Hi Mr. Ash, THANK YOU!! Your videos are very educational for people like me, who wants self-improvement!! My family in China were peasants with little education until I went to CANADA for school!! I've learnt that MANNERS made A MAN!! I have learnt from your videos to become a well behave CHINESE CHAP (gentleman) with a British Twist!! I am 71 years old now & shall behave myself like PRINCE WILLIAM in the future!! Amen!! THANK YOU!!
These are the things that life has taught me. Practical advice is always better in my experience. (1). You can always rely on your job to let you down. At the end of the day you are only irreplaceable to family and friends. (2). Learn to forgive yourself for your mistakes and your past embarrassments. They are the valuable lessons that we call 'experience.' (3). It's better to want what you have, than to have what you want. (4). When the world is falling in on you pause and ask "what would a gentleman do?" Never become so intimidated by events so as to reduce your standards. (5). What you need is always right in front of your eyes and on your doorstep or in your bed. It's just that you have not seen it yet. It was right in front of you all the time. (6). Hold your head up - you don't owe anyone anything. (7). The more you pay for something, the more it will disappoint. (8). Worrying is like pressing your finger on the train compartment so as to try to make the train go faster. (9). NEVER sleep with a woman who has got more problems than you have (best to find out first!). (10). ALWAYS look in the first place first. More than that, look in the first place WELL. (11). If somebody comes to you with a problem or snarl up, don't respond by saying "oh no!" say "good." That problem was brought to your door because you are the one person capable and privileged to be able to sort it out. And you will. (12). Every day is a school day. (13). Socrates was once observed in the Agora (market place) in Athens ‘tut-tutting’ at all the things for sale. He could be heard murmuring to himself “look at all the things that I don’t need.” This is true of things, relationships, jobs, the lot. The things you don’t need are more important than the things you do need. (14). Get to bed as early as you can, but not before making a list of what you will do on the following day. (15). Keep your body and mind on the move. The older you get, the more important this becomes. Like the shark, once you stop swimming, you die. (16). The furry things in life are best.😁
Great show. 35 years ago I was a senior Manager at Johnson & Johnson. My briefcase was made in Italy , which at the time communicated “ an achiever, a dooer, and a leader”. I feel they are really important to communicate your position and expectations in your job.
People are arguing for Rolex and Omega, But I suggest a Seiko. Mine is under £250 and I couldn't be happier. Bang for buck, Seiko brings a lot to the table. As you say, however, personal preference is everything.
Agreed, I have several (quartz and mechanic) and they never let down. If you want to step up the game, you couyld go for a Grand Seiko. Specially the Springdrive movement is absolute haute horology. Also, you can buy one today and walk out of the store with a watch.
I love wearing cufflinks and have a fairly large collection. Some are formal: gold or silver or onyx. And some are novel: animals, objects, etc. I have some of my grandfather’s cufflinks that are about a century old and are gorgeous. I have a couple that mark my military experience and some that reflect my civilian service in the federal government. All are fun to wear.
You are so right Ash. Having a regular regime is very important for a healthy state of body and mind. I wake up early at around 6:00am ( before 3:00am during my past employment from which I retired) and at around 10:00pm I am ready for a good sleep. Every morning I workout first for an hour while drinking lots of water then eat porridge, a piece of fruit and drink chicory coffee. This keeps me going day after day.
It's legitimately impressive to me that you all have this sort of discipline. I get to sleep around midnight to 1:00 A.M., and wake up around 11:00 A.M. to noon. Maybe the extra sleep is an effect from my medications. I'd like to sleep less and be up earlier, but whenever I try, I get messed up, and I don't want to get to sleep really early, as I feel most comfortable at night in bed. I suppose these are very much first-world problems...
