Top-Notch Persona: Greatness Awaits

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Let's Talk About: English Laundry Crown

Crown, released in 2019 by English Laundry, is one of their most captivating scents. While a few of their most popular fragrances smell similar to other more popular scents, Crown does not remind me of anything else. It is a stand-alone fragrance that smells amazing and is well worth the price

English Laundry Crown EDP (100ml)

Actually, if I were to have just smelt this one I probably would have thought it was a Ralph Lauren fragrance considering how unique it is.

As with everything else in their line, Crown is an EDP concentration, meaning that it's not going to project as well as an EDT. At least that's what I was expecting. What I actually got was a scent that is on par with anything I've tried from Dolce & Gabanna. Check out my review on light blue eau intense, if you don't get what I mean.

But before I get into the performance and actual scent, I just have to mention how awesome I think the bottle is. I never talk about bottle design because really, who cares, but, I love the look of this one. Everything from the black and gold color combo to the glossy floral design on the bottle, it just looks super eloquent. I actually think I look at this one more than I smell it!

Note the glossy pattern around the English Laundry logo

Anyway, as I said in my video reaction, the scent is really really good. It has lemon, apple, geranium, lavender, cedar wood, grapefruit, and although I couldn't confirm it, I get a certain pepperiness to it. When I first apply it, I get a strong rush of spice mixed with the grapefruit and lavender. Crown doesn't change much throughout it's duration, but after about thirty minutes or so I really start to get the cedar with some floral notes. Overall, it's a pretty mellow scent.

So why then was I surprised by it being an EDP? It's because the projection on it is more akin to an EDT; granted, it only lasts for about an hour, but it is a strong projection, unlike that of most EDPs. In terms of performance, I got a solid 6.5 hours, which is more aligned with what you would expect from an EDP.

I think Crown has a lot of potential to get you noticed and perhaps even some compliments. Of course, as I mentioned in my real deal about compliments post, getting positive feedback is never a sure thing with a fragrance, but I feel like this one has a bit more potential because of how pleasant a scent it is.

That being said, I do think this one could cause you some problems early-on because of how peppery the opening is, so I would hold-off on applying this one right before your lunch date with your grandma with the sensitive nose. Maybe apply it thirty minutes prior and you'll be good to go!

As for the price, I bought mine as part of a gift set for $25 USD, which was a steal. I've never seen this particular fragrance at Marshall's, but I'm sure if you checked you could find it there for the usual $20-$30. At retail price, it normally goes for $85 which for this one isn't bad, but I'd still wait and try to find it at a discounters.

Overall, I would give Crown by English Laundry an 8/10 because of it's slight lack in performance. If this one gave me Sauvage EDT like performance, because of the smell, it would be an easy ten out of ten, but alas, that's not the case.

I really enjoy this company because of how inexpensive and diverse their fragrances are. While some like London and Oxford Bleu definitely resemble more popular fragrances, the majority of their line is really good. Performance is typically a bit lacking, but I think with all things considered English Laundry is a great introductory house into the world of fragrances.

So what do you think? What's your favorite English Laundry fragrance and why? Are there any you don't really like? Let me know in the comments.

-Ryan S.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Factor #2: The Rhetoric Of Color, Part I

The color you decide to wear can have a huge impact on how others initially perceive you. In fact, I would say color is one of the biggest factors someone uses to quickly assess you before you actually meet. Think about it: what would you think about a person wearing all black compared to a person wearing a navy Oxford with tan chinos?

As I mentioned in my Big 4 of Style post, after awhile the concepts we think about a certain color can be transferred onto the wearer. For instance, if I saw a woman who constantly wore all black, I might think she's sad or mourning the death of someone. However, if I constantly saw this woman wearing bright pastels, I'd probably think she's fun and energetic.

Bottom line: there is a lot of power in the colors you wear and this power can be used to your advantage. But before you can begin to leverage certain colors to get desired results from others, you first must have an understanding of what different colors suggest.

Ice-T definitely wasn't talking about professional style in his song Colors,
but he still expresses the importance in wearing a particular color. Hopefully you aren't wearing
colors for a gang, but what you do decide to wear can be extremely important.

So I am going to break this post into two parts. In the first part, I will be describing what various popular colors mean to me and how I would perceive someone wearing that particular color. In the second part, I will be discussing how you can successfully implement colors into your wardrobe once you understand what message you want to convey.

