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Page 1: The Gentleman's Guide to Cool - Paul Giles
Page 2: The Gentleman's Guide to Cool - Paul Giles
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THEGENTLEMAN’SGUIDETOCOOL:Clothing,Grooming,EtiquettePaulGiles

PublishedbyClassicAuthorandPublishingServicesPtyLtd.

ImprintofJoJoPublishing.publishing

Firstpublished2015

‘Yarra’sEdge’

2203/80LorimerStreet

DocklandsVIC3008

Australia

Email:[email protected]

Copyright©2014PaulGiles

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisprintedorvideopublicationmaybereproduced,storedin or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by anymeans(electrical,mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)without the priorwrittenpermissionofthepublisherandcopyrightowner.

Theinformation,views,opinionsandvisualsexpressedinthispublicationaresolelythoseof the author(s) and do not reflect those of the publisher. The publisher disclaims anyliabilities or responsibilities whatsoever for any damages, libel or liabilities arisingdirectlyorindirectlyfromthecontentsofthispublication.

JoJoPublishing

Editor:JulieAthanasiou

Designer/typesetter:WorkingTypeStudio(www.workingtype.com.au)

NationalLibraryofAustraliaCataloguing-in-Publicationentry

Creator:Giles,PaulAntony,author.

Title:TheGentleman’sGuidetoCool:clothing,grooming&etiquette/PaulGiles.

ISBN:9780994275585(eBook)

Subjects:Men’sclothing.

Groomingformen.

Fashion—Socialaspects.

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PortCampbellPress

Digitaleditiondistributedby

PortCampbellPress

www.portcampbellpress.com.au

eBookConversionbyWinkingBilly

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Thisbookisdedicatedtomymumandbrothers,whoraisedmeandguidedmetowardaprivilegedlife.

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CONTENTS

MYSTORY

CHAPTER1:KnowYourselfFirst

YOURWAY,NOTTHEHIGHWAY

Developingyourownstyle

ITTAKESALLSHAPESANDSIZES

Dressingforyourbodyshape

TRUECOLOURSSHININGTHROUGH

Choosingtherightcolours

ACTYOURAGE,NOTYOURSHOESIZE

Dressingyourage

WHENSIZEDOESMATTER

Knowingyourexactmeasurements

JUSTGOIN’TOTHESHOP

Keyshoppingtips

CHAPTER2:YourWardrobeEssentials

WARDROBEDNA

The12essentialwardrobeitems

IFITSUITSYOU

Choosingtherightsuit

IT’SALLINTHEJEANS

Buyingjeans

MR.T

ChoosingtheclassicT-shirt

WARMASTOAST

Thecoat

JACKETS35

Sports,blazer,denim

REBELWITHOUTACAUSE

Theleatherjacket

IFTHESHOEFITS

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Shoes

RUNFORREST,RUN

Thesneaker

SOCKITTO’EM

Socks

REGGRUNDIES

Theimportanceofunderwear

CHAPTER3:Accessorise

DEADHEAT

Thetie&howtotieit

THINKOUTSIDETHESQUARE

Thepocketsquare&howtofoldit

BELTUPTIGHT

Therightbelt

LAYERUPONLAYER

Layeringyourclothing

SCARFTHEORY&KNOTS

Scarves&howtotiethem

YOUCANLEAVEYOURHATON

Choosingahat

IT’SINTHEBAG,MAN

Choosingtheclassic,versatilebag

INVESTYOURMONEYWISELY

Buyingawallet

TIMEISTICKING

Choosingawatch

RAISEYOURGLASSES

Therightglassesforyou

THEFAMILYJEWELS

Men’sjewellery

CHAPTER4:DressandActfortheOccasion

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DADRESSCODE

Dresscodeetiquette

FIRSTDATE,CHECKMATE

Dressingforafirstdate

ANIGHTTOREMEMBER

Preparingforanightout

BUSINESS&PLEASURE

Tipsforsocialbusinessevents

THEWEDDINGPLANNER

Weddingetiquette

BUDGIESvs.BOARDIES

Speedos,shortsorboardies?

CHAPTER5:WardrobeMaintenance

CLEANERTHANSQUEAKY

Washingtips

NOSTAIN,NOPAIN

Stainremoval

IRONOUTTHEKINKS

Ironingtips

PACK,STACK&RACK

Storingyourclothes

PACKINGMYDACKS

Packingclothes

KEEP’EMMEAN,CLEANWITHASHEEN

Cleanit,storeitforlongevity

CHAPTER6:Grooming

SMOOTHASSILK

Theperfectshave

BADBREATHBLUES

Treatingbadbreath

HAIRRAISINGIDEAS

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Haircare

SCARYHAIRY

Removingunwantedhair

HELPINGHANDS&FEET

Hand&feetcare

CLEAN&DRYUP

Theimportanceofdryingyourself

FACIALFURRING

Facialhairtosuityourface

EVERYBODYSWEATNOW

Sweatingtips

WAKEUP&SMELLTHEROSES

Choosingtherightscent

ALLYEARROUND&ROUND

Winterroutine

STRANGERTHANFICTION

Groomingmyths&oldwives’tales

CHAPTER7:TheKeystoConfidence

YOUDAMAN

Theimportanceofconfidence

LADIES&GENTLEMEN

Beingagentleman

SCENTOFAWOMAN

Buyingheragift

ROMANCINGTHESTONE

Femaleetiquette

STARTATTHEEND&BEGINATTHESTART

Starting&endingtheday

ONYOURMARKS,GETSET,GO!

Nevertoolatetofeelgood

IT’SALLINTHEPLANSTAN

Planningyourtime

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STRAIGHTASANARROW

Thebenefitsofgoodposture

THEMIDASTOUCH

Stressrelief

SHAKE,SHAKE,SHAKE

Thegentleman’shandshake

THE20RULES

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MyStoryIgrewupinthe1970sinEastBentleigh,thenatoughworkingclasssuburbofMelbourneabout 18 kilometres south east of the central business district. Themen aroundme allmade their living in factories, on building sites or working for the Government. Thestandard uniform for bothwork and play in East Bentleighwas flannelette shirts, bluesingletsandHardYakkapants.Fromanearlyageitwasinstilledinmethatbeingamanandbeinginterestedinfashionwerecompletelycontradictory.AttendingsecondaryschoolatMoorabbinTechmeanthavingdirt underournails, greasyhair andbattle scars fromschoolfights.Anyinterestinclothing,letaloneanygroomingroutineconsistingofmorethanvelvetsoapandacut-throatrazor,wasseenassissy.

Bymylateteens,obsessedwithgirlsandgoingoutonFridaynights,IquicklylearnedthatthetimeIspentonmyappearancethroughclothingandgroomingpracticesbroughtgreatrewards.Ibegantoobserveguysfromdifferentsuburbswhotookthetimeandeffortin their appearance. The clothes they wore were different; their hairstyles crafted andstyled,thingsneverseeninourneighborhood.Eventheshopsintheirpartoftownweredifferent;clothingstoresandwindowdisplayswithmannequinswearingcolorful,tailoredandmodernattire.Irememberridingmybiketotheseshopsanddiscreetlylookingfromeveryangleandviewpointforhours.Inthesepartsoftowntheguyswouldwearalemon-colouredjumperwithababyblue-colouredshirtcoupledwithgreencords.Girlsadmiredtheireverymove.Theseguysweren’tcalled‘poofters’forlookinggoodandIwantedtobelikethem.Iwouldhappilycatchthetrainintothecityandwalkforhourstolookatthestoresandseewhatwas‘in’andhowoutfitswereputtogether.Iwouldscourovereveryadvertising campaign on route and soak up as much visual information about men’sfashionaspossible.

As my interest in fashion grew, I observed people in movies, music videos andmagazines with great attention. I noticed men of status, respect and popularity paidattentiontotheirclothing,appearanceandphysique.ThemovieTopGunexposedme toleatherbomberjacketsandaviatorsunglasses—twoitemsIstillweartoday.AnOfficerandaGentleman showedmehow to be cool and comfortable aroundgirls and to treatthemwithold-fashionedvaluesandrespect.Inmusic,Wham!showedmehowstyledhair,polishedwhiteteethandasuntancouldalsobeamalething.DuranDurantaughtmehowtoexperimentwithclothing formore formalevents likeweddings.OnTV,HappyDaysrevealedtheAmericanIvyLeagueCollege-look,whichhashadalastinginfluenceonme,whileMiamiViceexposedme toquality Italian tailoring,smartsummerdressing,pastelcolours, linen, loafers and no socks. Looking back, thesemovies and TV shows had ahugeimpactonmydevelopmentthroughoutmyteenageyearsandbeyond.

Addedtotheseinfluencesweremytwoolderbrothers,whowerebothbuildingcareersin AFL. By following them around the football grounds I went from my localneighborhoodtonewareaswayacrosstown,whichbroughtnewpeople,places,stylesandideasintomylife.Whenmybrothersstartedtogetwellpaidintheirfootballcareers,theystartedtoexperimentwithclothesaswell.LikeanyyoungerbrotherIsecretlytriedontheshirts and jackets they brought home, desperately looking forward to the daymy bodywould fill out and the clotheswould fit properly so I could borrow them.Hanging outaroundmenfive to tenyearsolder thanme turnedout tobeabrilliant learningcurve. I

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realised by having the confidence to create their own individual style and to separatethemselves from the rest of thepack, thesemenearned respect andpopularitynot onlyfromtheirpeers,butmoreimportantlytome,fromwomen.

In1987IwasoutofhighschoolandworkingfortheMoorabbinCityCouncil.DuringthecoldermonthsIwasagardenerandduringthesummermonthsIworkedasalifeguardatMoorabbinpool.WhenamatesuggestedIvisitamodellingagency,Ithoughthewascrazy. I guess the by-product ofworking as a lifeguardwas a suntan, fit physique andhealthyappearance.

Tomygreatsurprise,withintwoweeksofmyfirstinterviewIwasonaplaneboundforTokyo. I’dswappedmyswimmingshorts for jeans,aviatorsunglasses,whiteT-shirtand linen jacket—aTomCruisemeetsDonJohnsonmeetsFonziesortof look. Itwasquite a contrast sittingpoolsideoneweek toworking ina cityof10millionpeople thenext.

AsanewmodelIhadtoshowupateighttotenjobcastingseveryday.LikeatanyjobinterviewIhadtoshowtheclientwhyIwasthebestcandidate,whichinvolvedshowingmy portfolio of photos, trying on clothes and acting out the role required for theadvertisingcampaign.Lookhappyandcool.Lookrichandsuccessful.Lookmatureandin love.Look funky,athletic, adventurous, andenergetic.MysuccessdependedonhowwellIpresentedmyself,howIcarriedmyselfandhowgoodI looked.ImusthavebeendoingsomethingrightbecauseinmyfirstweekI landedamagazinecoverthatchangedmy life.TARZAN had a circulation of fivemillion readers. Its previous cover identitiesincluded sports stars Carl Lewis andMike Tyson, and actorMickey Rourke. Over thecourse of several months I stayed in Tokyo, working for designers such as YohjiYamamoto and IsseyMiyake,where I learnt the importance of clothing fit, colour andstyle.

AyearlaterImovedtotheUS,commutingbetweenLosAngeles,ChicagoandNewYork toworkwithgilt-edgedclients includingCalvinKlein,RalphLauren,GAP,Nike,DKNY and Hugo Boss. I was featured in catalogues, television commercials and onbillboards. Whilst working amongst the best designers, photographers and stylists, Iobservedand learnt the importanceof aesthetics andhowcolours, textures andpatternscouldbemixed,matchedandincorporatedintoacompletelook.Iobservedhowexpertsintheircraftcombinedthesetocreateclothingoutfits,props,backdrops,settingsandmoodsto create fascinating billboards, magazine advertisements and television commercials. Iwasgettingpaidtoobserveandlearnwhatcouldnotbelearnedthroughtextbooks.

Over the next four years I commuted between the US and Tokyo before returningbrieflytoAustraliaforSABA,SportscraftandAdidascampaigns.AfterthatIfocusedonmagazine and television work in Europe, the US, Japan and New Zealand. Eventuallyrelocating to Sydney, I worked with David Jones, Myer, Country Road, Marcs andMorrissey, and had a regular contractwith a television games show before startingmyownfamilyandchangingdirection.

HowIcanhelpyou

“Withconfidence,youhavewonbeforeyouhavestarted.”

—MarcusGarvey

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At 5 feet 10 inches tall with hair like wire I was not the stereotypical male modelmeasurements and attributes needed to succeed in an industry based on appearance.TocomeupagainstmeninjobcastingswhowerefromEuropeanbackgrounds,whohadtheperfectdimensions,chiselledfeatures,darkskin, thickhairandathletephysiquesshouldhavebeenintimidatingandembarrassing.

ButIwasneveroverawedordiscouragedasIhadtheself-knowledgetoovercomemypersonalflaws,andthisgavemetheconfidencetocompetesuccessfullyinanextremelycompetitiveindustry.IlearnthowtopresentmyselfsoIlookedtaller,fitterandhealthierthanmycounterparts.Igotjobafterjobandenjoyedaglobalcareerlastingtwodecades.

Knowingyouhavefullygivensomethingyourabsolutebestwillallowyoutohavetheconfidencetodoanything.Ihavewitnessedfirsthandhowifyoupresentyourselftothebestofyourabilityyourmindsetchanges,yourappealbroadens,andgoodthingsstarttohappeninyourlife.

Intoday’sworlditisalmostexpectedthatmenbesuccessful,strong,positive,healthyand confident. A perfectly run machine with the answers to all of life’s hiccups, thewisdomtolookafterthefutureandprovideanidyllicandsereneenvironment,allwhilebeingadmiredandrespectedbyfamilyandpeers.Inaperfectworldthisishowwewouldall liketoliveourlives,andI’mheretotellyouguysthatwecan.Thebestandeasiestway to begin this process is to know yourself and present yourself accordingly to theworld.

Womenhave lotsof informationavailable to themabouthow todress, how to lookafter theirskin,andmattersofetiquette,but itseemstomethere’snotmucharoundformen.Ithinkit’sjustasimportantmenhavethesameopportunitytolearnhowtoprojectthebestpossiblesideofthemselves.Today’stechnologymakesittooeasyforusguystobecomparedandjudgedagainstmenfromabreadthofcategories,fields,occupationsandlifestyles.Withthesecomparisonsitiseasytofeelinadequateandinsecure.Weknowit’stheperson inside thatmattersmost,but like itornotweare judgedfirston theoutside.Onehas tobe lured to thedoorbefore itcanbeopenedandexploredon the inside.Onthoseoccasionswhenyoudowearasuitordressmoreupmarket,haven’tyounoticedthedifferenceinthewayyouareseenandtreatedcomparedtowhenyouweartrackiesanduggboots?

Your image is the perception people take from your appearance,manners, etiquetteandposture.AccordingtooneHarvardUniversitystudy,55percentofawoman’sopinionabout you is based on theway you look the first time shemeets you.You never get asecondchancetomakeafirstimpression.

The information I have put together in this book has been accumulated overmanyyearsofpractical experience.With a few simple skills andknowledgeofhow the rightclothes, accessories, routines and practices can enhance your image and personal style,youwillhavetheconfidencetoachieveanythingyoudesire.Weallhaveabodywithtwoarmsandtwolegs,sowhynotmakethemostofthemandwearthecorrectclothestobethebestmanyoucan.It’seasy.

InthisbookIsharewithyouthetoolstocreateanimagethatreflectsyourpersonalityand style, and enhances your confidence. A first impression of a man who’s classy,

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elegant, courteous and fun to be around is something that’s in your power to buildyourself.

Using this book you can put together a versatile, practical and effective wardrobe,learntocoordinateyourclothes,dressforanyoccasionandlearnsomesimplegroomingtechniques.

Toreachthetopthefirststepsareoftenthehardest,buttheconfidenceladderisworththeclimb.

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Chapter1:KnowYourselfFirstYourway,notthehighway:

Howtodevelopyourownstyle

ItstillamazesmeeverytimeIgoshoppingthatIseealargepercentageofwomenselectand decide what their man should or should not wear. Far too many men have gonethroughlifehavingtheirstyledictatedtothembytheirmothers,thenbytheirgirlfriends,andthentheirwives.

Ifyou’venever takenashotatcreatingyourownstyle,agood time tostart isnow.Themost important aspect of developing your own style is remaining true to yourself.Thereareenoughstylesouttheretomakeeveryonecomfortableindevelopingtheirown,nomatterwhatage,size,demographicorsituation.

Tohelpdefineyourownstyle,agoodreferencepointistotakealookatpublicfiguresfromthemusic,movie,sportandtelevisionindustries.Observewhatmakesthemstylish,individual and cool. In particular, check out what and how they wear clothing andaccessories, what hairstyle they wear, how they dress for the occasion and how theyconductthemselvesasawhole.Ibeganthisprocessasateenager,andtodaystillobservewithgreatinterestwhatisgoingon.

Television,magazines, catalogues and the internet provide a plethora of images andinformation,butpleasedraw the linesomewhere,as these folk like todrawattention tothemselves.Youdon’t have to emulate themcompletely, just observe to gain ideas andstartingpoints.Takeone thingyoulikefromfivedifferent references,put itall togetherandcreateyourownindividualstyle.

Herearemytipsforcreatingyourownstyle:

Beyourselfandfeelcomfortable.Wearwhatyouthinklooksgood,notwhatothersthinklooksgood.

You should always feel comfortablewithwhat you’rewearing, so staywith itemsthatsuityourpersonalityandstyle,whilekeepingtheoccasionandsettinginmind.

Thekeytoindividualstyleisalwaystomatchittoyourpersonality,ageandpersonalfeatures.

Don’toverdoitorthinkexpensiveclothesaretheonlyanswerforstyle.

Haveago!You’vegotnothingtoloseandwillbemoreconfidentfortheexperience.

Ittakesallshapes&sizes:

Dressingforyourbodyshape

Whenbuyingclothes,theparamountruletorememberistobuygarmentssuitableforyourbodyshape.Nomatterhowexpensivetheclothes,ifthefitisnotright,notonlyhaveyouwastedyourmoney,butyoumaybeexacerbatingwhatyouareactuallytryingtohide.

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Fit, cut andcolourare the three ingredients tohelpyouchooseyourwardrobe— itdoesn’tmatter if you are large, skinny, short or tall, the followingbasic ruleswill helpguideyoutowardsabetterunderstandingforyournextpurchase.

Largemen

Bigmenshouldstayawayfrombaggyclothesbecausetheyaddweightandsizetoyourframe. Wear dark colours like black, navy, brown and grey, and avoid horizontal anddiagonal stripes. Vertical patterns and pinstripes will elongate your silhouette. Wearrelaxed-fit trousers and single-breasted jackets. Stay clear of turtlenecks and opt forV-neckjumpersandT-shirtsinstead.

Thinmen

Skinny guys should avoid very tight-fitted clothes and head-to-toe solid dark colours.Whites,creamsandpastelswillgivetheimpressionofbulkforupperbody,andacontrastbetween dark pants and a light topwill break up the beanpole look.Choose horizontalstripe patterns instead of vertical lines to give the impression of broadness. A double-breastedjacketwillalsoaddwidth.

Shortmen

Menlackingheightshouldsteerclearofstarkcolourcontrastsbetweenthetopandbottomhalf,andchoosecoloursfromthesamefamilytogiveafluid,elongatedimpression.Thisiseasyenoughwhenyouwearasuit,sincethejacketandpantsaremadetomatch.Formorecasualwear, choosebluedenim jeanswithadarkblue top, andkhaki shortswithneutralearthycoloursontop.Chooseakeycolourandmixitwithslightvariationsofthathue.

Alsostayawayfromlargeprintsandoptforthinverticalstripesinstead.Avoidheavytwill fabric for jackets and ensure pants are tailored with a plain hem and no cuff ortapering. I followed these tips throughoutmy career and looked and,more importantly,felttwoinchestaller.

Tallmen

Ifyou’re tallyoushouldexcludebothoversizedand tight-fittingclothing,aseitherwaywill give the impressionofhaving awkwardandgangly limbs.Contrasting colourswillhelpbreakupyourlongline,sopairdifferentcolouredshirtsandpants.Wearingstraight-leggedtrousersandjeanscoupledwithwidebelts,anddouble-breastedjacketswithwideties,willhelpbalanceproportions.

Truecoloursshiningthrough:

Choosingtherightcolours

Wearing the rightcolourswillmakeyou lookhealthier. Itwillnotonlyhelpmakeyourskinglow,butalsobringyourfeaturestolife.Ontheflipside,thewrongcolourscanmakeyoulookdraborwashedout.

Here are a few general guidelines to help you determinewhich colours bestmatchyourfeaturesandskintone.Menwithdarkskin,brownhairandbrowneyeslookbestinbrightcoloursanddifferentshadesofwhite,duetothecontrast.Sapphireblue,rubyred

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andboldcolourssuchasorangeandgreenarealsogoodchoices.

Menwithanolivetomedium-tonedskintone,blue,greenorhazeleyes,andmediumtolighthairshouldchooseearthytonessuchasbrown,olivegreen,camelandivory.

Menwithlightfeaturesshouldchoosecoolercolourssuchasgrey,paleandnavyblue,greenandkhaki.

Toplayitsafeusetheabovecolourmethodologyinthecoolermonthsforitemssuchasshirts,V-neckjumpers,scarvesandbeanies.Onlyasmallamountofyouridealcolourtoneisrequiredtobringoutyourfeaturesandenhanceyourskintone.

Regardlessofyourskintype,eyeandhaircolour,keepinmindthatyoucanrarelygowrongwithbasic colours such as black, grey, navyblue, brownandmost earthy tones.Thesesolid,dependablecoloursareperfect forouter layerssuchascoats, jackets,pantsandknits.Choosingclassiccoloursisagoodideastyle-wise,astheyareeasytomixandmatch, and their timeless nature makes them the practical choice, long-lasting andpromisesvalueformoney.

