Esquire has its own style manual. GQ has its own style manual. Hell, even Details has its own style manual. Well, it would now appear that luxury e-commerce site Mr Porter has published its paperback version of a gentleman’s go-to guide for exquisite, impeccable style. Compiled by Mr Porter’s Editor-in-Chief Mr Jeremy Langmead, this style guide is an amalgamation of sound advice that ranges from tips from contemporary style icons to lessons in gentlemanly etiquette that strives to refine your swagger. Mr Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life, that’s the full title and it’s only Volume 1, certainly looks the sartorial part. Looks like I will be ordering a copy to add to my book collection – I’m a semi-hoarder. I’ll be sure to check back in with a review. For ordering information, please visit Mr. Porter HERE for more details.

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Fantastic news friend, that sartorial bandwagon for Now-And-Later flavored footwear is still stationed outside, so now is the perfect opportunity to procure a ticket and hop aboard. Honestly, the foreseeable future appears to be stocked with an array of colorful kicks for gentlemanly consumption, so purchasing a cool pair seems less risky than, say, a year ago. Having invested in a few pairs myself, I have concluded that shoes not tinted in standard shades of black or dark brown are actually worthy investments. They smartly afford an outfit added depth and new perspective. So, instead of reaching for those tried and true hues, now a gentleman can complement a faint hint of green in his sport shirt, pick up the shade of burgundy in his watch band, or synchronize with the light blue in his pocket square. Boom – dressing has never been this fun in quite some time. Take advantage gents – take advantage.

Must-have: a cool pair of medium brown brogue wingtips in your footwear repertoire – striped socks optional.

I have been keeping a watchful eye out for a pair of dark burgundy dress shoes. And I was finally able to score a nice pair of Allen Edmonds Mcallisters during a fortuitous sale. Yes!

Truthfully, I have never been one to faithfully carry a lunch to work. So, either one of two things would occur: 1) I would simply purchase my lunch at work. 2) I would simple not eat. Which, for obvious reasons, can be: 1) Foolishly expensive 2) Slightly unhealthy. However, this unconventional re-imagination of the gentleman’s brown paper bag could change all of the that. Seriously, who knew lunch bags could exude so much stylish moxie? Now, if I were to bring a lunch to work Monday through Friday; this ruggedly handsome lunch tote, courtesy of Artifact Bag Company, would be chosen conduit for which my food would travel. Sorry, carrying my lunch in a discarded Target bag is a little unseemly to me. I would rather go with the original paper bag concept. But I digress; constructed of waxed cotton canvas, genuine Horween leather straps, and solid copper rivets – this bag is killer. Perhaps this will land on the Christmas list with my wife. I will let  you know if Mrs. Palmer/Klaus deems me nice this year. Until then, check out the cool video below for more insight from Artifact’s founder, Chris Hughes.

Artifact Bag Company from Turnpost on Vimeo.

To be sure, a gentleman can attain a luxurious presentation without spending a luxury on his wardrobe. Some time ago, I became fascinated with a seldom used gentleman’s accessory known as the collar bar. Now, if you are a fan of the critically acclaimed series Mad Men, or even Boardwalk Empire, you would recognize there isn’t a shortage of these little stylish accouterments in each episode. Tucked underneath the necktie knot, securing the points of the dress shirt collar; it ever so slightly lifts the visibility of the necktie. It’s neat. It’s sophisticated. It has an old school flavor to it. And I wanted one. Thankfully, my lovely wife was visiting her sister in New York last year, and a Paul Stuart store was not far away. So, being the darling that she is, Stephanie was kind enough to grab her loving husband one for a mere $19.50. This is but a small example illustrating how a discreet accessory can alter the dynamic of your appearance. The slight hint of understated style can instantly upgrade a look and add a unique depth to one’s presentation. Now, I am not advocating collar bars for every gentleman, rather I am advocating the subtle power of the right accessory. Trust your sartorial instincts and select what works fine for you.

Inherently, I am not a violent individual. No – seriously, sincerely I am not. So, some might find it a little peculiar that I be drawn to cufflinks that are made of – wait for it – bullet fragments. Yes, bullet fragments. Composed of recycled, fired bullets; these unconventional cufflinks drip bad boy appeal without any prerequisites that require committing a felony. Designed and manufactured here in the good old United States, we do love our firearms, this rakish gentleman’s accoutrement is available from Bullet Designs, LLC. Great for the environment and great for your own personal style, they clock in at an absurdly low $19.95. I might go ahead and bite the bullet – yeah, that was bad – and order a pair. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

With a charismatic corruption of the conservative presidential fold, this particular pocket square presentation conveys an atmosphere of brash confidence- a presentation only reserved for those gentlemen trained in the art of effortless, slightly disinterested elegance. And yes, I am penning another entry that champions the serviceability of the devoted chest pocket companion. Why? Well, because those gentlemen without the luxury of disposal income deserve every stylish, affordable tool in his arsenal to be well-dressed. And the pocket square is a subtle, inexpensive option that should be wisely explored. Nevertheless, this dandy fold can certainly add a dash of debonair to your suit ensemble. Folded in an asymmetric square, this method is most suited for pocket squares with edges trimmed with color. Less structured. Gorgeously disheveled. Check your favorite men’s fashion magazines, this look is definitely trending big right now. And unlike most trends, this one will enjoy some well-deserved longevity. Rock it in style.

Esquire – Tony Kim

To be sure, pertaining to matters of a gentleman’s suit, its style, more specifically how it is worn, has slowly transformed over the decades. What was generally unacceptable decades past is now being passionately embraced by a younger demographic; and they have vigorously applied their own spin on the gentleman’s standard uniform. Take for instance the gentleman’s dress shoe and how it is married to the aforementioned suit. The dress oxford, be it a cap toe or wingtip option, has long been the widely accepted choice for proper footing. No more. Over the years, the loafer has been welcomed as a viable selection. Initially frowned upon by the establishment, the loafer is now being actively recruited to fill the shoes of, well, your regular dress shoes. And the look works – extraordinarily well in fact. Tassels, metal bit, or maybe just a plain vamp; rocking a pair of clean, chiseled loafers with a suit just isn’t right – it’s right now. However, here at The Gentlemen’s Standard, we endorse wearing some socks to complete the look. But hey, we’re based in Michigan, so the weather doesn’t grant many days of sockless aplomb. So, go ahead, rock your loafers with confidence gents. Boom!