In life, first impressions are everything; and unfortunately, in most cases, people make a physical assessment of you before you're able to show off your wit, charm, or intellect. A strong physical appearance can open doors and establish credibility with out speaking a single word. Posture, attire, cleanliness, physical shape and expression are things important to your first impression but right I only want to cover one: attire.

A young woman I used to date gave me advice in the way of fashion that has resonated with me and will continue you to be a vital pillar in belief system of what makes a man. She told me that she believes there are three things every man needs: one nice watch, one nice pair of shoes, and a tailored suit. 

While "nice" is a fairly subjective term and may sound materialistic, I believe it to be paramount for a man to splurge on things that are high quality and with stand the test of time, instead of continually looking for something cheap that will not last. Each one of these items says something different about you and when combined can take any man's confidence to new heights.

Watches are wildly underrated and while they have seen increasing popularity in recent years, they are still a wildly under-utilized tool in a man's arsenal of accessories. The emergence of cell phones has made many ask the question: "why would I need a watch when I can just check the time of my phone?". While true, a watch is about far more than about knowing what time it is. A watch is a classic demonstration of your personality and style. The variety of watches that a man has to choose from is so vast and diverse that every man has the ability to find that feels like it was made for him.

While, on the whole, I am more drawn to a more traditional look with my watches (leather bands, silver or gold faces of average to smaller size ), i know that my style is not the same as yours. There a lot more modern companies like G-Shock and diesel that are known for more flashy colors and larger face sizes. 

Another advantage of wearing watches is the sense of fluidity that it provides to it's owner. When asked by a stranger or when personally curious what time it is, a man's maturity and sensibility is on display when he can simply look at his wrist and provide an answer, rather than the man who has to fumble in his pockets looking for his phone. Not only is it a waste of time to a stranger but also can appear rude if you are constantly checking your phone when with others. The last impression you want to leave somebody with is the idea that you were disinterested in him or her when you merely wanted to check the time.

FAR too many times in interviews, dinner parties, dates, or nights out on the town have I seen other men wearing a suit, collared shirt, or other nice clothes paired with a shoe far too casual for the setting (tennis shoes, vans, etc). It is so important for a man to have a pair of either brown or black leather shoes that he can use for all occasions. With a suit, leather shoes are the standard, but with something like jeans and a collared shirt, leather shoes are an addition that will elevate your semi-casual much classier.

A suit is so much more than just a piece of clothing; it is kin to Superman’s cape. A suit makes you invincible in your own mind. All of the most handsome, most charming, and most confident men in TV and movies are wearing them: James Bond, Don Draper, Bruce Wayne, Barney Stinson, always suited up at all times. A well fitting suit is a sign of importance, confidence, and wealth. It is an absolute necessity for a young man to have AT LEAST one suit fit for him. Please make a trip to Men’s Warehouse if you have not already. They always have the best deals, most recently “Buy one Get one for $100”. It is only an additional $10 to have your suit tailored specifically to fit you. When a suit fits just you, it is an amazing feeling that is second to none. The confidence that you feel when you see your reflection in the mirror will give you the feeling that you can do anything.

When you put these three classy pieces together, you are unstoppable machine. The world is within your grasp and you will feel that nothing can stop you. A handsome, charming, wrecking ball that even Miley Cyrus would want to hop on.

If you have any questions or comments, please comment below or email us at GenerationYGent@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you about what you want to hear about.

Thank you all!

GYG

Okay. You’re out of college now. It is time to put away the plastic handles and bags of wine. Those have their place in our hearts forever obviously and can still be utilized for special occasions, but it is time to start establishing your at-home bar and liquor collection. I am here to provide a few classier alternatives than the liquors we were all accustomed to in our college days but still won’t break our bank. So here we go:

Vodka

What we drank: Smirnoff/Skyy

What we should drink now: Rain Vodka

Why: At a cost of only $16.99, this highly regarded vodka will get you plenty of bang for your buck. And for all of you organic folk out there, this is an organic vodka distilled a whopping 7 times, giving it a very smooth and sweet taste that comes in five  unique flavors: Honey Mango Melon, Red Grape Hibiscus, Cucumber Lime, Lavender Lemonade, and of course an original, plain vodka. Possibly the greatest asset of this vodka is it’s original and appealing raindrop shaped bottle. It is definitely high quality and I can guarantee people will take note of its originality, providing an opportunity for conversation.

Whiskey

What we drank: Jack Daniels

What we should drink now: Maker’s Mark

Why: First off, Fireball didn't make this list because it is not whiskey. It is hell in liquid form and nobody should ever drink it. Sorry. Anyways, I understand that I am not exactly providing an underground or unknown brand here, but for the price of $21.99, the famous melted red wax top of Maker’s Mark is nearly impossible to beat. It is even my Bourbon of choice of nearly any other. Having a stronger taste, it is perfect with classic whiskey drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan (typically rhye whiskey drinks, but that is a conversation for another day). Or for the quick and easy drinker, a Maker’s and Coke is just as smoother as it’s JD counterpart.

