Perspective.
Another enriching read. In times like this, it’s very hard to have a positive outlook on life. Sometimes it’s even harder to see the light when everything around you is falling apart. Take it slow and take your time because true character shows in times of struggle. Whether it be relationships, career-life, or anything you endeavor in, be sure to keep your head up and tread on for rewards await those who continue to seek.
Cheers.
-SB
Confidence.
It’s been quite some time since our last post, but that doesn’t mean one should lose one’s self. It’s too often we see men, maybe even people in general, who flirt between that fine line of confidence and cockiness. Here’s a good read to keep one from swaying to far out.
-SB
For those who have iPhones and love to use them to take photos, the instagram app isn’t anything new for you. So for those who have been using it- here’s a wonderful new idea/invention that a group of innovators are trying to get funded, called instaprint. Instaprint is a device that, well, prints out your instagram pictures. Check out the link (title)/video background on the project.
I love this idea for a couple of reasons. First, for the obvious reason of being able to print out my instagram shots. I’m sure that most, if not everyone, that has been using instagram has atleast one shot that they thought, “This would look so good on my wall/collage/photo album/wherever” or “I would love this shot printed, just for keepsake reasons.” Lastly, I love this idea because it shows the appreciation for the basics.
With the rapid pace of technology, we have grown to live a life of quick fixes. Digital this, digital that- but with instaprint, it allows us to just slow down and truly appreciate those memories that were captured by solidying them through print. You might be someone who happens to take amazing photos all the time or someone who just happens to be (shutter) trigger-happy, but there is still something quite different between seeing AND holding the picture in your own hands (and not having to worry about if you have enough memory or device crashes to keep your memories).
- JMD
Outfit of the week.
Now- I know I haven’t done one in a while, so here’s one. Today was somewhat of a windy day in the Inland Empire, which gave me an excuse to dress down a bit. Not your typical “gentleman” outfit, however, it’s not always about the suits and the button-ups and the ties.
Shoes, henley, button-up, scarf: H&M
Sweatpants: Hanes (Target)
- JMD
J. Crew will always be one of my favorite brands. Not only do they produce quality goods, but are also within the financial means of many. They have also proven themselves, over the years, to always be fashionable without being over-the-top.
My personal picks from the looks: 3, 5, 7-9, 12, 16, 18, 22 (although, I’d change the white socks on some of the looks I picked)
What are yours?
- JMD
(link c/o Hypebeast)
Opportunity. Gratitude.
When one door closes, another opens, but for how long does that door stay open? “Life is short,” but how many out there actually chase what they want? Are you following your dreams, or did your dreams become nothing more than visions? Take heart. Take action. Take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to you.
Most importantly, take your time. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routine we forget to just stop and smell the roses. Do yourself a favor: savor the moment, good or bad, because you’ll never get those seconds back.
Cheers.
- SB
Outfit of the week.
Full suit, shirt: H&M
Bowtie: American Apparel
Scarf: H&M x Versace
- JMD
Art in Vegas.
I believe that part of the process to become a better (gentle)man is to familiarize yourself with different cultures. However, it is not necessary to know them all. Stay true to yourself first — build, learn, and inspire yourself from there.
- JMD
I’m not an artist — but I support all who are. If you’re someone who enjoys art in any type of form through the internet, please make sure you support the petition against SOPA/PIPA. I just signed the petition that Google put together — here’s the link.
- JMD
(via 120186)
(Photo courtesy of Yahoo)
Joey Lawrence, shot at the People’s Choice Awards.
The combination of pattern and material just works great in this one. Although he stuck with neutral colors with his suit/shirt/tie combination, the choice of having a pocket square as the accent color is genius to me. Bold, without being excessive. Well done.
- JMD
Perceptive.
Ask yourself: where do YOU, or for the ladies, where does YOUR MAN, fall under?
- SB
Gentleman.
One of the reasons why I wanted to start The California Gentleman was because I feel that, with how media portrays it, there is now a stereotype that comes along with the word ‘gentleman’. Now, let’s be honest — not every man can look as good in a suit as Joseph-Gordon Levitt or have the physique of Ryan Gosling; not every man can be as successful in his industry as Jay-Z or have the rate of success with women as James Bond. With magazines such as Gentlemen’s Quarterly (GQ) and Men’s Health reinforcing the idea with their cleverly designed/written issues, it is no surprise that men nowadays have gone astray.
Don’t get me wrong — I have nothing against anyone who I mentioned above (in fact, one of my goals is to work for GQ). I’m simply stating an idea, a perspective, that I believe has been superseded. In my opinion, a gentleman can come in any shape, weight, color, size, and so on. A gentleman can come from both the top and the very bottom of the social class. So, then, what makes a gentleman?
- JMD
Raw. Captivating.
Based on a book I have not read, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo daringly explores the reaches of human vice. This thriller is filled with mystery to keep you guessing up until the very end. The characters are complex with plot lines that, I believe, are debatable. The methods of how scenes were shot add to the film’s overall impact. Clever and provocative, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is sure to satisfy the inquisitive mind.
- SB
