What Do Your Shoes Say About You?

Greetings!

Gentlemen, we all know the importance of having a great shoe game.  When it comes to our feet, it’s important what we put on them.  People tend to take notice of our shoes and how we treat them.  When it comes to shoes, it is important to have multiple styles.  It is also important to treat our shoes with care.  Just like the suits we invest in, we invest a good amount into our shoes.  It is important to keep the shoes in pristine shape.  We have to make sure to have the correct shoe trees, polish/conditioner, and whatever repairs done promptly to ensure our shoes stay as impressive as the day we purchased them.

In your closet there should be shoes that point at the toe, square at the toe, or are rounded off.  Wearing shoes with that come to a point demonstrates a slender sort of look, which is great with fitted pants.  Having shoes that come to a square at the toe are a basic necessity in the shoe world.  This type of shoe (especially black square toe shoes) will always have a certain class that is ready for any occasion.  The shoes that are rounded off at the toe are also a great option.  Not only can these shoes be matched up with a fine-tailored suit, but they can also be worn in a casual setting.

Shoes do not only come in black.  Do not get me wrong, having a sleek black shoe is timeless but your shoe collection should contain other colors that show your creativity.  Shoes also come in brown, but why not try a chocolate brown or light brown.  And fellas, lets not forget that shoes do not just come in leather.  Try suede shoes out, as suede can present you with all different types of colorful options.  Have you ever tried a navy or light red suede shoe?  If you haven’t, trust me that once you do, you’ll look to be as creative as ever.

I mentioned before that you should take care of your shoes.  Take pride in your shoes as they represent a part of you.  Well kept shoes usually means a well kept man.  It is important to have the right shoe trees, polish, and shoe repair shop to maintain your shoes.  Cedar shoe trees are a great purchase as they will preserve the shape of the shoe and absorb moisture.  Have polish for leather shoes, both black and neutral.  For suede shoes, have a suede eraser handy to get out any scuff marks.  Then use the brush to get the suede back to the liking of the shoe.  Lastly, find that shoe repair shop in your town.  You’ll find that the man who repairs shoes is a life saver.  Whether its replacing the heel or putting in new stitching, he’s saving you hundreds of dollars!  This man will show you the importance of taking care of a great shoe.

And just like I mentioned before about investing in a good suit, you should invest in good shoes.  Cheap shoes are made of cheap materials and will not work for you in the long haul.  You walk on your feet all day, I’m pretty sure your feet would not mind the extra love.  Take care of your shoes and they will take care of you.  Until next time…

A Gentleman’s Mentality,

Jason Christopher

Find The Right Dress Shirt

Greetings!

I have noticed this before, but I have really paid attention to this lately.  Gentlemen, when wearing a button-up shirt make sure the shirt fits correctly!  I say this because we are no longer in the 90’s where a button-up shirt fits like a parachute.  You do not have to hide anything under your shirt, so wear the shirt like its meant to be worn.  Before purchasing your shirt, make sure you know your measurements, correct neck size and arm length.  The shoulder seams should hug your shoulders and the sleeves should not be too long.  The better your shirt fits on you, the more class and confidence you will display.

Remember to never settle on one shirt.  Button-up shirts from different companies do not all fit the same.  It is important to sample out the right style until you settle on the right shirt for you.  One of the most important things I can say about buying a button-up shirt is that it is not about the label.  Whether you buy your shirt from H&M to Banana Republic to Charles Tyrwhitt to Thomas Pink, make sure the shirt fits correctly.  No person is going to come up to you and ask to see the label on the inside of your shirt.  However, a person will come up to you and complement you on your style!

When you go to buy your shirt, ask the store representative to point you in the direction of the slim-fit shirts.  If slim-fit shirts do not do the job, there are also extra slim-fit shirts available through some store.  When I go to pick out my shirts, I actually like to try the shirt on with a pair of pants and shoes as if I were to where it out.  This is so I know I am making the correct purchase and have no doubts running through the back of my mind.  Slim-fit dress shirts help set the tone for your outfit and how everything else will fit.