During the warm weather, blue skies and sun-baked skin lend themselves toexperimentingwithstylesandincludingmorecolour.AbreadthofcoloursareavailableinalltypesofT-shirts.CrewneckandV-neckaregoodoptionsfortheunder30-year-olds,withpoloshirtsthepickforallagegroups.Thepoloshirtcomesinanarrayofcoloursforallskintypesandgivesamoredressed-uplook.

Shorts come inanassortmentof colours, styles andpatterns.Theboard shortofferseveryprintandpatternimaginable,sochoosewisely.Oneboldpieceofcolouredclothingcan be eye-catching and very noticeable, but more than one and you run the risk oflookinglikeaneoncasinosign.Ifyouchoosetowearcolourfulshorts,putonaplainshirttogowithit.Andifyou’reinthemoodforacolourfulshirt,pairitwithplainshorts.

To incorporate a little fun, individuality andcolour toyour attire, consider colouredbelts,watchbands,thongs(flipflops)andsunglasses.

Actyourage,notyourshoesize:

DressingyourageDressforyourage.Not theageyouwishyoustillwere.Not theageyou’llonedaybecome.Nomatterwhatbrandofclothingorhowexpensiveitmightbe,a50-year-oldmandressing likea20-year-oldandviceversa iswithoutdoubt thebiggestindividualfashionmistakeanymancanmake.

Twenties

Menintheir twentiesoftenhaven’tfiguredouttheirownstyleyet—theytendtodressliketheirmatestofitin.Youareinyourprimeinregardstophysiqueandsuppleskinsoexperimentbutensureyougetclothesthatfit.

Lose the logos and invest in somequalitypieces to seeyou through, like a tailoredblazerandagoodqualitydressshirt.Thatspecialpersoninyourlifewillappreciateyourindividualityandcreativity,plusyouwillstandoutfromyourmates.

Twentiesstyleicons

Therearecurrentlyplentyof ‘style icons’ in their twentiesyoucan look to for ideason

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classic, individual dressing. For example, Zac Efron progressed from the teeny bopperimageofwearingbaggy,ill-fittedjeans,runnersandwaistcoatstoastylish,gentlemanlywayofdressing.Wearingclothingthatfithisbodycorrectlychangedeverything.

English rapperTinieTempah is an example of someonewhohas the perfect eye inmixingclassictailoringwithasportsedgetocreatehisownstyle,andhehasagreateyefor detail. He starts with the bottom half by combining dark-wash denim and retroinfluencedfootwearandbuildsthetopwithtailoredlayerssuchasvests,patternedshirts,slim-linedblazersandbowties.

Thirties

Once you hit 30, it is time to develop your signature style and to dress well for alloccasions,bothworkandsocial.Avoiditemsthatwilldrawattentionandmakeyoustandout from the crowd, such as slogan T-shirts, sporting team colours or fluorescent andshinnysportswear.

Toadvanceyourcareer,purchasequalityoverquantity.Moveawayfromthehigh-topsneakers, shabby jeans and surf attire. If you dress casually, be prepared to be treatedcasually.Darkstraight-legjeans,chinos,poloshirtsandloaferswillgiveawell-groomedprofessionallookwithouttryingtoohard.Thebestinvestmentisabespoke(individuallypatternedandcrafted)tailoredsuit.

Thirtiesstyleicons

DavidBeckhamisthemostinfluentialmanontheplanetwhenitcomestoallthingsstyle.He is a continuing and evolving trendsetter showing the way with a perfect balancebetween formal, business and casual wear. He continually stays on top of trends, andcreateshisownbywearingitemsoutofcontextandbreakingall thestylerules.Hehasnowfoundtheperfectbalanceofbeingstylishwithoutbeingtoometrosexualinhisdress.

RyanGoslingisagreatmodelforchange,progressingfromawkwardlyfittedsuitsandteenagegraphicteestosleek,precisetailoringandacoolcasualstylewithhisowntwist.Hecomplimentshisslim,athleticbuildbykeepingtheaccessories toaminimum.Heissimplisticandminimalistinbothhiscasualandformallooks.

Forties

Menintheirfortieshavetofindabalancebetweendressingtooyounganddressingtooold.Ifyoutipthescaleseitherwayitcouldgiveoffthedreadedimpressionofamid-lifecrisis!Themost important thing to remember is to look for reputable brands in simplecolours,withagoodcutthatflattersyourbodyshape.Choosequalitymaterialsanddon’tover-accessorise. It is better tohave12versatile quality items than30 trendypieces.Awatchisagreatinvestmentpiece.

Fortiesstyleicons

Daniel Craig always looks comfortable and classic without losing his masculinity orindividuality.He realised the importance of clothing fit once he reached the age of 30,evolvingfromanoversizedjacketandpleattrouserstoasleekandtrim-fittingstylish40-year-old.

BradPitthasanaturalabilityinregardstodress-sense,andhasnevertriedtoohard,

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whetherheisinathree-piecesuitorcasuallyridinghismotorbike.Hisfashionchoicesarerefreshinglydown-to-earth,ashestayswithinaneutralpaletteanddarkhuesandavoidsostentatiousprintedpieces.

Fifties

Once you hit the big five-O, nothing less than very smart-casual is acceptable,rememberinglessismore,plainisgoodandqualityisthekey.Dressforyourbodyshape,ensuring a perfect fit.Avoidbright primary colours and staywithdark and earthyhuesinstead.Also avoid sneakers, obvious gold chains andSpeedos.Ahigh-quality, tailoredtrenchcoatisyourbestinvestment.

Fiftiesstyleicons

George Clooney, admired by men and women alike, always wears investment qualitypieces, andmade notwearing a tie cool.Hewears the basicswithout all the bells andwhistlesbycombiningtailoredblacksuitsforformalevents,andgraychinoswithwhiteT-shirtsforhisdowntime.Healsomadetheno-fussclothingandhairstylescool,ishappybeing50yearsyounganditshows.

SteveMcQueengavetheall-Americanlookaruggededgebywayofsunglasses,slim-cut tailored suits, sport coats, zip-up windbreakers, chinos, V-neck jumpers, shawl-collaredcardigansandpoloshirts.Hewasthe‘KingofCool’forareason.

Whensizedoesmatter:

Knowingyourexactmeasurements

Knowing your exact clothing measurements is one of the most valuable pieces ofinformationforsavingyoutimeandmoney.

Whethershoppingonline,browsing thesale rackorplacingorderswithfriendswhoareheadingoverseas,knowingthissimpleinformationisinvaluable.

Thefollowinginstructionsdescribehowtomeasureyourselfcorrectly—that’susingaclothingmeasuringtape,notabuildingmeasuringtape,guys—andinturn,determiningyourcorrectsizingforbothclothingandfootwear.

1.Chest

Wrapthetapemeasureunderyourarmpitsandaroundthebulkiestpartofyourchestandshoulderbladeswithoutflexing.

2.Neck

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Measurearound thebaseofyourneck,a fewcentimetresbelowyourAdam’sapple.Toensureextracomfortandroom,sliptwofingersinsidethetape—thiswillgivetheshirtanaturallookifyourtopbuttonisdoneup.

3.Sleeve

Hold your arm straight out from your side and ask someone to measure from yourshoulderjointtoyourwristjoint.

4.Waist

Wrap the tape measure around your torso where you would normally wear a belt,approximately four centimetres below your navel. Don’t pull the tape too tight— youshouldbeabletoplaceafingerbetweenyourbodyandthetape.

5.Inseam

Togetanexactmeasurementthisisachievedmoreeasilywithtwopeople.Verycarefully,place the top of the tapewhere your leg begins up near the ‘family jewels’ region andmeasuredowntotheanklebone.

6.Outerseam

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Holdthetapeatthetopofyourwaistbandontheoutsideofyourlegandhavesomeonemeasurethedistancetothebottomofyourankle,orwhereyoulikeyourpantstoend.

7.Foot

Whilstwearingsocks,placethetapeonthegroundandstandonit.Allowanextrathumb-widthfromyourbigtoetotheendoftheshoeforcorrectfitandcomfort.

Measure and record in both centimetres and inches, as USA, Asian and Europeansizingareindifferentformats.Ifyourweightfluctuates,itwouldbebesttotakethetimeto measure yourself before every shopping adventure. Take the time to know thisinformation,ascorrectfitisthekeytolookingyourbest.

Justgoin’totheshop:Keyshoppingtips

Formostmen,shoppingforclothescanbeapainfulexperience.Thethoughtoftryingonnumerousitemsofclothingforanewsetofthreadssoundslikeachoretomostguys,whoshoponlyoutofpurenecessity.Withtimeacommodity,afewsimpletipswillhaveyouinandoutinnotime,andlookingamillionbucks.

Beforeyouevenhittheshops,scanningthelatestfashionmagazinesandwebsitestofind out what’s in style each season will give you a clearer picture of what you mayrequire. Take note of styles, colours and fabrics, as this will reduce aimless windowshoppingtime.Knowingyourmeasurementswillhelpspeeduptheprocessbecauseyou’llbeabletopickoutgarmentsfaster,andyou’llalsobemorelikelytochoosearticlesthatfitrightthefirsttime,reducingtimeinthefittingroom.

Pick your time and place to go shopping.Avoid peak times, as crowds are the lastthingyouneed.Earlyweekendmornings are thebest time, and it’s also easier to get aparkingspace.

Beforeleavingthehouse,makealistoftheitemsyou’replanningtobuyandbeclearabouttheamountofmoneyyouwanttospend.Donotenterstoresorsectionsnotonyourlist—thiswillreduceimpulsebuys.

When entering a store, try to locate the itemsyouneed anddon’t allowyourself tobecomeoverwhelmedbyracksandshelvesfullofmerchandise.Staytruetoyourlistanddon’twaverfromthecolour,pattern,fabricorstyle.Bedecisiveandasksalesassistantsiftheyhavewhatyouneedinstockoriftheycanorderitin.

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Wearclothesonyourshoppingtripthatarepracticalandeasytochangeinandoutof,suchasaT-shirt,zip-upsweaterandsliponshoes,insteadofbuttonedshirtsandlace-upboots.Thiswillminimiseyourfittingroomblues.

Sales

Salesaretheperfecttimetobuildyourwardrobeforafractionoftheprice.

Hereareafewwaystosaveyoutime,moneyanddisappointment:

Knowyoursizinganddoyourresearch.Knowingyourmeasurementswillsaveyoualotofpain.Searchthestoreonlinefirst,orcalltoensuretheyhavewhatyouarelookingforandifthepricehasbeendiscounted.

Buyqualitynotquantity.Thisisthetimewhenhigh-endbrandsandproductsaremoreaffordable.Purchaseinvestmentpiecesthatarenottrend-based,buttimelessandofhighcraftsmanshipinstead.

Makealistandsetabudget.Donotimpulsebuyoroverspend,staytruetoyourlist.

Askyourselfifyouwouldbuyitatfullprice.Donotbeluredtobuyingstuffbecauseitischeap,unlessitisthenecessitiesofsocksandjocks.

Willyouliketheitemthistimenextyear?Stayawayfromfadsinthewayofpatternsandseasonalcolours.

Wear comfortable clothing such as drawstring pants, clothing with zips instead ofbuttonsandslip-onshoestomakethingseasierwhentryingonclothes.

Don’t rush to thecheckout. Ifyouareuncertainabout the item,holdon to itwhilstroamingaroundthestore.Puttingitbackontherackmayleadtodisappointment.

Onlineshopping

Onlineshoppinghasitsadvantages,butrequiresadegreeofcaution.Thereisalwaysthechanceyouwill bedisappointedwith thequality, fit or colour.By following these tips,you’llbeable toeasily find reputable retailersandhave the luxuryofbuyingspecialityitemsnotyetavailableinAustralianstores.

Herearemytipsforonlineshopping:

KnowyoursizeKnowexactlywhatsize, styleandfitofclothesyouare lookingfor.Measureyourwaist,chest,hips,inseamandarmlengthasexplainedearlierinthechapter.Bydoingthisyouwillminimisethestressofexchangeandrefunds.

ResearchandanalyseyoursellerSearch forwebsites that offer extensive information about the products they offer.Thebest,mostreputablewebsiteswill include in-depthsizing information,detaileddescriptionsofeachproductandhighqualitypicturesofeveryclothingitemoffered.

Checkyourshipping/mailingrateOne of the biggest complaints online shoppers have is the high cost of shipping.Ensureyoucarefully read thecostdetailsaccording to thesizeandweightofwhatyouarebuying.

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ReadtheFAQsandfineprintMost professional sites will offer a listing of FAQs (frequently asked questions).Thesequestions should answerbasic concerns about shipping rates, returnpoliciesand payment security. All reputable merchants have secure sites that protect thesecurity of your credit card and personal information. Look carefully for any fineprintorspecialtermsandconditions.

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Chapter2:YourWardrobeEssentials

WardrobeDNA:The12essentialwardrobeitems

Astrongfoundationisessentialtoanysoundstructureandyourwardrobeisnoexception.Tocreateaversatile,stylish,timelessandaffordablewardrobestartwiththese12basics,whichwillcovereveryoccasionandlifestyle:

1. Theclassicsingle-breastedsuitinadarkcoloursuchasnavy,greyorcharcoal.Wearthe jacketoverapoloshirtorbusinessshirtwith jeansorchinosforamorecasuallook.

2. Awhiteorpalebluebusinessshirtwornwithasuitorwithjeansorchinos.

3. Darkbluedenimstraight-cut jeanspairedwithabusiness shirt, polo shirtorwhitecrew-neckT-shirt.

4. Poloshirtsinblack,whiteorapastelcolourpairedwithchinos,jeansorkhakishortswithsneakersorloafersfortheweekend.

5. AV-neck jumper in a dark blue or brownover a shirt pairedwith jeans or chinosalwayslooksstylish.

6. Chino pants are the complete versatile essential, worn casual with a polo shirt ordressedupwithajacket.

7. BlackbroguesorOxford lace-ups are the suit staple, andaregood fordressingupcasualjeansorchinos.

8. Awhitecrew-neckT-shirtcanbewornwithjeansorshorts,orunderashirtforaddedwarmth.

9. Khaki shortswith a polo or business shirt combinedwith loafers are good for thewarmermonths.

10. Brownleatherloafersarethemostversatileshoe,atimelessclassicforalloccasions.

11. Greytrackpantsandahoodieasexerciseandloungegearisneverout-dated.

12. Accessorystaplesincludeablackandabrownbelt,stripedtie,blackbeanie,Panamahat,black,navy,whiteandgreysocks,metal-framesunglassesandcoloured(clean!)underwear.

Ifitsuitsyou:Choosingtherightsuit

Everymanshouldownatleastonesuit—andwithmyhelpitwillbetheperfectsuitforwork,weddings,funerals,partiesandeverytypeofoccasioninbetween.

PurchasingyournextsuitwithnothoughtbeforehandwillincreasetheriskofwastinglotsofmoneyandlookinglikeacrossbetweenPeeWeeHermanandMrBean,insteadofthedapper,powerfulandcharismaticmanyouare.Awell-fitted,stylishsuitexudesclass,confidenceandsophistication.Andwomenloveamaninagoodsuit.

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Youhavetwodifferentstyleoptionsinregardstothejacket:singleordouble-breasted.Adouble-breastedjacketoverlapsatthefront,whileasingle-breastedonedoesn’t.

The classic, simple look of the single-breasted jacket makes it the more versatile andfashionable of the two styles and a better choice for first-time buyers.Double-breastedsingle-breasted jacket jackets are generally more formal; however you will see manymensweardesigners and retailerspairingdouble-breasted jacketswithapairof jeans todress it down. Also remember that double-breasted jackets look best on long, leanphysiquesandcanmakeshortmenlookstouter.

When choosing a fabric, wool is your best option. It is themost comfortable,double-breastedjacketwrinkle-resistantandlonglasting.

Anotherplusisthefabric’sabilitytoabsorbmoisture;soonthosehotdayswhensuchattireisapre-requisite,itwillhelpkeepyoucooler.Inregardstocolour,anavysuitisthemostversatile,lendingitselftoallmannerofformalaffairs.Navyisalsothebestcolourtopair up shirts and ties. If you already have a navy suit, charcoal would be the nextalternative.

SuitTips

Herearemysuitsforbuyingtherightsuit:

Keepitsimpleandclassic;choosesuitswiththree-buttonsfordouble-breastedsuitsandtwo-buttonsforasingle-breastedsuit.

Keeptheshouldernaturalandstayawayfromtoomuchpadding.

Lapelstalk:asmall,high-notchedlapel,rightonthecollarboneisthemarkofagoodsuit.

Ensure the jacket is slightly fitted in the waist area, to give your body a more

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dynamicshape.

Avoid extra pockets and fancy stitching, as it will be out-dated before the secondwear.

Flat-front trousers aremoremodern and classic, but pleats are the best option forlarger-waistedmen.

It’sallinthejeans:Buyingjeans

Atrustypairofdenimjeansisthemostessentialandversatileiteminyourwardrobe.Butbuyingthemcanbethemostconfusing,frustratingandagonisingprocessforaman.Thedifferentchoices inbrands,cut, fit,wash, lengthandstyleareendless.And thereseemslikeahundredcutsfromboot-cut,slim-fit,relaxed-fit,skinnyandstraight,inwashesfromraw,acid,dirtytostone.

Denimoriginatedmorethan100yearsagoandwaswornbyprisonersaspartoftheiruniform.Todayjeansareastapleofeveryone’swardrobe.Eachseasonbringswithitnewtrends,treatmentsandfeatures.Mytipisnottogetseducedbythefly-by-nighttrends,andkeep your jeans simple and basic. Ageless brands provide value for money. Buyingsomethingripped,tornandalreadywornoutfor$500isnotmyideaofagooddeal.

Keepyourcoloursbasicandovertimetheywillfadeandgetholesnaturally,soyoucanbethesmartandcooloneforafractionoftheprice.Bootandstraight-cutjeansarethetimelessclassicsformostbodytypes.Ifyou’re thinhaveagoatslimandskinnyjeans,whilebiggerblokescantryarelaxed-fit.

Themostimportantthingtoconsiderwithjeansisthecut:

Boot-cut:Slim-fitjeanscutwithaslightflareareperfectformostbodytypes.

Relaxed-fit:Loosecutfromthewaistareperfectfortheheavierman.

Skinny:Ultraskin-tightjeansaregoodforthetwiggybodyshapes.

Slim-fit:Taperedbutnotform-fittingstylessuitthemedium-bodyshape.

Straight-cut:Classic,withadiscreetstraightleg,thisstyleissuitableformostbodyshapes.

JeanTips

Thesearemytipsforbuyingjeans:

Keepitsimplewhenchoosingcolour,aswashedtrendscomeandgoquickly.

Staywithold-schoolbrands likeLevi’s,Lee andWrangler, as theyaregoodvalueandwillagewell.ForaslongasIcanrememberWranglerandEdwinhavebeenmybrandsofchoice.

Whengoingshopping,takethetwopairsofshoesyouwillbewearingmostwiththejeans,soyoucanseewhattheylooklikewhentryingthemon.

Once you find the perfect pair, buy a pair each in dark blue, white, black and

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charcoal.

Alwayswashyourjeansinsideoutandhangtodryoutofthesuntoavoidfading.

Knowyoursizeandsearchsecond-handstoresforabargain.

Stayclearofembroideryandlargerearpockets.

Mr.T:TheclassicT-shirt

Ican’trememberatimeinmylifewhenIdidnotownaT-shirt,andIamsuremostmenare the same. I was fascinated by how someone like James Dean could look so coolwearing only jeans and a white T-shirt. Asmy intrigue and interest in fashion grew, Idiscovered his secret was the simplicity of a white crew-neck cotton T-shirt. Overmylife’sjourney,myT-shirtwearingtrendsandphaseshavecoveredallsortsofstyles.

Menunder25cangetawaywithanytypeofT-shirt.Thisincludescrew-neck,V-neckandslim-fitinanycolourandpattern,proudlydisplayinglogosanddesigns,symbolsandpictures that broadcast their favourite bands, brands, clubs and icons. This age bracketallowsyou to reveal andproudlydisplayyour likes and support forwhat andwhoyouadmire.

The25–35yearolds shouldavoidcomical slogans,wrestlerportraits andchauvinistrapartists,andkeep thesportingandsurf-wearbrands for theweekendattire.You lookcasualsobepreparedtobetreatedthesame.

Any age upwards of 40 should stay away from graphics, V-necks, button-ups andmuscleshirts,andmakecoloursandstripesthepointofdifference.Thiswillshowafunsideofyourpersonalityinacontemporaryandgentlemanlyway.

Fabrics,design,cuts,colours,shapes,logos,imagesandbrandinghaveallseentheT-shirt go through some changes, and I suggest we follow the changes as our age andphysiquechangetoo.

Nomatterwhatageyoufallinto,everymaleshouldhavethreestapleT-shirts:

1. Thewhitecottoncrew-neckgoeswithanythingandeverything.Justmakesure it’s100percentcotton.Fittedisgood,snugisagambleandtightisjustplainwrong!

2. ThegreycottonringerT-shirtfeaturesmoredetailaroundthecollarandsleeves.It’sperfectfortheweekendandasportsnecessity.

3. Thestylish,reliablepoloshirt.Chooseoneineitherabrightcolour(orange,yellow,greenoraqua),oronethatfeaturesstripesasthiswillportraysophistication,eleganceandeffort.

Ifyouwanttowearastatement,sloganorgraphicT-shirt,onlywearitinpublicifyoufeelcomfortableindoingsoinfrontofyourmotherin-law,bossandatschoolpick-up.

A lot of things look goodwith age, but T-shirts are the exception.Once underarmsbecomeyellow,theshapehasbeenlostandstainscan’tberemoved,it’stimefor‘outwiththeoldandinwiththenew’.MyfavouriteT-shirtisthewhiteHanescrew-neckandhasbeen part of my attire since I was 16-years-old. Whenever anyone I knew was going

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overseasIwouldplacemyorderforapackofthree.

