The Gentlemen's Standard

We've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 20:21:00 +0000

The day has finally arrived - we've moved. It's been over 4 years here on Blogger, but a change was needed. So, head over to the new site. Hope to see you over there.

http://gentlemenstandard.com/

Black Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:28:00 +0000

"Anytime you see somebody more successful than you are, they are doing something you aren't."
Malcolm X

The haunting fear of failure can certainly impede any aspiring gentleman from realizing his dreams & goals. Well, success does not arrive without crooks in the road or cracks in the pavement. However, the gentleman should never let such things deter him from accomplishing any rewarding or desired objective. Anyone who has tasted any form of success understands this completely. The successful gentleman welcomes and embodies the meaning of sacrifice. He stretches himself to enormous lengths, such lengths that maybe the next man is not willing to endure. Endless days. Weary eyes. Growing frustration. Certain disappointment. Perseverance and diligence is instrumental. Locate and recognize success. Appreciate it. Study it. Learn from it. Emulate it. Mold your path to success and allow nothing to block your progress.

Gent Hints - Watch Battery Change

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Kenneth Cole

I readily admit my shameful guilt for the following offense: leaving a dead battery inside one's timepiece. Be it negligent forgetfulness and inexcusable sloth; abandoning your timepiece with its deceased life source inside can be risky, and perhaps expensive, business. In the deep, far crevices of my mind, I knew this fact. And yet, I continued with my neglect until certain circumstances necessitated the need for usage. I had long fallen into the nasty habit of simply retrieving my cell phone for time consultation. However, now I needed, for appearances, to have a watch on my wrist. So, I visited my neighborhood watch store to replace the battery. Side note: always go to a certified watch store. In my early days, I went to, I think, Target to replace the watch battery. And as I watched in terror, customer service began to fumble and pound on the underside of the watch, futilely attempting to open the casing. I vowed - never again.

Anyway, as I strolled into the store, there was another gentleman at the counter who was also guilty of leaving a dead battery inside his watch. Overhearing the conversation, I listened to customer service tell him that the battery was corroded and had leaked inside the watch - it was destroyed. Nervously, I watched as my salesperson disappeared into the back to change out my battery. Would she return with the same diagnosis? Sure, the watch was inexpensive, but that wasn't the point. My careless procrastination could cost me a perfectly good watch nonetheless. Alas, she returned with a healthy, ticking watch - with instructions to return in a year or so when it is time for a change. I'll be there like clockwork.

Black Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:19:00 +0000

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”

-Booker T. Washington

Sure, it would be easy enough to become enamored by the seemingly authoritative, accomplished status of a wildly successful individual. The mere presence of seductive visuals such as expensive status symbols have tremendous influence as they elicit, sometimes, misguided deference from the admirer. However, I challenge the reader to momentarily ignore such material objects. Instead, please divert your attention to the process that granted such accomplishment possible. What did that individual experience during their journey to success? Trust this: The strength of a gentleman’s character is forged on the anvil of adversity. Through weathering distress or difficulty, prosperity is procured by he who believes a challenge is an opportunity. An opportunity to steel your will and seize achievement despite any obstacles you might encounter. Don’t be impressed by person’s materialistic results. Those are nice and fine to look at. Nevertheless, be more impressed with the vanquished adversity that withered in the face of impending success. And then go forth and forge your own.

Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro BG2040 Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:49:00 +0000

Gentlemen, it is contest time again. A few months ago, I trialed the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro BG2040, and I was very pleased with the performance and results. In the aftermath, I was negligent in my duties, and I forgot to post details about a giveaway. Well, Philips Norelco is still offering its bodygroomer to any lucky gent who wants to take it for a spin. So, hit me up on my e-mail 76classic@gmail.com and I will randomly select a winner. The debates are tonight, so I'll be up late. Let's make the cut-off time 11:59 pm tonight. And if you need more information on the product, check out my review HERE to see if this dual electric razor and trimmer is to your liking. Good luck.

