A Gents Pep Talk- The Finer ‘Tings’

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey

The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” Carl R. Rodgers couldn’t have said it better.

Our goals, aspirations and hopes of what we wish to accomplish are generally shaped by others. These are things that are naturally rooted by our likes/dislikes and ambition to change our current situations. Along the timeline of events, we develop an idea of success and failure. Both shape us in such a unique way; we often confuse the two. Failure has a reputation of making the bravest fighter hesitant—but success has a reputation of making the hardest worker content. The most difficult thing isn’t chasing your dreams, it’s holding on to them.

The idea of succeeding towards our goals can become a one-time-measurement—rather than a measurement of success by our growth. It is a divine process blended with failures, each one more intricate than the next. The more we consume the success of others, the more we allow failure to consume us.

Photo credit: Francis Bassey

Pinpointing success comes from perfecting who you are. Your best ‘you’ is incomparable. It’s an exclusive right to exceeding the goals you’ve set, not just reaching them. Remember, keeping up with the Joneses can be expensive—but originality is a priceless trend.

Onward,

j.Bodwin

From the Shadows to the Spotlight: “Dark color combos that stand out.”

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey @frvncisbvssey

Since the age of my earliest memory—I’ve been a batman fan to the core. I owned all the costumes, read all the comics and threw the best batman-themed birthday parties up until the age of 21. While most of my peers sought out the heroics of others with super powers, I saw something different. It wasn’t the idea of being fastest, strongest or tallest. It was the idea of being the coolest.

Despite what you may think about a 21-year-old wanting a batman cake and balloons. Or batman being the coolest, I became obsessed with his confidence. He had the undeniable ability to be calm in any situation. He carefully orchestrated every mission as if it were his last. He truly defined what it meant to be a soloist. Most importantly, he did it while wearing black.

Over the years, black has been commonly referred to as a bold color. It goes with virtually anything and will cease to go out of style. From the leather jackets to timeless tuxedos—it has befriended most. But the new age of casual wear and dark colors will be sure to befriend all. Colors such as midnight blue, charcoal, and original gray have adopted a bold characteristic. One that is much more refined than before.

How to do it?

You can always bet on black—so start by gambling with your favorite piece. For some it begins with the shirt and for others, it starts with the shoes. There’s never a wrong answer when deciding which piece of the puzzle comes first. The best artists are inspired by whatever comes naturally. But remember, boldness is the offspring of confidence and risk-taking.

 

Here are a few shots that should hit your target while gaining modern notoriety. Try not to miss.

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey @frvncisbvssey

Photo Credit: Francis Bassey @frvncisbvssey

Upward,

                                                              J.Bodwin

                                                           @treybvonte

 

 

“The New Road Warrior: “Streetwear for the Unruly.”

Photo credit: Francis A Bassey

Between your fathers criticism of skinny jeans and Russell Westbrook’s extreme amount of originality– there’s a happy medium that doesn’t require you to pick sides.

It takes a lot of moxie to dress and play like Mr. Russ, but it only takes the character to stop traffic. It’s no secret that confidence is key. Character is the defining factor that separates us. It disconnects the hyper-aggressive billboard advertisement from the vibrant street graffiti in downtown. It alone separates the flat-casual route from the extraordinarily-scenic drive.

OK, enough with the street puns. Your character in style epitomizes the difference between what you wear–and how you wear it. The pioneers, the trailblazers, all have one thing in common. Their motives are to transform, transcend and innovate–not to reside within specific parameters and formalities.

So where do you start?

Everything has a beginning and your persona should dictate that. Your staple pieces should bridge your personality with your confidence. It takes time for some; others have already created an ensemble before reaching this point of the teaching. Remember, creativity comes from authenticity. Inspiration can be seen/ heard anywhere, but uniqueness unveils by design.

Don’t expect any cheat codes, but these combos should inspire an easy path to the next level. 

Onward,

j.BODWIN

Photo credit: Francis A Bassey

Pecan Whiskey: Blazers to the Rescue

“To a gentleman, there’s no such thing as slacking. So grab a seat and matching blazer.”

3rd Level: Ace of Treys

The year of 2015 has officially invited itself into our everyday-schedules and paramount lifestyles. For some, this may come with a series of New Year’s resolutions that have become faint memories of what would’ve been. For others, this year couldn’t have come at a better time. As gentlemen, it is pertinent that we see the glass half-full–along with the classiest blazers in our photos.

After years of the traditional over-sized dress-shirt left untucked over a pair multi-purposed jeans, it’s time that we catch the next flight out of the early 2000’s.

The slim fit blazer and suit has re-surged in a textbook fashion for gentleman. Its versatility has the power to speak confidently across any stage of formality. We’ve known colors such as navy blue, gray and black to be only suitable for the most distinguished occasions. While this is true, a gentleman’s “coat color-wheel” has expanded by a margin of many. However, the safest rule to abide by is as follows… Anything goes!

Everything is graced in within reason and portion of course. We don’t suggest wearing a soft-pink fitted-suit in the middle of November. But we do suggest wearing that suit the right way this Spring.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that the white button-collar dress shirt is your compadre. The top two-three buttons of your dress shirt should be relaxed and free depending on how Daniel Craig‘ish your feeling. Remember, a gentleman’s style will flourish as far as his innovative mind. Be bold. Be confident.

 

Cheers

 

Onward,

 

j.Bodwin

 

Meet the editors: Ariaan E. Modder

Co. Editor Ariaan E. Modder. Photo by Rebecca Negron

“Like all magnificent things, it’s very simple” – Natalie Babbit

Greetings,

In this world of the ever-changing, a few things remain constant. One of these stable truths is that a gentleman is defined by his mind and his image. Strip away the dapper attire, and you’re left with a man who is in many—if not in all ways —an accurate representation of the image he chooses to create for himself. The issue of image is multidimensional, but this writer believes that the ability to entertain an abstract idea is the centerpiece to the image of the modern gentlemen.

My name is Ariaan Modder, and I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to a variety of cultures and places, as well as possessing a quiet appreciation for literature. These two happy truths have allowed me to create complex opinions on a number of topics; including what makes a gentlemen.

Although my stance is usually intricate, I believe that a gentleman is built on the simple ability to entertain an idea. On this one skill, we can build: an appreciation for the arts, the ability to discuss political and social topics, the skill of debate and articulation and the all-important strength to sit cordially at a table with those that may be different from you. To be concise, a gentleman is built on his open-mindedness, and like all magnificent things, this is very simple.

 

Onward,

 Ariaan E. Modder