Warmastoast:Thecoat

Duringthecoldmonthsofwinterthereisnobetterpieceofclothingtokeepthebodyandsoulwarmthantheindispensablecoat.Thedifferencebetweenacoatandjacketisthatajacketendsatthehips,whileacoatendsatthemiddleofthethigh.

Coatsingeneralaremanufacturedfromathickerfabrictoaddwarmth,whilstjacketsaredesignedmoreforlooksandattimeswindprotection.Whenchoosingacoat,thetwomost important things toconsiderare fabricand fit.Forwarmthanddurability,100percentwoolandwoolblendsarebyfaryourbestoption. Ifyou’reacoldfishandneedalittleextrawarmth,optforonethatalsohasathinlayerofthinsulate,gooseorsyntheticdownsewnintothelining.

To have you looking and feeling comfortable, choosing the perfectly fitted coat isparamount.Theruleofthumbistosimplymoveuponesizeoveryoursuitjacketsizeasthisallowsyoutomoveeasilywithoutthelayersbindingatyourshouldersandneck.Theshoulder seams should fall just over the edge of your natural shoulder, hence allowingnormalmovement,perfectsilhouetteandfabricdrape.

Purchasing a new winter coat will fall into one of three categories: the parka, theeverydayandtheformal.

Classicparka

The classic parka is best with casual wear, but can be worn with a suit briefly whenneeded.Justensureitislongerthanyoursuitjacket.Thisjacketwilloffermoreversatilityinanavy,charcoalorolivegreen.Limitthelogos,chunkyzippers,cordsandVelcrotabs.

Everydaycoat

Theeverydaycoatisamulti-tasker,whichcanbeusedsevendaysaweek.Itisupmarketenoughforofficeattireandaddsstyleandsophisticationtotheweekendoutfit.Thedufflecoatandthepeacoataretimelessclassics.

Dufflecoat

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ThedufflecoatgetsitsnamefromtheBelgiumtownofDuffelwheredouble-facedthickwoolhasbeenmadeforcenturies,butitwasn’tuntiltheBritishRoyalNavyoptedfortheuniform attire of coats manufactured from this fabric that the town became worldrenowned.Recognisablebyitswoodentogglefasteners,itwasdesignedfornavyseamenwithcold,frostbittenfingerstofastenthecoatwithease.Theoversizedattachedhoodwastoaccommodatenavalcaps.

Due to its history, it teams well with stripes, navy blazers, dark jeans and chinos,beaniehatsandthickcable-knitjumpers.Asforcolours,thedufflecoattendstolookbestinyourtimelessneutralsofnavy,black,brownandgrey,asitoftenhastodealwiththecoldelements.Darkertoneswillalsohideweatherstainsmuchbetter.Thesecolourswillnevergooutofstyle,andwillanchororcoordinatewithnearlyeveryotheritemyouhaveinyourwardrobe.

Peacoat

Thepeacoat, thedouble-breastedwoolcoatwithbroad lapels,hasbeenwornsince the18thcenturyandoriginatedfromthemaritimeaswell.‘Pea’derivesfromtheDutchword‘pij’,atypeofclothfortheearlyversionofthecoat.Thepeacoatlooksgoodonmenofallages.Ifyouareofmediumheight,avoidlongstylesastheywillmakeyoulookshorter.This classic coat has the ability to dress up a T-shirt and jeans or a checked shirt andchinos.Duetoitslength,Idon’trecommendwearingitwithasuit.

Intheend,thepeacoatisaclassicforareason—practicalfunctioncombinedwithgreat aesthetics. The simple, classic cut can be anything from casual to slightly dressy,keepingamanwarminallkindsofconditions.Itswoolmaterialwearswell,holdsuptoabuse,and isoneof the least intricate,butstylishcoatsevermade.Most importantly, itmakesamanlookgood.Thebroadshoulders,thinwaist,widecollaranddouble-breastedfrontmakeamanlookslightlybigger,stronger,andtallerthanhereallyis—abigplus.To this daywhenweather permits, I stillwearmynavypea coatwhichwas purchasedover20yearsago.

Chesterfieldcoat

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A formal coat is a ‘chesterfield’ named after the Sixth Earl of Chesterfield. It has nohorizontalseamorsidebodies,itcanbesingle-ordouble-breasted,andhasbeenpopularin awide variety of fabrics, typically heavierweight tweeds or charcoal and navy, andeventhecamelhairclassic.Ithasoftenbeenmadewithavelvetorfurcollar.Itisaformalcoatthatworksbestwithsuitsandtuxedos,andismostdefinitelynotyoureverydaycoat.Ifpurchasingaformalcoat,ensureitfitsoveratleastthetwoinnergarments,whichareyourshirtandsuitjacket.

Lookingafteryourcoat

Whatevercoatyoudecideontokeepyoutoastyduringwinter,ensureyoulookafterit,asitwilllookafteryou:

Hangyourcoatonawoodenhangerwithbroad-shapedshoulderpieces.

Brushitfrequentlytoremoveforeignparticlessuchasdustandlint.

Haveanystainsremovedimmediately—thequickerthebetter—aswoolstainscanseepdeepwithin.

Giveitasteameveryseason,eitherprofessionally,oratleasthangitinthebathroomwhilsttakingashower.

Onlyhaveitdrycleanedonceayear,preferablyattheendofthecoldseasonpriortostorage.

Whenstoringlong-term,placeinabreathablefabricbagwithacedarball.

Jackets

Sportsjacketandblazer

Theonesimilaritybetweenasportsjacketandblazeristhatneithergarmentcomeswithmatching pants. A sports jacket is generally made of a patterned material, such asherringbone, stripesor checksand isusuallymade froma seasonalmaterial like tweed,flannel,cottonorlinen.

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Traditionally,ablazerusuallymeansanythingwithpocketsandcomes in soliddarkcolourssuchasnavy,blackorgreywithgold,silverorfinewool-coveredbuttons.

Theterm‘sportsjacket’originatedfromthesportofhuntingwhilstexperimentingwithsports clothes.Menwere seeking comfort and status in their clothingby the early 20thcentury,andturnedtotheever-changingsportjacket.Itsrolewastoaddversatilitytoitspracticalsideby looking thepartasmenchattedat thegentleman’sclubafterahuntingevent.

Thesportsjacketasweknowittodayhasaverydifferentrole.

Theboldpatternsandheavyfabricmakeitimproperforbusinessorformaloccasions.Itisbestwornwithdenimjeansorchinopantsandpairedwithaplainnon-patternedshirtwithbothwhiteandlightblueworkingbest.

The blazer also derives from a sporting background, in the English cricket club scene.Originally the blazer was in club colours or striped with a crest on the breast pocket.Todayblazersareofferedinabreadthofstyles,whichofferthedetailedoptionsofaflaporpatchpocket,differentsizelapelsandbuttons.Keepitbasicandchoosethetraditionalnavy blue blazer, as it will offer themost versatility, practicality and stylewithin yourwardrobe.Alwaystrytocomplementthejacketratherthanwearingsomethinginthesamecolour.Forexample,weardenim,corduroyorchinopantswithacontrastinghuesuchaswhitejeans,browncorduroyandbeige-colouredchinos.

Whetherwearingasportscoatorablazer,thesameprincipalapplies—makesureitfitsyouproperly!Youwantittohugyourshouldersandfollowthelinesofyourbodyalltheway down to yourwaist.A good sports jacket or blazer shouldmake you stand upstraightandfeellikeawinner,nomatterwhatsportyouplay.

Denimtruckerjacket

I was recently asked what my favourite items of clothing were and I took no time inrespondingwith ‘mydenim jackets’.For as long as I can remember I have alwayshadone,andtodayhaveaccumulatedoverhalfadozen.Myrangeconsistsofdifferentshadesofcolourbuthasalwaysbeenloyaltothetried,trueandtestedoldschoolbrandsofLee,Wrangler,LeviandEdwin.

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Levi introduced theriveted jacket in1910.Therealdefiningmomentcamewith theintroduction of the trucker jacket aimed at long haulage drivers after both Lee andWranglerhadtheranchworkersmarketsewnupinthelate1950s.OnceagainHollywoodhad people of influence creating supply issueswith PaulNewman inHud andMarilynMonroeinTheMisfitswhenbothmoviesfirstairedin1960s.

Itendtowearthisiconpiecemostoftheyear.InwinterIliketowearitunderasportsjacket,peacoatorovercoat.Itaddsanunexpected,youthfuledgetoatraditionalshirtandcoat pairing.The darker and less distressed thewash, the easier it is tomixwith dressshoesandtailoredpants.InthewarmerclimatesIwearitasastandalonepiecematchedwithjeansofadifferentshade,chinosorcords.

Fit is important. Stay with old-school brands and keep it simple. Stay away fromsmokeandmirrordesigns,washes,bucklesandbuttons.

Justmakesureyour jacketandjeansareseveralshadesapart,otherwiseyouruntherisk of looking like a denim advertisement. Dark, crisp jeans, for instance, should bepairedwith a worn, light-coloured jacket. The shades or wash need to be significantlydifferenttogiveseparation.‘Doubledenim’asitisknownwhenonewearsdenimonthetopandbottomhalvesofthebodyhaslongbeenoneofmyfavoritecombinationstowear.I have done so for years despite it being frowned upon by some fashion critics. In thesummertimeIfindittheperfectweightwhenthetemperaturecoolsdown.PairwithanytypeofshortsandaplainT-shirtanddeckshoes,runnersorthongs,andyouarereadyforaction.

BingCrosbywasrefusedentrytoanupmarkethotelduringthe1950sbecausehewaswearingadenimjacket,soLeviStraussmadehimadenimtuxedo.Here-enteredthehotelaweeklaterandwasgrantedaVIPlifemembership.Longlivethepowerofdenim!

Rebelwithoutacause:Theleatherjacket

WhatdidMarlonBrando,SteveMcQueen,JohnTravoltaandFonzieallhaveincommon?Theywerethecooldudeswhomadeleatherjacketsiconic.Theytookthepunkandbikiestigma of the leather jacket to a new ‘cool’ with their respective roles in On theWaterfront,TheGreatEscape,GreaseandHappyDays.

Before these guys, the tough image of the leather jacket started with the leatherbomberjacketscreatedfortheUSAirForce.Theleatherkeptpilotswarmduringatimewhencockpitswerenotenclosed.Theoriginalleatherjacketswereconstructedtoactasasecondskinandprotectthebodynotonlyfromtheelements,butalsofrommajorcutsandbruises,whichwereapartofgoingtowar.

Due to its excellent resistance to abrasion and wind, as soon as motorcycles wereinvented most riders took to wearing heavy leather jackets to protect themselves frominjury. Top-quality motorcycle leather is superior to anyman-made fabric for abrasionprotection,whichiswhyitisstillusedinracingtoday.

TherearetwopointsIwouldliketomakeclearaboutaleatherjacket.Firstlytheyareoneofthefewinvestmentpiecesyoushouldbuy,andsecondlytheyaretheonethingyoushouldnever,everthrowout.It’safantasticitemtoanchorothertrendpiecesthatwillbeinforaseasonandthenoutthenext.

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Ifyou’reinthemarkettobuyanewleatherjacket,spendextraforhighqualityleather.Forversatilityandtimelesstrends,sticktothetraditionalblackorbrownleather.Ensureitis fitted and make sure it ends no higher than the top of your pants, without excessmaterialaroundthestomachandchest.

Itshouldhugyourshoulders,notslouchoffthem.Avoidallthebellsandwhistles;thisincludesdistressedleather,paddedelbowsandracingstripes.

Asleather isanaturalfibre itneedstobreathe,sostore it inacool,dryspacewhenyou’re not wearing it. Purchase a leather protector spray; it will help if any unwantedstainsoccur.

All fashion is cyclical and if youwere one of those guys that purchased the 1980sGeorgeMichaelshortleatherjacketcompletewithencrustedsilverstuds,thenhangtough,yourdaymightyetarriveagain.Whenitdoes,Iwillletyouknow!

Iftheshoefits…

Astheoldsayinggoes,“Youcantellthemeasureofamanbyhisshoes”.

Shoesareoftenthemostoverlookediteminaman’swardrobe,yetarguablythemostimportant.They say a lot about your personality and attention to detail, and canbe thedifferencebetweenlookingaverageorlookingimmaculate.

Durability,comfort,styleandsophisticationarewhatyougetwhenpurchasingahigh-gradepairofshoes.Goodqualityworkmanship,material,detailanddesignwillcomeataprice but is an investment when compared to the mass-produced cheaper counterparts,whichwillneedtobereplacedonaregularbasis.

Luxurious shoes are usually handmade, a timely process that can havemore than adozen people tanning, cutting and stitching to guarantee a flawless finish. This processwill ensure less machine manufacturing mistakes, coupled with a more detailed long-lastingfinish.

Buying quality leather-crafted shoeswill definitely help enhance aman’s image, aslowerpricedimitationsareassociatedwithalackofstyle,tasteandimagination—thingswhichwomenfindmostunattractive.Womenwillevaluateandmakejudgementsaboutamanbyviewinghisshoesastheyarethe‘handbag’oftheensembleintheireyes.

Due to the contrast it creates,poorquality shoes areverynoticeablewhenaman iswelldressed.Thereforeitisfarbettertohavefourpairsofqualityshoesthantenpairsofaverageshoes.Nomatterwhatelseyouarewearing,howgooditlooksandhowmuchitallcosts,poorqualityshoeswillhavethelastsayandwhatwillberemembered.Thereisnosubstituteforrealleatherandsuede,nomatterhowshinythevinylorplasticwhilstintheshoeshop.

Tobuildtheperfectstylishwardrobeforanyoccasionthefivetypesofshoestoinvestinare:loafers,brogues,monkstraps,wingtipoxfordsandboatshoes.

Loafers

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The loafer is a slip on shoe which has no laces, buckles or fastening features.Manufacturedfromleatherorsuede,theyresembleamoccasin-shapedtopandaflatheel.Someloaferswillhaveatasselorstraponthetopfordecoration.Everybitassharpasadressshoebuteasytoslipon,loaferscanbefoundinavarietyofstyles.Versatilityisthekey by offering the perfect compromise between dressy and casual. Team them withchinos,darkjeans,tailoredshorts,dresspantsandaslim-fitsuit.

Brogues

Broguesare recognisedby theirdecorativeperforated leatherand lace-up fastening,andcanbewornasanalternativetothedressshoe.Theirrenewedpopularitymeanstheyareavailable in a variety of colours and finishes, as well as the two-tone spectator stylecommonlywornbygangstersintheProhibitionera.Teamwithdresspants,darkdenim,tailoredshorts,asuitorevenatuxedo.

Monkstraps

MonkStrapsareamoredressed-uploafer,andaredistinguishablebyasingleordoublebuckle-and-strapclosureontheoutsideoftheshoe.Theyareelegantandwelldesigned,butnotsuitableforformaloccasionsorbusinessdespitetheleatherorsuedefinish.Teamthesewithacasualsuit,dresspants,darkjeansandchinos.

Oxfords

Oxfordsareasimply-designedlow-cutshoewhichlaceupthefront.Theyhaveflatheelsandthinsoles.Someoxfordshaveaseparatepieceofleatheronthetoeknownasa‘captoe’.The‘wingtip’ isarguably themostcommonofalloxfords.This is recognisablebytoe ‘brogue-ing’ that resembles a bird with its wings spread. Team these with double-breastedandpinstripesuits,tweedjackets,dresstrousers,chinosanddarkjeans.

Boatshoes

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Boatshoes,deckshoesortop-siders,astheyarealsoknown,areleatherorcanvasshoeswithrubbersoles.Theyaremanufacturedbyhundredsofdifferentcompaniesofferingahugerangeincoloursandslightvariationsondesign.Versatilityistheshoe’sstrength,asthey can be worn with short or long pants. Team with all type of shorts, linen pants,chinos,jeansandcargopants.

Caringforyourshoes

Whenowningshoessuchasthoselistedabove,propercareisnotjustaboutappearance,it’s also about preserving and adding life while protecting your investment. Withoutsufficientcare,leathercandryoutuntiliteventuallycracks,leavingtheshoeunwearable.

Alwaysuseashoehornwhenputtingonyourshoes.Thiswillkeepthebacksstrongandsturdy.

Trytowearyourshoesindryconditionsforthefirstfewoccasions.

Fineleathershoescanrequireafulldaytodryoutfromnaturalperspiration.Trytogivethematleast24hoursbetweenwears.

Trytoavoidexcessivewetting.Shouldthisoccur,alwayslettheshoesdrynaturallyawayfromdirectheat.Usenewspaperinsidetheshoetohelptheleatherdryout.

Yourshoeswillbenefitfromregularuseofagoodqualitycreamorwaxpolish.Thishelpstomoisturisetheleather,aswellastopreventcrackingandexcessivecreasing.

Tomaintainyourshoesingreatcondition,thefourstepsare:clean,condition,polishandwaterproof.

Startbyremovinganyexcessdirtwithagentleleathercleanerorsaddlesoapusingabrushtoeliminatedirtinthosehardtogetplaces.

Rubonasmallamountofleatherconditioneruntiltheshoehasanevenappliedcoat.Wipeoffanyexcessafterafewminutes,astheshoewillonlyabsorbwhatitneeds.

Applythecorrectcolourshoepolishandbuffoffwithasoftclothorapantyhose.

Waterproofyourshoeswithaspecificwaterproofingagent,butwipetheshoeslightlywith a warm sponge beforehand to make the shoe more porous and improve itsabilitytoabsorbtheproduct.

Youwillbe judgedbyyourshoes,so take the time to findaqualitypair thatsuitsyourstyleandlifestyle,andthenlookafterthem—theyarewortheverycentandbitofcare.

RunForrest,run:Thesneaker

Sneakersorsandshoesofyesteryearwereonlyrequiredaspartofaman’sexerciseattire,and themore colourful and flashy theywere, the faster theywent (or so I thought). In

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today’sfast-pacedtimesweneedtoinvestinatleasttwopairsofsneakers—theexercisepairandtheversatilecasualpair.

Exerciseshoesshouldprovidesupportandcomfort,whichisbestachievedbycorrectfittingfromanexpert.Sportsshopstodayofferaservicetoensurethecorrectsneakersarechosenforyourheight,weight,andmostimportantly,yourgait.Ifyourfeetturninwardsoroutwards,thecorrectsupportandcomfortintheshoewillbeessential.

Acorrectly-fittedathleticshoeisanecessitytoyourphysicalwellbeingandcomfort,andyouwillkickyourselfifyoudon’tdoit.Youwilldiscoversomeexerciseshoeslookbetter suited to a futuristic space mission than a jog in the park, but some of thosecolourful-lookinghipfeaturescanalsoserveapurpose.

Exerciseshoesareprobablythemostimportantpieceoffitnessequipmentyou’llbuy,so it’s imperative to choose the right pair.Ensureyour sales assistant is knowledgeableandtheygothroughthecorrectproceduretogetthecorrectshoeforyourweight,gaitandamount of activity intended. Speciality running shops offer a great service by viewingyourrunningstyleandlandingpattern,thensubsequentlyselectingtheperfectshoe.Thisiswellworthit.

Thecasualpairneedstobecomfortable,versatileandlookgood.Herearesometipstoensureallthreebasesarecovered:

Hightopshaveslowlymadetheirwayontothestreetsagain,butifyouareovertheageof16donotevenattempttowearthese.

Choose thebasic, low-cut lace-upwithout anyoffensivecolours andglitz— theseelementscanbeaddedthroughaccessoriessuchasscarves,acolouredpoloorstripedtie—best tokeep thewheels simple.Onebasiccolourgoeswitheverything fromjeansandchinostoshorts.Youcandressupthelookwithablazer,orkeepitclassiccoupledwithapoloshirt.Colourssuchasnavy,neutral shadesandwhiteoffer thebestvalue.

Invisible ankle socks or very low-cut socks are the best option. Once you haveunnoticeablesocks,feelfreetogoforapairofchinosorjeanswiththecuffsrolledup.ThislookcanbeanalternativetoaleatherdressshoeonacasualFridayattheoffice.It’stheperfectwaytokickofftheweekendalittleearlierandgostraighttoafter-workdrinks.

Steer clear of over-designed casual shoes—keep thembasic and simple.Aswithsneakerskeepthefootwearsimple,ifyouwanttoaddneedcolourtoyouroutfitthendosowithascarf,pastelpoloshirtorstripedtie.

Sockitto’em

You may only think of socks at Christmas when the mother-in-law very thoughtfullypassesover thebeautifullywrappedstandard three-packasyour regulargift.This smallandwhatwethinkofasan‘unseen’necessitycouldbetheculpritthatspoilsaperfectlyconsidereddapperoutfit.

Tomake sure your outfit does not fall into this category, cast your eye over these

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basics:

Socksfallintothreecategories:dress,casualandsports.Themostcommonmistakeiswearingsportsocks(oftenwhite)withcasualanddressoutfits.Wecanoftenforget thateachtimewesitdown,atleasteightcentimetresofsockwillbeseen.Whitesocksarebestleftforoutdoorsportingactivitiesandshouldnotbepulleduptomaximumlength.

Whenwearingdressorcasualpants,thecolourofyoursocksshouldbedictatedbythecolourofyourpantsandnotbytheshadeofyourshoes.Blackpantsshouldgowithblacksocks,andbrownpantswithbrownsocks.

Thereasonitisimportanttomatchsockswithpantsisthesockexposurewhensittingdown.Co-ordinationwillgiveamorefluidappearance.

Once you have the basic sock-matching, you can incorporate subtle patterns andcolours.BythisImeanifyouarewearingablacksuitwithblackshoesandaredtie,tryblacksockswitharedpattern.Remembersubtletyisthekey.

Whenwearing jeans, staywithdark-colouredsockssuchasnavyandcharcoal.Andfor therecord,noveltysocks,socks inbedandsockswithsandalsare justnoton—noexceptions!