@@themoderndandy713 People often have trouble adjusting their sleep schedule. Sometimes its because they shoot for too radical a change right away. Start with a 15 minute change and be consistent. If it's 1 AM now, start with a regular 12:45 AM bedtime and allow yourself to adjust, then take another 15 minute change and so on until you find a time that really optimizes your life. Another thing to consider is finding a good reason to motivate an earlier rising. With some practice I've moved to being up an hour before the rest of my family as it gives me time to enjoy calisthenics, a shower, and a shave in the quiet of the morning. I've gotten so that I really look forward to it! Find something that works for you. I hope this helps.
Discipline is important, but it is particularly important when you live by yourself. When you live with others you have to keep some type of routine, otherwise you will end up strangling each other. However, if you are by yourself it is just so easy to 'let yourself go.' Hence, it is imperative in that type of situation to have a timetable and routine. Most of all, keep moving!
Love the briefcase. Back in the 1990s while working in banking I changed my Samsonite item for a lovely red hued leather briefcase. My colleagues quickly attached the moniker of 'The Chancellor' to me. Not the reaction I was hoping for! Yours on the other hand is an excellent colour choice; contemporary but classic. My recent job in finance meant having to carry a horrid nylon laptop rucksack to an environment where dress code mostly comprised jeans and t shirt. Found myself attired worse than when I ran my own gardening business. For the next role my wardrobe has classic suits and shoes eager to be employed. Lamy's and Parkers on standby.
Excellent video - thank you. For a bag, I use a Barbour bag that I bought some time back. It will outlast me. For shoes, plain, black Dr.Martens shoes, polished regularly, bought on eBay and Made in England! My first Crombie was from Austin Reed. When I 'outgrew' it, I bought a Cashmere Camel Coat from eBay - Made in England. Turnbull and Asser shirts; at a price! Made in England. No bracelets for me.
Chaps' guide to spelling! Stationery with an E is the word you use for writing materials. Just remember E for envelope. Stationary with an A is the word for not moving. That said keep up the good work.
With Shoe Brushes use one clean to get the dirt and or debis off. And use One Brush for Polishing Black shoes and have a separate Brush for Brown etc etc.
Paper is difficult with different companies in every country. A good direction is to look for linen paper which is the best. Ink usually will not leak through. Heavier paper also helps. And you are right that good paper is not cheap.
As you mentioned a folding umbrella - I've been thinking for a while how to best use a full size umbrella when going to town. Some places have a single use plastic cover you can cover it with upon entry. Others do not and one really would not want to leave a James Smith umbrella in a place that is not secure. I'm wondering how this was done in the old days when every man would carry an umbrella.
Nice Q&A Ash, I still have my leather case from the early 90's when I started teaching and still useful today even if I'm working on a project. TOBS has some excellent goods for the man who wants a clean look. Keep up the hard work
Wonderful Ash, heading to London today from Australia and I will visit smithsons, I have used a fountain pen for many years and found it corrected my handwriting . Love the videos please take care Michael
Have a great time. I'm heading up to London for a few days with the family next week, staying in the city and visiting Jermyn Street for the first time in 2-years! It could get expensive. The weather looks good, so have a great visit.
It is an amazing shawl collar cardigan by British manufacturer North Sea Clothing (northseaclothing.com/) they are not cheap, but the quality is amazing.
Hi Ash!! Thank You!! Do you think A Chinese like me in the 70's, who had an education in Canada can also become a CLASSY CHAP?? I tried in my 20's but I was too poor in the 1970's!!
@@TheChapsGuide Hi Ash!! I admire THE BRITISH STYLE, I mean The Well-Manner British Style!! Civilized ways of THE BRITISH PEOPLE!! Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a good example!!
Buy a Barbour leather briefcase ... Timeless ... excellent quality ... and very stylish ... at a bargain (relatively speaking) price ... Barbour briefcases do not look like expensive and trendy handbags!
