Another week down and another edition of the Saturday Style Note is coming your way. I don’t know where you will be reading this from but down here in Atlanta there is about three inches of snow on the ground. Very strange, I though I left the snow in …
Posts under ‘advice’
A Bone To Pick With GQ For Spring
I like GQ as much as the next guy and when I was younger I would read them regularly to learn a little bit about men’s fashion. Where else are you going to learn what type of suit fabric to wear during what season before you even own a suit? Anyways, r…
Keep your home in shape without lifting a finger
You take pride in yourself, you take pride in your work, so don’t let your apartment/home/condo be any different. Knowing how to conduct yourself, being well dressed, and being well prepared for work is extremely important but so many people forget to …
Rules For Man-Jewels
Happy Monday everyone, I hope your week has started out how you hoped it would. This past weekend while I was out around town I saw a fellow bar patron sporting a pretty ridiculous look and it got me thinking about a few things. The look I am referring…
Saturday Style Note: Get Layered
I cant believe Iam already writing another installment of the “Saturday Style Note”, this week has absolutely flown by. I was a little light on the posts this week partly because I have been extremely busy with some events that were all planned for the…
V-Day Gift Guide For Gents and Ladies Alike
As I am sure you are all very aware Valentines Day is fastly approaching and that means many of you are scrambling for gift ideas, dinner plans, and anything else you can get your hands on to make this Valentines a special one. I applaud your efforts, …
What You Should Be Drinking….Right Now
Its the start of a new week and as your laying out your plans and looking at due dates and deadlines dont be afraid to take a break from it all. Shake up the begining of your week and mix your self a drink. My last reccomendation was an “Old Fashioned”…
Saturday Style Tip: "Put A Sock In It"
Another week is just about fully in the books and being that it is Saturday means that we have yet another “Saturday Style Tip”. Finding your own personal style is pretty easy to do. It takes a little bit of exploration and experimentation but at the …
“Sew” you might not have expected this from the Modern Gentleman…
Hows it going out there on this amazing Friday afternoon? Todays post might, at first glance, seem like a strange topic for someone who calls himself the Modern Gentleman but I promise you it is extremely relevant. I have a couple of vintage blazers that I get a whole lot of use out of. So much use that the top button that I am always doing and un-doing slowly but surely comes loose and eventually, falls off. There is nothing more frustrating than going to your closet grabbing your jacket putting it on and realizing that you cant fasten the button because its non-existent. What Iam getting at is that it is an extremely useful tool to know how to sew a button back on to a jacket. Until I learned for myself, if I pulled a blazer out and the button wasnt there then it would go back in my closet until I could get my girlfriend or her mom to hook it up–I dont like having to wait on other people to get things done. You might say that it is un-gentlemanly to know how to sew or to purchase the required tools to sew a button. You know what I say to that? It more un-gentlemanly to go out looking dumg because your clothes are missing buttons. Needless to say, in my opinion its important so Iam hooking you up this Friday afternoon with a quick guide to sewing a button back on. Enjoy, I guaruntee that your goinig to be glad you know how to do this after you read the quick guide. 
1. Materials: The button of course, a needle and some thread. The color of the thread should match the fabric on your jacket.
2. Your going to need to get about a 1/2 yard of thread. Thread the needle and then move the needle so it is about smack in the middle of the thread and tie two small knots at the end of the thread connecting the two strands.
3. Put the button on top of the material where you intend to sew it.
4. Push the needle up through the bottom of the fabric through one of the holes in the button until the knot and the end of your thread catches the bottom side of the fabric.
5. Push the needle down through the other button hole through the top of the fabric.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 about three our four times
7. End with the needle on the back side of the fabric (the side without the button on it) and doulbe knot the rest of the thread to hold it in place.
There ya go, now you can take care of yourself and make sure you never walk out of the house looking like a fool missing buttons.
Four Bottles is Three Bottles to Many…..