RegGrundies:Theimportanceofunderwear

Iwasblownawaynotlongagowhenreadinganarticlethatstatedmentakeeightyearstoreplacetheirunderwear.Guys,thatisonebadhabitandarealcrooklook.Onceyour‘RegGrundies’haveahole,losetheirelasticity,becomefrayed,arestainedornolongerfit,itistimetomoveon!JustbecauseyouthinknoonewillseethemorGrandmawillgiftwrapapackofsixinprimarycoloursforherusualbirthdaygift,takeownershipnowanddon’tbecomeastatistic.

Youshouldhaveatleasttenpairsofundiesonhandatalltimes.That’soneforeverydayof theweekplus twoadditionalpairs forweekendnightsandanother throwninforgoodmeasure. Find a brand that’s comfortable andmakes you feel confident, and thenstockup.

It’s also important to have an assortment of underwear for various activities.Briefsprovidetherightsupportforalmosteverysituationfromworktoplay,butsometimesyoujustneedtosetthingsfreecomebedtimewithalooser-fittingboxer.Whateveryouwear,justensuretheyarewornnolongerthan12hoursandarewashedaftereverywear.

Call itwhat youwant, ‘living large’ or ‘hanging loose,’ but opting out of undies isneveracceptableunlessyouaresleeping.Weallknowwhattheconsequenceswouldbeofnothavingthatextra layerofmaterialbetween‘thatarea’andthemetalfly.There isanabundanceofunderwearstyles,makes,cuts,coloursandbrandssopleasejustensureyoupurchaseonaregularbasisandkeepthemconcealed.Showingyourundieslogobandwassemi-coolintheearly’90s,buttheyarebesttuckedaway.Livebythemotto,‘thebetteryourunderwearlookson,thegreaterthechancesomeonewillwanttotakethemoff’.

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Chapter3:Accessorise

Deadheat:Thetieandhowtotieit

It is amazing the amount of power a piece of material five centimetres wide and 50centimetreslongcanhave,andwhatthatmaterialsaysaboutyourpersonality,professionandpersonalstyle.Iamtalkingaboutthetie,or‘deadheat’asIsometimesrefertoit.Justwearingatiedoesnotautomaticallyenhanceyourstatus,butchoosingtherighttiecanbeanimportantsteponyourroadtoriches,whetherwork-orpersonally-related.

Thestaplewhiteorpalebluebusinessshirtoffersthemostversatilitywhenmatchingwitha tie.Solidcoloured ties likenavy,charcoal,burgundyandblackare thesafestbetwhenpairingwithblue,greyandblacksuits.Solidsarestriking,elegantandclassywhentheyaremadeofgoodmaterial,ofwhich,puresilkisbyfarthebest.

Donotbeafraidtopairyourtieandshirtindifferentshadesofthesamecolour,suchasnavyandpaleblueorcharcoalandgrey,as the subtlecontrastgivesacontemporaryandelegantlook.

When in a business environment and needing an edge in a presentation, a solidcrimsontiehasthebiggestimpactinpeople’smemories.

Whenincorporatingstripesintothemix,asageneralrule,youcanwearastripedshirtwith a striped tie, but ensure the stripes aren’t identical in size. When wearing thiscombination,make sure at least one colour in your tiematches either your suit and/orshirt. Avoidwearing a striped shirt with a striped tie and a pinstriped suit as youwillresemblethe100metresathletictrackwithsomanylines!

Thesameprinciplesapplyforacheckpattern,makesurethereisacontrastinchecksizeandonecolourinthetiematcheswiththeshirtorsuit.

Thesafestbetinregardstowidthforatieisaround7.5centimetres,andanythinginthisvicinitywillalwaysbeinstyle.Trendsforskinnytiesandwidetieswillcomeandgo,butit’sbesttoexperimentwithcoloursandpatternsandleavethesizingtothesportsstars,rappersandrockstars.

Agoodtraitforaqualitytieisonethathasbeencutacrossthefabric.Thiswillallowthe tie to fall straight down after the knot has been tied. It’s best to stay away fromflashinglights,cartooncharactersandsportsemblemsifyouneedtobetakenseriouslyorifyou’reattendingaweddingorfuneral.

TieKnots

Herearefourclassicknotssuitableforbusiness,personalandspecialoccasions:

DoubleWindsor

Thisisawidetriangularknotusuallywornforformaloccasions,butbeingall-purposeitisalsoappropriateformeetingsandinterviews.Thistypeofknotlooksbestwornwithashirtcollarconsiderablycut-away.

Hereishowitismade:

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1. Drape the necktie around your collar and start with the wider end extendingapproximately30centimetresbelowthearrowend,thencrossitover.

2. Wrapthewideendaroundandbringitupandover, thenthroughtheloopbetweenthecollarandthetie.Pullitdowntowardsthefront.

3. Curlwhatisleftofthewideendbehindthenarrowend.

4. Bringthewideendbackupagainthroughtheloop.

5. Putdownthroughtheloopandpullaroundacrossthenarrowendasshown.

6. Bring thewideendupand tuck it through the loopa third time, thenbring itbackdowntothefront.

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7. Pull down on thewide end carefully to tighten.Draw up the knot snugly to yourcollar.

8. Finish your knot by tightening it; you will see the start of a dimple forming.Manipulate the dimple to make it noticeable, as it adds depth and character toan otherwise drab flat surface.Make sure your collar falls nicely all around, and

centretheknotasbestyoucan.

Four-In-Hand

Thisquick,easyandhighlypopularknotcanbewornforalloccasionsbutisbestsuitedtoamorecasuallook.Itworksbestwithwidetiesmadefromheavyfabricsandshouldbewornwithatab,button-downorregularspreadcollar.

1. Drape the necktie around your collar and start with the wider end extendingapproximately30centimetresbelowthenarrowend.Crossitover.

2. Wrap thewideendunderneath thenarrowend.Continuebybringing thewideendbackoverinfrontofthenarrowendagain.

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3. Pull thewide endup and through thebackof the loop.Hold the front of theknotloosewithyourindexfingerandpassthewideenddownthroughtheloop.

4. Completetheknotbytighteningit.

Half-Windsor

Thelittlebrotherof theWindsor, theHalf-Windsor isamediumtriangularknotsuitablefor more formal settings than the Four-In-Hand. It can be worn for any occasion, iscompatible with standard shirt collars, andworks best with somewhat wider tiesmadefromlighttomediumfabrics.

1. Drape the necktie around your collar and start with the wider end extendingapproximately30centimetresbelowthenarrowone.CrossthewidersectionoverthenarrowendtoformanX-shape.

2. Bringthewideendupthroughtheloopandthenbackdown.

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3. Wrapthewideendbackaroundtothefront.

4. Swingitbackupthroughtheloopagain.

5. Carefullypullthewideendallthewaythroughandtightentheknot.

6. Hold the narrow end, push up the knot, and tighten it snugly around your collar.Manipulatetogetthedimple.

Pratt(Shelby)Knot

Thisknotwasoriginatedinthelate’80sbyJerryPratt,whoworkedfortheUSChamberofCommerce,butitwasmadeinfamousbyMinneapolisnewsanchorDonShelby.A92-year-oldviewerwhowasdisgruntledwithShelby’satrociouson-airtieknotsshowedhimhowtotiethenewknot.

1. Startwiththetieinsideout,frontsidetowardyourneckandwideendonyourright,30centimetreslowerthanthenarrowend.

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2. Take thewide end over and under the narrow end and through the loop to form aknot.

3. Pullbothendsaparttoensuretheknotistight.Takethewideendandpullitacrosstotheright,coveringyourfirstknot.

4. Pullthewideendundertheloopoftheknot.

5. Dropthewideendthroughthelooptoformtheknot.Tighten,creatingthedimple.

Thinkoutsidethesquare:

Thepocketsquare&howtofoldit

Asimple,stylishandinexpensivewaytogofromdrabtodapperisapieceoffabricinthetop jacketpocket—betterknownas the ‘pocket square’.Whenadded toanoutfit, thissmallaccessoryallowsmentoexpressthemselvesandvarytheirlookwithouthavingtospendtoomuch.

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ItissaidthepocketsquareoriginatedwithEnglishandFrenchnoblemen.Theycarriedperfumed and embroideredhankies in order to cover their noses from the stenchof thestreets andotherpeople.Thankfully,we21st centurymensmell like roses so theyonlyserveanaestheticpurposethesedays.Donotuseittowipeorblowyournose!

A pocket square is best made of silk and can be patterned or solid in colour. Thegeneral guideline is that your pocket square colour should complement some colour onyourtie,so ifyour tiehasahintofgreen,chooseapocketsquare insolidgreen.Nevermatchyourtiecolourorpatterncompletely,asitwilllooktoostructuredandobvious—likeyouaretryingtoohard.

Youdonotneedtowearatietowearapocketsquare;infactapocketsquarecanbeagoodsubstituteforatie.Itaddsenoughdetailandindividualcreativityforanyoccasionthatisnotblacktieorformal.Apocketsquarecanbewornanumberofways,whichallcomesdowntopersonaltaste.Herearefivesquare-foldingtechniquestoseeyouonyourway:

TheFourPoint

1. Layyourpocketsquareflatwithonecornerfacingupandonecornerfacingdown,soitisadiamondshape.

2. Foldthebottomcorneruptomeetthetopcorner.

3. Foldthebottomcorneruptothetop,justtotheleftofthetopcorner.

4. Fold the left side towards the right, and up to the right of themiddle point of thecrown.

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5. Turn the pocket square around and adjust the points of the crown. Place in yourjacketpocket.

TheOnePoint/Triangle

1. Laythepocketsquareflat.

2. Folditinhalflengthwise.

3. Folditagainfrombottomtotoptoformtheperfectsquare.

4. Movethesquaretomakeadiamondshape.Foldtheleftcornertothemiddleofthediamond.

5. Foldtherightcornertooverlaptheleftfoldjustalittle.Foldthebottomcornerbacktoshowthelasttwofolds.

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6. Tuckintopocket,exposing3–4centimetres.

TheSquare/Presidential

1. Layyourpocketsquareflat.

2. Foldtheleftsideovertherightside.

3. Foldthebottomup,justshortofthetop.

4. Flipitaroundandtuckasneeded,andplaceinyourjacketpocket.

ThePuff

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1. Laythepocketsquareflat.

2. Pinchthemiddleofthepocketsquareandpickitup,lettingithangnaturally.

3. Forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger, clasp the hanging square at themidwaypoint.

4. Fold up the excess material below the hand, and stuff inside the jacket pocket,revealing2–3centimetres.

TheTVFold

1. Laythepocketsquareflat.

2. Folditinhalflengthwise.

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3. Folditagainfrombottomtotoptoformtheperfectsquare.

4. Movethesquaretoformadiamondshape.Foldthebottomcornertothetoptoformatriangle.

5. Foldtheleftcorneroverjustpastthemiddle.

6. Foldtherightcornerovertooverlap.

7. Foldthetopcornerdowntoformtheperfectsquare.Flipitovertohidethediagonal

folds.Placeinjacketpockettoreveal1–2centimetres.

Beltuptight:Therightbelt

Thebeltisthemostoverlookedaccessory,butanabsolutenecessityinaman’swardrobe.Don’t spend big bucks on your professional and casual wardrobe, but then neglect theimportanceofwhatabeltcansayanddo.

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Everymanshouldownfivebelts:ablackandabrown,a formaldressbeltand twocasual belts. Formal dress belts are around thewidth of your thumb and have a glossyfinish.Thecasualbeltiswider,typicallyinamattefinishandinvaryingtextures,stylesandmaterials.

Thesimplestruletofollowwhenwearingaformaldressbelt is that itshouldbethesame colour as your shoes.Casual belts allowmore flexibility,which iswhy I suggesthaving two. A brown or tan belt around four centimetres wide will offer the mostversatility.Whetherpairedwithsneakers,bootsorcasualshoes,atancolourwillcoveralloptionsinthecasualwearstakes.

Foramorecolourfulandindividuallook,astripedcanvasbeltistheperfecttouch.Itprovidesagreatwaytobreakupanoutfitinacoolwaywithoutbeingtoonoticeable.

Top5BeltTips

Hereare5simplethingsyouneedtorememberaboutbelts:

Leavethebling,beadsandbigfancybucklestothegirlsandcowboysattherodeo.

Neverwearaformaldressbeltwithjeans,oracasualbeltwithformalpants.

Ensure your belts are of good leather, or youwill have to replace them regularly.Groovemarks become prominent and are highly noticeablewhen you need to useanotherhole.Whileonholes,neverpunchyourown.It’slikecuttingyourownhair—highlyobvious.

When buying a belt, measure your waist and go one size bigger. Don’t make themistakeofnotwearingabelt;youarenotfullydressedwithoutone.

Onlywearabeltwithshortswhengolfing,sailingorattheretirementvillage.

Layeruponlayer:Layeringyourclothing

Whenthecoolerweatherisuponusitmeansgreyskies,coldwinds,runnyrednosesandstoringthosebelovedboardiesforthenextthreemonths.Thepositives?Rainontheroofwhenyouarelyinginbed,aroaringfireandlayeringclothes.

Layering is dressing in numerous garments, which are worn over each other forpractical or aesthetic reasons. There are no ruleswhen it comes to layering, but a coldclimate lends itself to three layerswhenitcomes toshowcasingyourpersonalstyleandregulatingbodytemperature.

Yourfirstlayershouldactlikeasecondskin:acottonsingletorwhiteT-shirt.Secondlayers, such as a shirt, provide additional insulation, leaving a little of the first layer topeekthrough.

Athirdlayerprotectsyoufromtheelementsandpullsyourwholelooktogether.Thisisthemostimportantlayersinceitisthemostvisible.Theeasiestwaytolayeriswithablazerjacket,buttherearemanyotheroptionsaswell,suchasvests,cardigansorV-necksweaters.

Animportantruletorememberistoavoidlarge,bulky,oversizedgarmentsaltogether.

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Thepurposeof layering is tocreateawarm,sophisticated look that isbothsmoothandcomplementary.Layeringpiecesthataretoobigortoobulkywillonlydefeatthepurpose.

When layeringyour look,startwith lightweight fabricsunderneathandheavieroneson top.When wearing layers, you should build gradually in terms of weight from theinsideout.Thiswillhelpwithwarmth,comfortandthefinishedlook.Alwaysbewaryoflayeringmultiplepatternslikestripesandcheckstogether.Wearcomplementarycolourstobalancetheoverallappearanceoftheirfinallook.Usingthismethodensuresallthelayersin theoutfitwork together.Thebest layering tip forcasualclothes inwinter is touseahoodieasasecondlayer,asitlookscoolunderajacketandthehoodcomesinhandyforwarmthandwindprotection.

Accessoriessuchashatsandscarvescanaddcolourandvibrancy toawinter’sday,butensuretheyareplainifyourouterlayerisbusyandpatterned.Don’tbeafraidtowearascarf—justmakesureitisappliedthecorrectwaywhichIdiscussinthenextchapter.

Scarftheory&knots:Scarves&howtotiethem

Notonlydoscarvesservetheobviouspurposeofkeepingyouwarm,theyaretheperfectaccessorytoaddlifeandindividualitytoyouroutfit.

Whenmatchingascarftoyouroutfit,ensureeventheslightesthintofcolourcanbefoundelsewherewithinyouroutfit.Alsorememberonlyoneboldpieceperoutfit,sogoeasyonthepattern,textureandcoloursifyourjacket,shirtorhatisplayingthestrikingcentrepiece.

Staywithnaturalfibreslikemerinowool,alpaca,pashminaandcashmereforwinterwarmth.Forwarmerclimatesstaywithsilk,cottonandlinen.

HowtoWearaScarf

Herearethefourmanliestwaystowearascarf:

TheParisian

Placethescarfinbothhandsandfolditoverlengthwise.Drapeitaroundyourneck,insertthelooseendsthroughtheloophanginginfrontofyou.Pulltheendsthrough.

TheOnce-A

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Placethescarfaroundyourneckallowingoneendofthescarftobelongerthantheother.Takethelongendandbringitaroundyourneckandletitfalloveryourchest.

TheLoosey

Thesamerulesapplyasabove—justletithanglooselylikeyouhavebeenalittleshortoftimetofinishitoff.ThisisacasualversionoftheOnce–A.

TheTwice-A

Startasyouwouldwith theOnce-A,butmakesureoneendof thescarf issignificantlylongerthantheother.Takethemuchlongerendandcircleitaroundyournecktwice;dothiswithoutmakingtheknotlooklikeyouarebeingstrangled.

Youcanleaveyourhaton:Choosingahat

Imustconfessmyinterestinhatshasincreasedrecently,notonlybecauseoftheclimaticbenefits and environmental precautions, butmore so sincemyown ‘hair hat’ dwindled,recededandslowlyvanished.

Hats are the perfectway tomix up a lookwhile providing all thewarmthor shaderequired.The fashion ofwearing hats, popular during the ’30s to ’60swhenmenweresharplydressed, isslowlymaking itswayback invogue,soI thought itbest topassonsomehatadviceforyouluckymenwithlong,thicklocks—andforthosewithout.

Mytopfivepicksareasfollows:

Aflatcapandnewsboyhatcanbeassociatedwitholdermen,butwhenwornwithcasualclothingsuchasadenimjacket,varsityjacket,hoodieorwindcheateritoffersagreat style and look.AHarrisTweedpatternor agreycheckwill offer themostvarietywhenpairingwithcasualclothes.

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Whentheoccasiontodressuparrives,thewalkinghatisallclassandstyle.Itisthelarger cousin of the fedora hat and came to prominence in the iconic film TheGodfather.Itisbestpairedwithasuit,tieandtrenchcoat,withblackthebestcolour.

Abeanieisamust-haveitem,andthejack-of-all-tradesinthecoolerweather.Bothfitted and slouchy beanies can be worn with any outfit, offering individual stylethroughcolourandpattern.Myonlyadviceisnopom-pomsorfootylogos.

AgoodstrawPanamahatisamustforthesummermonths,offeringstyle,comfort,protection and an all-round classy look. This hat can be worn with suits, casualclothing at a barbecue, shorts and at the beach. Use a coloured-band around theoutsideofthehattosuityourownindividualstyle.

A cap is a necessity for outdoor house chores and when exercising. There is aplethora of caps available in various materials, colours, logos, styles and shapes.Wear one that is comfortable andnot toooutlandish.Whenbranded, ensure it is abrandyouliketobeassociatedwithandkeepthelogotoaminimum.Donotattempttowearitlikearapstar.

HatEtiquette

Always remember that the correct hat etiquette is to remove itwhenever you’re inside,partaking in the national anthem, being photographed and at all introductions. Onceremoved,holdyourhatinsuchawaythatonlytheoutside(neverthelining)isvisible.

It’sinthebag,man:Choosingtheclassicbag

What oncewas considered only a female accessory has now become a necessary style

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accessory for men. This is mainly due to the ever-increasing list of items and gadgetsrequiredwhenleavingthehouse.Thebagisbackandithascomea longwaysince theinfamous‘manbag’ofthe’80s.

Herearesixstylishoptions forbusinessandcasual tohelpease theburden,and forthatmatter,theverybadlookoffullpockets.

Briefcase

The briefcase is probably the most traditional and ‘acceptable’ form of bag for men.Modernbriefcaseshaveevolvedagreatdealsincethedaysofyourgrandfather’swiththesecret combination lock. The use of high quality leather and coloursmake this a greatoptionforthosewhoworkinanoffice.

Messenger

Themessengerbagmadefromcanvasorleatherandswungacrosstheshoulderhastakenonawholenewmeaning inmale fashion. Its laidback stylewill alwayshave a classic,casuallookwithahintofbusinesssophistication.

Holdall

The holdall is for those weekend getaways or three-day trips. No more cumbersome,heavysportsbags,itsdesignisinspiredbytheduffelbag,butitsmostlyleatherexteriorandmorerefinedappearancecontributetoaclassiclook.Itisapracticalall-rounder.

CameraBag

Thecamerabagisasmallerversionofthemessengerbag;goodforanymanonthego.Itisadiscreetbutseverelystylishwaytolugaroundyourbelongings.

Tote

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Thetoteisthehipapproachtotheclassicbriefcase,andisthepinnacleincasualbusinessattire.Itsbasicdesignandusuallysoftleatherexteriorallowsitaclassicstatus,whileitslonghandlesgiveitacontemporaryedge.

Newsboy

Thenewsboybagisaclassicstylesynonymouswithmen’scasualwear.It’ssimilartothemessengerbagbutlessformal,asitismadefromcanvasmaterial.Thisbagstyleisperfectforeverydayuseandisthebackpackoftoday.

ForanumberofyearsnowIhavehadabrownleathermessengerbag.Insideyouwillfind the communication necessities required today, plus a pad and pen, a packet ofchewies,ahandkerchiefandtwobandaidsforthoseunexpectedlittleemergencies.

Investyourmoneywisely:Buyingawallet

ImustconfessIwasalwaysmoreconcernedwithwhatwasinsidemywalletthanhowitappeared from theoutside,untilwhat I thoughtwouldbeaquick ‘inandout’ shoppingexperience to purchase a new one. I suddenly realised that size, material, colour,compartments and logos are all important when searching for this often overlookednecessity.Agoodwalletnotonlyhasplentyinit,butshouldmakeiteasyforitsownertolocatetheirmoneyandcards,beeasilyaccessibleandproperlyorganised.

Walletsarenotareflectionofyourfashionsense,butwithalittleresearchandtimeitispossible tobepractical aswell as fashionable.Sinceyourwalletwillonaverage lastthreeyears,whynotpurchaseaquality,stylishone?

Whether sporty or more traditional, wallets are available in fashionable styles andcolourswithenoughvarietytosuiteveryone’staste.

Themorecasualsportywalletisusuallymadefromlightweightnylon,twill,vinylorrubberinanassortmentofcolours,shapesandsizes.TheclosuremechanismisgenerallyVelcro or a zip. Surf brandsmade this type of wallet their own due to the waterproofmaterialandthecasuallook.High-enddesignerbrandshavealsojumpedonthetrendwiththistypeofstyle,butmyadviceistokeeptheflashylogotoaminimum.

