The II Earl

Aside from using the search bar which is fine-tuned to pull up most any subject in menswear–we’ve prepared this series as a gentle guide for those taking their first steps into the world of personal elegance. To begin choosing your next suit, determine whether you prefer: DOUBLE BREASTED, SINGLE-BREASTED, OR THREE-PIECE SUIT ? Even if the classic two-piece, single breasted jacket has been ruling for the better part of the last two decades, since a few years, we are witnessing a bit of a stylistic renaissance in the world of refined men’s style. The double-breasted suit is coming back stronger than ever, and many waistcoats are finding their way into many-a-man’s wardrobe. In fact, the design possibilities have never been as large as they are today. This small revolution requires a more extensive knowledge of a few fundamental notions, if only to help you feel as though you’ve made the right suit choice. The Double-Breasted Suit For many, it is the quintessential elegant man’s...

He’d spent his life being a perfect gentleman. He’d never been a flirt. He’d never been a rogue. He hated being the center of attention, but by God, he wanted to be the center of her attention. He wanted to do the wrong thing, the bad thing. He wanted to pull her into his arms and carry her to her bed. He wanted to peel every last inch of her clothing from her body, and then he wanted to worship her. He wanted to show her all the things he wasn’t sure he knew how to say. Julia Quinn , Just Like Heaven

Whether you wear the ring as a status symbol, for authentication or simply because it was handed down to you, a signet ring is still considered a mark of the elegant gentleman. Credit: Bren Danche

In the January 2014 presentation, the Woolmark Company, the tailors of Savile Row and the shirt and shoemakers of St James’s paid tribute to Winston Churchill in the former PM’s secret underground hideaway. The title of this presentation was the idea of the late AA Gill who, along with a number of other notable British characters (and one notable Canadian), agreed to model for the event in the historic Cabinet War Rooms. The result was an extremely atmospheric and evocative evening, when the labyrinthine corridors and spaces below the streets of Whitehall came alive once more with an army of smartly-clad men, animating what is these days usually a silent museum. The inspiration for this presentation was the British wartime spirit, which required people to make do and mend. This is of course a philosophy that lies at the heart of Savile Row, where garments are made to last a lifetime, and often will be handed down from generation to generation. In this way, styles often remain timel...

“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.” - Hardy Amies

We’ve heard time and time again what the world’s most successful people do first thing in the morning, whether that’s rising at 5am for a quick jog before meditating for half an hour followed by a cup of green tea on their commute into the office (chauffeur driven, naturally). The point is, everything we’ve heard so much about the lifestyle habits of the world’s rich and famous and it’s pretty clear that most of the time, they’re out of our reach (if he wants to last a whole working day as switched on as he was when he woke up, at least). But what about the stuff they do before they go to sleep? These habits, we’re glad to tell you, are surprisingly normal: Read a book The likes of Bill Gates and Barack Obama have cited reading before bed as being the key to them switching off after a tough day in the office. It’s not rocket science, but it works and many sleep therapists see reading before bed as a non-negotiable for a decent nights sleep. Switch off from work Working right b...

"The starting place for better development and planning must be a sea change in architectural aesthetics. Modernism should be abandoned and a return made to the classical values that created the first cities of our time" The future is classical

It’s the single most important piece of jewellery you’ll ever invest in — and with any luck, you’ll only ever buy one of them. There’s no denying that choosing the right engagement ring is a serious undertaking, and one capable of bringing even the most relaxed of gentlemen out in a cold sweat. How much should you expect to spend on her dream ring? Are you obliged to rely on the family jeweller? How in god’s name do you know what metal will suit her skin tone? Never fear, whether you are looking to update your grandmother’s rock, want to source an antique or design a bespoke piece from scratch, we’ve found just the person to guide you through this notoriously tricky quest, and better-secure your chances of getting a ‘yes’ when you propose. Jewellery consultant Beanie Major has spent a decade speaking to women about the role jewellery plays in their lives and has travelled the world seeking out the very best jewellers. Step one: Start with her Way before you even think about appro...

Every society depends on an experience of membership: a sense of who "we" are, why we belong together, and what we share. This experience is pre-political: it precedes all political institutions, and provides our reason for accepting them. Sir Roger Scruton

I see style as one of the main ways I express myself. I mostly likes tailoring, however, I love experimenting and do appreciate all different types of fashion, when done right. In my opinion the way to ‘good’ style is being yourself. Make an effort, wear clothes that make you feel comfortable, find the right fit and wear colours that compliment each other.

Sean Connery left us bereaved today October 31 at the age of 90. For every 007 fans, it’s a sad day. He is descended from Gaelic speaking Scots, and best friends with Michael Caine. The first Bond to appear on screen, and all with that seductive vocal burr, Sean Connery the recognition he deserves as a style icon. We cannot talk about the art of gentlemanly power dressing without visiting Sean Connery as the uber-spy himself. The way Connery was suited and booted as 007 made James Bond a smooth character in style as well as persona. Clearly, he wasn’t the man to mince words and that’s why we will miss Sean Connery the man along with a wonderful actor! ✠