Early today I was reading some of the typical men’s magazines and websites and I started to see a similar trend between all of the publications I came across. I was specifically looking for some information regarding cologne and what I found was typical and a little bit aggrevating. Most of the reviews and suggestions that I read were highly unrealistic. What I mean is that many of the articles suggested that every guy needs to have at least three or four different bottles of cologne. Not three or four bottles of the same so that when you run out you have a fresh bottle waiting for you, but three or four completely different scents all for different parts of your life. Look, I am all for having variety and for being prepared in any situation you might find yourself in. If you have read any of my previous posts than you would know that Iam constantly making suggestions. However, this four bottles of cologne nonsense is one piece of advice that I just cant get on board with. I think, at most, two different scents would be appropriate. A conservative, musk/wood blend with hints of citrus or fruit for the office and something a little sweeter and more bold for going out. Thats fine—but personally, I stick to just one. I like to have a “signature” scent. Something that those close to me know I wear, and I wear it in small amounts. I understand that maybe the guys with the highest concern for fashion and current trends might have four bottles of different cologne in their bathroom but that is not what most carry. Could you imagine traveling like that? A guy should never have more toilitries than the woman in his life and rolling with four or five bottles of cologne probably puts you pretty close to what shes packing. Something I have stressed over and over again in this sites early history is to be timeless and to not waiver with the trends. Pick a great scent and stick with it. Wear it correctly and switch it up….after your bored of it or find something better. Dont switch it up as you move from the office, to the gym, to the restaurant, to the bar…..its doing to much!
Still Looking for your signature scent? Heres some suggestions:
1.Kenneth Cole Vintage Black: 
2.Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme
3.Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
Upgrade Your Gear: Take Care of Your Shoes, Your Wallet Will Love You
If your anything like I am then you know that shoes make or break your attire for a day. Ever see a guy walking down the street in a suit wearing New Balance sneakers? That combo goes together as well as Orange juice in your cereal, its just wrong. My Father once told me that shoes were the only thing that could make a thousand dollar suit look like a fifty dollar suit so make sure you get ‘em right. Pretty good advice in my opinion. So, if you want to make sure your always on your shoe game its important to know how to care for them. Before I started actively caring for my dress shoes and even some of my sneakers I would burn through them like crazy. Hells worn down, laces frayed, discoloration, the whole bit. You don’t want your shoes to look like they came from the Salvation Army (unless the thrift store thing is your bag and in that case, this doesn’t apply to you). Here are some quick tips to help you take care of your shoes so your suit (or whatever you are wearing) doesn’t depreciate in appearance….plus, the better you take care of your shoes, the longer they last, and you can keep some extra cash in your pocket. Nothing wrong with that right?
1. Wait 24 hours in between wear: Yes, don’t wear the same pair of shoes on back to back days. At least don’t make a regular habit of it anyways. Think about it. We don’t “wash” shoes like we wash our other items of clothing. Can you imagine what a shirt would look like if you just wore it every day all day? The fabric would soak up your natural oils and dirt and pick up any grime that you encountered outside. Well, like I said you don’t wash your shoes and they encounter alot of way-worse items on the ground then the rest of your clothes. So give em a break.You have to let the sweat and oil they absorb dry out or else they will age quickly.
2. Shoe Tree: You may have seen one of these in your Dad’s closet or even grandfathers closet…well so what? They know what they are doing then. When you put your shoes back in the closet throw a shoe tree in to help them retain their shape while they recoup from heavy wear. This will eliminate any unnecessary indentations that wont come out, unsightly creases, ect…Also, use one of these if you have to pack your shoes in a suit case. You don’t want them to get crushed.
3. Shoe Horn: This item is geared exclusively to your nice dress shoes that may be a little bit more firm around the ankle. You don’t want to crush the backs of your shoes so get a shoe horn to allow your heel to slide easily into the shoe. Again, keeping the form nice.
4. General Fabric Care: The following is a guideline for how to clean and care for your different types of shoes. This particular list comes from Kiwi and you will find it is pretty much the same as any other guide line. Kiwi has been around since 1906 and many trust their products. (click on kiwi to get directed to their site).
Leather
1.Dirt and other debris can easily embed into leather. Therefore, your leather shoes or boots need to be cleaned before you start polishing. KIWI Shoe Brushes and Wipes can easily be used to remove excess dirt and debris.
2.To polish your shoes effectively, always remove the shoelaces from your shoe before you start polishing your shoes. This is the best way to get to clean the tongue of the shoe and avoid staining the laces.
3.For best results using shoe polishes or creams, first apply the shoe polish or cream evenly to leather shoes and boots with a brush or soft cloth. Once the polish has properly dried, simply buff to a brilliant shine using a natural bristle brush. Note that it is important to use a separate brush and cloth for applying and buffing different colored shoes.