The more traditional wallet is generally made of leather, which comes in varyingshapes and sizes. Themost traditional and timeless option is the bi-fold wallet, whichconsistsofeightcardslotsplustwoflatpockets,whichshouldbesufficienttocarryallof

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yourimportantcardsandhardearnedcash.Thisstylecanalsobepurchasedasatri-foldifyouneedmorespace.

Emptyyourwalletweeklyofallunnecessaryreceiptsandstubs;athickwalletinthebackpocketisnolongerasignofexcesscash.Itriedthisforyearswhen$1and$2noteswerearound—a$20anda$50eithersideofthebigbunchworkedinthe’80s,orsoIthought.NowIfindmyloosechangeisagoldmineforthekids.

The sporty-typewallet is best for activemen, brown leather for theoutdoorsy type,andblackleatherfor thecorporate type.Stayawayfromtoomuchblingandlogos;payextraforqualityleatherandworkhardtokeepitfullofthefoldingstuff.

Timeisticking:Choosingawatch

Forthosewhohaveagiftcertificate,someleftovercash(halfyourluck)orjustwanttospoilthemselveswhentheChristmaspresentstheygotwerenotuptoscratch,agooditemtoinvestinisawatch.

With everyone carrying a mobile phone, why buy a watch? Because it is aninvestment,astatement,andistheonlypieceofjewelleryamanneedstowear.

A man’s watch can give us a peek into his character, style, taste, personality andbackground, so it’s best you take the time (no pun intended) in choosing the right one.Onlyaselectfewcanbeinthemarketforapremiumwatch,butwecanallhaveabetterunderstandingofthem.

Ananaloguewatchhasafacethatholdshourandminutehands,andeithernumbers,markersorRomannumeralsthatdisplaya12-hourday.Itisconsideredformal.

Anotherelementthatseparateswatchesishowtheyarepowered.Digitalwatchesarepoweredbyanultra-smallbattery.WitheitheranLCDorLEDfacethatdisplaysthetimeinnumeric form.Digitalwatchesarebetter teamedwith casual clothes.Quartzwatchesare analoguedevices that runon a tiny, vibrating, electrifiedquartz crystal.Mechanicalwatchesarepoweredbyacomplexarrayoffinely tunedparts.Thesewatchesareat thehighendofthepricerangeduetothecraftsmanshipinvolved.

Inrelation tocolour,silverwatchesmatchbestwithblacks,greys,silversandblues.Ideally you shouldwear them at night.Goldwatches gowith browns, beiges, tans andotherearthtones.Thesearebestwornduringtheday.

Nomatter the type, styleor colour,yourwatch should fit firmlywithout leavinganimprintonyourwrist.

I boughtmy Seiko divingwatchwith a black plastic band formy 21st birthday inTokyoaquarterofacenturyagoand it stillworks, soqualitywillwithstand the testoftime.

WatchTips

Herearemytoptipsforwearingawatch:

Awatchshouldbewornsecurely.Itisnotabracelet.

There is a difference betweenwaterproof andwater-resistant, don’t learn the hard

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way.

Don’texposeyourwatchtotheextremesofhotandcoldclimaticconditions.

Airoutleatherstrapwatcheseveryfewdayorruntheriskofsmellinglikeawetdog.

Similartoyourcar,watchesworksbestwhenserviced.Iwouldrecommendatleasteveryfewyears.

Raiseyourglasses:Therightglassesforyou

Regardlessofyourageorwhereyoulive,sunglassesarearequiredpartofeveryman’slife.Protectionisthemainpurpose,butthisaccessoryisalsoafashionstaple.

Choosingtherightshapeforyourfaceandframecolourforyourcomplexioncouldbethedifferencebetween looking likeBradPittorDameEdna.Thesesimple tips forbothspectaclesandsunglasseswillleadyouintherightdirection:

A round face is better suited to darker coloured frames. Stay with straight-anglerectangularorsquareframes.Thinmetalframesareanoption.

A square facewill balancebetterwith rounded frames to level out your face.Stayclearofrectangularframes,astheywillaccentuatethesquarenessofyourfaceshape.

Foratriangularfaceyouneedtodownplaythewidthatthetopofyourface,sothin-rimmedframesarebest.

Anovalfacehasmoreoptions,butstayawayfromnarrowframesastheycanmakeyourfacelooklonger.

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Tocomplementhaircolour,blondsarebettersuitedtoearthytonedframes.Menwithdarkhairhaveawidescopeandcanexplorewarmertoneslikebronzeandgoldforwinterandcooler tones like silver for summer.Redheads should avoid silver andgold coloursandchoosewarmerearthytonesliketortoiseshell.Grey-hairedmenshouldaimforpewterandmetal.

Theysay theeyesarewindows to thesoul,so take the time tochoosecorrectlyandensuretheyfitwell.Remember,theyarethefirstthingpeoplesee.

GlassesTips

Hereiswhatyouneedtoknowaboutwearingglasses:

Don’trotatethemupwardssothey’resittingontopofonyourhead.

Neverwearthemindoorsoratnight,unlessyouhavewonaGrammyaward.

Stayaway frompinkoryellow-tinted lensesunlessyouaregoing toa fancydressparty.

Ifyoudon’thaveacase,placetheminyourtoppocketwiththelensfacinginwardsforprotection.

Alwaystakeyourglassesoffwhenspeakingtoanyonewhoisn’twearingany(it’satrustthing).

My goggles of choice for years have been Ray-Ban aviators for everyday use andtortoiseshellPersolforthosespecialoccasions.

Thefamilyjewels:Men’sjewellery

Ifinditamusingandveryentertainingwhenwatchingmusicvideostoseethe155kilosofgold jewellery draped around a rap singer and his posse. In theworld of entertainmentwhereimageandbrandingaresometimesmoreimportantthanthecreatedsound,thislookisengineeredtopromotetheperceptionofwealthandsuccess.

Observingpeoplewhileoutforabitetoeatandamovierecently,IwasamazedtoseesomanymenemulatingRUN–D.M.C,50CentandLilWaynewithouttheMTVcameraspresent.Thegoldindustrial-sizedchainsaroundnecksandwrists,coupledwithringsthesizeofboulderswasextraordinary.

Thereisnobiggerrapfanthanmyself;mynewlyacquiredbeatcubeplaysrapalldayto thedelightofmykidsand the frustrationofmywife.Butguys, the timehasarrivedwheretheoftenover-usedsayingmustnowtakeeffect—lessismore.Whenitcomestomenandjewellery,minimalismisthekey.

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Apartfromthenecessityofawatchtotellthetimeandaddindividualitytoyourstyle,herearemysuggestions:

Rings:Anelegantbandwithnobellsandwhistlesinthewayofstonesorengravings,andoneringpertenfingers.

Bracelets: A chain around your wrist is just passable if it is slimline, elegant anddoesn’t clash with your watch. Beads and leather are OKwhen worn in a casualenvironmentbutnotwithformalwearorbusinessattire.

Necklaces:Simplicityisthekey.Aslimlinechainwithapendantcanbewornontheinsideofclothingatalltimes.BeadsandleatherarealsoOKifwornontheinsideofclothing,andwhenwearingshirtsthetwo-buttonruleapplies(thatis,onlyleavethefirsttoptwobuttonsundone).

Earrings and piercings:Leave it for the girls.Under no circumstances shouldmenhavepiercingsunlesstheyareunder20-years-old,singingatnightandsurfingduringthe day. Any man of any age not living that life, take them out now. It’s OK(advisable,even)tochangeyourstyleasyourlifeexperiencegrows.

Iwearawatchandaleather-and-beadbraceletoccasionally.Remember,however,thatwhat looksgood throughyoureyesmaynot seemso throughothers’.Ostentatiousgoldjewelleryisnotasignofwealth—itisgettingyouattentionforallthewrongreasons.

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Chapter4:DressandActfortheOccasion

Dadresscode:Dresscodeetiquette

The most common question clients ask me about is dress code. When that invitationarrives it can be daunting trying to decode the dress code. Black tie, formal, cocktail,loungesuit, smart-casual:whatdoes itmeanandwhatshould Iwear?Overdressingcanmakeyoufeeloutofplace,whilebeingunder-dressedcanappear rudeand thoughtless,andleaveyoufeelingalittleinferior.

Ifyou’reattendingaformaleventoryourinvitationreads‘blacktie’itmeansyou’rerequired to wear a tuxedo. Today’s fashion is more flexible than yesteryear. A blacksingle-breastedmodelwillbeappropriateformostblacktieevents.Ifyouwanttoappearmoreconservative,chooseadouble-breastednumber.Yourpantsshouldneverbecuffedand shouldalwayshaveablack satin stripeorbraid runningdown theoutside seam.Awhiteshirtwitha turn-downcollarcoupledwithablackbowtie is themostclassicandsmartensemble.Shoesshouldbeshinyblackandpairedwithapairofcleanblacksockstofinishlook.

Foraformaldresscode,asuitwithatiewilldojustfine.Darkcolourslikecharcoal,navyandgreywillbestfitthebill.Addapocketsquareforthatextratouchofelegance,makingsuresomecolourcanalsobefoundinthetie.

Cocktail and lounge suit events allow formore creativity, so feel free to add someindividualitytoyouroutfit.Lightercolouredsuitjackets,sportsjackets,fittedshirts—allwithnoties—willmeetthestandard.Iliketoaddabitofcolourwhenthisdresscodeappliesbywayofmyshirt.Ialsofinditaperfecttimetowearloafershoeswithnosocks.

Adarkpairofgoodjeansmaypassforsmart-casualinsomesocialenvironments,butIwouldplaysafeandgoforapairofchinoswithacasualshirt(tuckedin)orapoloshirt.

Alwaysensureyourbeltandshoesmatch, remember tobeagentlemanatall times,anddon’tforget tosneak$50into thebackof thewalletfor the‘maybe’cabridetogetyourselfhomesafeandsound.

Firstdate,checkmate:Dressingforafirstdate

Formostmen,the‘FirstDate’isanemotionalroller-coasterofnerves,fear,adrenalinandexcitement.Theseemotionsareamplifiedwhenyou’reabouttomeetthewomanyou’vefinallyhadthecouragetoaskout.Asthesayinggoes,“Younevergetasecondchancetomakeafirstimpression”.Weallknowourbehaviourandmannerswilldictateagreatdealastohowtheeveningwillgo—andwhatwillgetyoutoaseconddate.Butdon’tstartoffonthewrongfootbyshowingupinclothesthatfailtoimpress.

Thewayyoudressisanextensionofyourpersonality.Itshowsyourdatealittleaboutyourselfandthatyourespectherenoughtomakeagoodimpression.Itcanalsomakeyoufeelalotmoreconfidentandrelaxed,whicharethemostvitalfactorsinasuccessfuldate.

Preparationiskey,sochooseyouroutfitthepreviousday.Don’tdresstoocasuallyortooformally—goforasmart-casuallook.Don’tchooseanoutfityou’venevertestedout

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before.

You’re not supposed to look different— just amore upmarket version of yourself.Makesureyourclothesareneatandclean,asthissaysalotaboutyourpersonalhygiene,self-respectandabilitytotakecareofyourself.

Tailoryouroutfit to thevenue.Don’twearasuit toarockgigorarockT-shirt toafive-starrestaurant.Clothingcolourstoconsiderincludeblack,blueandearthytoneslikebrownorbeige.Unless it is hot andyouaregoing to thebeach, stay away frompastelcolours.Dressfortheweatheranddressonthehigherendofverysmart-casual.

You’reprobablygoingtotakeyourjacketoffatsomepoint,somakesureyourshirtisironed.AvoidT-shirtswithexcess slogans, logosorgraphics. Jeansandchinosare safechoices.Isuggestaqualitypairofdarkjeans(notdistressedorripped)withatailoredshirtandsportscoat.Thisoutfitissmartenoughfordinnerandcasualenoughforadrinkatabar.Womennoticeshoes.Makesureyoursarecleanandpolished.

If you decide to wear jewellery, remember less is more. A nice watch is probablyenough.

Arriveontime,don’ttalkaboutyourselftoomuchandbeinterestedinher.Ensureyoutakean interest inher life, job, familyandfriends.Talkingaboutherdreamsandgoals,and expressing yours could be a game changer,which she’ll respect.Bring up a funnychildhoodexperienceas itwillshowyoursofterside.Remember toopenalldoors,pulloutherseatand,mostimportantly,paythebillnomatterwhatyouthinkofher,asshemayhaveafriendwhoisMsPerfect-For-You.

Ifyouwanttofollowup,donotsendatextmessage.Callherthenextdayorthedayafterthat.Don’tleaveitanylonger.It’sbesttocallherintheeveningstraightafterworkhours. If she answers the phone, thank her for a great night, ask how she is, bring upsomething you learnt about her from the date, and then schedule a second date. If youreach her voicemail instead, thank her for a great night sounding confident andenthusiasticandaskhertocallyoubackifshehastime.

Anighttoremember:Preparingforanightout

ItispartoftheAustralianculture,topartakeinasocialdrink.Itisfun,relaxingandusedas a form of bonding when consumed in a sensible, balanced and appropriate way. IrememberwhenIwasatthelegaldrinkingageandmyMumsaidsomethingtome,thattothisdaystillringsinmyearswheneverIamenjoyingafewquietdrinks,“Pigsdon’tactlikemenwhen they’redrunk”,meaninggentlemandon’tgetdrunk.Theyarealways incontrolof themselvesand thesituation. Itcanbeonedrink that takesyoufromcool, tofool.Peergrouppressurecanbepowerfulandnoguywantstobeknownasboringorastickinthemud.Awaytogaintherespectofyourpeers,andbeappealingtothefemales,istobetheguywhoisfun,energeticandsocialbutalwaysincontrol.Bethefirsttolaugh,be spontaneous, interested and open to trying new things.You don’t have to be rollingdrunktobethatguy.

Watchoutforyourfriendsandbetheonetodiffuseanyuncomfortablesituations.Betheguywhoensureseveryonegetshomesafely.Yourmateswillbethankful,aswilltheirparents, partners and colleagues. No female is attracted to guys who loose control of

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themselves,itisstressful,embarrassingandveryuncoolandovertime,yourfriendswillloseinterestinhangingoutwithyou.Soyoucanbethecoolguythateveryonerespectsandadmires,afewsimpleactscouldbethedifferencebetweenbeingapigandaman,tousemyMum’sanalogy.Aglassofmilk,ameat sandwich, threeglassesofwaterandasportsdrinkmaybethedifferencebetweenthegreatest,fun-fillednightofalltime,orthealltoofamiliaraveragenightoutwithunwantedcomplications.

Preparation is key. Find outwhere youmay be going and take the time to find outabout the dress code. Those designer-ripped jeans and expensive sneakers may not beenoughforentry.Itisagoodideatochooseyouroutfitthedaybeforeyournightouttoallowforanyhurdles.Ensureyourclothesareallcleanandpressed.

Next,washyourhair thenightbefore.Strippinghairofnaturaloilscan leave it flatandlifeless.Hairlooksbetterthedayafterashampoo.

Ontheday,makesureyouallowyourselftimetogetready.Haveahotshower,scrubyour nails,wash andmoisturise your face, brushyour teeth, usedeodorant and apply amasculinecologne.Leavegettingdressedtothelastminutetoavoidunexpectedmishaps.Hangyourjacketinthecartolimitcreasingandplacemintsintheinsidepocketwithareserve$50noteforemergencies.

Beforegettingdressed,prepareacoldmeatsandwichforlateranddrink500mlofmilkto line your stomach. Fill a water bottle and place next to your toothbrush ready toconsumebeforeyouretire.Placethesportsdrinknexttoyourbedforwhenyouwakeupinthemorning,asitwillreplacelostelectrolytes.

Themostimportantrules—beagentleman,lookafteryourmatesanddon’tmixyourdrinks.

Mixingbusinessandpleasure:

Tipsforsocialworkevents

Whenthesillyseasonapproaches,itbringswithittheworkparty.Thiscanbeamakeorbreak event for the next 12months of your employment, or the end of the road if youdecidetobeatruepeanutonthenight.Afewsuggestionsshouldsaveyoufromthefiringzone and place you at the top of the Christmas tree with projects, pay rises andpromotions.

Beforetheevent,determineinadvanceifpartnersareinvited.Aworkpartyisasocialgatheringandyourbetterhalfmaybeagreatassetasyouworktheroom.Ifyoudon’tyethaveabetterhalf,thisisprobablynotthebestvenueforafirstdate.

Confirmyourattendanceinadvance.Evenifyoudon’tfeel likeattending,maketheeffortforatleastashorttime.Determinethedresscode;makeanimpressionfortherightreasons and stay away from Christmas ties and hats with lights. Make sure you carrymoney and shout the right people early in the night so they remember.Do not assumeeverythingisfree.Don’tbefirsttoarrive,orforthatmatter,toolate.Arrivinglateisano-noasthiswillshowalackofinterestorthatyouhadsomethingbettertodo.

Mingle with everyone and their partners early in the night, ensure you include theboss’s partner, and remember your manners because they will also. Be an entertaining

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conversationalistanddonottalkworkfortheentirenight.Askpersonalquestionsandbesuretolisten,whileatthesametimeusingeyecontact.

Donothavemorethanthreedrinks,eatfoodwithtablemanners,beagoodsportbyparticipatinginallactivitiesandwatchyourdancefloormoves.

WorkPartyTips

Herearemytopworkpartytips:

Donotspoilagoodpartybystayingtoolate.

Bemindfulofyouraudience,limittherudejokesandeliminatefoullanguage.

Treathospitalitystaffwithrespect,itworksbothwaysandwillalsolimityourchanceofreceivingatamperedmeal.

Remembertosaythankyouandgoodbyetotherightpeople.

Berememberedfortherightreasonsandnotbethetalkforthenext12monthsforactingtheclassclown.

Theweddingplanner:Weddingetiquette

Someoflife’sgreatestmoments(andlife’sgreatestdisasters)canoccuratawedding.Afew wedding etiquette tips will ensure you fall into the first category and have yourememberedandtalkedaboutfortherightreasons.Weddingsareagreatplacetonetwork,socialise,meet newpeople and leave amark, and this can only be achievedwith goodbehaviour.

Itbeginsoncetheinvitationisreceived.BerespectfulandcourteousbysendingbackanRSVPassoonaspossible,asattendancenumbersareimportant.Stragglersatthisearlystagewillleavethebrideanxiousandsheshouldnothavetochaseupyourreply.

Chooseagift thatwillbeappreciatedbyboth thebrideand thegroom.Getagrouptogethertobuyabiggergiftthaneachofyouwouldgiveindividually.Ifyou’reuncertainabouttheamounttospend,aruleofthumbistogiveatleasttheequivalentofthecostofyourmeal, so ifyou’reattendingas a couple,double theamount.Anoptionmaybe tosend the gift before the event— that way you will be seen as excited, prepared andthoughtful.

Whenconsideringwhat towear, it is farbetter tobeoverdressed thanunderdressed.Theinvitationwillgiveyouanideaoftheformalityoftheoccasion.Whenindoubt,playitsafeandwearajacketandtie.Foramorerelaxed,non-churchweddingonabeachthenchinos,linenjacketandashirtmightbeacceptable.

Lighter suits are usually suitable formorning and early afternoon ceremonies, withdarker colours for late afternoon and evening. Make sure you arrive on time. If, byunforeseencircumstances,youarelate,discreetlyplaceyourselfattheback.Onceatthereception,findyourseatanddonotmoveplacecards.Seatingarrangementsweremadeverycarefullyforareason,sonomusicalchairs.

Introduceyourselfearlyonduring thenight toboth families,payingattention to the

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elderly.Don’t talk during the speeches and look interested— at least pretend to listenwhilenotslouchingonthetable.Beforeyouleave,besuretothanktheimportantpeople,whoshoulddefinitely include thebrideandgroom,aswell as thepeoplewhoprobablypaidfortheevent,theparents.

Keep the alcohol intake to a moderate level and ensure you employ good tablemannerswhen eating.Again, never spoil a good night by staying too late— the goodtimes occur before midnight and the mayhem generally afterwards. In my experience,arguments, fights,gettingyourkitoff,drunkendancemovesandregretfulhook-upscanbedisastrous,sobehave!

Budgiesvs.boardies:Speedos,shortsorboardies?

While we should avoid covering our banana with a hammock, we should also avoidcoveringourpolewithatent.AsmuchastheskimpylatexSpeedomayturnsomeladiesoff,sowillapairofBermudashortsthatreachyourankleswhenwet.

Speedosare thedesirable swimwearoptiononly if holidaying in theMediterranean,swimmingthe100metrefinalorifyouareaqualifiedlifesaveronduty,completewithredandyellowstringcap.

Toreduceafarmer’stanonthelegs,Speedoscanbeanoptionwhensunbathing.Justmakesureyourswimmingshortsarewithinreachforthemomentyoustandup.

At the other extreme, the long hibiscus-patterned Bermuda shorts have a time andplace.Thatwet,stuck-toyour-leglookafterswimmingdoesn’tcut it, letalonetryingtoswimwithallthatexcessfabric.These35metresofunnecessarybutfabulousmaterialarebestkeptforfancydressorwatchingtheBoxingDaytestonyourcouchwithasombreroandyourmates(ensuringyoudonotgooutside).

My pick? Place a bet eachway during summer and opt for the classic swim short.These are a perfect length and comfortable for all body types,manufactured in a quickdryingfabric.Asmoothmeshlinerisstandard,whichoffersgoodsupportforthefamilyjewels and a drawstring offers versatility of fit and snugness when attempting that bigbomboffthedivingboard.

