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 …
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“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
Tie Colors are like a Gentlemans mood ring: What will Obamas say tonight?
Another Wednesday and another week is half gone, I hope yours has been well up to this point. Unless you have been living under a rock then you are well aware that tonight brings us the long awaited, highly publicized State of The Union address from President Barack Obama. While representatives from the left and from the right are analyzing what the talking points will be and what they will mean, the Modern Gentleman is taking a slightly different approach. The colors we choose to wear represent our overall moods and our current positions on certain subject matter (even if it is subconsciously). Specifically, tie colors have always been a representation of how we feel or where we feel we rank in a certain social situation. So what color will President Obama be wearing tonight and what will that say about what he is truly thinking and feeling? Here’s a list of tie colors and what they mean…tune in to the State of the Union tonight to see if his color choice represents his message…or if its a sign that hes not expressing how he truly feels.
1. Red: This is a power color and it symbolizes strength, wealth, leadership, passion and, in many instances, is a color of luck. Experts on the matter say that if you need to “lead your team to a hard victory” and instill confidence, than this is a good color. Could be a good choice for the President.
2. Blue: Blue is a calming color and seeks to express peace and neutrality. A hostel situation would be the perfect arena to sport the blue tie. Again, a valuable option for President Obama
3. Yellow: This color is a little difficult to break down and analyze. GQ ran a story awhile back that said that yellow was the new power tie. However, some feel that yellow represents energy and vibrancy. A strong personality is needed to pull this color off effectively and I doubt you will see this color on Obama tonight. Not because hes not strong but because the situation doesn’t call for it. 
4. Green: In business this represents money…..well at least growth and prosperity. My call is that this is another color we wont see on Obama tonight. 
5. Brown: This color represents the average, everyday man. It says that your practical and down to earth and slightly reserved. There’s no way you will see this color tonight. 
There are definitely more colors that we could analyze here but these are the most common and the most probable. My official prediction is Red, although he may sport the blue to represent the color of his political party.
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.
ikea faucet installation how to: something you need to know
Oh Ikea… how do I love thee? I could go on forever counting the ways. For me, there is something cathartic about putting together your cute furniture, and a sense of accomplishment that comes along with it that is unlike most other things in this world. HOWEVER (and that is a BIG however), occasionally, you [...]