Let's get into it:

The Rhetoric of Color: What different colors mean

Black: As I mentioned in my in defense of black post, black is an extremely versatile color although one that can suggest negativity if worn too often. When I see someone wearing black, depending on what they're wearing of course, I think that they're confident, professional, and even cool. That's because black is a bold color which almost always makes the wearer appear bold. Black can also make the wearer appear tough. However, while I see black as a suave color, if I see someone wearing it all the time, I'm apt to think the person is either depressed or just needs to revamp their wardrobe. No matter what the color, you never want to only wear one or two colors.

Brown: Brown is almost akin to black, but it makes the wearer appear a bit more friendly. I also view brown as a more earthy color, and therefore, associate it with people who are hard-working, driven, and even eco-friendly. Some of my favorite sport jackets are brown or a variation of it. I don't really associate any negative qualities with this color.

Dark Grey (Charcoal): Similar to black, dark grey is a sharp color; one that's pretty versatile. The primary difference is I don't really see dark grey as a necessarily cool or tough color. It's a bit more conservative. I often associate dark grey with wealth through something in the finance or business industry.

Navy/Blue: Speaking of conservative colors, Navy/blue is the epitome of them. When I see someone wearing blue I think traditional, classic, trustworthy, self-motivated, and friendly. Navy also suggests to me that someone might be in the sales industry which could be a positive or negative depending on how you look at it. I also see navy as a protectors color. Like if I need help with something, someone wearing navy will seem like someone I can go to.

Green: Green is actually my favorite color, although it's not one I enjoy wearing often. Similar to brown, I associate green with nature and the earth which makes me think hard-working and strong. Because green is lighter than brown, it is a bit more casual and even friendly. A good rule to keep in mind when it comes to colors is that the lighter the color the more friendly the wearer appears. So if you are looking for a color to make you seem amicable to others, consider the colors towards the end of this list.

Red/Orange: Red and orange are both colors that are scarcely seen worn by men. It makes sense considering how hard they can be to blend into an outfit. Both convey a similar message, but when I see red I think bold whereas when I see orange I think eccentric. Orange is a bit more playful and friendly as well. I think in terms of trustworthiness I would be apt to trust the guy wearing red a bit more than the guy wearing orange.

Pink: If you've read my in defense of pink post, you know how much I love the color. To me, pink is synonymous with uber confidence. Why? Because, even today, some guys still feel like pink is a feminine color, and therefore, one they would never wear. When I see a guy wearing pink though, which actually is quite rare, I think that he is 100% confident in himself and doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks. I also see pink as being a very amicable and sociable color.

White: White is the epitome of professionalism and formality especially the white Oxford. If interested in hearing my full thoughts on the color, check out my in defense of white post, but when I see a guy wearing white, I think he's a go-getter. I associate white with financial prudence as well. The only time I might think negatively about white is if someone is wearing all white like an all white suit. I might be a bit more suspicious of such a person because, to me, all white is a bit tacky.

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I know I left some colors out, but these are the most common I can think of. As with most of these longer posts, I think it would make sense if I break this one into two parts.

Let me know if you would like to hear my thoughts on a color not listed or if you have any questions or insights about the above material!

-Ryan S.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Fashion vs Style: What's the difference?

On this blog, I have used the terms fashion and style synonymously. But recently I realized that there is a huge fundamental difference between the two:

Fashion is temporary and particular to a specific moment in time, whereas style is unique and personable

According to Rani St. Pucchi, "[w]hen you are following fashion you are basically in comparison mode, wanting to look and be seen by everyone else...[s]tyle on the other hand...has nothing to do with fashion."

Fashion has more to do with what's "trendy". It's the attire you're going to see at runway shows; the stuff that's going to sell for thousands of dollars. While keeping track of what's fashionable and trendy may be fun, like it is for me, it can also be incredibly costly and not particularly helpful.

Many influencers actually advise against buying trendy items because such items will not be relevant for long. This is because fashion constantly changes. Think about it: each season designers like Dior and Versace release a whole new line of clothes differing from their past lines.

The world of fashion is seemingly about one-upping the competition. It's about creating something specific for that specific moment. Something eye-catching but that likely won't be worn for very long if at all.

The way I best see it is that fashion is an art form, whereas style is being your own curator of said art.

Style is much more personal and involves your own identity. It's about creating your own wardrobe based on what you think and feel. In this sense, style has much more power than fashion.

Not only that, but according to Syra Brownlock, "[s]tyle is so much more interesting [than fashion]." Developing a sense of style puts you in control, not the designers. You decide what you want to wear and likely have your own personal reasons for it. This makes style fun and exciting.

It even has the power to change your very reality, as I've said numerous times before.

While most of us can only observe fashion occurring around us, with style, you are in charge.

Your style can consist of whatever you want, and this greatly depends on what kind of person you are.