4.If you prefer a more convenient alternative there are instant shine liquids. Simply remove excess dirt and then apply the liquid evenly to your shoes. The formulation restores color and dries to an instant shine – without the need to buff.
5.Use KIWI Protector products to help waterproof your shoes thoroughly to protect them from common stains caused by water, mud, dust, snow or salt.
6.Store leather shoes using a shoe tree, this will help retain the shape of the leather. If you can’t use a shoe tree (e.g. for strappy shoes), stuff the toe cap with newspaper or tissue. Never store or dry leather shoes near direct heat.
Suede & Nubuck
1.Your suede shoes deserve special attention. Make sure they are cleaned and waterproofed regularly.
2.If your suede shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper while they dry to keep their shape.
3.Always allow them to dry naturally and never put them near direct heat.
4.Suede and nubuck shoes will look their best when brushed. You can use KIWI Suede and Nubuck brushes and cleaning blocks for this purpose.
Sport shoes
1.To extend the life of active or outdoor shoes (golf shoes, football or hiking boots), make sure you polish and waterproof them regularly.
2.Before polishing, first knock off the loose mud and allow your boots to dry naturally.
3.Use KIWI Fresh Force® shoe freshener with its unique up-side down, dual spray applicator, to control shoe and sneaker odor and to enjoy all day freshness and confidence
These are just a few quick tips to help you care for your shoes better and I hope you find them helpful. If you have any additional tips or hints on this topic leave a comment, it can benefit all who read.
Dont Get Stranded by a Tech-Dependence
This weekend was alot of fun and pretty busy, Iam hoping yours was the same. Actually, at one point, I was having a little to much fun at a great bar in the Highlands called Noche. The drinks were great, the company was great, (music was just ok) and everything was cool until SPLASH, phone ruined in the bathroom. Ill keep it short and spare you the details but I will just say that texting and zipping up after a few beers and a few Jamesons can be a little tough. (Hey it was a friends birthday we were living it up-dont judge me haha). Needless to say, the phone is ruined and I have been technologically stranded but I plan to make the most of it. Alot of the short articles I write are tips, advice, and my ideas of what a gentleman needs to have. Well, in the pursuit of finding some good out of my current situation I have realilzed the importance of a good contact book. Others may call it an address book, black book or anything like that. Anyways, you never know when your phone is going to cease to exist but that doesnt mean that your life can cease to exist. You need important contact information whether for business or pleasure and a gentleman (or any adult) shouldnt make excuses-they should be prepared. Losing my phone has made me realize that not relying on technology and having a good old fashioned leather boud adress book in top shelf of my desk is priceless. All of your contacts right there in hard copy form so when disaster strikes you can move on with your daily life-Plus, I hate getting those facebook groups about once a day for “I lost my phone, I need numbers!”. My advice: every gentleman should have a back up plan, go out and get a quality adress book and slowly copy your contacts from your blackberry to your book over the course of a week. Sometimes you just cant beat paper,pen and a dry drawer..far far away from the bar (ha).
Saturday Stlye Note: A new but regular addition to the MG Blog
(Photograph above by Tommy Ton, featured on GQ’s style section)
(Photograph above by Tommy Ton featured on GQ’s style section)
I think Men have a responsibility to not be trendy. There is a large differnece between being stylish and being trendy. I feel that (this is strickly my opinion) a gentleman is someone who always looks good, put together, but most importantly, timeless. There are few pieces of mens-wear that have withstood the tests of time and there is a reason for that. You cant go wrong when you wear them. Heres a quick list of some of those items:
*tie
*blazer
*wing tip shoes
*tailored dress shirt
*cuff links
*plain white v-neck t-shirt
ect…
Iam not saying that different variations of these items dont go in and out of style but its not the item itself. Its the fabric, the color, the fit and so on and so forth. Anyways, in my opion a man can achieve true style by utilizing timeless items in subtle ways. For instance, if your worried that the items that Iam talking about are to stuffy or formal then play with them in unique ways. A tailored dress shirt with the top couple of buttons undon, dark denim with the cuffs rolled slightly (sloppily), and an un-structured slim fit blazer with a pocket square reads as both stylish and timeless. Or lose the blazer roll your sleeves up slightly but add a slim tie. If you want to go more casual than that its just as easy but do it in a timeless subtle way. Slim fit trousers (not jeans) with a white, slightly v-neck t-shirt (made with a heavier fabric than your typical undershirt) and a pair of plain ankle high Jack Purcell sneakers (or a casual dress shoe)does the trick. The idea is to have a good fit and something that is mature and made of quality materials. You can look great with only a little effort.
