The Essentials..

Hello Everyone!

I've been on a hiatus of sorts. My wife and I have welcomed a new addition to our family. With his arrival I've been praying and thinking about the many things that I want to teach him as he grows into his manhood. I realized that the items that I want to share with him I can share with you all as well. These items I call The Essentials..

1.) You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression. Always put your best foot forward. When you walk out your front door you are on stage. How will you perform?

2.) Choose a signature cologne to wear. This cologne should blend well with your skin. Wear the cologne and don't let it wear you.

3.) Always carry a handkerchief. You never know what you will need it for.

4.) Know how to tie a tie, as well as a bow tie. How you wear your tie can define how good your suit will look on you.

5.) Keep a pair of dress boots. You can wear them with a suit or a pair of nice jeans. The shoes you wear define the style of a man.

6.) Keep a pair of classic all white gym shoes. Whether it be a pair of Nike Air Force Ones or Converse All Stars. A clean pair of all white sneakers always does the trick.

7.) Pick a nice suit blazer for your wardrobe. You can wear it to go out to dinner or use it to wear with some jeans.

8.) It's better to have one tailored suit than to have 10 suits that don't fit you.

9.) Own a nice timepiece/watch. It will give you the time and a nice sense of style.

10.)Own a nice pair of cuff links. Whether you are going out on the town or going to work, the cuff links you wear can set you a part from the rest.

I hope these "Essentials" assist you in being a man of style.

Be blessed!

I'm off that...

The gentlemen is back! Men it is time for our clothes to fit us properly! The age of the bagging clothes has passed. Don't allow your clothes to swallow you up. Your clothes should "fit". They shouldn't "hug" your body, but they should compliment your size. A well tailored man is an admired man. As Jay and Drake said "Oversized clothes and chains, I'm off that...Are you still on that..."

Is your wardrobe changing with the season..

Like the weather, men should know how to transition their wardrobe from season to season. As we enter into the Fall season there are a couple of items that are important for a gentlemen's wardrobe. 1.) Step your shoe game up. Sandles and Crocs aren't going to do it. Acquire some nice leather shoes that bring style to your wardrobe. If you are a trendsetter, grab a pair of nice boots that you can wear with a pair of jeans or slacks. A man that can wear boots properly will be set a part from the rest. 2.) Allow the color of wardrobe to change like the leaves. Transition from bright colors to autumn colors. I.E. mahagony, brown, camel and etc.. 3.) Know how to layer your clothes properly. Your sweater should be a little bigger than the shirt you wear underneath it. Don't allow your shirt to explode from underneath your sweater. A well tailored man is a man that is admired. Until next time..

When did you become a Muslim...

This year, I've altered my wardrobe by adding bow ties to my neck wear collection. I'm mostly known by how I wear my neckties (full Windsor knot). So when people started seeing me wearing bow ties, I was often proposed with the question "When did you become a Muslim?". Which became pretty funny... Anybody that knows me well knows that I'm a Jesus Freak! Nonetheless, being from the Chicago area majority of the men that wear bow ties are affiliated with the Nation of Islam. So I'm excited to be a part of the distinguished "Chi City" gentlemen that are eliminating the stereotype of black men and bow ties.
Men have being wearing bow ties for years. Most men that wear them are distinguished. More importantly, they are identified as being trendsetters.
So the next time you are attending a function (banquet, dinner or even church)and are looking to standout choose to wear self-tie bow tie. It will definitely set you apart from the rest. Until next time..

Can't wear skinny jeans cause...

Jay-z (rap mogul and husband to Beyonce) said in the song Swagga Like Us "Can't wear skinny jeans cause my knots don't fit".... Some of us need not to wear skinny jeans because our thighs, butts and stomachs are too big. Skinny jeans are not meant to be worn by everybody! This notice is especially for the MEN! If you are over 200 pounds you should fall back from the skinny jeans faze. Let the teenagers and young people live out their swagga through that expression. By the way, some women should stay away from the skinny jeans craze as well. However, I will leave that commentary to my sister Tami at www.ExclusivelyStyled.com to handle that. As I mentioned in a previous blog, know your style and more importantly your lane. Don't try to wear everything you see in GQ, Vibe, The Source, Details, Complex and etc. Keep it original and more importantly keep it YOU! That means do what feels and looks good on you. Until next time...

Swagger=??

Gentlemen, swagger equals originality & confidence. Please stop trying to be like everyone else. There is only one you. There isn't anything wrong with appreciating how someone else dresses. However, it becomes ridiculous to "jack" someone else's style when you clearly can't wear what they wear. Find clothes that "fit" your personality and style. Once you have accomplished that, be the best at wearing those clothes. Look good, feel good and be good!

Be blessed!

Your shirt and tie don't have to match....

Gentlemen, your tie and shirt don't have to be same color. Your shirt should be used as a background to your tie. Ties are best suited when they contrast your shirt. it may safe to wear a tie that is the same color as your shirt, but it definitely isn't fashion forward. Step outside of the box and allow your shirt to be canvas, while your tie paints the picture.