For example, my closet is filled with Oxford shirts, waistcoats, sports jackets, suits, and linen button-ups in the summer/wool sweaters in the winter. I would say my style is professional because that's the type of person I am

Conclusion:

As stated above, fashion is essentially what is trendy whereas style is unique to you.

While in the past I have been apt to use fashion and style interchangeably, moving forward, I will only use the term "style"

Fashion and what is fashionable has not, and probably will never have, a spot on this blog. That's because, simply, it doesn't impact me at all. As I said, it can be fun and thought-provoking to see what is trendy, but at the end of the day, I will always be more concerned with developing my own sense of style, and of course, helping you develop yours.

What do you think?

Are you more interested in working on your own sense of style or with the world of fashion?

Do you think what is trendy can be implemented into your style

Let me know in the comments!

-Ryan S.

Note: Despite no longer using fashion and style to mean the same thing, the label for such posts will remain "fashion". This is because, as far as I know, I cannot change the label name, and at this point, it wouldn't make sense to create a new label.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

I Dropped My Watch! 3 Tips To Help You Avoid Doing The Same

My new blue Kenneth Cole Watch. Note the second hand at the bottom of the dial.

I only had my new Kenneth Cole watch for three days and in that time I dropped it, not once, but twice! The first time didn't do any damage because it landed on its side, but the second time it landed face-down. This caused the second hand, which apparently is extremely delicate, to fall off.

The other two hands still work fine, but I think I'm going to have to bring the watch to a jeweler to get the second hand fixed. It appears like a simple procedure, but one that I would rather let someone else do, just in case.

Anyway, because of what happened, I have been inspired to give you some pointers so that you don't have to go through the hassle of getting your watch fixed. Stuff that I will, from this day forward, be doing when I put on my watch.

1. Make sure you put on your watch either over a counter or at a desk/table.

This is especially important if you have a leather band watch like the one I dropped. Unlike bracelet watches, which you just slide your hand through to clasp, leather band watches require you to turn your wrist up to buckle it into place (see picture B).

Before you turn your wrist up you'll likely be holding the strap to secure it, which prevents it from falling; what happened to me this morning was, I wasn't thinking about what I was doing, and in consequence, when I turned my wrist up, my watch fell to the floor.

Picture B

Dumb move on my part, I know, but I'm sure it's not uncommon when putting on such a watch.

2. Don't multitask while putting your watch on.

Again, this is much more applicable for watches with a buckle because clasp watches require virtually no thought while putting on. With leather band watches, like the one I dropped, it is a bit more important that you are mindful to putting it on. This means no trying to do something else while doing so.

Of course, it's not rocket science and is still pretty easy to buckle, but if you're not primarily focused on your watch, there's a chance you'll drop it. That's exactly what happened to me this morning.

I was thinking about an email I received and how I was going to respond to the sender. I was so engrossed in thought that I didn't realize my watch wasn't secured until it was too late.

3. While handling your watch, take your time.

I think the reason I typically don't handle my watches with much care is because I don't know much about them. I didn't know how delicate the second hand actually is until today. But my last piece of advice for you, and in a lot of ways me, is to take your time when putting on and carrying your watches.

You are more likely to make a mistake if you do things like put a watch on quickly. Take your time while handling your watch. Be methodical. Obviously, don't overthink it, but you don't want to carry your watch around like you would a pocket square or wallet (i.e. things that won't break if dropped).

In fact, maybe try counting to ten as you put your watch on. This will slow you down and kind of force you to pay particular attention to what you're doing.

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Actually, in retrospect, it seems like perhaps the second hand on my watch was a bit loose to begin with considering I only dropped it a few feet. I really wouldn't know though because this is the first time I dropped a watch.

All I know is that I am never going to be dropping one again because I am going to be very mindful of these three tips. I hope that they're able to help prevent you from dropping one of your watches too.

-Ryan S.

Friday, June 19, 2020

Do You Use Designer Body Sprays?

Stores are finally starting to open, and while there are some minor restrictions that impact your shopping experience, it's still pretty cool to be in the store around other people.

So, yesterday I decided that I wanted to go check out my local Marshall's and see how these restrictions effected the experience of actually being there.

I won't get into it because it has nothing to do with this post, but the first thing I really noticed was that their fragrance area was nearly depleted, as I kind of expected it to be. However, despite the incredibly poor selection, one bottle stood out:

Mont Blanc Legend Body Spray 200ml ($15)

Now, I haven't used a body spray since my teenage years when me and my friends would generously apply axe before heading to the mall to "pick-up girls". You can probably imagine how that went...

Anyway, I don't have fond memories using body spray, so I haven't been interested in trying out designer brands. But this one bottle has changed my perspective.

