Being a modern gentleman.

While packing for my travels, I made clear decision that I shouldn't take anything unnecessary or rarely used with me as I am going to be unpacking and packing frequently. 
So, it was clear decision to pack away my evening dress and dinner jacket amongst few suits,  but then I started to think, what shall I wear in case I get invited to evening functions while travelling? Maybe I should take two suits with me just in case, but source locally in case of formal dinner...
This thought process initiated even more interesting thoughts in my mind - what is required from a modern gentleman nowadays dressing wise? It is clear that white tie and black tie events are more rare than they used to be, and definitetly not something we would wear for dinner as standard. (And all this thinking also being good excuse to have a break from packing...;)
I mentioned on my reading list earlier a book that I received before Christmas; my Secret Santa present at work was the Debrett's book 'Guide for a modern the gentleman'. Fantastic book defining all aspects of life for the modern man. It is humorous and refreshing - an unexpected miscellany of advice and information, but includes behavioural and etiquette advice, along with style guides and interesting facts. And covers wide range of topics from wine and tailoring to grooming, golf and skiing..

What else it is said about gentleman nowadays? Bit of googling and few interesting articles pop up. For example article in The Times on the May 20, 2008 "Are gentlemen a dying breed?" by William Drew. It is wonderful article, and gives interesting guide, how to be a (modern) gentleman:

How to be a (modern) gentleman

1. Some things don't change: say please and thank you and ask questions about other people rather than talk about yourself.
2. Be punctual. Tardiness does not make you look important, it turns you into an arrogant incompetent who thinks that his time is more important than other people's.
3. The modern gentleman cares about the planet. Be environmentally aware (but not obnoxious about it).
4. Open doors for people and stand up when they enter a room, but do this for men as well as women. The modern gentleman doesn't treat women like porcelain.
5. Be modest. Bragging is distinctly ungentlemanly.
6. Be a good father. Nothing is less charming than a man who leaves childcare to women.
7. Be honest about wherever you have come from in life. Pretension is spineless.
8. Flirt - with everyone. Good flirting is a form of politeness. Pay compliments and put your companion at ease.
9. Do not phone/text/check your BlackBerry incessantly.
10. Dress tidily. Whatever style you are going for, scruffiness just isn't in.

Another fun link I found was "The Art of Manliness". It provides very basic support for packing, but if you have always had someone else doing your packing your might find it useful. Bit too basic for me tho... It starts stating - "The point of the list is to 1) make sure you remember to bring stuff and 2) make sure you don’t overpack." ;)

It is interesting how you can so easily end up surfing web for hours when you not actually really looking for anything... But I did find something lovely this time, totally by accident. It is called Kenton Sorensen Dopp kit, basically a gorgeous looking toiletries bag! 

Ok, long enough break, back to work. No online shopping allowed.