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Chapter5:WardrobeMaintenance

Cleanerthansqueaky:Washingtips

So far I havegivenmy shareof advice and tipson selecting the right clothes—what,whenandhowtowearthem.Togetmileageoutofourthreads,Ithoughtitbesttopassonsomewashingtips(fromMum).TothisdaynoonecanlaundermyclotheslikemyMum.The smell, colour and softness can never be equalled, which I put it down to theMelbournewater.IhavealwaysobservedmydearoldMum’smethodwithgreatinteresttoworkouthersecretformula.Thisisforthemenwhoaredoingtheirownwashing—andforthoseofyouwhoaren’t,youshouldbehelpingoutwiththechores!

To begin thewash cycle, check all pockets for any foreign objects— it’s amazingwhatweputinourpockets.Thencheckforstainsoneachitem.Itisimportanttoremovestainsonclothesbeforewashinganddrying,somakeapileforanythingthatneedstobepre-treated,ordoitimmediatelybeforeyouforget.

Many of us sort our dirty laundry according to colour. I use these five areas as ageneralruleofthumb:

WhitesWhitesare separated fora reason—wewant them to stayaswhite foras longaspossible.Ensurenobrightcoloureditemssneakintothemix;thiscouldspelldisasterforawhitebusinessshirtornewwhitejocksturningpinkwitharedsock.

BrightsBrightsarecolourfastpinks,oranges,yellows,lightbluesandgreens,whichcanbemixedtogetherforafullload.Noredornavybluehere.

Reds,darkbluesandblacksRegardlessofage,thesecoloursinthematerialcouldbleedontootherfabrics.Playitsafebywashingredsseparately.Darkbluesandblackscanbewashedtogether.

TowelsTowelsshouldbewashedseparatelyfromclothingbecauseoftheamountoflinttheyproduce.Ifyoudon’thaveenoughforacompleteload,theycanbemixedwithbedlinen.

DelicatesTheseshouldbehandwashed,orinamachineonahand-washordelicatecycle.

Nowthat’ssorted,goaheadandloadthemachine.Selectthewaterlevelsettingonthemachineaccordingly,astheremustberoomfortheclothingtocirculatefreely,otherwisedetergentstreakswillmarkyourclothes,whichisnotagoodlook.

Asfaraswatertemperaturegoes,allitemsshouldbewashedincoldwater.Coldwaterworksjustfineanduseslessenergy.Detergentsandmachineshavereallyprogressedoverthe years and almost all colours come out as well in cold water as in warm or hottemperatures.

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Followtheinstructionsonyourlaundrydetergentandusetherecommendedquantity.

Properlaundrysortingandselectingthecorrectwashingcycleareimportantkeystoaperfectwash, but drying clothes properly can have an equally important part in clothesappearanceandlongevity.

Tohelppreventfadingandsomeofthewearandtearassociatedwiththewashinganddrying phases of laundry, especially for denim jeans and dark pants, turn the clothinginsideoutbeforewashinganddrying.Thiscanreducefadingandpillingofsomefabrics,soifyouwanttoprolongthelifeofyourfavourites,considerdoingthisbeforewashing.

Nostain,nopain:Stainremoval

Itdoesn’tmatterhowcarefulyouare,restassuredyourthreadswillfindawaytoattractanunwantedstainatthemostinconvenienttime.Forblokesthataspiretobenear-perfect,well-roundedmen(hugeattractionbenefits),learnhowtoremovethemostcommonstainwithproductsyouprobablyalreadyhaveathome.

Redwine:Poursaltontothestainwhileit’sstillfresh,butdonotrub.Rinsewithwarmwaterafterafewminutes.Asfunnyasitsounds,pouringwhitewineonaredwinestainwillhelpitfromsetting.Sodawaterisalsoanoption.

Ink:Wheninkhasleakedfromyourpen,trysprayinghairsprayonthestainandrubitinwithadryclothbeforewashingnormally.

Grassstains:Ifoutdooractivitieshaveresultedingrassstains,tryspongingsomedilutedrubbing alcohol on the stain and remove with soapy, warm water. If you can still seeremnantsofastain,mixone-partglycerineandtwo-partswaterandcoverthestainbeforeitsoftens.

Motoroil: If your carbreaksdownand the attempt to fix it has leftmotoroil onyourclothes, place the stain between two paper towels and apply a warm iron to the area.Applyingbabypowderovernightisalsoanoption.

Deodorant: If a little toomuchdeodoranthas stainedyour shirt at thearmpits, soak inwhite vinegar for 30 minutes before washing. A tablespoon of white vinegar in ameasuringcupofwaterappliedwithacleanragwillalsoremovestainsfromshoes.

Remembertoalwaysreadthegarmentlabelforwashingdirectionsanddon’tforgettotakeyourclothesofftheclotheslinebeforeitrains.

Ironoutthekinks:Ironingtips

Icanhonestlysayironingwouldhavetobetheleastfavouriteandmosttimeconsumingchoreformostmen,butit’snecessaryifyouwanttolookyourbest.

Donotexpecttobetakenseriouslyorprofessionallywithwrinkledgarments;itshowssignsofneglectful laziness,which isa tagnomanwould like tobebrandedwitheitherprofessionallyorpersonally.

Ironingknow-howwaspassedontomebymyNana,who,afterSundayroastwoulddo the ironing while bopping along to Skyhooks when we were all bunkered downwatchingCountdown.

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The process starts with reading the garment label, which will provide you withinformationaboutthematerial.Youwillfindsomeclothesshouldnotbeironed.

Othershaveaverylowtoleranceforheat,soyou’llhavetoironthemonalowerheatsetting.Usehighheatforcottonandlinen.Cottonmixesandwoolareironedonamediumlevel.Usealowsettingforsilk,nylon,polyesterandsimilarfabrics.

Ironingshirts

Toironashirt,beginwiththecollar.Laythebackofthecollarflatandmovethepre-heatedironcarefullyoverthesurfaceoftheshirtwithafewquickstrokes.Turnthecollaroveranddothesametothefront.

Placeoneshoulderoverthenarrowendoftheboardandironfromtheyoke(thepointwherethecollarmeetsthearmandthebodyoftheshirt)tothecentreoftheback.Repeatontheothershoulder.

Next,laythewholesleeveflatandmatchtheexistingcreases.Startironingatthecuffandworkyourwaytothetopofthesleeve.Turnthesleeveoverandirontheotherside.Repeattheprocesswiththeothercuffandsleeve.

Ironbothfrontpanels,thenfliptheshirtoverandirontheback.Lastlytacklethepanelwherethebuttonsare, takingcaretoironbetweenthebuttons,asironingoverthemcanbreakbuttonsorscratchyouriron’splate.

Oncefinished,hangyourshirtsupimmediately,ensuringyoubuttonthetopandcentrebuttons.Woodencoathangersmakeallthedifference.

Ironingpants

Thebestwaytoironyourpantsistostartbyturningtheminsideout.Beginwiththetop,ironingthecircumferenceofthewaistband.Movetowardsthepockets,ensuringyouironboth sides of them. Iron the fly, the pant seams, and then the hems. Follow that order,rememberingtousesmooth,straightstrokes.

Turnthepantssotheyaretherightwayout,hookthewaistlineofthepantsaroundthenarrow-shapedendoftheboardandusetheirontopressoutthewrinklesofthetop-frontpartofyourpants.

Putthepantlegsparalleltotheboard,withbothofthemheadedinthesamedirection.Iron each leg without damaging the current creases. Hang pants on a wooden hangerimmediatelywhiletheyarestillwarm.

Threetipstoreducetimeandgetthedry-cleanedlook:

Aslightlydampgarmentiseasiertoironandachievesfarbetterresultsthanonethatisdry.

Ironthickfabricontheinsidefirst,thenontheoutside.

Use long straight strokes rather than circular strokes. Using a circular motionstretchesthefabricandincreasesthechanceofmarking.

Pack,stack&rack:Storingyourclothes

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As the cold, grey days slowly giveway to glorious spring sunshine, a clothing changefromwooljumpersandcoatstocottonpoloshirtsandpantsissuretotakeplace.Withthiswelcomechange,whatdowedowithourwinterattireuntilnextyear?Mostofuswillleavetheseitemshanginginourwardrobeorcrammedinthebackofthedrawer.

Clothes are an expensive and important investment, andwill last longer, lookbetterandsaveyoumoneyifstoredcorrectlyinthe‘offseason’.

Byfollowingthesethreesimplerules,bothyouandyourgarmentswillbebetterofffortheeffort:

CleanYourthreadsaresusceptibletobugs,moths,mitesandsilverfishwhentheyaredirty,soensuretheyhaveonefinalwashordry-cleanbeforetheirvacation.

ProtectCedarwood is theeasiestandmostefficientwayofprotectingyourclothesduring storage.The fresh scent repels all unwanted little clothes-destroyingguests,whileaddingafreshscenttoyourthreadsinreadinessforthefollowingseason.Usecedar blocks for drawers and containers, and cedar hangers for coats and suits.Storing items in dry, cool, dark, well-ventilated areas will prevent mould and thesmellofthriftshopmustiness.

OrganiseAlittlebitoforderwillgoalongwayinmainstreamingandmaintainingyourwardrobe.Plasticstoragecratesforjumpers,scarvesandhatsstoredunderneathyourbedorstackedinasecondwardrobeareagreatoption.

Theserulesareanintegralpartofclothinglongevity,andwillhelpyoustandoutfromthecrowdwithdollarsleftinyourwallet.

YouhavereadhowIstillwearitemstodaypurchasedyearsago,thatisbecauseIlookafterthem.Ireturnthefavourbecausemythreadslookafterme.

Packingmydacks:Packingclothes

WhenI’mtravellingforbusinessorpleasure,Ineedtotaketheessentialsbutwithspaceandairlineweightconsiderationspackingrightandlightarethekeys.

Spreadouteverythingyou’llneedforthetriponabed,thencarefullyputbackatleasthalf of the clothes you’ve assembled. Less is usually enough, plus it is part of thetravellingadventuretobuywhatyouaremissing.

Start by placing small valuable items such as sunglasses, mp3 player or jewelleryinsideapairofshoesasthiswillnotonlyprotectthem,butalsosavespace.Putallliquidtoiletry items like cologne, shampoo, conditioner andmoisturiser in plastic bags beforeplacinginyourtoiletbag.Altitudecancausemishapswithcontainersandthiswillreducethechanceofyourclothesbeingstainedandsmellinglikeaperfumefactory.

Turnsuitjacketsandblazersinsideouttoprotectthemfromwrinkling.Foldjumpersand knitwear the width of your suitcase or travel bag to prevent bunching. Roll smallitemssuchasunderwear,shorts,T-shirtsandsocks.Theywillactasprotectionaswellassavespace.

Packing order should be as follows: start by placing your shoes sole-down at the

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bottomofyourbagorsuitcase,followedbyjeansandpantsfoldedinhalf.Thiswillallowacushionforthemorevaluableitemssuchasjacketsandblazers,whicharepackednext.Followthisbyplacingrolled-upunderwear,shorts,socksandT-shirtsdownthesidesofyourbagorsuitcase,andthenplacingyourfoldedjumpersandknitwearplustoiletbaginlast.Packafewextraplasticbagsfordirtylaundry.

Once you arrive at your destination hang your jackets, shirts and pants.Use all theavailablestoragespace,wardrobesanddrawers,atyourdestination.Placeyoursuitcaseorbagaway,evenifitisforonlyafewnightsasyouwillenjoythetimemoreifyouarenotlookingatyourluggage!

Keep’emmean,cleanwithasheen:

Cleanit,storeitforlongevity

Formenwholiketheirthreads,thebestwaytogetvalueformoneyandlongevityoutofgarments iscorrectcareandstorage.Whenyouhave investedyourhard-earnedcashonclothing,followingafewsimpleinstructionscanaddayearorthreetotheirlifespan.

Jeans

Washanddryjeansinsideout.Onlywashjeansaftereverytwotofivewearsasthiswillpreservetheindigodye,aswellastheirshape.

Suits

Dry-cleansuitsonlyonceayearasthechemicals,solventsandhighdryingtemperaturestaketheirtoll.Brushsuitstoremovelintanddust,notforgettinghiddenareasliketheneckandarmpitareas,whicharemothhavens.Bystoringyourout-of-seasonsuits inairtightbagsyoucouldaddfiveyearstotheiruse.

Aclothessteamerisagreatinvestmentforcleaningsuitsbutthenextbestthingisthesteamfromyourmorningshower.Thiswillremovecreasesandtheeverydaybuild-upofdirt,sweatandcolognethatcandiscolouragarment.

Shirts

Never get your shirts dry-cleaned, insteadmachinewash them on a gentle cycle.Onceironed,hangthemimmediatelyonwoodenhangerswiththetopbuttondoneuptoretainthedrapeandcollarshape.

Thebiggestenemyofyourclobberisthemothsfeedingonkeratin,whichisanaturalproteinfoundinwool,silkandleather.Justbecausetheyarenotvisible,donotthinktheyare not present as they are virtually undetectablewhen young and at theirmost potent.Ensuringyourclothesarecleanpriortoputtingawayisthegreatestdefence.Vacuumingin key hiding and breeding places like closet corners, along skirting boards, underfurnitureandatcarpetedgeswillreducethechancesofeatenattire.

Don’t be lazy about caring for your clothes.Always take the time to fold andhangthem after use and do not leave them in a pile on the floor.Every so often, hang yourclothesoutsidetoairthem.Itmaynotbethemostexcitingchore,butwastingmoneyonclothingreplacementisnotthesmartestthingeither.

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Chapter6:Grooming

Smoothassilk:Theperfectshave

Manymenwilldoit20,000timesduringalifetime(spending37.5daysofourlivesdoingit),eachtimeremoving15,000to18,000hairstotallingover27feetinlengthovera70-yearperiod.

The10-minutemorningritualcannowbemadeeasierinathree-stepprocessthatwillleaveyourskinfeelingsmoothandrash-free,coupledwithahealthyglow.

PreparationAlwaysshaveafterashower,assteamisthekeytoopeningthepores,whichhelpsraisethewhiskers.Cleansewithaliquidcleanserthatisinexpensive,fragrance-free,anddermatologicallytested.Whileyourfaceiswet,applysorbolenemoisturiserorafive-cent sizeddollopof almondoil to the shaving area as thiswill help eliminatecutsandirritation.

ShaveEvenlyapplyshavingcream(notfoam)tothemoisturisedshavingarea.Ensurethebasinisfullwithwarmwater(nottoohot),andthebladehasbeensoakingforafewminutes beforehand.Draw the razor along the grain of the beard, startingwith thesideburns and cheeks, leaving the thicker stubble areas of the chin and neckmoretime to soak up the pre-shave and cream application. Always use long, evenlypressuredstrokesandrinsethebladeaftereverytwotofourcentimetres.

ReturnRinseyourfacewithcoldwatertoclosethepores.Asweloseasmuchskinashairwhenshaving,it isimportanttoreturnmoistureandnutrientstothedermis.Thisisbest achieved by applying a non-comedogenic moisturiser (an oil-free one thatdoesn’tblockpores) toyourwet face,whichwill help the skin absorb theproductquicklyandlockextramoisturein.

ShavingTips

Herearemytopshavingtips:

Every second day, mix bi-carb soda with your liquid cleanser for a cost effectivegentleexfoliation.

Ifyoudohappentogetanickorcut,applyVaselineandnottoiletpaper.

Usesinglebladeshaversforthickbeardsorthree-daygrowthsforlessblockage,andtwinandtriplebladesifshavingeveryday.

Badbreathblues:Treatingbadbreath

Ofthe27percentofAustralianswhosufferfrombadbreath(halitosis),19percentaremen, who spend in excess of $2 billion a year to rid themselves of this unfortunate

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problem.Ifyousufferfrombadbreath, thisunwantedandembarrassingissuecanaffectconfidenceandself-esteem,whichcanleadtomoreseriousconcernsdownthetrack.

There are twomain culprits of bad breath, the first is the build-up of plaque. Thiscausespocketstodevelopbetweentheteethandgums,whichthenfillwithbacteriaandfood.Thesecondculpritisadrymouthduetovariousmedicationsandinhalants.

Goodhygieneisbyfar thebestplace tostart.This includesbrushingyour teethandtonguetwiceaday,combinedwithflossingandusingamouthwasheverynight.Researchhasalso shownhome remediesareoften thebest, leastharmful andmost cost effectiveapproach.

Hereareseventips that,whencombinedwithcorrectdentalcare,willhelpfight theunwelcomeproblem:

Addadropofteatreeoiltoyourtoothpastebeforebrushing.

Dilute a½ tablespoonof apple cidervinegar in aglassofwater andgargle for 10seconds.

Addasmallamountofbakingsodatoyourtoothbrushbeforebrushing.

Chew lemon wedges or drink pineapple juice as this helps pH levels within thesaliva.

Chewmintleaves,parsleyorsunflowerseedsafterameal.

Eatplainyoghurtregularly,asitwillhelpfightbacteria.

Useatonguescrapertoremovebacteriaonthetongue,whichcancausebadbreath.When brushing your tonguewith a toothbrush, the bacteria is only stirred and notremoved.Thebestremovalpracticeisbywayofacoppertonguescraperwhichyoucanbuyonlineoratahealthfoodstore.

Hairraisingideas:Hairdos&don’ts

Ihavenohaironmyhead,butevensoIconsidermyselfanexpertonthetopicofhair.Thisincludeshairstyleandcare,butmostimportantly,hairdosanddon’ts.

In the good old days I had thick, long flowing locks and could walk into anyhairdresser and say a sentencewhich is now justwishful thinking, “Just a little off theside,tapertheback,trimthefringeandthinoutthetopthanks”.Unfortunatelythosedaysarenowlongbehindme.

Researchshowsthemajorcausesofhairlossaregenes,skindisorders,deficiencyintestosteroneor iron,ageing,stressand toomuchhairproduct. It isnormal to lose50 to100hairs aday, sodon’tbealarmed to seehairs at thebottomof the showeroron thepillowcase.

Physicalormentalstresscancausehairloss;itoftenoccurstwotothreemonthsafterthestressfuleventorperiod.Thereason is that thehair folliclesenter the telogenphaseprematurely,thisisa‘resting’phasewhichcausesnewhairstostopgrowing,sohairthatisshedinnotreplacedatthenormalrate.

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Hotoilhair treatments andchemicalsused in somehair stylingproductsmaycauseinflammationofthehairfollicle,whichcanresultinscarringofthescalpandhairloss.

Sotogiveyouguyswhoareluckyenoughtohaveanawesomemaneabetterchanceofkeepingit,goeasyonthecareandproducts.Keepblow-dryingtoaminimumandpatdrywitha towelwithout rubbing, asbeing tooharsh tends tobreakhair folliclesat theroots.

Usenaturalstylingproducts,aschemicalsintheingredientswillburnyourscalpovertime.Styleyourlockswithyourhandsandstayawayfrombristlebrushes,astheytendtopullthehairfollicle,whichappliesunnecessaryforcetothescalp.AsguyshavedifferentDNAfromourfemalecounterparts,wecannotwithstandthetreatmentandproductstheycanendure.

Onceyouseeyourhairrecedingatthefrontorthebullseyeatthebackofyourhead,don’tbeafraid toget someadvice fromhair lossprofessionals, as today’smethodsandtechnologyaresoadvanced.Ifyou’rehairstartsthinningdon’tdothecomb-over,aslonghairwillonlyaccentuate theproblem;aclosercropwillmaximisecoverage.Aboveall,lookafteryourselfwiththetipsinthischapterandtrynottostress.

Scaryhairy:Removingunwantedhair

I am sure, along with a large percentage of men, that the best invention for men’sgrooming would be a ‘hair transfer’. Imagine waking up eachmorning and instead ofwashing those precious whiskers from the daily shave down the drain, trimming thosenoseandearhairsorviewingthatmohairjumperthatisstartingtoformonyourshouldersandback,ifthosehairswereinsteadtransferredtothetopofyourhead.Heypresto!Nobaldguys,nogrizzlybearsatthebeach,andallthewhileitwouldimproveunemploymentbycreatingmorehairdressingsalons!

Unfortunately,asweallknowthis isnotpossible,soit’sbestweremovethoselittlefollicles in all those unwanted places by the least painful, practical and long-lastingmethodwecan.

Therearefourcommonoptionsonoffer(notincludingthetimelesstweezerstojustripitout):

ShavingThisisthemostcommonmethodofhairremoval,whichcanbeappliedtomostareas(but consider carefully for sensitive areas).As stated previously, preparation is thekey to reducingrashesand ingrownhairs.Alsoremember thatwhenyoushave thehairfeelspricklywhenitgrowsback,sogiveseriousthoughttoeyebrows,shouldersandyourback.

WaxingThisinvolvesspreadinghotwaxontothedesiredarea,thenapplyingastripofclothormuslinonto thewax, rubbing it and rippingoff the strip inonemotion—wax,hair,rootandall.Theprocesscanbepainful,particularlyonareaswiththinnerskin.Justensureyouareready.Nopain,nogain!

Lasertreatment

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Lasertreatmentinvolvesalaserbeamdirectedatthehairfollicles,whichkillsthemand offers a permanent reduction in hair quantity. As it is the most effective andlasting hair removal procedure, it is the most expensive. In saying this, othertreatmentsarefrequentandaddupovertime.

HairremovalcreamsThesecanbeyourbestoptionifyoudon’thavethebudgetorifyoudreadthepaininvolved in thewaxingprocess.Pharmacies and supermarkets nowprovide a goodselectionofcreamsreadyforhomeuse.

It’sworthtakingthetimetochooseyouroptioncarefully,aswomanwouldrathergotothezootoseehairycreaturesthanthebedroom!

Helpinghands&feet:Hand&feetcare

Yourhandsandfeetarethehardestworkingpartsofyourbody.The52bonesofapairoffeet are 25 per cent of the body’s total number of bones. Togetherwith 33 joints, 107ligamentsand19musclesofeachfoot,theysupportyourweightandcarryyouaround.

Overthecourseofthedaytherearenotmanytasksthatdon’tincludeyourhands,soit’sabouttimewestartedlookingaftertheseneglectedportionsofourbody.