Style & Substance- The Checked Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:34:00 +0000

So, I took a brief excursion out to the Off Fifth Saks outlet at Great Lakes Crossing Sunday morning. In dire need of a new winter cap, I armed myself with a 30 percent off coupon, hoping that I would score a great deal. Well, I did score a great deal, but it was not for the hat that I was in search of. Nevertheless, I got a great Michael Kors heavy woolen field coat for only $120.00 - discounted from $400.00! More on that in a future post. Today, I wanted to share an observation. It looks like the trend for shirts this season is leaning heavily towards checked patterns. Seriously, there were checks everywhere. And not just any check, we are talking big, boisterous cotton checkerboard offerings. The patterns were certainly pronounced, but they weren't visually obnoxious to the point of inducing nausea. It's funny, stripes were were all the rage a few years ago. But I digress; maintaining a modicum of shopping discipline (I did, however, snatch some hosiery while I was there), I departed the store empty-handed - save for the aforementioned coat and socks. Nevertheless, I think I will buy a shirt or two with a bold check if I am at Kohls or JC Penney - no need to break the bank on sport shirts, that's just a personal rule of mine. So, how about you - pass or grab?

GQ October 2012 - Denzel Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:19:00 +0000

Long overdo. Painfully long overdo. Seriously, for a magazine branded with the title Gentlemen's Quarterly, one has to question the dubious representations that have graced its cover throughout the years - with recent years being of special note. Nevertheless, this month's selection is the perfect apotheosis of distinguished humility and inimitable elegance - Denzel Washington. It has been 18 years since Washington has occupied the cover of GQ. Really, has it been that long? Sadly, it has, but his well-dressed return is welcome. Now, I am usually suspicious of self-professed "style playbooks" released from GQ, as they are akin to a standard issue that one might purchase any other month. That being stated, this edition is actually worth the $4.99 you will pluck down at the counter. The articles and pictorials featuring not only Washington, but also Javier Bardem and Chris Paul (slightly out of place here) are good reads. The style advice, while not groundbreaking, is nonetheless information - especially the feature on big, bold checked sport coats for autumn. Heck, even the advertisements are an entertaining visual. So, pick one up, or at least thumb through one at your local Barnes & Noble.

UPTOWN Gentleman: Break Bad...With Style

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:19:00 +0000

When Walter White, chief protagonist of AMC’s Emmy Award-winning drama “Breaking Bad,” dons his trademark pork pie hat, his dark alter ego, Heisenberg, is being summoned to handle some serious business. For those individuals unfamiliar with the popular series, White is a mild mannered, timid high school chemistry teacher whose brilliance in said subject matter and subsequent lung cancer diagnosis leads him into the world of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine. A stark departure from his regular docile lifestyle, he “breaks bad” and commences a dark downward spiral that compromises his morality and ethics. Now, we are not recommending you turn into a criminal, but we can show you how to style your own tough guy alter ego – without breaking any laws. By sartorial design, you will readily detect the not so subtle absence of color, as the presence of deep sobriety is paramount. So, go forth and break bad in your own rugged way.

Hello, good people, I am back on blogging duty. Still finishing up the new site, but I am making enough progress to start writing here again. Today, I wanted to share an article I recently submitted to UPTOWN. I decided to have a little fun this week and wrote a piece about how a gentleman would dress if he were to "break bad". Breaking Bad is a favorite series of mine, I wanted to write outside the box on this one. Check it out HERE and enjoy.

Blogging Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Well, I did not want to do it, but my hand is being forced at the moment. I have to temporarily suspend my blogging duties as I continue work on my new website. I have attempted to attend to both sites, but I just can't keep up the pace. So, I will be taking off for 2 weeks to apply the finishing touches on the new Gentlemen's Standard, and hopefully I will be ready for an official launch in a month. I'm really excited and also nervous, as I hope I won't lose too many readers, and I hope those that stick around will love the new format. So, I will see you good people in a few weeks. Take care.

When Is Rape, Just Rape?

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:25:00 +0000

I fully understand that no matter the political affiliation, there are some individuals who do not believe in abortion. Period. Because, in a bipartisan effort, bill H.R. 3 saw approving votes from both sides of the aisle. And their belief is their right. However, in light of the controversy surrounding Missouri U.S. House Representative Todd Akin and his usage of the term "legitimate" rape, I felt compelled to offer a quick opinion. It should be noted that prominent members of the GOP vehemently disagree with the inflammatory language used by Todd Akin, but they still agree with the underlying policy: no abortion - even in cases of rape and incest.

