dress up to be the gentleman you aspire to be” https://youtu.be/W5-jYxSCP00?is=z3IouALVM2iQG4s5 I had to share Ash Jones’s video today. He was inspired by Saint Homobonus(Italian: Sant'Omobono, German: Sankt Gutmann, Lombard: San Mobon) day yesterday. Homobonus or the more recognizable perhaps Germanic version: Gut-man, is the patron saint of tailors, shoe makers, cloth makers and businessmen. His name simply means GOOD MAN. If you have read any of my posts you are “painfully” aware that I began this journey into classic timeless menswear 50 years ago as I became a clothier in three different fine menswear stores over 10 years. Up until the great wave of perpetual office-casual dress began around 2014, I had been practicing this art for a long time. It was only 2024 after joining the RMRS community that I began to realize the true purpose for re-kindling my love of quality clothing and its importance. I think many people joined RMRS because they were tired of blending into the flotsam of the raging river of apathy. Perhaps it’s less of a raging river than a storm sewer runoff where one simply doesn’t care. It’s a malaise not only about one’s appearances but an indifference or perhaps even callous concern for others that extends far beyond mere clothing. Ironically when I began again to tailor my older clothing and started wearing my ties again, virtually everyone I know started asking me: A) where was I going to be so dressed up (place)? and B) why was I so “dressed up” (purpose)? Admittedly I was a bit self conscious about it at first. However my response became “out of respect for seeing you today” always followed by a grin. The more I said this line, the more it became real and I began to believe it. We as gentlemen might begin this journey with the attitude -hey look at me. And people will. But if we turn that to respect for others that is a sign of respect and kindness. Kindness has an aspect of gentleness. Consequently nothing whatsoever expresses the attitude of a GENTLEman more than the Golden Rule: DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU. In others words, as one is toeing their tie think about someone you might be able to assist as if you were in their shoes today. Today’s Chap Guide brilliantly expresses the irony that is imbedded into the centuries old art of dressing well. A hoodie and sweats and crocs may “seem” as though one is comfortable in their presentation. However if that is the case, then why would anyone even be able to recognize and comment on you when you are looking differently? Once I returned to the “norm” of dressing well almost every time I left the house, everything began to change for me. After nearly half a century that began as a kid mentoring others in this art of dressing, I knew that it would work. I knew its value- especially when it’s well fitting garment , made from quality natural fabrics. My confidence in knowing what I am doing translated to comfort. The Fit, (comfort), the Function (place), The Fabric (comfort and place) -together combine to instill the confidence to truly express my respect to those around me by first respecting myself enough to make the effort. This is the PURPOSE behind “Dressing up to be the gentleman you aspire to be”. When the “hey look at me” part inevitably kicks in - consider that as an after-effect bonus, not the start. In other words, if a guy is new or returning to this world, then to the best of one’s ability, practice dressing well with quality fit, and fabric worn to the appropriate function (simply be astute about where and when). The next step is to constantly be polite to others, by showing kindness and genuine interest in them irrespective of where they are in THEIR sartorial journey. This is how a society of ordinary gentlemen can thrive.

The other day I was going to post something about watches, but I forgot to do it and now I forgot what I was going to write.😜Anyway, among my watches I have a Gucci watch that I bought almost 40 years ago. It still works after all these years and I wear it every now and then, so it pays to buy a good quality watch. I don't know if these designer watches hold value as well as some others like maybe a Rolex or Omega would, but I have seen this model listed on ebay occasionally for considerable more than what I paid for it back then, and at other times not so much. The prices are all over the place. Some people try to pass it off as a ladies watch, but I definitely bought it brand new from the men's watches section in the store. Regardless, the important things is it still keeps time and still looks good after all these years.

When you look at yourself in the mirror ... When you choose an item of clothing to wear in the morning ... When you choose an item of clothing to buy from a shop or an online store ... What are you hoping to achieve? Do you want to look like you fit in with what you perceive 'your type of person' to be? Do you want to stand out from others who are 'your type of person'? Do you want to look strong and dependable? Artistic and sensitive? Mature and wise? Sexy and attractive 'in that way'? What is your 'goal' beyond keeping warm and not being arrested for indecency?

Built a free AI Style Audit tool this week. Upload a photo of your outfit, it grades your fit, color, and formality in about 15 seconds — like having a tailor look you over. Check it out: https://style-audit-production.up.railway.app/ Would love for a few of you to run your own fit through it and drop a comment here: - Did the grade feel accurate? - Anything confusing or clunky? - What would make you actually use this again? Rough edges are expected — that's what this post is for. Fire away 👊

What would you suggest for a stylish man that also wants to carry a concealed firearm? Currently I carry a Sig Sauer P365 Micro in my pocket or a Sig Sauer P365-XF-DH3 in an Obscura CCW Sling Bag. Neither of these options are super stylish as the pocket carry causes a slight bulge in the pocket which I mask with a shacket and the sling bag is okay, but still a sling bag. What would you suggest?