First off, if you having read my full review on the Mont Blanc Legend line, you should check it out.

Basically though, this is one of my favorite cheap lines of fragrances. I say cheap because, while you will still have to pay typical retail price, you can find Legend at your local Marshall's or T.J Maxx almost as frequently as English Laundry fragrances.

But let's talk specifically about the body spray:

I was really surprised when I applied it. Thinking back to Axe, I was expecting it to be overpowering and even nauseating, but it's not at all. It's literally Mont Blanc Legend in an aerosol can!

A couple quick things to note:

Body sprays typically only have 2-3% concentration making them even below EDCs in terms of how much fragrance is in the bottle. So

is Mont Blanc Legend body spray going to last as long as the EDT counterpart? No. Is it going to last half as long? No. Honestly, it only lasted for an hour, but it projected nicely the whole time. It just didn't have the dry down that most EDTs have

With that being said, I wouldn't wear this one to work. In my Legend review, I said that Legend is the epitome of office scents, which I still believe it is, but since you'll only get the one hour projection period with the body spray, I wouldn't wear it professionally. Not to mention, I wouldn't want to spray it all over my suits.

So when should you wear a body spray? I'm going to be wearing the Legend body spray primarily at the gym. I think something about having a fragrance in a can just makes it vibe better with a gym atmosphere. I also think a body spray is perfect for lounging around.

I know I've been using way too much Sauvage EDT while just hanging out at home. I'll probably eventually try out the Sauvage Very Cool spray later on to save my bottles for work.

Anyway, I'm really glad I decided to give the Mont Blanc Legend body spray a chance. It doesn't seem life altering in anyway, but it is good to know that designer body sprays are better than Axe or Old Spice sprays.

Now I want to hear from you. What do you all think about body sprays? When would you most likely wear one? Have you used Axe in the past? How would you compare it to designer sprays?

Let me know in the comments!

Also, let me know if you would recommend any designer sprays. I feel like I have a lot more to explore, and perhaps even review, now!

-Ryan S

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Let's Talk About: Dior Homme 2020

Dior Homme was originally released in 2011 as a woody floral musk-based fragrance. It was known for the iris note which dominated the fragrance. As I mentioned in my video, I never tried the original, but apparently it was a very popular one.

Dior Homme 100ml ($95)

Fast-forward to 2020, Dior decided for whatever reason to reformulate the original making it heavy on the woodsy notes and removing the floral aspects completely.

Like I said in my initial reaction video, I really like Dior Homme because of how earthy it is, but a lot of people would disagree with me simply because it is completely different from the original Dior Homme.

Now, Dior Homme is an EDT concentration, which suggested to me that it was going to perform extremely well and have a strong projection, and while it's not bad at all-- I think it has a lot of potential to be worn as a signature scent-- but it's not going to give you Sauvage EDT like performance.

I get about 7.5 hours with 8 sprays which, like I said, isn't bad. In terms of projection, I get a solid hour after which it becomes a very nice, pleasant, subtle scent. It's definitely not a clubbing fragrance nor is it one you will want to wear out in the heat.

You know how some fragrances like Sauvage perform really well in the heat, Dior Homme is the antithesis of that. It is so light that you run the risk of sweating it off if you stay outside for too long. For that reason, I think it is an ideal fragrance for the fall or winter, or if you're in a cool environment like at the office or at home.

For me though, the scent is what really makes Dior Homme a great fragrance. At the top we have bergamot and pink pepper, in the middle, there's cedar, patchouli, and cashmere wood, and at the bottom we have vetiver and musk.

When I initially apply it I get a bit of the sweetness from the bergamot, which doesn't last for too long before transitioning into the woods particularly the cedar. As I mentioned in my signature scent post, I love cedar which may be why this one is so appealing to me.

It's a pretty basic scent though but basic in a good way. For that reason, Dior Homme is perhaps the safest fragrance I own. It is incredibly mass-appealing. Unless you don't like nature and woods, I don't think there's anyway you won't like this one as long as you don't compare it to the original version.

Price-wise, this one has the typical EDT price tag: $75 USD for a 50ml bottle and $95 for a 100ml. Do I think it's worth that price? Absolutely. As I stated above, it isn't the strongest fragrance, so if you're looking for something that is, I would suggest considering Sauvage EDT, but if you're looking for something subtle yet masculine, Dior Homme is perfect.

As with most new/popular fragrances, you can buy this one as part of a gift set which comes with the 2.5oz roll-on deodorant and the aftershave, which, in my opinion, is a great deal.