Another great video, Ash. Style question: Why is it a fashion faux pas to wear a dive watch (Sub, SMP, Navitimer, etc.)? I worked for a consumer electronics/lifestyle company for several years and we would have multiple formal events during the year. At those events, I would see men wearing blingy, iced-out, watches or highly fashionable watches (Hublot, Gucci, Hermes, etc) with a black suit, white shirt & black tie. Granted, it is not the opera, but why do some UA-camrs still consider it a fashion faux pas?
Good question. I would say classical style dictates a simple, elegant dress watch with leather strap (dark in colour) as the preferred option with formal attire, however, style is a living entity and not stuck in any era. In this modern time, men has definitely steered away from 'dress' watches and dive and aviator watches are very much the norm for most chaps. It is true to say, I groan when I see a celeb wearing a Richard Mille watch (looks like Lego to me) or a Rolex that has been laden with diamonds. It kills the look for me and ruins a good watch. A good yardstick is the good old Submariner, it was been propelled to acceptable status in all sartorial situations thanks in part to James Bond, who has been depicted wearing the sub with swimwear, suits and even black/white-tie. My dictum - wear what you love and you will not fall foul!
Thanks for the nice Q&A Ash, always looking for new video. It's true, when you set your mind on certain watch brand, it's hard to look anything else. For me it was Don Johnson's Sonny Crockett character and his Ebel 1911 chronograph in 18k gold (he wore replica Rolex beginning of the series). Love at first sight and couple years ago got myself similar watch in steel and gold. Nowdays I pair it with Drakkar Noir, thanks for the tip Ash!
I have never owned any, so please bear that in mind, but they have very poor reviews on Trustpilot and closed down in 2021 and immediately re-opened under new ownership? The prices are infeasible for god quality footwear, even if they are made in far distant countries. Personally, I would look elsewhere.
I am the same age 18 in 88 and I have wanted a Rolex since I was about 5.my dad brought a Vietnamese ak47 back from nam and traded it for a submariner, and I have had to get my own ever since
Personally, I've never understood the whole bracelets thing. They're not particularly elegant, dapper, relaxed, or anything, really. Things like collar clips, pocket squares, cufflinks, or a good watch can automatically upgrade your outfit to be more elegant and rakish if done right. Bracelets are just sartorial fluff. They just sit on your wrist and do nothing, all while adding zero aesthetic value. I think the idea is spezzatura, but if you ask me, they have the opposite effect. An intentionally effortlessly-tied tie is spezzatura. A wrist with a bunch of bracelets is just overkill.
Hi Mr. Ash, THANK YOU!! Your videos are very educational for people like me, who wants self-improvement!! My family in China were peasants with little education until I went to CANADA for school!! I've learnt that MANNERS made A MAN!! I have learnt from your videos to become a well behave CHINESE CHAP (gentleman) with a British Twist!! I am 71 years old now & shall behave myself like PRINCE WILLIAM in the future!! Amen!! THANK YOU!!
These are the things that life has taught me. Practical advice is always better in my experience.
(1). You can always rely on your job to let you down. At the end of the day you are only irreplaceable to family and friends.
(2). Learn to forgive yourself for your mistakes and your past embarrassments. They are the valuable lessons that we call 'experience.'
(3). It's better to want what you have, than to have what you want.
(4). When the world is falling in on you pause and ask "what would a gentleman do?" Never become so intimidated by events so as to reduce your standards.
(5). What you need is always right in front of your eyes and on your doorstep or in your bed. It's just that you have not seen it yet. It was right in front of you all the time.
(6). Hold your head up - you don't owe anyone anything.
(7). The more you pay for something, the more it will disappoint.
(8). Worrying is like pressing your finger on the train compartment so as to try to make the train go faster.
(9). NEVER sleep with a woman who has got more problems than you have (best to find out first!).
(10). ALWAYS look in the first place first. More than that, look in the first place WELL.
(11). If somebody comes to you with a problem or snarl up, don't respond by saying "oh no!" say "good." That problem was brought to your door because you are the one person capable and privileged to be able to sort it out. And you will.