Typicalfootproblemsincludesores,athlete’sfoot,cuts,ingrowntoenails,bunionsandcalluses.Thebestpreventativemeasuresstartwiththecorrectly-sizedselectionofshoesandsocks.Asbasicasthissounds,incorrectfootwearisthelargestcauseoffeetproblems.

Washyour feetdailyandrinseanddry thoroughly,especiallybetween the toes.Usetalcpowderforthebestresults.Nailsshouldbetrimmedstraightandnottoonearthenailbed in order to prevent infections.Avoid digging out and cutting at corners; this couldresultinpainfulingrowntoenails.

Manypeoplewillnoticeyourhandsstraightaway;theyarethemostexposedpartofthebody.Protectionfromtheelementsisthebestmeasureandwillhelpreduceageand/orliverspots(thosebrownspotsthatappearonyourhandsasyougetolder).Getinthehabitofapplyingsunscreeneverydayandclipyournailsatleastonceaweek.

Forthosemenwhohaveapartner,giveheramassagewithoilwhilewatchingTV—thiswillnotonlygetyouinthegoodbooks,butitwillmoisturiseyourhandsatthesametime.Forguyswithoutapartner,youcanapplyoiltoyourfeetbeforeyougotobed!

Clean&dryup:Theimportanceofdryingyourself

AsurveybyMen’sHealthmagazineofmarried and singlewomen revealed thebiggestturnofffor themisunhygienicanduncleanmen,somenit’s timetoclean(anddry)upyouract.

Theusual shower anddeodorant ritual for us hairy, sweatybeasts is not enough, asnew test showmen havemore areas inwhich bacteria is trapped. The biggestmistakemadeisnotdryingoffproperlyinthoseallimportantareasafterashower,whichcreatesabacterial breeding ground. No matter how much soap and scrubbing we do, if notadequately dry under those hairy armpits and in the groin region we are a walking,infestedbreedinggoundforbacteria;ascientist’sdreammaybebutafemale’snightmare.

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Notdryingoffproperlywillalsocausewetundergarmentsandclothingandamustysmell, which no cologne will overpower. The garment drying process without air andsunshine takes on average six to nine hours, and staining will also make clothesunwearable.Womennoticeeverythingwithmalehygieneandgroomingmaintenance,andthefivemostnoticeablethingsaresmell,hair,nails,skinandteeth.

So my tip is after you have shampooed and conditioned your locks, washed yourimportant bodyparts, scrubbedyournails andwashedyour face, reach for abig, thick,cleantowelanddryyourselflikeneverbefore.Thendryagainbeforebrushingyourteeth,thenrinsewithmouthwash,applymoisturiseranduseasplashofcologne.Youwillnowbeanirresistible,dry,sweet-smellingAdonis.

Facialfurring:Facialhairtosuityourface

Weallgrowit,mostofusshaveitoff,butifyouarewantingachangethismightbeyouranswer.Byselecting the right facialhairstyleyoucanemphasiseyourbest featuresandhideyourworstflaws.Ontheotherendofthescale,youcanalsohighlightthoseflawsbywearingthewronglook.

If youwant a change in theway of some designer stubble, here are the facial hairstylesbestsuitedtothefourmostcommonfacetypes:

Facetype:squareMenwith square faces should lean towards styles thatmake theirmugappear lessbox-likeandmorelongandslender.Thebestwaytoachievethisisalightall-overbeard that is clippedeveryotherday.Paymoreattention to theAdam’sappleareaandaroundthemouthforacleanlook.

Facetype:roundRound facesarebest suited to facialhairstyles thatmake their faces lookovalandelongated.To achieve this, sport a circle beard.A circle beard is amoustache thatcontinuesalong the sidesof themouthandmeets thehairon thechin,butno sideburns.Shaveyourjawandneckeveryday,anduseclipperseverythreetofourdaysonyourstylisedcirclebeard.

Facetype:rectangleAbeardwillhelpmenwithoblongfaces,asitwillhelpbalancetheirfeaturesbywayofshorteningthefacelength.Clipperyourbeardeverythreetofivedaysandblade-shaveyournecklinetoreducelookinglikeGrizzlyAdams.

Facetype:triangleTriangular-shaped facesusuallyhavepointychins,and thebestway tochange thisshape isbyaddingweight along the jawlineandchin.A fullerbeard isperfect forthis.Clipperonceaweekforarespectable lookandalso tidyup theAdam’sapplewithablade.

Men lucky enough to have an oval shaped face can get away with anything.Rememberitisfacialhairandgrowsbacksodon’tbeafraidtoexperimentforadifferentlook.Thereisareason,however,that‘Movember’onlygoesforamonthandit’sbestweallkeepitthatway.

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Everybodysweatnow:Sweatingtips

Sweating is a natural process, but when the bad odour and armpit hoops also join theparty,alarmbellsstartringing.Addedtothis,thedamagethatsweatdoestoclothescanbenon-repairable,soafewtipswillhelpyousavesomehard-earnedmoneyalongtheway.

Beginwithachemicalfree,non-comedogenic,lowfragranceantiperspirantdeodorantto start the day. If your problem is a real concern, use a rock crystal as these crystalsnaturallyprotectagainstbacteriaandthereforeneutraliseodourfromsweat.Theycanbefoundathealthfoodstores.

Youcanalsoapplyrockcrystaltoanypartofyourbodythattendstosweatalotsuchasthespineareaofyourback,innerthighsandlowerneck.

Your antiperspirant needs to come in contact with your skin in order to work. Aproblemwilloccurwhenyourarmpithairbecomesexceedinglylong,andthereforeactsasanobstaclebetweentheproductandyourskin.Iamnotsuggestinganunderarmwax,butasubtletrimwithscissorswillhelp.

Wearingfabrics likecotton,silkor linen insteadofpolyesterorothersyntheticsandblended fabricswill alsohelp.Natural fibres allowyour skin tobreathemore,meaningyou’llsweatlessandlookcool.

If those dreaded armpit rings are a problem, layering can actually help sweat-proofyourclothes.YourbestbetistolayerwithasportsundershirtunderneathaT-shirt.Whenyou have to wear a dress shirt, choose a sports undershirt in white that won’t be toonoticeable. Sports clothes are specifically designed to keep moisture away from yourbody,andtheyalsodryquickly,soyou’llneverfeellikeyou’resoakinginsweat.

Whencleaningyourshirts,soakthemincoldwaterandapplyastainremovertothearmpits.Toachievethebestresultsandreallygetstainsout,turnyourshirtinsideoutandapplythestainremovertotheinsideofyourshirt.Thisworksbetterthanapplyingittotheoutside of your shirt because you’re trying to lift the stain out of the fabric, not rub itfurtherintothefibres.

Leavetheproductonforafewminutesandlaunderyourshirtassoonaspossible,orat least rinse it in ice-coldwater again. If your shirt iswhite, bleach it every now andagain.Forheaviergarmentssuchassuit jackets,hang themoutsideovernight to refreshthem.

Nosweat!

Wakeup&smelltheroses:Choosingtherightscent

In1987whilstatSingaporeairportintheduty-freestoreIdiscoveredChanelANTAEUSasmyperfectscentandhaveusediteversince.

Acommonlyaskedquestion frommyclientsnowis,“Whatcologneshould Ibuy?”Like art and wine, cologne is very subjective and a number of factors should beconsideredbefore handingover your hard-earned cash and running the riskof smellingliketheBotanicGardensorthelocaldump.

The twomost important factors inyourdecisionare skin typeand lifestyle.When I

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say‘skintype’youcanfallintooneoftwocategories:oilyordryskin.

Oilyskinenhancesandamplifiesyourcologneandrespondsbesttoalighter,citrus-basedscent.Theseelementshelp tobalanceout thestrongernaturalodoursyourskinisproducing.Choosemoreairy-basedscentsforafresher,crispersmell.

Dryorsensitiveskindoesnotholdascentforaslongasoilyskin,ascologneneedssomethingtoadhereto.Youwouldthinkapplyingmoreistheanswer,butthisisnotthecase. Instead, try heavier or thicker scentswith undertones of tobacco andmusk; thesehaveagreaterpresenceandwillstaywithyoulonger.

Consideryourlifestylewhendecidingonyournextsmell-good.Forexample,areyoubigonspicyfoods?Areyouabigdrinker?Doyousmoke?Whatyouingestcomestothesurfaceofyourskininperspirationandblendedwiththewrongcolognemightnothaveyousmellinglikeyouthink.

Wheninthestore,applycolognetoscentcards,asthiswillgiveyoutheopportunitytoindividualiseeachcologne.Agoodtipis tosmellcoffeebeansinbetween.Onceyouhavechosenascent, let it sit fora fewminutesand thensmell thecardagain.Astrongscentwill lingertoolongandbecomeoffensive.Therightscentwilldissipateandsettleintoanicepleasantaroma.

Applyyournewsignaturescenttobehindyourears,theglandularpointsonyourneckand/oryourinnerwrists,asthesethreebodylocationscarrythearomalonger.

Allyear,round&round:Winterroutine

Theharshwinter climate increases the amount of time spent indoors and the areamostaffected is our skin. Lack of sunshine and fresh air, exposure to artificial and recycledheatingmethodscoupledwithstrong,cooldryingwindsoutsidecanageusprematurely,justliketomuchsun,ifwedon’ttakecare.

Asimpleeffectivedailyroutinecanhelpyouavoidlookingpaleandunhealthy.Forgetthemachomindsetandthestigmaonceassociatedwithamen’sskincareroutine—whatwasonceaminorityisnowamajority,soconformandreapthebenefitsbyputtingthoseoutdatedideasaboutmennotusingmoisturiserbehindyou.

Productsonceonlyavailablefromspecialityshopsarenowavailable insupermarketandchemistshelving;oldschoolbrandslikeGilletteandBrutnowofferacompleterangeofeverythingyouneed.

Follow this swift and simple two-minute routine, guaranteed tomake you look andfeelgreat.

Ifyoudonothingelse,cleansingisthesinglemostimportantthingyoucandoforyourface, and should be the basis of your skincare routine. Typically, men’s skin has largepores and very active sebaceous glands.While these glands are critical for keeping theskinnaturallymoist, theycanoftenproduce toomuchsebum, leavingyour skin feelinggreasierthananoilslick.Neglectingtowashawaytheexcessoilanddirtcanclogpores,whichleavestheskinpronetobreakouts.

Acleanserwashesawayoilanddirtonthesurface,butwhataboutallthatnastystuffdeepdowninyourpores?That’swhereexfoliationshouldbepartofyourritual twicea

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week; it will help displace debris normal cleansing can’t. A good scrub should havegranulestohelpeliminatedryskinassociatedwithcoolerconditions,whilealsoreducingporeclogginganddirtbuild-up.

It is important to replenish, feed and protect your face in the colder months, somoisturiseandensureSPF30ispresentinyourproduct.Thiswilladdashieldtoall theelements,whilereplenishingandfeedinglostnaturaloils,whichwillhelppreventtheskinfromdryingoutandbecomingwhiteandflaky.

Aneffective lipbalm isamust;unkissable lipsarenotagood look.As theskinonyour lips is incredibly thin and lack oil glands, they are prone to dryness and crackingwhenexposed to theelements. I’manold-schoolkindofguy that likes touse triedandtestedproducts.Chapstickismypreference;it’sbeenaroundsincethelate1800sandisaproduct that is availableworldwide. I also prefer themethodof a stick application as Ithinkapplyingproductwithmyfingersisunhygienicwhenhand-washingfacilitiesarenotavailable.

Strangerthanfiction:

Groomingmyths&oldwives’tales

The tales told by our parents to stop us doing embarrassing things in our youth, likepullingfunnyfacesorpickingournoses,wasoftenapredicteddrasticoutcomethatwouldensure the end to such behaviours! If the wind changed direction, our face would bepermanentlycross-eyed.Ifwecontinuedpickingournose,oureyeswouldfallout.

Myths and misconceptions have always been around and men’s grooming is noexception. I have put together the top three myths I have heard in my time and mustconfess,believedthemforaminuteortwo—plusacouplethatareactuallytrue.

TopGroomingMyths

Ithinkthesearethetopgroomingmyths:

Toothpastehelpsacne(False)I was a sucker for this one in my teens. As teenagers we try anything, and MrColgate’sprofitmarginsmusthaveincreasedtenfoldonthebackofthis.Thereisnotoneingredientintoothpastethatwouldremotelycureorhelpcontrolthedreadedzit.

Onlyusesunscreeninsummer(False)Thisisacommonmisconceptionandaverycostlyonetoyourskin.Thesunoftodayisdifferent todecadesago, andwith that comes theneed for extraprotection. It isbesttoapplyafacialsunscreenallyearround.

Washingyourfacewithbodysoapwilldo(False)Itiscalled‘bodysoap’forareasonasitwillleaveyourbodyclean,butasyourporesdifferonyourface,youwillbeleftwithirritated,dryskinwithconstantuse.Buyafacialcleanser,applyyourSPFandreaptherewards.

Shaveafterashowerforaclosershave(True)Shavingafterashowerwillsoftenyourbeardandopenyourpores,whichwillgiveacloser,comfortableandlessirritatedshave.

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Teabagshelptiredandpuffyeyes(True)Themixofcaffeineandantioxidants fromapre-usedmorningcupof teawillhelpreducepuffinessandredness,andbringtiredeyestolife.Justmakesuretheteabaghascooled.

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Chapter7:TheKeystoConfidence

Youdaman:Theimportanceofconfidence

One common trait which successful men from all walks of life have, including eliteathletes,successfulbusinessmanandevenJoetheplumber,isconfidence—thebeliefinoneselfandone’spowerandabilities.

WeallhavedayswhenwehavetheGeorgeClooney-swaggerandnothingwillfazeus.Thentherearethosedayswhenyouaremorelike‘Raj’fromBigBangTheorywithlittleconfidencewithwomen.

Weallneedandlovethefeelingofconfidencefordifferentreasons.Thekeyistofindout where you need to improve, and then go out and believe in your abilities, talents,experience,lookandpersonality.Whenyouhaveconfidenceandbeliefinyourself,lifeismorefun,fulfillingandenjoyable.

Whenthe‘Raj’dayshityou,ensureyousurroundyourselfwithgood,positivepeople.Family and friends will recognise your ups and downs, and offer support andencouragementifrequired.

Always be open-minded and well-rounded, as the art of conversation is a greatstimulusandconnectortosocialisewithpeopleonalllevels.Makethetimetopartakeinandenjoy the thingsyouexcelat,asdoing the thingsyouaregoodatbringsasenseofimportanceandsatisfaction.

Weall judgepeopleonfirst impressionsandbodylanguage isoften thefirstsign inthis process. It’s because our mannerisms, poses and postures are a great source ofinformation.Theyreflectourmoodandourconfidencelevel.AsstatedbytheGeorge/Rajexample,howyoustandandwalksendsamessage.Ataglance,mostpeoplecandiscernifwe’reapprehensiveoroutgoing,relaxedoraggressive,funorboring,happyorsad.

Inordertobeviewedasaself-assuredandconfidentperson,afewthingstorememberare:

Standtallandproud.

Walkwithpurpose.

Lookahead,notdown.

Don’tcrossyourarms.

Avoidputtingyourhandsinyourpockets.

Don’tfidget.

Moreoftenthannot,thewayyouperceiveyourselfwillbethewayothersthinkofyoualso,solet’sallbecoollikeSteveMcQueen,handsomelikeBradPittandcharminglikeGeorgeClooney.

Ladiesandgentleman:Beingagentleman

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Before you understand how to be cool in thesemodern times, you need to knowwhatpeople, andmore sowoman, expect from aman andwhat you can do to be thatman.Dressing and looking the part only plays a very small piece in the jigsaw of ‘cool’.Actionsarelongrememberedandevenifyoulookamilliondollars,ifyoudon’tactlikeamilliondollars,you’reonlyworthsmallchange,ifanythingatall.

Weallknowsomethingschangeandevolveatarapidrate;it’stheworldwelivein.But some things are best thought, spoken andpracticedhow theyoncewere.Themostimportantingredientstothecomplete‘cool’puzzlearetruth,loyaltyandcourtesy.

Don’t look at these traits as old fashioned or out-dated, they are the foundations ofwhatittakestobecool.Thesetraitsdon’tneedtochangejustbecausewe’reinthe21stcentury,because,let’sfaceit—therearesomethingsthatweredoneyesteryearthatwerewaycoolerthanwhatwedotoday.

Truth provides the foundation of any relationship, be true to yourself and others.Loyaltydenotesarelationshipthatisbasedontruthandcommitment.Courtesyprovidesthemeansforcordialandmeaningfulrelationships.

Setting the right examplewith these three traits sendsamessage,which is farmorepowerfulthananysuitordesigneroutfit.

Oncethefoundationhasbeenlaid,yourwellonyourwaytobeingacool,confident,respectful, generous and open-minded guy thatmenwill envy andwomenwill greatlyadmire.Makethetimetobeabetterpersonbywayofaction,appearanceandbeliefs.

Start today by holding open the door for people, especiallywhen they are carryingheavy things or are not as physically fit as you are. Share your umbrella, even if thatmeansyougetwetforafewseconds.Giveyourcoattoawomanwhenshe’scold,drapingitoverhershouldersandmakingsureshe’swarm.Complimentinasincereandtruthfulway.

Benicetoyourgirlfriend’sfriends.It’sonethingtobegoodtoyourgirlfriend;it’sawholenewleveltobenicetoherfriends.Leavelittlenotesaroundforhertofind.Whenthewaiter comes, askingherwhat she’d likeand lettingherorder first.Sendinga littlemessagetomakesureshegothomeallright.Butkeepthetextmessages,pictures,emails,andanyotherexchangesthathappenbetweenyoujustthat—betweenthetwoofyou.Nobraggingtofriends.

Bringhercoffeeorteainthemorning.Itdoesn’thavetobearegularthingit’sasmallgesturethatshowsalotofkindness.Giveflowers,noneedtowaitforaspecialoccasion.Sendsomethingeverynowandagaintoheroffice.Standupforherifshe’sbeingspokentoaggressively.Callwhenyousayyouaregoingtocall.Bekindandrespectful towaitstaffwhendiningout together.Askher to dance.Remember special days.Walk on theoutsideofthefootpath.

Alltheseactionsareeasy,thoughtfulandlongremembered.Beknownastheperfectguyineveryway:honest,thoughtful,sincere,andstrong.MrCool.

UnfortunatelysomethingI’venoticedlackingintoday’sworldissinceregratitudeandchivalry. It was only a generation ago that a man was measured by his manners andetiquette.

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Areweturningintoagenerationofexpecting,ungrateful,dissatisfied,spoilt,classlessdudesonlyinterestedinself-gratification?Wellguys,it’stimetogetbacktosomeofthegoodold-fashionedmannersourparentsandgrandparentsvalued.

OneparticulargripeofmineisthelackofgratitudeIseeinreceivinggifts.Itseemsasthoughthethoughtofgivingisnolongerrelevantandhasbeenovertakenbythesizeandcostofthegift.IexperiencedthisfirsthandatChristmasrecentlywhengivingafungifttosomeone (whichwas not required as it was a Kris Kringle). The recipient did not say‘thankyou’,letalone‘MerryChristmas’.Thelookofdisappointmentwassoobviousonceit was unwrapped that I had to turn away from embarrassment. No, it was not anexpensivegiftandobviouslyso,butsurelythethoughtandefforttakentodecidewhattobuy,purchase,wrapandgiveitingoodfaithmustbeacknowledgedinsomeway?

It is so easy to say thank you.We can say it in person, over the phone, via text oremail, and for agreater impact,write a card andpost it.This last, often forgottendeedsayssomuchmorethanelectronicallyabbreviatinga three-secondmessageandpushing‘send’.

Let’s not be seen as wimpy robots, but have a go at looking like a suave, well-manneredandcharmingJamesBond-typegentlemen.

Tipstobeingagentleman

Thesearemytipstobeingasuavegentleman:

Begratefulandgiveacknowledgement.

Displaygoodmannersbylisteningmoreandtalkingless.

Don’tgroomyourselfinpublic,lookatyourwatchorflauntyourriches.

Maintaineyecontact,shakehandsfirmlyandbepunctual.

Nevertalkwithyourmouthfullorusetheservietteasahankyorfacetowel.

When in thepresenceofwomen, opendoors, giveupyour seat, helpherwithhercoatandaskherifsheneedsanything.Letmeassureyou,thesegentlemanlyvirtuesarestillhighlyvaluedbywomen!

Scentofawoman:Buyingheragift

Thereisnobetterwaytoshowourappreciationtothebeautifulwomeninourlifethantotakethetimeandefforttoselecttherightperfume.Yourthoughtful,creative,personalanddistinctivedecisionshowscompleteconfidence,eleganceandoldfashionedvalues,whichwillbeacknowledgedandrewarded.

When selecting the right scent for your loved one itwill help to realise there somescentsmore suitable to day timewear, and otherswhich aremore suitable to evening.Fruity,floral,citrusandfreshgreennotesaregoodconsiderationsforday.Theytendtobebrighter, dewy and crisp. Musks, woods (cedar wood, sandalwood), suede notes andvanilla are usually used for evening application. A general rule of thumb is that fruityfloralfragrancesseemtoresonatemorewithyoungerwomen(18to30).Forwomenover40itismoreaboutstrongerfloral,orientalorcreamy,woodyscents.

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Theysaythataman’sbiggestmistakewhenselectingaperfumeisselectingitbecausetheylikethewayitsmellsonsomeoneelse.Thatisahugemistake.Oddsaremorethanlikely it will not smell the same on the woman you are buying it for. Everybody hasdifferentchemistry,hence thewarmthof theskin,eatinghabitsandwhatotherskincareproductsareusedallplayaroleinhowafragrancewillsmellonanindividual’sskin.

Perfumes will fall under three categories: classic, delicate and sensual. A classicperfumeisbestgiventoafemalewhenyouareunsureofherpersonalityorwouldliketoplay it safe. (One would hope this would not apply to your mum or wife). A delicateperfumebestsuitsasophisticatedandfemininewoman.Ifyouarebuyingaperfumeforabold and confident woman who is also passionate towards others, get her the sensualperfume.