Personally, I don't use aftershave, but the deodorant plus a 100ml bottle is well worth the price of $110 USD alone. Most of the time, I keep a look out for deals like this regardless of what the fragrance is. Sometimes you get cool stuff like travel sprayers, deodorant, or shower gel.

Overall, I think the new Dior Homme deserves an 8/10. Is it the best fragrance out there? Not by a long shot, but it is a very nice one and ideal if you're looking for a new signature scent.

What do you guys think? Have you tried the new Dior Homme yet? Also, let me know where I could find the original formulation. I would like to try it.

-Ryan S.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Factor #1: The Importance of Proper Fit (repost)

A guy walks into a restaurant wearing a midnight blue suit. While at a distance he looks pretty good, you begin to notice slight flaws in his outfit the closer he gets to you. His jacket sleeves are a little longer than his wrist. His pants go slightly past his ankles. There appears to be a little extra room in the chest area which makes the jacket appear a bit baggy. It is apparent that his suit does not fit him well. What do you think?

If you would think nothing, I think that wouldn't be an uncommon response. You probably wouldn't spend more than a moment or so thinking about him, and here's why:

Wearing nice clothes that don't properly fit is akin to wearing casual, i.e. average, clothes

So just like you might briefly notice the person on the subway wearing bright neon pink running shoes, you most likely will only spend a brief moment thinking about the person wearing a suit that doesn't fit. You actually might assume that they're new to the style world or that they don't dress-up often; either way, the guy wearing the ill-fitted midnight blue suit won't attract much attention, or at least the positive kind of attention he would get if the suit fit him properly.

Now picture this: another guy walks into the restaurant. This guy is wearing a pristine charcoal three-piece suit. The fit is immaculate. The jacket sleeves rest slightly above the wrists showing the cuffs of his bright white Oxford shirt. His pants rest a bit above the ankles showing just a bit of his dark black socks. There is no extra room in the chest area of the jacket. This guy is sharp as a tack. What do you think?

I would guess that you would think a little more highly of this guy. You might even admire his style and take a couple more glances at him after he's seated. No, you won't gawk at him, but the fit of this guy's outfit will make him stand-out and cause you to think about him a bit more than the first guy.

You might assume this guy has a powerful job or that he's someone respectable. Whereas you thought the first guy was a style amateur you might think the second guy is a professional. He knows what's up. He knows how to get attention and demands respect with his confidence.

You see, in my opinion, proper fit is one of the most important parts of dressing-up, as mentioned in my Big 4 of Style post; if something doesn't fit properly, you might as well not wear it because it's not going to convey the message you want. Now, I'm not saying you need to have every article of clothing you own fit you perfectly, but you should make a serious effort to get clothes that fit you very well.

When I first started dressing-up, I didn't know much about proper fit, and honestly, I didn't try on different sizes. Rather, I found a jacket that sort-of fit me, and just decided to go with it. The fit of my first suit was essentially that of the fictitious guy in the first paragraph, only it was black instead of midnight blue.

It was a size 40R which was a bit too long. I also bought a pair of pants that were 32x32 which were a bit too long as well. I didn't think I looked great and more importantly, I didn't feel it because I was aware that the fit wasn't perfect. However, despite knowing this, I thought that a 40S would be too short, so I stuck with the 40R for my next couple sports jackets.

It wasn't until I found a tailor that I discovered that my size was indeed 40S. So I had my few jackets and suit altered, and from that moment on, I bought suits that were 40S and pants that were 32x30. Let me tell you, after getting my clothes altered and finding out my actual sizes, I felt a whole lot more confident.

I highly recommend finding a great tailor. Having a good relationship with someone who specializes in things like proper fit and fabric can be quite beneficial when you're just starting out. While it's not compulsory, knowing a great tailor can help you bypass a lot of the issues I experienced early on. It's analogous to working with a fragrance specialist at a department store to find your signature scent.

A huge part of having a tailor is that they'll take your measuments for you. Understanding your measurements can be incredibly helpful when shopping for suits or dress shirts. Consider that many luxury dress shirts are sized by your neck size and arm length. For example, my favorite white Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt is size 15.5" 32-33. It's strange at first, but keep in mind, that traditional sizes-- i.e. small, medium, and large-- are for more casual/cheaper pieces of clothing.

But what if there isn't a tailor near you? No problem. These days you can get your measurements from many different department stores including Mens Warehouse and Nordstrom. Simply ask an associate if you could get your measurements. A lot of these places offer in-store tailoring as well, which makes knowing a specific tailor not necessary.

Bonus tip: Whenever you're able to, take note of the measurements and sizes worn by others. What do I mean by this? Well most of the time online it will tell you the height and size of the model wearing a particular item. For example, at Macy's their male models are 6'1" and wear a size 40R. If I had been paying attention early-on, I would have realized that if the model's wearing a size R then I surely should go for an S!