Truthfully, I am a disturbed by qualifying words such as legitimate or forcible. As if rape requires a prefix to grant truthfulness to the act. And by the way, there is, in my opinion, no such thing as "forcible" rape; as rape itself connotes the action of forcing a sexual act upon an individual without their consent. That is like saying someone committed armed robbery with the intent to steal. Robbery alone implies the act of stealing. It is painfully redundant to place the word "forcibly" in front of rape because the nature of the act itself is germane to force or coercion.

Here is the problem with using the term "forcibly" in conjunction with rape. Some may interpret force as the presence of physicality. Say, for example, an intruder breaks into a home where a mother and daughter reside. Attempting to have sex with the daughter, the mother consents to have sex with the intruder on the grounds that the daughter is left untouched. There is consent and there is no presence of physical force. The mother becomes pregnant. Was that rape? In my eyes, yes. However, from the viewpoint of some lawmakers, the answer could be no. The slop is slippery and dangerous.

Rape is rape. It is an assault. In my opinion, there really isn't any gray area to be argued here. The individual could be under duress, incapacitated, or impaired. Rape is rape. The individual could suffer the abuse by the hands of an authority figure through psychological & physical manipulation, as in the case with Jerry Sandusky.

In that instance, the historic institution of Penn State football outweighed the heinous crimes committed against children. In the infamous R. Kelly sex tape scandal, some people casually dismissed case because the alleged underage female "knew what she was doing sexually", therefore, it could not be considered rape. But I digress, some people have strange interpretations of what they consider rape. And some interpretations involve making excuses, covering up the act, or performing legislative, political gymnastics to redefine its meaning, albeit in a subtle manner. When is rape...just rape? Well, if you truly understand the meaning, you shouldn't even need to ask the question.

Gent Hints- Send A Text Message

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:16:00 +0000

If you are a gentleman enjoying the married life, or even a gentleman involved in a serious relationship, you would probably agree that maintaining an acceptable level of romance with your partner can be an arduous task. Sure enough, as time slowly, steadily progresses; the rudimentary trappings of life can rob a gentleman of his romantic fire. A stressful work environment, raising children, and even his relationship with his significant other can all factor into depleting him of the energy required to be that romantic that she desires. And while buying expensive, elaborate gifts is probably duly appreciated; it can be devoid of emotion if it just turns into a bland routine. Empty gifts can never replace the emotion of a simple loving gesture. So, gentlemen, we have to help each other out. Let's share a few ideas that maintains the passion and fun in our relationships. I will go first.

Now, granted I have only been doing this a few weeks, but the results have been positive. It's simple and it won't take up too much time. All that is required is that you listen to your loved one, that you know how to formulate a clear concise message, and you own an unlimited text message (or at least a generous amount) phone plan. If your wife is like mine, she will probably give you a detailed report on how her day played out after it is over. Take the time to listen...I mean...really listen. And up to this juncture in your relationship, I pray you have taken note of key words that bring a smile to her face. Now, retrieve your cell phone and send her a text message.

An example might be: Hello beautiful, hope you have a wonderful day at work, don't allow people to rob you of your lovely smile. One sentence - two compliments and a brief word of encouragement. That can go a long way when your partner is stressed out and they need something to smile at. Send, perhaps, a couple text messages her way during the day and she will certainly appreciate the thought. And remember, you have to mean it! Don't just shoot a text for the sake of shooting her a text. You should show genuine concern. And if time allows, give her a call - just to hear her voice. Of course, text messages or phone calls shouldn't be the end all, be all for romance. It should be more as a supplement to other things that you are doing around the household.

So, you don't have to text message her to death. Keep it light, keep it simple, and keep it spontaneous. In some cases, you can add a little sex appeal too. Just ensure that she is the only one reading her phone AND you're sending it to her! Nothing like sending a suggestive message to your grandmother. So, any other ideas out there gents? Please feel free to weigh in with some ideas of your own. We all could benefit from some group sharing.

