Image is as Image does

I know the routine, a deep gaze into the mirror with a squared jaw grin, chest sticking out while you spend 10 minutes creating that oh so perfect "just crawled out of bed" hair-do. When a man sees himself in the mirror he sees a reflection of who he thinks he is, not who he actually is.

We all know that our image is what others perceive us to be rather than who we perceive ourselves to be. Do not mistake this for confidence for confidence is being deeply rooted in your psychological identity which manifests into your very existence. Image is creating the persona of who you are regardless of your career, ambitions, or social status. Through out history we have seen examples of men who have created the blueprint for Image. Men who are politicians, entrepreneurs, athletes and your everyday gentleman. 

1.Be ambitious, nothing can seem more unappealing than someone who has no drive. Whether you have the face of George Clooney with the finances of Richard Branson, a man who desires to go no where will be a man that will end up no where (important)

2. Know where you stand, be a man of tradition. Understand the elements of what define you and stay true ti them. Whether it is the style of your dress to economics issues that concern you. Be a man who will not be swayed by the winds of conformity. Be the last tree in the forest that refuses to be cut down.

3. Embrace yourself and be youthful. Exhibiting vitality is not about covering up your age but is all about bringing fresh new energy into everything you do. The way I see it, if your 35 years of age. You have the ability to be 35X times better than those junior yo you.

4. Invest in yourself. Consider yourself to be the most expensive piece of real estate that exists. I'm sure you take your Audi in for scheduled maintenance on a regular basis. So make sure that you are maintaining your self mind, body and spirit. Because before you even walk up to shake someones hands, they have already deiced whether they like you or not.

Please visit www.askmen.com for more tips on image management 

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To tie or not to tie?

"The necktie is one of the most important and most versatile accessories a man can wear. Whether dressing up or down there is a tie for every occasion"

 Let's face it: Ties can be terrifying. Indeed, for most guys, wearing a tie is about as cool as your 3rd grade teacher who sported patterns consisting of smiley faces and rainbows. Could the fear of ties have something  to do with the fact that most everyone has limited skills when it comes to dealing with ties?Even if you went to a private school growing up and wore a uniform/tie every day of your adolescent    life, you still probably only know how to tie one kind of knot or used a clip on,  And as for everybody  else, well, your dad probably showed you once and then left you to figure it out yourself


A reality of life is that ties are part of being a grownup, and if you're like many people, it's better late than never when it comes to learning how to tie a tie properly, because it's almost impossible to get through life without ever wearing one. Fortunately, tying knots are a relatively simple process once it's practiced. To save you from ruining an otherwise perfectly put-together ensemble, I guide you through four classic ways to knot a tie as well as the occasions for which each type of knot is acceptable. Who knows? By the time you're finished reading this post you may even feel confident enough to wear a tie just for the hell of it.



1. Windsor.  This type of knot is all-purpose, and is appropriate for business meetings, interviews and anywhere else you need to look respectable.


2.Half Windsor. This knot is the one to go for when you want the conservative look of a Windsor minus the effort.

3.Four-in-hand.  This is the go to knot and use it when you need to look good in a hurry or when you want to be fashionable and wear a tie with more more modern look.

4. Bow tie. This tie is the X-factor and can be used outside of formal occasions to enhance sophistication to any outfit.

please visit http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/mens-ties for more information

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Shave like a Gentleman

For Centuries man has been searching for a way to effectively clean his mug, from sharpened stone to modern day Iridium derived razors. Shaving is a right of passage that is ussually passed down from father to son or painfully mastered through adolescent trial and error. The undeniable truth is that whether your a street bum or the Price of Bahrain, we all dsire the "perfect shave."

Having been blessed/cursed with more testosterone then a Stud ranch, I have gone to great lenghts to discover the pure art of Shaving (not the P&G brand). No matter how lucky one is in the looks department, if you have a sloppy shave or bad skin, then I hope you at least drive a nice car.

A gentleman should approach his shave like any other glorified ritual. Ask yourself,

Do you rush to wash/wax you prized 911 Turbo ?
Race in and out of your barber shop before getting the correct fade/cut?
or Satisfy the needs of your women completely before laying to slumber?

I didn't think so, one must approach his shave with the same execution and consideration.

http://www.theartofshaving.com/

I will discuss the exact execution of a timeless shave next


Step 1.
Wash your face with hot water
Before stepping out of a hot shower, be sure to soak your face in the hot water for a moment or two to help open your pores and soften your beard. Pat your face softly but keep the skin damp. This keeps your stubble soft until you can apply the shaving gel that will maintain that softness

Step 2.
Apply a pre-shave oil followed by a generous amount of shave cream. The shave oil has natural extracts that keep the razor gliding smoothly across your delicate skin. Let the shave cream absorb into your bears for at least 2 minutes (crucial) to help raise the hair follicle and to keep your beard soft.