So in order to try to help you out a bit, I've included my own measurements. Keep in mind that these are exact and most of these numbers can go +/- 2 inches.

For instance, note how my neck is 15.5 inches. I also have a couple shirts for a 16.5 inch neck. I would say 15.5 is a perfect fit for me, but the 16.5 works as well. Also, consider how my chest is 40 inches. I have a few sports jackets that are 38 inch jackets, which work just as well. Sometimes you will come across a shirt or jacket that you really like, but can't get it in your perfect size. I would say in that case apply the +/- 2 rule.

Also, it's very important to keep in mind that different brands usually have slightly different sizes. So while you might be a size 34 waist with Ralph Lauren, you might be a size 32 with Levi. Never assume just because you're a particular size with one company that that's your size. The same goes for shoes.

That's why I always prefer to buy from the same brand, but that's a post for another time.

So whether you have a go-to tailor or not, knowing your proper size ensures that you can get the best fit possible. As I said, you don't always need to find the perfect fit, but it should be as near perfect as possible. That's what is going to get you the positive attention you want.

-Ryan S.

Saturday, June 13, 2020

The Big 4 of Style: Use These To Greatly Impact How People See You.

You might think that your first impression with someone begins after you say hello, which in a lot of ways makes sense. However, a lot of people probably have already begun to form an opinion about you before you even open your mouth. That is why, I believe, it is always in your best interest to look on-point because you never know when you might need to make a great nonverbal first impression.

In my opinion, there are four major factors that can greatly impact how someone perceives you. These factors are quite subtle and may not seem like that big of a deal, but trust me, if you want to make a great impression you'll want to carefully consider each of them.

In this post I will be outlining each factor comprising, what I call, the Big 4 of Style. Mastering these four factors or at least understanding the power of each one will significantly change how people see you. These four factors literally separate those who dress-up and those who look sharp.

Without further ado, let's get into it.

The Big 4 most important aspects of style are: proper fit, appropriate use of color, having at least one great pair of shoes (preferably more though), and walking with confidence.

Factor I: Proper Fit

Now, I've already talked about this one in great detail a couple months ago. If you missed that post or just want to reread it you can do so here.

I think having clothes that fit you properly--not necessarily perfectly but well enough-- is the most important part of style. Why? Because it doesn't matter what colors you're wearing, what your shoes look like, or how much confidence you have if your clothes are too big.

Of course, there are some styles that require your clothes to not fit properly, but as you know, on this blog I primarily discuss professional style.

When you're wearing something like a suit, sports coat, Oxford, or anything really, wearing the proper size and even having your clothes tailored, as I mentioned in my previous post about proper size, will greatly impact what others think about you.

Let me ask you: what is your first thought when you see someone wearing a suit that perfectly fits and what is your first thought when you see someone with clothes that are a bit too big?

Personally, I'm impressed by someone who is wearing something that properly fits. I am more willing to engage with them because I can tell they care about themselves. Before even talking with them, I'm already going to be more open.

But if I see someone who is wearing clothes that are too big I wonder why they aren't wearing the correct size. I'm going to be a bit more cautious around people like that or at least not as open.

Facto II: Appropriate Use Of Color

This one might feel irrelevant. I admit that at first it kind of does. But what you need to realize is that the colors you decide to consistently wear will eventually begin to greatly impact how others perceive you.

Consider a guy who wears all black once in awhile. As I mentioned in my in defense of black post, black is a powerful color to wear. But now consider the guy who wears all black everyday of the week. What do you think about him?

I would guess that you thought a lot more highly of the guy who occasionally wears black than the guy who wears it all the time. Why? Because when someone consistently wears a color we are apt to associate that person with what the color conveys.

So with black we might think that the person's depressed.

Of course, the person may just love the color black, which is completely fine because I do as well, but that's why you want to be smart with your color choices and choose the appropriate colors.

For instance, I associate black with being very professional, so I think the best place to wear black is in a professional setting.

But it's more than just finding the appropriate times to wear a color. You also need to make sure you have some diversity in your wardrobe. What I mean is that rather than fill your closet with black pieces you should get other darker colors like brown, maroon, charcoal, and midnight blue. That way you're always wearing something a bit different.

Personally, I love wearing white shirts, so in order to change things up throughout the week I have several white shirts with patterns. Patterns can be a great way to diversify your wardrobe because even if the base color remains the same-- so white in my case-- the patterns add a splash of additional color such as with my favorite white shirt with light blue and pink.