(12). Every day is a school day.
(13). Socrates was once observed in the Agora (market place) in Athens ‘tut-tutting’ at all the things for sale. He could be heard murmuring to himself “look at all the things that I don’t need.” This is true of things, relationships, jobs, the lot. The things you don’t need are more important than the things you do need.
(14). Get to bed as early as you can, but not before making a list of what you will do on the following day.
(15). Keep your body and mind on the move. The older you get, the more important this becomes. Like the shark, once you stop swimming, you die.
(16). The furry things in life are best.😁
You have some fantastic commandments to live life by here. No 16 is my favourite.
Great show. 35 years ago I was a senior Manager at Johnson & Johnson. My briefcase was made in Italy , which at the time communicated “ an achiever, a dooer, and a leader”. I feel they are really important to communicate your position and expectations in your job.
People are arguing for Rolex and Omega, But I suggest a Seiko. Mine is under £250 and I couldn't be happier. Bang for buck, Seiko brings a lot to the table. As you say, however, personal preference is everything.
Agreed, I have several (quartz and mechanic) and they never let down. If you want to step up the game, you couyld go for a Grand Seiko. Specially the Springdrive movement is absolute haute horology. Also, you can buy one today and walk out of the store with a watch.
I was gifted a Seiko Pressage and a wonderful watch it is!
Rowwwwwlecks! Lolex please quick wisk wisk wisk wisk watch check I’m wearing a Rolex !
@@frankv7068 Are you taking your meds? 😂
I also wear a seiko bought for 80 irish pounds 30 years ago still very stylish.
I love wearing cufflinks and have a fairly large collection. Some are formal: gold or silver or onyx. And some are novel: animals, objects, etc. I have some of my grandfather’s cufflinks that are about a century old and are gorgeous. I have a couple that mark my military experience and some that reflect my civilian service in the federal government. All are fun to wear.
You are so right Ash. Having a regular regime is very important for a healthy state of body and mind. I wake up early at around 6:00am ( before 3:00am during my past employment from which I retired) and at around 10:00pm I am ready for a good sleep. Every morning I workout first for an hour while drinking lots of water then eat porridge, a piece of fruit and drink chicory coffee. This keeps me going day after day.
A simple regime always works for me too!
It's legitimately impressive to me that you all have this sort of discipline. I get to sleep around midnight to 1:00 A.M., and wake up around 11:00 A.M. to noon. Maybe the extra sleep is an effect from my medications. I'd like to sleep less and be up earlier, but whenever I try, I get messed up, and I don't want to get to sleep really early, as I feel most comfortable at night in bed. I suppose these are very much first-world problems...
@@themoderndandy713 People often have trouble adjusting their sleep schedule. Sometimes its because they shoot for too radical a change right away. Start with a 15 minute change and be consistent. If it's 1 AM now, start with a regular 12:45 AM bedtime and allow yourself to adjust, then take another 15 minute change and so on until you find a time that really optimizes your life. Another thing to consider is finding a good reason to motivate an earlier rising. With some practice I've moved to being up an hour before the rest of my family as it gives me time to enjoy calisthenics, a shower, and a shave in the quiet of the morning. I've gotten so that I really look forward to it! Find something that works for you. I hope this helps.
@@classicalgrooming This does help. Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed answer!
Discipline is important, but it is particularly important when you live by yourself. When you live with others you have to keep some type of routine, otherwise you will end up strangling each other. However, if you are by yourself it is just so easy to 'let yourself go.' Hence, it is imperative in that type of situation to have a timetable and routine. Most of all, keep moving!
Wonderful chat as always Ash. Cheers from across the pond.
Glad you enjoyed it
Many thanks for taking the time to answer my question about Crombie overcoats Ash. The search begins!