3. Execute the shave with a clean blade. A typical razor should last 2-4 shaves depending on your beard type.        
Maintain short strokes in the direction of the grain, then re apply cream and finish of against the grain.

4. Wash your face with cold water to help close pores and to cool the skin. Follow with a alcohol free balm to ensure hydration and calm irritation.

5. Enjoy life!

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The Humble gentleman

Success, passion, determination all sound like words that describe the modern accomplished gentleman. But where did it all begin? All men must admit that along their journey of success, someone somewhere cut them a break or a second chance. By either some "miracle" or by someones generosity.

Some men may say that "I did it all on my own and I don't owe anybody anything !!" I tell those men that we has human beings are obligated to consider those less then us. We have all been at the disposal of other!! Disagree?

Our mothers were not obligated to care for you while you were nurtured in her womb and delivered as a healthy baby ready to take on the world? She could have been a selfless women more interested in her independence, figure or career!!

Like wise there are vulnerable children all over this earth that are in Mother Natures "womb" and need a selfless person to make sure they are brought up with at least the basic human necessities. (children in Haiti need a second chance at life) (see website below)

Whether you believe in Allah, Jesus, Buddha or mother nature, the reality is that pain and misfortune do not discriminate anyone. As quoted by the famous rapper Lupe Fiasco "The devil hates everyone the same."

A lesson that I was once though by my mentor was that people may forget me one day, but they will never forget how i made them feel. The universe is a perfect example of how cooperation is meant to work in harmony. Take for example all the "Independent" aspects of our universe, the sun, moon, oceans etc. They all rely on one another to fulfill each others place in the universe. As grand as the moons and suns are, they are but humble and dependent creations of one another.

I ask the accomplished gentleman to consider his place in the universe before he considers himself independent of the world around him

Please visit www.ecoledechoix.org (The School Of Choice)

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Smell Like a Successful Gentleman (Even if you're not)

Scent is the single most powerful sense that we possess. Scent creates a powerful nostalgic force that stays with us, even if we do not realize it.

A man can smell the scent of perfume from his first love and be taken back to the exact moment in time even 40 years later.

We associate a lot of emotion with scent, we may not remember the details of a certain moment in time, but the scent has been encoded deep into our sub conscious.

When a gentleman applies fragrance, he is doing more than just "smelling good," he is creating an aura of success and feeling around him. He is entering a world of sophistication and adventure.

The crisp waves of the ocean as he leaves the room

The subtle feeling of warmth as he gazes into the horizon

and the deep notes of desire that transform him into a force of nature that can only be described as a wild beast!

http://www.creedboutique.com/creed-perfume-for-men/116-creed-aventus-871854009347.html

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Dunhill Swag

We associate with those things that help us succeed or propel us to success. We prefer brands that give us quality and style. From what we wear, drive, eat and enjoy leisurely ; we create a web of brands that give us the complete solution. Everything we do is a life style choice, not just a decision.

"A true gentleman does not expect success but prepares for it".

The X factor or Swag factor is a dimension of a mans character that is developed through excellence which then mutates into his DNA.

The Surgeon General Warns that Smoking leads to cancer, but what we are not told is that smoking Dunhill's increase swag factor by 125%.

Alfred Dunhill has set the standard for excellence in the Men's Lifestyle Arena

Begin your journey @ www.dunhill.com

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The Well Dressed Gentleman

Through the ages, style and sophistication have been a driving force for people around the world. Different cultures and societies have had their own version as to what is considered stylish. Looking at fashion today, one can see that their are many ways one can express their "swag." Among everything, Classic attire is one that never goes out of style.

The days of three piece suits and pocket squares have seem to make a comeback with not only celebrities but also with the youth. Terms like business casual have come along way from khakis and golf shirts to fitted blazers and multi-functional button downs with contrast collars and cuffs with contrast print. (see Image)


Today's well dressed gentleman is not only considered with dressing well, but with carrying himself up to the standard he portrays. Chivalry and confidence go hand in hand with pressed shirts and polished shoes. A few staple pieces in a gentleman wardrobe will take his 9-5 look well into the evening nightlife.

To get a few ideas please visit http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_400/473_6-ways-to-wear-a-blazer.html

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