Tequila

What we drank: Jose Cuervo

What we should drink now: 1800 Tequila

Why: Although I cannot stand the gimmick of a bottle that pours a shot itself, I can definitely appreciate a classy and smooth tequila that only runs you $21.99. While it is hard to screw up a margarita or tequila sunrise, the real benefit of upgrading your tequila game is for the more experienced of pallets and those who prefer their drinks straight (also helps with the hangover). The more elegant bottle and clear tequila will stand out far more on your bar (in a good way) than the bland bottle and gold tequila we are all too familiar with seeing. While I am not a tequila drinker for personal reasons (a story you all will enjoy another time), 1800 has always a relatively special place in my heart and it is definite upgrade for any home bar.

Rum

What we Drank: Captain Morgan/Bicardi

What we should drink now: 10 Cane Rum

Why: This Trinidadian rum is not only a great rum for mixing, but also relatively unknown and can provide good opportunity for conversation. For $23.99, it is a fair amount more expensive that it’s pirate counterpart, but the flavor is miles apart and a bottle that is distinct and classy. But all of this being said, literally ANYTHING else is better than Captain Morgan, aside from Bacardi Dragonberry. That is an embarrassment to alcohol and anybody who has purchased it (myself included) should feel shame. Much. Shame.

Gin

What we drank: Nobody drank gin in college, did they?

What we should drink: Bombay Sapphire

Why: Okay. I admittedly do not have an EXTENSIVE knowledge of gins, but the interactions that I have had with Bombay Sapphire have always been very positive. Obviously a dryer alcohol, it is meant for sipping drinks either straight or with soda/tonic water. For only $22.99, this is a highly regarded and wildly popular gin that would be a grand addition to a collection.

So there you are, what I believe to be a fantastic starter kit for any budding alcohol enthusiast. If you disagree with any of my choices, please do not hesitate to comment or email me at GenarationYGent@gmail.com to tell me how dumb I am!

Stay Classy,

N

A word that I have used pretty frequently about a lot of topics is “diversify”. It applies to stock portfolios, workouts, meals, and it may sound odd but it applies to the people you associate with. If you hang out with the same people day in and day out, you will have a myopic view of the world. Not to say that you shouldn’t have a core group of friends, because that is also very important, but I believe there is a lot to be learned from all age groups, which is why I see so much value in spending time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

Having the chance to sit down with somebody over 70, they can open up an entire world that you will never have the opportunity to experience first hand. The wisdom and history that they can provide in the stories of their life are eye opening and inspiring to say the least. The generations before us never relied on texting, Facebook, DVRs, etc. They lived their lives in such a different and typically fascinating way and it would be hard not to get entrenched in their stories. The best part is, as long as you are respectful and interested, they would be more than happy to take the time to talk to you. Heck, they would probably enjoy telling you more than you enjoy hearing it.

The importance in spending time with somebody under 6 is a two way street. It benefits you because it takes you back to a more innocent and simple time. Playing board games, watching cartoons, coloring, etc are fun for children but also relaxing and fun for you. But more importantly, when spending time with young children, you are able to help mold them and give them a good foundation for the rest of their lives. Being able to perpetuate the importance good manners and answer all of the silly, little questions that children ask, is invaluable to their well being and will be appreciated by the child, their family, and yourself.

So please, spend time with your grandparents and family, but also volunteer your time. Whether it be at schools or senior care homes, do something that provides you the opportunity to be with the young and elderly. Both you and they will be better for having that experience.

Stay Classy,

N

Pay It Forward. It’s a concept, a book, and a movie for a very good reason. It is a message that more people need to consider when going about their daily lives. The power that we have to influence and impact other’s days is a phenomenal power and we should take advantage of it as often as possible; but, starting slow, we should all aim to put a smile on 3 people’s faces everyday.

Doing this does not require a grand gesture or a monetary gift of some kind. It can be something as simple as holding the door for somebody who is carrying a lot of items or complimenting somebody’s shoes. Making any kind of effort to demonstrate to somebody that they matter in this world and did not go unnoticed will have such a big impact on their mood and it costs you nothing; and by doing this, you promote the Domino Effect of compassion that inspires others you have done right by to do right by others. Think about how many people can then be affected by your small gesture of humanity. It is endless.

From a selfish stand point, knowing that you made other’s days will also make you happier deep down, so you are really killing two birds with one stone. Along with that, you never know whether or not your good deed will inspire further conversation with that person or somebody who saw you doing said deed. You opening a door for a stranger and telling them to have a good day could lead to new friendships, new relationships, or even your next business opportunity.

Check out this video of how far one little action can carry.

Never underestimate the power that you possess to change the world you live in.

Stay Classy,

N