Love the briefcase. Back in the 1990s while working in banking I changed my Samsonite item for a lovely red hued leather briefcase. My colleagues quickly attached the moniker of 'The Chancellor' to me. Not the reaction I was hoping for! Yours on the other hand is an excellent colour choice; contemporary but classic. My recent job in finance meant having to carry a horrid nylon laptop rucksack to an environment where dress code mostly comprised jeans and t shirt. Found myself attired worse than when I ran my own gardening business. For the next role my wardrobe has classic suits and shoes eager to be employed. Lamy's and Parkers on standby.
I use,almost daily, a black Tumi that I bought forty-three ago in Chicago. I later bought a tan/ brown version of the same Tumi. Attorney.
Excellent video - thank you.
For a bag, I use a Barbour bag that I bought some time back. It will outlast me.
For shoes, plain, black Dr.Martens shoes, polished regularly, bought on eBay and Made in England!
My first Crombie was from Austin Reed. When I 'outgrew' it, I bought a Cashmere Camel Coat from eBay - Made in England.
Turnbull and Asser shirts; at a price! Made in England.
No bracelets for me.
Chaps' guide to spelling! Stationery with an E is the word you use for writing materials. Just remember E for envelope. Stationary with an A is the word for not moving. That said keep up the good work.
Yes! Thank you!
With Shoe Brushes use one clean to get the dirt and or debis off. And use One Brush for Polishing Black shoes and have a separate Brush for Brown etc etc.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Very educational. Two-thumbs up.I will buy you espresso.
Hi Ash love this Q&A especially the Briefcase question.
Chris
The best yet.
Paper is difficult with different companies in every country. A good direction is to look for linen paper which is the best. Ink usually will not leak through. Heavier paper also helps. And you are right that good paper is not cheap.
Ash, that cardigan looks fantastic on you man. Also excellent video!
As you mentioned a folding umbrella - I've been thinking for a while how to best use a full size umbrella when going to town. Some places have a single use plastic cover you can cover it with upon entry. Others do not and one really would not want to leave a James Smith umbrella in a place that is not secure. I'm wondering how this was done in the old days when every man would carry an umbrella.
Great questions and answers!
Excellent Q&A . Highly enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it
Bracelets: yes, seeing those a lot in the watch community and I'm not sure why it's done. They will scratch the watch, more likely when it's gold.
Nice Q&A Ash, I still have my leather case from the early 90's when I started teaching and still useful today even if I'm working on a project. TOBS has some excellent goods for the man who wants a clean look. Keep up the hard work
Thank you sir.Leather is always the best investment in my opinion.
Very diplomatic answer to the Omega guy ;-)
Love the Carl Friedrik briefcases. ❤️💼
Wonderful Ash, heading to London today from Australia and I will visit smithsons, I have used a fountain pen for many years and found it corrected my handwriting . Love the videos please take care Michael
Have a great time. I'm heading up to London for a few days with the family next week, staying in the city and visiting Jermyn Street for the first time in 2-years! It could get expensive.
The weather looks good, so have a great visit.
I use a attaché case for my class keep pen and note safe
That cardigan.... looks incredible. What it's story? Thank you for the vid, it was terrific.
It is an amazing shawl collar cardigan by British manufacturer North Sea Clothing (northseaclothing.com/) they are not cheap, but the quality is amazing.
Ash, thanks for the q-and-a always enjoy it. Keep up the good work cheers Ron
My pleasure!
Hi Ash!! Thank You!! Do you think A Chinese like me in the 70's, who had an education in Canada can also become a CLASSY CHAP?? I tried in my 20's but I was too poor in the 1970's!!
Everyone can be a classy chap sir..... I'm Welsh and if I can be a chap..... anyone can!
@@TheChapsGuide Hi Ash!! I admire THE BRITISH STYLE, I mean The Well-Manner British Style!! Civilized ways of THE BRITISH PEOPLE!! Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a good example!!
Crombie: A casuality casualty?
Very positive and helpful video!!!