Factor III: Having At Least One Pair Of Great Shoes

Again, just like with the importance of color, whether or not you wear a great pair of shoes might not seem that important. Who is even going to consider your shoes as long as your outfit's on-point, right?

Wrong. I would say that the shoes you wear, in some way, are the most important part of your assemblage. I've personally known people who greatly consider how to approach someone based on the quality of their shoes. I'm not even joking.

I've even heard that the quality of a person's shoes can impact how they're seen by the opposite sex.

My point is, that the shoes you decide to wear will most likely effect how people treat you.

So what kind of shoes do you want to wear?

I'll elaborate in my following post on this factor, but essentially, there are two major things you want to consider when buying a new pair of shoes: the material used to make it and the shape (i.e. the quality).

First off, just like with suits and jackets, shoes come in a wide variety of materials; some of which are really good, like leather, and others not so much. Depending on the type of shoe-- dress, loafer, sneaker, et cetera-- I always look for genuine leather. Of course, it's a bit more costly than faux leather, but the quality is much better, and, in my opinion, worth the extra money.

It can be tough to tell the difference at first, but my rule of thumb is to always buy your shoes from a reputable vendor. Sure, places like Amazon and Walmart sell leather shoes, but they're almost always going to be fake.

The second thing you need to consider when buying a great pair of shoes is the quality of the shoe. I'm sure there's much more to know about quality, but the quickest and easiest way to figure out if a pair of shoes is worth the money is by looking at the toe cap. Is it rounded or squared?

Squared shoes are a sign of poor quality. Trust me. I've owned pairs like that in the past and they only lasted a few months. Not to mention, they were uncomfortable.

So what you want to look for is shoes with rounded toe caps. These ones are going to last you much longer, and are a lot more comfortable than the former variety.

Now, ideally I think you should own at least five pairs of shoes, but I will elaborate on this in my future post.

Factor IV: Walking With Confidence

Come on. You can't be surprised that confidence is one of the four most important aspects in fashion. The reason, confidence is last is because it is not an integral part of dressing-up. You can certainly look like a million bucks without the confidence factor.

But you see, confidence can either make or break your style. I talked about this briefly in my am I attractive post a couple weeks ago. If you see a guy dressed-up who looks depressed you're going to view him much differently than a guy dressed-up who's walking with confidence.

But what do I mean by walking with confidence?

When I was younger-- probably because I lacked confidence-- I went to the chiropractor because I was having issues with my back. Long story short, he told me that the reason my back was hurting so much was because I wasn't walking correctly. I had never heard such a thing, but he said my steps were almost robotic.

So he essentially taught me how to "properly" walk. It sounds comical at this point, but in the long run, it did actually help.

Walking with confidence involves three things: keeping your head up most of the time, moving your shoulders/arms as you walk, and acknowledging your surroundings-- meaning that you should look around as you walk and even smile, nod, or greet other people. I'll be going into much greater detail in my future post, but for now, just remember those three things.

Another reason confidence is last on this list is because it is not required to start dressing-up; in fact, I would guess that in many cases, including my own, the biggest surge of confidence comes after you start to become stylish.

I would actually think that most guys kind of lack confidence prior to dressing-up. The reason dressing-up is so appealing is because it helps boost their confidence everytime they see themselves.

I know that if I were to walk around wearing a worn t-shirt and sweatpants I'd feel a lot less confident.

Bonus Factor: Smelling Great/Finding A Signature Scent

The reason this one's a bonus factor is because it will not usually impact how others see you the same way that the actual Big 4 will. Of course, if you smell bad, people will start to think poorly of you, but I'm just going to assume that everyone here bathes at least four times a week, so no need to worry about that.

But even if you use scented body wash when you bathe and deodorant afterwards, applying a great fragrance will only make you that much more sexy. Remember what Moore said about a signature scent? It's attractive.

If you don't remember what I'm talking about or just want a refresher, check out my two signature scent posts: part 1 and part 2.

Now, it is possible to over apply a fragrance and this can cause people to think poorly of you as well. I've actually heard that too much fragrance can be as off-putting as bad body odor, but I disagree with that.

Finding a scent that works for you and even perhaps with your personality can be incredibly powerful, but as long as you are mindful of the Big 4 of Style, it isn't absolutely necessary. Personally, I know people who just don't like fragrances or are even allergic. If that's you, don't sweat it. If you decide to wear something it should be because you love it; not because you want to take your style game to the next level.
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Well, there you have it: the big 4 of style. I look forward to elaborating on each factor.

Because I'm just one person and I'm constantly getting new and fun ideas for posts-- and now videos-- I can't say for certain when each one will be written, but I definitely won't keep you waiting for long!