Style & Substance - The Gentleman's Slipper

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Charles Philip Shanghai

I could be totally mistaken here, but I have always held the assumption that slippers are to be worn within the confines of one's humble abode. However, with greater and greater frequency, I am noticing that slippers have gravitated beyond the walls of the household and onto the concrete walkway. And I am not referring to the casual stroll down the driveway to retrieve the daily newspaper either. No, gentlemen are rocking slippers as if they are your standard pair of loafers. With denim jeans. With khakis. Even with dress trousers. Now, take the example above, these slippers by Charles Philip Shanghai are definitely a handsome spectacle to beyond, but I am fearful that the construction will not sustain a repeated beating against the hard pavement. Consisting of a suede upper, cotton lining, and rubber sole; perhaps these puppies are meant to be worn around the office on a casual Friday. It just seems like these are designed for a flair of rakish eccentricity and not serious pavement pounding. But again, I could be wrong. Nevertheless, at $175.00, I'm not willing to take a chance.

UPTOWN Gentleman: Fall Into Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:19:00 +0000

If you have embarked on a recent shopping excursion to any fine menswear department, you have probably noticed the heavy amount of sales currently in progress. A bevy of popular retailers are actively reducing prices in an effort to move summer inventory and clear space for the arrival of fall merchandise. Yes, autumn is a few months away. No worries, a gentleman can smartly extend sections of his summer wardrobe into fall. And you can even capitalize on those fortuitous summer sales as previously mentioned. This week, we are going to take a look at a few summer items that can still receive some play as we slowly creep towards fall. Take a look and see what you should still be wearing.

Check out my article HERE and see what summer furnishings can get some burn in the fall.

Jack Black Football Fandemonium Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:48:00 +0000

With the football season not that far away, Jack Black is sponsoring an awesome contest that will surely command your undivided attention. Running now until August 15th, a gentleman can kick off the football season in spectacular fashion by entering this special contest. The grand prize consists of two tickets to a professional football game and a Jack Black gift set valued at $250! To enter, participants will “Like” Jack Black on Facebook and enter their favorite pro football team and email address on the contest tab. Just follow the link HERE to participate. Participants can also win one of three Jack Black prize packages we’ll be giving away weekly throughout the contest. It's just that simple. Don't waste time, the 15th will be here before you know it.

Review: Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro BG2040

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 04:27:00 +0000

Today, I am boldly venturing into murky grooming territory that few gentlemen rarely speak of - body grooming. You know exactly what I am talking about. I am speaking about that uncharted region that extends from the neck and precariously downward. Now, unless you are an Olympic swimmer, and you desire to swim with the least amount of physical resistance possible, I am suspecting that you allow your body hair to grow naturally - wild and untamed. Well, with my new Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro BG2040 in hand, I have set forth to tame the moderately hirsute beast - me.

Although I have utilized trimmers before, I have never sought the grooming expertise of a trimmer specifically purposed for manicuring a gentleman's bodily landscape. But I am a good sport, so I was game for the mission. Now, if you think this particular grooming regimen is far too fussy, borderline effeminate - cease reading now and enjoy your fur in all its natural glory. However, if you are open to experimenting with something new, read on my friend.

Approximately one month ago, I was contacted by a marketing agency, and they wanted to know if I was interested in testing the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro. Full disclosure: I was slightly hesitant about utilizing any trimming apparatus on my body that wasn't my face, and especially around my man-parts. I confided in a gentleman at work about my latest foray into male grooming and he just laughed at me. It was the kind of sinister chuckle that insinuated my excommunication from The League of Manly Gentlemen was dangerously imminent. Nevertheless, undeterred and unfazed, I forged ahead with the task with my manhood on the line - quite literally. But before we launch into performance, let us take a brief view of the specifications.

The Specifications:

1. Dual head, electric trimmer and shaver, chrome body with LED indicator
2. Dual control for the trimmer and shaver
3. Five length settings for removable trimmer
4. Three dimensional pivoting head w/ hypo-allergenic foil shaver and patented pearl tips
5. Striped rubber grips on each side ensure optimal grip
6. 100% waterproof
7. Cordless usage with 50 minutes of power after 1 hour charging

The Verdict:

First, allow me to say that this is one handsome electric trimmer and shaver. Don't get me wrong, looks aren't everything, but holding a flimsy trimmer in your hand doesn't grant too much confidence in its shaving abilities. The trimming feature is a simple enough design with an easily removable guard. My only criticism is the guard length needs to be a touch lower. The cutting length is adjusted by a simple slide of the guard. With the lowest setting being 1 (highest being 5), this setting doesn't make a dent in the thickness of my beard. If the guard is removed, I run the risk of taking my entire beard off. So, trimming the outline of my beard was the only safe option. Nevertheless, it does work very well when hitting the armpits though. Too much information? Hey, some gents like to trim there too. I will probably use the trimmer without the plastic guard. Now, on the electric shaver.