Have you checked out Alden shoes in the US? I find them a better quality then Allen Edmonds
Buy a Barbour leather briefcase ... Timeless ... excellent quality ... and very stylish ... at a bargain (relatively speaking) price ... Barbour briefcases do not look like expensive and trendy handbags!
I picked up beautiful grey crombie a few months ago for twenty pounds in my local charity shop.
Could you put a list of the products in your comments? Thanks Ash!
Another great video, Ash. Style question: Why is it a fashion faux pas to wear a dive watch (Sub, SMP, Navitimer, etc.)? I worked for a consumer electronics/lifestyle company for several years and we would have multiple formal events during the year. At those events, I would see men wearing blingy, iced-out, watches or highly fashionable watches (Hublot, Gucci, Hermes, etc) with a black suit, white shirt & black tie. Granted, it is not the opera, but why do some UA-camrs still consider it a fashion faux pas?
Good question. I would say classical style dictates a simple, elegant dress watch with leather strap (dark in colour) as the preferred option with formal attire, however, style is a living entity and not stuck in any era. In this modern time, men has definitely steered away from 'dress' watches and dive and aviator watches are very much the norm for most chaps. It is true to say, I groan when I see a celeb wearing a Richard Mille watch (looks like Lego to me) or a Rolex that has been laden with diamonds. It kills the look for me and ruins a good watch. A good yardstick is the good old Submariner, it was been propelled to acceptable status in all sartorial situations thanks in part to James Bond, who has been depicted wearing the sub with swimwear, suits and even black/white-tie.
My dictum - wear what you love and you will not fall foul!
You sound so classy I bet you can talk about plastic sporks and make it sound like it is the best utensil for a chap.
Thanks for the nice Q&A Ash, always looking for new video. It's true, when you set your mind on certain watch brand, it's hard to look anything else. For me it was Don Johnson's Sonny Crockett character and his Ebel 1911 chronograph in 18k gold (he wore replica Rolex beginning of the series). Love at first sight and couple years ago got myself similar watch in steel and gold. Nowdays I pair it with Drakkar Noir, thanks for the tip Ash!
Were you wearing Eucris as you walked across that field?
Almost certainly
Just wondered ashe what make of wellies u wear on your out side videos would u prefer Dunlop or silver kings.??
My boots are neoprene wellies by Ariat. I have the Burford model - superb boots!
@@TheChapsGuide splendid thank you.
A fantastic and informative view as always. I would appreciate your opinion on samuel windsor shoes. Keep up the great work thank you Ash.
I have never owned any, so please bear that in mind, but they have very poor reviews on Trustpilot and closed down in 2021 and immediately re-opened under new ownership? The prices are infeasible for god quality footwear, even if they are made in far distant countries. Personally, I would look elsewhere.
terrific advice ash
Great video!
Ash, what outfits would you recommend on a visit to London for a long weekend? First time visiting*
Thanks,
Jason
Where is your home nation?
@@TheChapsGuide United Kingdom
I am the same age 18 in 88 and I have wanted a Rolex since I was about 5.my dad brought a Vietnamese ak47 back from nam and traded it for a submariner, and I have had to get my own ever since
Chap Nirvana - Where one finds true Chapiness.
Well, for a start, it is spelled “stationery”, with an e.
Don't you wish it was 1988 again? I do! I was 18 then too.
I have a super good quality time from Italy you can have if you want it
Stationery, not stationary. It's all in the details.
Seek help sir. Pedants Anonymous could change your outlook
Personally, I've never understood the whole bracelets thing. They're not particularly elegant, dapper, relaxed, or anything, really. Things like collar clips, pocket squares, cufflinks, or a good watch can automatically upgrade your outfit to be more elegant and rakish if done right. Bracelets are just sartorial fluff. They just sit on your wrist and do nothing, all while adding zero aesthetic value. I think the idea is spezzatura, but if you ask me, they have the opposite effect. An intentionally effortlessly-tied tie is spezzatura. A wrist with a bunch of bracelets is just overkill.