-Ryan S.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Putting Mayonnaise in Your Hair? What??

Big Ed preparing for his trip to the Philippines on 90 Day Fiancee: Before the 90 Days (S.4.1)

That is exactly what I thought when my fiancee and I watched Big Ed from 90 Day Fiancee: Before the 90 Days apply mayonnaise to his hair. Now, if you've seen the show, you know that Big Ed isn't a stylish dude by any means. He's the kind of guy who'll wear a polo with his gym shorts and bright neon colored sneakers. Honestly, if not for his mayo hair mask in the first episode of season four, he wouldn't have any place on this blog.

But in attempt to appear younger and get shiny, stronger hair he turns to mayo, and earns himself a spot on this page. Congrats, Big Ed.

First off, when I first saw him take out the container of mayo from his fridge and tell us he was going to apply it to his hair, I thought it was a joke. I was thinking that there was no way this guy was going to use his huge spatula to put mayo on his head; in fact, I'd be willing to bet most people thought the same thing.

Even after he did it I was left wondering where he got his information.

But after doing a quick search on Google, I was even more shocked because I found that what he was doing can actually strengthen hair.

I'll say that again, although I'm sure it'll sound just as farfetched, but putting mayonnaise in your hair does have actual benefits.

So what are they, you're probably eager to know?

Well according to Ceara Milligan, mayo "makes an excellent deep- conditioning hair treatment". This is because the protein in the eggs strengthens hair while the oil helps moisturize it. Mayo also can promote hair growth and repair damaged hair caused by heat or coloring. If interested in reading more about the benefits and learning how to make your own hair mask, check out the full article.

On the show, Big Ed claims that he's very self-conscious about his physical appearance and that he wants to appear younger for Rose, his love interest who lives in the Philippines. Honestly, I have to say that if I were trying to look younger I wouldn't immediately take out the mayo. Then again, I'm not 54, so maybe he was desperate.

As of right now, I think I'll leave the application of mayo to hair to Big Ed.

But what do you guys think? Would you or have you ever used mayo in your hair? Do you think it's worth trying?

Also, I haven't really talked about hair styling or maintenance even though it's a pretty important part of being fashionable. Would you like to see more hair related posts or perhaps interview posts with someone who specializes in the topic?

Let me know in the comments.

-Ryan S.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Are Certain Fragrances Age-Restricted?

You've probably heard someone say before that a particular fragrance is for younger or older people, or that a scent is perfect for guys in. their twenties, but maybe not so much for guys in their forties. This has always kind of confused me because I don't really think age matters when it comes to wearing a fragrance. I think that it's all about finding something you love.

While there are no actual rules about this, the idea that fragrances are restricted to certain ages seems to be based one primary factor; that is, the sweeter the fragrance, the younger the composition is intended for.

Consider a super sweet scent like Versace Eros. The amalgamation of apple, mint, and vanilla is just so fresh and energizing. Using the above primary factor, this would then make Eros intended for younger guys; possibly in their teens or twenties. But does this mean guys who are older than thirty can't wear this? Of course not

Yea, maybe if someone in their sixties was wearing Eros they would seem a bit off, but as mentioned in the first paragraph, I think that the only thing that matters is how they feel while wearing it. If they are drawn to super sweet fragrances, then they should absolutely wear them.

Now let's consider a more refined scent like Dior Sauvage Parfum, which I'm actually wearing as I write this. Although there is a bit of sweetness in the parfum with the bergamot and orange, I think for the most part, the fragrance is driven by the sandalwood. Using the idea that the sweeter the fragrance the younger the intended consumer, I would say that the Sauvage Parfum is more ideal for someone in their forties or fifties.

But does that mean someone in their twenties couldn't wear the parfum? Again, of course not. I happen to love the sandalwood in it. The more I wear it, the more I'm drawn towards it.

The reason I think people tend to associate particular fragrances with certain age groups is because they assume that younger people want to attract attention with their fragrances while older people want to wear something a bit more refined and sophisticated.

That seems to make the most sense. I'd have to do more research to really find out, and perhaps I will at a later time.

But to answer the title question, I would say no, certain fragrances are not are-restricted. Perhaps, certain fragrances have a younger or older vibe, but I don't think that that necessarily restricts a particular age group from wearing a scent. I think that what matters is that you wear something that makes you feel confident. If you feel your fragrance is "too old" then maybe it is, and if you feel it's "too young" then maybe it is.

But there is nothing inherent in a fragrance that makes it too young or too old. I believe it's a matter of personal preference, so don't let someone deter you from wearing something just because they think it's for a certain age group!

-Ryan S.