My experience produced a shave that was sufficiently close, but not dangerously close; which has two tremendous benefits: 1) A gentleman does not have to suffer the indignity of feeling like a newborn. 2) A gentleman does not have to suffer the irritation or discomfort from hair regrowth. The sleek contoured body and pivoting head granted nimble handling that ensured a safe and comfortable shave. And yes, I can still procreate. No nicks. No cuts. No scrapes. It was gentle and smooth on the body with no accidental spilling of blood.

With a wet or dry shave, the Norelco Bodygroomer is definitely user-friendly. The slim body and rubber sides is great for keeping a firm grip - especially if you are in the shower. The removable pivot head is also easy to detach if it requires some cleaning. I have read a few complaints about the charging stand, but I didn't have a problem inserting and securing charger, so I am not sure what the issue is there. As far as battery life, I would suppose a gentleman wouldn't spend hours shaving, so the 50 minutes or so of power should be more than sufficient.

Overall, this is a product I would definitely recommend if you have a penchant for body grooming, but the thought of running a Gillette Fusion Pro Glide across your body makes you antsy. I would like to see a lower guard setting, but that isn't a deal-breaker here. If you would like to read more about the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro, head over to their site HERE for more details and purchasing information.

Style & Substance - The Polka Dot Pocket Square

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:33:00 +0000

Richard James

So, the gentleman's word on the avenue is polka dot will be a popular pattern in accessories when autumn arrives in a few months. Which is terrific news for me because I started procuring a few polka dot neckties and pocket squares a couple of years ago. Classic patterns, when utilized properly and smartly, will never fade into obscurity. The fact is: Some patterns are simply more popular than others during varying moments in time. Now it is time for polka dots to receive a little shine. And as coincidence would have it, this chocolate and blue beauty caught my eye over at Mr Porter just yesterday. Sure, some gentlemen may be apprehensive about pairing blue and brown. And sure, the polka dot pattern is a little pronounced here. Nevertheless, this is the kind of visual flair that can elevate an otherwise serious sport coat or suit jacket. If the gentleman is careful in keeping any pattern in his dress shirt, his necktie, or even his jacket in check - there shouldn't be any reason why you cannot rock this pocket square with reckless elegance. I see this handsome square brashly tucked in the breast pocket of a medium gray suit. Yes - I said gray suit. Topped off with some chocolate oxfords. Killer!

UPTOWN Gentleman: Buckle Up...The Monk Strap Option

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 22:43:00 +0000

Gracefully blurring the sartorial lines between formal and informal, the monk strap is ready to embrace the title of ubiquitous dress shoe of the autumn season. Appropriately named for its stark resemblance to sandals worn in monasteries, the simple design involves a leather strap extending across the instep to the opposite side by one, two, or even three buckles. It does not mirror the strict formal demeanor of the traditional oxford lace-up, nor is it analogous to the dapper casualness of your standard loafer. No, the monk strap is in a category of its own — a sophisticated hybrid of business and casual alike. So, if you are considering purchasing your first pair in the upcoming months, here is a quick guide on how to wear them with style.

If the monk strap isn't on your list of must-haves for the fall, check out my UPTOWN piece HERE and see why it should be.

The Standard #62

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:18:00 +0000

Men are not born with what one would identify as a "gentleman" gene in their DNA. Sure, some men naturally gravitate towards chivalrous, courteous behavior - but more often than not, such behavior is learned and embedded during various stages of male maturation. Conversely, some adolescents mature without said chivalrous attributes ever being instilled in their life. And that is an unfortunate reality; a reality that is shared by far too many young men growing up today. That must change. Now, as a child I would accompany my grandmother to the market for an afternoon of grocery shopping. My grandmother did not know how to drive, so we would walk to the market and I would help her carry grocery bags home. My brothers and I would actually request to tag along for such shopping excursions.