I plan on regularly posting items that I have purchased that fall into this category to keep you updated on some of the great finds I have come across and how to pair them accordingly. Look up a picture of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, and tell me there isnt a “timeless” or “impossible” cool about them. 
For Every Action There is a Reaction: Great New Spots to Dine In Atlanta
Recently I have been thinking alot about the cause and effect factor that helps to stimulate and create a demand for new business and the exciting new products and services that result. For the purposes of this piece, Iam referring specifically to the hospitality industry (restaurants, bars, hotels, etc…). Many people reject large Corporations and prefer to do business with only local producers and service organizations. That is all well and good but we cannot forget what large Corporations or Franchisors do for the communities that we live in. The presence of calculated, formulated operations that provide a repetitive dining, drinking or lodging experience are what allow independent, “Mom and Pop” organizations to thrive. The more we are inundated with chain operations and their, somewhat, mundane experiences we are presented with fresh innovative ideas. The increased production of these large operations spurr a desire out of us to find unique, one of a kind experiences that we can enjoy and make our own. There are two great examples of this in Atlanta right now that I think people will truly enjoy.
1. Dinner Party Atlanta
Brought to you by the same guys who operate Top Flr (a great spot to enjoy some interesting cuisine and cocktails located off Ponce on Myrtle St.) Dinner Party allows its patrons to experience unique one of a kind cuisine. You can expect a fantastic five course menu created by an Executive Chef that blends French and Vietnamese flavors. The most interesting part about this dinning experience? Its completely exclusive. They don’t operate out of your typical brick and mortar establishment. The locations change for every dinner and some of these locations have included airplane hangars, empty office buildings, barns and locations for the future will include the Federal Reserve building off of Peachtree Street (tentatively). The only way to experience this supper club is to get on their waiting list on the website (click on Dinner Party Atlanta at the top of this section). The dinning experience is fantastic because the locations are constantly changing, a sommelier is present at every event and you can meet people you would have never met otherwise. A great example of the entrepreneurship that stems out of a response to the mundane corporately owned experience.
2. Lunacy Black Market
A creation of Chef Paul Luna, Lunacy Black Market offers affordable food in a unique space full of antiques and local art (that is actually available for purchase). The space looks like an average family room of an “artsy” speak-easy type of house but the eating experience is fresh and exciting. As Thrilllist reported this week the menu has items such as “Asian-style pork w/ ginger soy sesame sauce; chicken w/ spinach, tomato & goat cheese; braised beef w/ roasted peppers and Ricotta”. This is just another great way to break of the normal, boring dining experience and get into something new. Plus it doesn’t hurt to support your local entrepreneurs and idea starters. 
Listen, Learn and Laugh-In Person, With A Real Person
Over the past few days I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to a few experienced and high powered people. Included are the former Director of 3 of the largest hotels in downtown Atlanta, the former President of a large multinational firm and a marketing director. What did all three meetings have in common? It made me realize that actually meeting people face to face and just listening to their experiences is one of the most beneficial and entertaining things you can do. The people that I met had story on top of story, both funny and serious. Too often though we are victims of technology (funny because this piece of technology I am writing though is allowing me to voice this opinion) and it has made us bad listeners. We just don’t have the patience for it. If we are actually meeting someone face to face most of the time the person on the other end of the table is to busy calculating what they want to say next that they miss what you are trying to say. People are the most valuable tools we have and we should appreciate them more. Not only that, but just spend some time listening to people. Its intriguing, and educational. Meeting someone and connecting with them is like plugging your laptop into the Internet….you are instantly tapped into their stories, their contacts, their experiences, and their advice. Why wouldn’t you want to have as many of those connections as possible? I say we need to take the time to meet more people, and listen to what they have to say and what they have to offer. You never know how they could help you, how you could help them, or what you might learn in general. I was laughing my ass off at some of the stuff I was hearing….and if that’s all that I got out of it (which it wasn’t-there was much more) then so be it, I am ok with a new friend and a laugh