Researchyourbeauties.Beobservantandintunetowhatthewomanyouarebuyingforlikesanddislikes.Whatdoesshewearnow,whichscentsdoesshelikeandwhatbestsumsupherpersonalityandstyle?

Specialty perfume shops and department stores can offer a breadth of advice, butknowingthebasiclikesanddislikesofwhoyouareshoppingforwillhelpyouchooseascent theywill adore and thinkof you every time it is applied.Now that has got to begood.

Romancingthestone:Femaleetiquette

Theadvicethathasservedmebestovertheyearsis,‘Respectandromanceawomanandreaptherewards’.

Being a romantic has nothing to do with losing your blokey image or machomasculinity.Asitisthestrong,smartandclassyguywhounderstandsandvaluestheloveofagoodwoman.Itisalsotheopen-mindedcontemporarymanwhowillgotoanyefforttomakehiswomanfeellikethemostimportantandbeautifulwomanonearth.

This does not mean buying expensive gifts, as the poorest man alive can have thehappiestpartnerintheworld.Oneofthemostthoughtfulgiftsyoucangiveawomanisyourtimeandattention.Thismeanstalking,andmoreimportantly,listening.

Tellherateveryopportunityhowbeautifulsheis.Makesuretodothisnotonlywhenshe is at her best, that is,when she is all dressed up and happy, butmore importantly,whenshefeelsatherworst.

Listen toher anddon’t interrupt, tuneout or try to ‘fix’ her problems.Offer advicewhenasked,butbesympathetic.Bykeepingeachotherinformedandhavingtimetotalktogether,youwillkeeptherelationshiphealthy,closeandhappy.

Touch is also important— and it’s free. A hug, kiss or squeeze is a great form ofexpressionandgreatforherego;itnevergoesunnoticed.

Laughter and humour is the key to any good time, so be sure to use your sense ofhumour.Besilly,playpranksanddoimpersonationsatoddtimesbecausetoseeawomanlaughisoneoflife’sgreatjoys.

Spontaneityisalsoawinner.Doingthingswhenleastexpectedhasfargreaterimpactthanknowingwhensomethingisgoingtohappen.Arrangeadatenightandsurpriseher.

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Noneofthisisrocketscienceguys,itisjusttheoldadageof‘happywife,happylife’.

Startattheend&beginatthestart:

Starting&endingtheday

Fortunately,everydaywewaketoanewbeginning,neverknowingwhatmaylieaheadintheseoften challenginghoursbefore it ends and starts all over again. I have found thatroutineisthebestwayofforminggoodhabits.TohelpmakethiseasierIbuiltawarenessaroundmybadhabitsbywritingalistofprosandcons.Thebiggestfactorinbreakingahabitishavingproperawarenessarounditinthefirstplace.

Writinganotherlistofhowmylifewouldimprovewithoutthehabitwasalsohelpfulin the process. Having this checklist ensured responsibility and provided something toanswer to. Iwas luckygrowingup ina sporting familywithmybrothersplayingAFL,witnessingfirsthandtheirdiscipline,goodhabitsandthebestwaytoachieveit.Ahealthybodyandmindareoneof life’sgreat treasuresand theonlypersonwhocando this foryouisyourself.Tokeepyouonthetopofyourgamebothmentallyandphysically,Ihaveputtogethermymorningandnightlyritual.Stickyourtoeinthewaterfirst,andbythatImean try to incorporateoneof themorningandnightly tasks for aweekand thenovertimeaddmore.Be realisticwithyourgoals andefforts andmost importantlybehonestwithyourself.Changeisoftendifficultbutwhentheby-productisgoodhealth,apositiveoutlook,acalmsoulandanenergeticbeing,thetimeandeffortwilldefinitelybeworthit.

Thetwomostimportanthoursofthedaytoachievethisawesomefeelingarethefirstandlasthourofeachday.

Morning

Earlybird:Asmuchaswealllovesleep,Ifindsettingthealarm30minutesearlierthanusual is thebestway tomaintainacalmstart to theday.Running late first thing in themorningisthestartofaharderthanusualdayahead.Thewayyouspendthefirsthourofthedayoftensetsyourmood,energyandtemperamentfor theremainderof theday.Tobegin,trywithsettingthealarm10minutesearlierforthefirstweek,whichisenoughtotickitoffthelist.

Movethebody:Oftenthehardeststepsofthedayarethefirsttwo:gettingoutofbedand moving your body. However, your body will love you if you make the effort tocompletesomeformofexercisefirstthinginthemorning.Itisthebestwaytokeepyourbodyleanandtrim,asyouareburningfatresiduals(peoplewhoexerciselaterinthedayhavetodothatlittleextrabitofwork).Itwillalsohelpwithyourenergylevelsandleaveyour mind in the most perfect state ready to tackle anything with a positive ‘can do’attitude.Ifoundthekeywastosetoutmyexerciseattirethenightbefore,that’sshoesandall,rightattheendofthebed.Followingaprogramandsettingafewrealisticgoalsarealsousefultools.

Fuel:Take the time tohaveahealthybreakfast,as it setsyouup for thewholeday.Optionsareplentifulsomaketheefforttostockthecupboardswithgoodcereals,breadsand fruit. Experiment with smoothies and omelettes, taking notice of what fruits andvegetablesareinseason.Again,IpullitoutandsetupthenightbeforeanddoingthisalsohelpswithproductstocklevelsandifIneedtoIgoshoppingthatnight.I likeeaseand

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conveniencesoIkeepthecookedbreakfastsfortheweekend.

Thethreesss:Shave,ScentandSunscreen

Allow the time to have a good shower and shave properly, as it will give you amorehealthyappearanceandindicatethatyoucareaboutyourappearance.Ilovethistime,asitisarewardfor theprevioushour.Lookingin themirrorwhenyouarefullofbeansandfeelingsixfeetfouristheperfectstarttoagreatday!

Alwaysshowerfirsttoallowthebeardtosoftenforaclosermorecomfortableshave.No matter what time of year, moisturise your skin with a SPF30. We all know whatdamageUV rays cause but amoisturizer with SPF30will also add protection to otherharmfulpollutantswhicharepresentallyearround.

Switchandexperimentwithanewcologneevery fewmonths,as thepeoplearoundyouwillappreciatethechange.Useseasonsasaguideandchoosemorewoodyandearthyfragrances for cooler climates andmore floral forwarmerweather. I find the feelingofcleanlinessandfreshnessa littleconfidencepill thatgivesmeanI-can-take-on-anythingfeeling.

Night

This time of day is often the hardest to keep a routine due to family, work and socialcommitments but I always find that if by following my little routine belowmeans 45minuteslesssleep,itisworthit.

Electronic-less:Iknowitcanbedifficult,butstayawayfromallelectronicgadgetsthelast hour before bed, which includes TV. A recent study by the Medical Journal ofAustralia stated a particular energy emitted from electronic devices plays havocwith ahormonebeneficialforagoodnightsleep.Ifindreadingtheday’snewspaperandcatchinguponmyfootballnewsthebest.Choosesomethingirrelevanttoworksoyoucanescapecompletelyandachieveaclearmindforthatperfectnight’ssleep.

Stretch:Thisisthesecretforme.Whenitisquietandcalm,thekidsaresafelytuckedawaythenmybodygetsanoilchangeandgrease.Takeaminutetothinkofthepositionsyourbodygoesthroughovertheday.Stretchingfortenminuteswillnotonlyrelaxyou,but also elongateyourmusclesprovidinga leaner,more tonedappearance.Dip that toeandstartoffgentlyas therearenoprizes forelasticman.As timegoesby increase thestretchesandbecomemoreadventurousinyourposesandusedifferentmusclegroups.ItwasonlyafewyearsagoIcouldnottouchmytoes.Theby-productisgreatpostureandaclearhead.

Prepare:Takethetimetoprepareforthefollowingdaybychoosingandlayingouttheclothesyouplantowear,andwhilstyou’redoingthis,put theexercisegearbythebed.Thiswillgiveyoumoretimeinthemorningandwillhelpyoumakebetterdecisionsthanamad-rushmorningscram.Packalunchasitwillnotonlysaveyoutimeandmoney,butyouwill reap the rewards for fuelling your bodywith left-overs or healthy homemadeoptions instead of processed alternatives. I knowyouwould rather be doing somethingmorerelaxingasyouaretiredfromtheday’seventsbutmakingtheeffortandtakingthetimeiswellworthit.

Pamper:Rewardtimeagain.Usetheendofthedayforagroomingritualandpractise

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properhygieneroutines.Don’tjustbrushyourteeth,buttakethetimetoalsoflossanduseamouthwash.Thiswillprovidestronghealthyteeth,gumsandakillersmile.Itwillalsohelpwiththemorning(bad)breath.Washandmoisturiseyourface,takingthetimetofindaproductthatsuitsyourskintype.TwiceaweektakethetimeforanEpsomsaltsbath(aritual for me). It will not only relax your weary muscles but also helps draw out anyimpuritiesandtoxinswithinthebody.

Thereitisguys,the8-steproutinetostartandfinishyourdayontherightfoot.Iknowsomeofyouwillusetheexcuseof‘nothavingenoughtime’,buttryandfollowthisthebestyoucan.Timeisoneoflife’spreciouscommoditiesandthereisonly24-hoursinaday,butbelieveme,youcanmaketime.Itisdefinitelyworththeeffort,asfeelinggreatispreciouscommodity.

Onyourmarks,getset,go!:

Nevertoolatetofeelgood

Lifecanbebusyandstressfulbutthatshouldnotbetheexcusefornotmakingyourselfabetter, happier and healthier person through small changes and new experiences. Thefeeling of accomplishment is a great way to enhance your confidence and self-esteem.However,aswegrowolder, thefearoffailurecanlimitusfromtryingnewthings.It isnevertoolateforchangeandonlyonepersoniscapableofmakingthishappen,you.

Takesmall steps tobegin theprocess, as theold sayinggoes, ‘from little thingsbigthingsgrow’.

Looking back on my life I have compiled a list of ‘things to do’ which wereinstrumentalandbeneficial forme toexperience thatwonderful feelingofachievement,self-worthandincreasedconfidence.

Hereismy‘todo’listtocreatingasenseofaccomplishment:

BuildsomethingItgivesyouagreatsenseofaccomplishmentwhenyoufinishaproject.

DoyogaThiscreatesagreatconnectionbetweenbodyandmind.Youwillhavemoreenergy,andatthesametimelookandfeelbettertoo.

ReadabookGivetheTVamisstwiceaweekandfindagoodbook(thereareplentyoutthere).

Getacheck-upMakeanappointmentforavisittothedoctortoconfirmthateverythingisworkingthewayitshouldbe.

$20aweekPutasidethisamounteachweekandbuyyourselfsomethingspecial this timenextyear.

LearntocookThere’s nobetterway to enjoyyour fruits of labour, let alone impress anyone andeveryone.

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HelpsomeoneThebestway to feelbetteraboutyourself isbyhelpingsomeoneelsewhoneedsahand.

It isyour life, sobe lookeduponand rememberedassomeonewho lived life to thefullestandexperiencednewthingsandchangewithopenarms.Youoweittoyourselfandyourlovedones.

It’sallintheplan,Stan:Planningyourtime

Timeisacommodityweallwishwehadmoreof.Itseemsthataswegetalittleolderthisvaluableresourcebecomesscarcer.

As kids, the only relevant ‘time’ was bedtime, then later as singles we think howstrappedfortimewearewithsuchahecticsocialcalendar.Itseemsonlywhenwebecomeparents canwe truly appreciate howmuch timeweused to have. It appears that today,timeandexcusesgohandinhand.Don’thavetimetoexercise,eatproperly,catchupwithfamilyandfriends,fixthetap,andremovetherubbish—thelistgoeson.

Withonly24-hoursinaday,theonlywaytohaveenoughtimeistimemanagement.Allsuccessfulpeoplehavehadenoughtimetoachieveandaccomplishgoalsbecausetheyhaveplanned,prioritisedandbeenproductive.

TimeManagementTips

PlanyourdayPlanningyourdaycanhelpyouaccomplishmoreandhelpyoufeelmoreincontrolof your life. Write a to-do list (daily, weekly and monthly), putting the mostimportanttasksatthetop.Setthealarm30minutesearly,asthisistheidealtimetoexercise, stretch and to think about the day ahead. Be mindful of what you haveahead,asmulti-taskingcanaddtimetothe‘timebank’.Buyfoodwhenwalkingpasttheshop,paythebillonthewaytolunch—planningaheadisthekey.Bepunctualatalltimes,as10minuteslatewillturntherestofthedayupsidedown.

PrioritisePrioritisingtaskswillensureyouspendyourtimeandenergywisely.Don’tmakethemistakeofthinkingthatdoingeverythingwillgiveyoutimeattheendofthedayorattheendoftheweek.Somethingshavetobedonenowbutsometaskscanbeputonthebackburner—justensuretheyremainontheweeklyormonthlylist.Ashardasitmaybe,learntosay‘no’sometimes.

ProductivityUseyour timewisely. It isoneof thefewthingsweget for free,butwecanneverhaveitback.Averysuccessfulandhappymanoncesaidtome,“Thereare24-hoursinaday.Sleepeight,workeightandliveeightthewayyouwantto,butmakesureyoulearnandachieveatleastonethingaday”.

Straightasanarrow:Thebenefitsofgoodposture

Nomatterwhatbrandofclothesyouwearandhowmuchyouspend,ifyoudonothavethecorrectposture,youwilllookliketheHunchbackofNotreDamewearingatwo-man

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tent.

Intoday’slifestylewithcomputers,bigscreenTVsandlongcommutetimes,wecanfindourselvesinawkwardsittingpositionsforlongperiodsoftime.

It’stimetostraightenup,standtall,squareyourshouldersandholdyourheaduphigh.It’sremarkablehowgoodposturecanchangeyouroutlook,stresslevelsandhowpeopleview you.Good posture startswith three activitieswe do all day, every day: standing,sittingandsleeping.

Whenstandingtallanderect,yourears,shoulders,hips,kneesandanklesshouldmakeonestraightline.Relaxyourshouldersandslightlybendyourknees—youdon’twanttolookandmovelikeastormtrooperfromStarWars.Ifyou’reinasituationwhereyouarerequiredtostandforalongperiodoftime,ensureyoushiftyourweightandpositioneverysooften.

Whenseated,makesureyousitwithyourhipsasfaragainstthebackofthechairaspossibleandkeepyourkneesathiplevelwhileyourspinerunsfirmlyalongthebackofthechair.Ifyourbackisnotgettingthenecessarysupportfromthebackofthechair,tryplacingasmallpilloworarolleduptoweltosupportyourlowerback.Whenyousitatadesk, make sure it is at elbow height. If you’re looking at a computer screen, tilt itupwardssoyouarelookingslightlyupinsteadofdown,whichwillcreateanaturalcurveinthespine.

The same principles applywhen driving. Place your hips as far back in the seat aspossiblewhileholdingthesteeringwheelwithyourelbowsslightlybent.

Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your back or side on a firmmattresswillhaveyouwakingupwithoutatwistedspine.OfcourseI’msureIdon’thavetomentionthatwhenbendingdown,ensureyoubendyourkneesandnotyourwaist!

Withgoodposturethebenefitsareastounding.You’llnotonlyfeelmoreenergeticandvibrant,butlookthinner,stronger,tallerandmoresureofyourself.

TheMidastouch:Stressrelief

If I said for a dollar a day you could reduce anxiety, enhance sleep quality, havemoreenergy and create better posture, allwhile feeling five years younger andwith no sideeffects,doyouthinkitwouldbeagoodinvestment?Absolutely!

Allthiscanbeachievedbyhavingamassageeverythreemonths.Mostpeoplewouldagreeamassagemakesthemfeelgood,butmanyprobablydon’trealiseexactlyhowgoodaregularmassageisfortheiroverallhealth.

Massage increases the blood’s oxygen capacity by 10 to 15 per cent, balances thenervoussystembysoothingorstimulatingit,increasesproductionofgastricjuices,salivaandurine,andincreasesexcretionofnitrogen,inorganicphosphorusandsodiumchloride,whichinturnincreasesyourmetabolicrate.

Levelsofstresshormoneslikeadrenalin,cortisolandnorepinephrinearealsoreduced.Asmenwearesometimes reluctant to lookafterourselvesproperlyandbreak fromtheoldschoolattitudeof“Nah,I’mallright”andignoreourhealth,aswewanttobeseenasstrongandinvincibletoourpeers.

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We are also reluctant at times tomove from our fathers ‘oldways’ to a new open-minded approach to our health and wellbeing.Walking into a massage/beauty therapypremisestodayisnotasdauntingasyouwouldthink.Allofthesebenefitsareasurewayto feel great, enhance your relationships and improve your health, and all for around abuckaday.Aquarterlymassageisthekeyforahealthiertomorrow.Relaxandenjoy!

Shake,shake,shake:Thegentleman’shandshake

My85-year-oldgrandfatherhasbeen teachingmyfive-year-oldson the importanceofagood, firm, manly handshake. It’s not just about this tradition as a greeting, but theimpressionitportrays.

Toreceiveahandshakefromamanthepowerofawetfishisnottherightwaytostartproceedings. As men, we have all experienced different handshakes in our time. Thememorableonesseemtobeforthewrongreason:toosoft,toowet,tootimidortoofirm.

Asofthandshakegivesa first impressionof lackofconfidenceand interestwithnomasculinity,whichisnottheidealstart.Holdthehandwithasmuchforceasyouholdastubby,notababychicken.

Awethandshakeisasuresignofnervesandinferiorsocialskills.Ifyousufferfromthis,carryahankyandwipeyourhandsbeforehand,andkeepyourhandsopeninsteadofinafist.

Atimidhandshakeisfromtheguywhoonlygrabsfourfingerstowardsthetips.Ifthisdoes happen to you, pretend you didn’t hear his name and shake again, but this timeproperlyandmakesureheknowsit.

Thetoo-firmhandshakeautomaticallysaysegoproblemswithtoomuchtestosterone.Thereisnoneedtobringthehe-mantoughguytothegreeting.Itisnotacompetitionofstrength.

Ahandshakesaysalotaboutyourconfidence,characterandsecuritywithoneself,orlackthereof.Theperfectetiquettehandshakeisasfollows:

Ensureyouarestandingstraightanduseeyecontactandasmile.

Extend your right hand with fingers lightly spread and elbow slightly bent, whileleaningalittletowardtheotherperson.

Take the other person’s hand firmly and fairly: the correct pressure is similar toholdingagolfclubreadytoswing.

Releasethehandaftertwotofourpumps.

It is said you can decode a person by his handshake so make this forgottengentlemanlyarttherightcodeforyou.

The20LifeRules

Your‘brand’iswhatpeoplethinkofyouwhentheyseeandmeetyou.Asguys,weareourownbrand.As strange asyoumay think that sounds,wearewalking, living individualbrands. We have spent years with people easily judging our brand on first visual

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impressions,andthenastimegoeson,ourpersonality.

I’vegivenyoutheguidance,instructionanddirectioninthisbooktomakeyourbrandastylish,modern,respectfulandlastingone.Belowismy20-liferulelistthatistheicingonthecaketomakeyourbrand‘cool’.

I’ve compiled this list over the years from watching and listening intently to thebeautifulandfascinatingpeoplearoundme.Bytryingtotreatandrespectpeoplefromallwalksoflifethesameandbybeingtruetomyself,I’vecometoregardmistakesaspartofthe journey, so I’m no longer afraid of failure.Here are a few things I’ve learned andobservedabouttheworldwelivein:

Thebestsuccessislivingthelifeyouwantforyourselfandyourfamily.

Beopen-mindedand trynew things; a stalemindandnarrowview isboring tobearound.

Yourlifeisshapedbywhatyou‘feed’it,physically,emotionallyandspiritually.

Don’t let anyone underestimate you but yourself. Think positive, be confident andneverdoubtyourabilities,valuesandconfidence.

Forget the illusion that happinesswill arrivewhen you get that car, house, job orwoman.Truehappinessisinthejourney.

Berespectful,honest,interestedandpoliteandthiswillcomebacktoyou.

Liveinthemomentandyoumayseefurtherthanyoueverhave.

Alwaysbekind;theKarmabusmissesnoone.

Assoonasyou‘get’eachoflife’slessons,yougettomoveon.Ifyoureallygetthelessonyoupassanddon’thavetorepeattheclass.

The greatest thing in the world a father can give his child is being there. Love,encourage,supportandstayyoungwithyourkids.

Neverstoplaughingormakingotherpeoplelaugh.

Livewithpurpose.Whenyouareoncourse,youarepowerful.Youmaystumblebutyouwillnotfall.

Goodmannersexudestyleandareneverforgotten.

Tomoveforwardyouhavetogiveback.

Moveyourbody,exerciseyourmindandrespectboth,youonlyhaveoneofeach.

Thereasonwehavetwoearsandonemouthistolistenmoreandtalkless.

Thinkit,liveit,beit.

Alwayspayyourway;havingthetitle‘cheap’ischeap.

Bethankfulforwhatyouhave,you’llenduphavingmore.

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Know exactly howmuch alcohol you can drink without losing your temper, yourdignity,yourvalues,yourwalletoryoursexualperformance.

Personalmeasurements

Clothing fit is the most important component to look one’s best. Record yourmeasurementsbelowfollowingthedirectionsinChapter1—SizeDoesMatter.

Shirts

Chest___________cm

Neck____________cm

Sleeve__________cm

Suits

Chest___________cm

Neck____________cm

Sleeve__________cm

Pants

Waist___________cm

Insideleg________cm

Outsideleg_______cm

Shoes

Length__________cm

Width___________cm

For more information or to book in for a personal consultation, pleasevisitwww.styleshift.com.auorcontactPauldirectlyatinfo@styleshift.com.au.


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