Now go out and find the shirt that’s perfect for you!  You are wearing the shirt; the shirt is not wearing you.  Remember there is no need to wear a button-up shirt that looks like you are hiding something underneath it.  Cleaning up and wearing a shirt that properly fits you will enhance the right features on your body.  Look forward to the complements and remember to be a Gentleman.  Until next time…

A Gentleman’s Mentality,

Jason Christopher

"I don't got the bright watch...I got the right watch."

Greetings!

One of the best lyrics I have ever heard from one of the greatest music artists of all time, Jay-Z, is, “I don’t got the bright watch, I got the right watch.”  That statement right there is plan and simple.  I feel that too many times, guys get into buying the gaudy, most expensive watch because they want to show off.  Well guys, we are gentleman and we should not want or have to show off.  That gaudy watch will take away from what you’re wearing, and most importantly you as the individual.  When buying a watch, make sure the purchase is the correct purchase that shows off your style and class as a gentleman.  You should want your timepiece to add another layer of sophistication to you and your outfit. 

  

One maker of watches I am a huge fan of is Movado.  The watches Movado produces are very distinct and oozes class.  One watch Movado produces is called the Swiss Serio Stainless Steel Bracelet 38mm.  I am a huge fan of this watch.  The face of the watch is very simple, solid black and silver tone dot market.  This watch does not have diamonds implanted all over to say, “Look at me.”  But, trust me, this watch is noticeable because of its classic and sleek look.  Most importantly, it adds another dimension to your outfit while not taking away from it.

A big thing to know about watches is that one watch will not match everything you have in your closet.  It is important to have a variety at watches that can match up with your different tastes.  Having watches with different bands its great because it allows you to be creative and have fun.  Adding color in your watch shows you care about yourself from head to toe.  Like I said before, it is important to take care of the little things.  It is the little things that get noticed the most at times.

 

Again, remember to get the right watch, not the bright watch!  Your watch does not have to show off.  Let your personality and confidence show off.  Take the time to invest in a quality watch because the higher quality watches last for a long time.  I am sure you would rather have a quality watch that lasts then one that you have to replace every year.  Your watch will speak for itself and reflect on your personality.   Have fun and switch up the style and bands of your watch.  Lastly you do not complement the watch, the watch complements you!  Until next time…

A Gentleman’s Mentality,

Jason Christopher

Bring Out Colorful Socks

Greetings!

I talked about adding some color in our outfits before since it is the summer.  One specific item I want to touch upon is the dress sock.  Fellas, when we put our suits on I understand it is quite normal to throw on a pair of black, navy, or brown dress socks.  However, let’s step outside of these generic colors and throw in some pink, yellow, orange, red, purple, or light blue.  Now, you may ask why wear colorful socks if no one will see them?  Trust me, people notice socks as you sit down or when you walk.  Gentleman, it is important to take note that people notice the little things.  By stepping outside the generic realm, this shows a colorful (no pun intended) and outgoing side of you.  Personally, I have received complements before about my socks from ladies, which has led to more conversation.

 

Now, there are many designs out there that draw positive attention.  Please stay away from the cartoon looking dress socks.  Those socks portray you as a child and not the gentleman you are.  I am a fan of dress socks that are argyle or stripped.  These socks add fun to your outfit, while keeping a classy feel. 

When wearing these outgoing and fun socks, I’ve noticed that many gentlemen are concerned about what the socks should match.  First, you do not want to have your sock match exactly to your shoe.  This will make it look like you are trying to wear boots.  Let your shoes speak for themselves.  The only time your sock should go in unison with your shoe is if you are wearing a black suit, black shirt, and black tie to match.  Then you should have on black socks with your black shoes.  You should look to match your dress socks up with your tie or shirt you are wearing.  A good friend of mine always mentions having a good sock to tie ratio.  I agree with that statement, meaning if those two are in sync, they are great accents to the whole outfit. 

 

Gentleman, again since we are in the warmer months of the year so let’s take full advantage!  This is the opportunity where you get to be daring and take a chance on items you normally would not wear.  Step a little outside your comfort zone to grow and become more comfortable.  I guarantee if you wear a pair of yellow dress socks with a navy or charcoal suit, white dress shirt with a tie to match, you will not have a problem wearing another pair of colorful dress socks.  The complements will come from there!  Let’s not limit ourselves in what we wear, expand, and show our confidence!  Until next time…

A Gentleman’s Mentality,

Jason Christopher