And now as an adult, I find myself helping elderly women in the market with their groceries, or helping them load bags into their car. Old habits die hard. Unbeknownst to me, the seeds of a future gentleman were being planted when I was but a youth. Furthermore, that benevolent mindset extends to other aspects in my life as well. Whether freeing a woman's car from a snowbank or carrying a pregnant woman's work bags to her car, I am driven by gentlemanly instinct. That is an instinct that must be imparted in young men today. It can be taught as an uncle, a mentor, a friend, or simply as a father. Chivalry. Valor. Courtesy. Politeness. Helpfulness. These are commodities that appear to be in scarce supply nowadays. If you are an owner of any or all, your wisdom is in high demand. Go ahead, there is a young man that needs you today.

The Gentlemen's Ten- The Commanding Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:08:00 +0000

So, you are wondering why you can't get people to follow you. You may be having trouble with people viewing you as a leader. Yesterday, I posted an entry on how to project an aura of authority through means of dress. Today, I would like to offer the reader ten points that may assist in creating the leaderships qualities being sought after. While these ten points may not be the definitive list of commanding authority, I believe it is a great starting point for those who want to be viewed with high respect and esteem.

10) Dress like a leader. People judge and assess our character by viewing our exterior first. If you dress like you don't care about yourself, how can you expect others to care about you?

9) Be aware that you must command language. Be clear and concise when communicating. Now is not the time for profane or slang terminology.

8) You have to allow yourself to be humorous, but don't be a clown. Good humor always puts people at ease. Display deft wit and charisma; people will naturally gravitate towards you.

7) It is always good to be assertive, but not overbearing. No one likes a person who pushes their agenda on others in a rude manner.

6) If you can't reach an agreement on a point you favor strongly, you have to be willing to compromise. It is important to listen...really listen...to what the other person has to say. Common ground surely can be reached with effective listening.

5) You have to display confidence and reject arrogance. There is nothing wrong with believing in yourself, but diminishing others will not win you friends.

4) You don't want to be tentative because some things require initiative. However, you should never rush emotionally into a situation without well thought out planning.

3) You have to show absolute dedication to whatever work you decide to take on. If you want to inspire others to work for you, you must first show your total commitment to the task at hand.

2) You must display wisdom, thoughtfulness, and intellect. No one will follow someone who is a fool unless they are foolish themselves. People should look to you for guidance because they respect your intelligence.

1) You have to make sure that you are approachable. Being abrasive, rude, or untrustworthy will drive people away from you.

Style & Substance- Classic Navy Necktie & Gray Suit

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:11:00 +0000

All things taken into consideration, I am a simple gentleman. Sure, sometimes I demonstrate some sartorial moxie by juggling adventurous patterns with lively color, but those occasions are a rarity. Most times, I fancy a minimalist interpretation of gentlemanly style, straightforward dress that exudes superlative elegance nonetheless. As conveyed by the presentation above. The dark textured navy necktie. The discreetly patterned gray suit. The immaculate white dress shirt. The quietly bold pocket square - one has to appreciate the marriage of brown and gray here. The way the pocket square playfully dances with the suit jacket's glen plaid is beautiful. And the manner in which the navy necktie pops against the pristine backdrop of the dress shirt is fantastic - not to mention it also deftly pulls the square into the fold with superb aplomb. This is classic. The only thing missing is a polished pair of cap toe oxfords...in brown of course.

Monarch Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Hello good people. I am extremely happy to announce that I have connected with the good folks at Monarch Magazine. A surprise e-mail has led to a fantastic opportunity that will hopefully blossom into a wonderful endeavor and relationship. Writing this blog has truly blessed me with some great opportunities for personal growth, and it has afforded me the ability to network and meet with some awesome individuals. Stay tuned as more details roll in. Until then, please check out the press release below highlighting Monarch's summer issue with the beautiful Tamery Mowry Housley gracing the cover. On June 20, 2012; the Style Network's Tia & Tamera episode featured a behind the scenes in-depth profile of Tamera Mowry Housley's cover shoot with Monarch Magazine. The episode featured CEO Will Walters, celebrity photographer Stephanie Matthews, and the Monarch staff.

For more information, please visit:

Style's Tia & Tamera Show

http://www.mystyle.com/tv-shows/tia-and-tamera/

Monarch Magazine

www.monarchmagazine.com/joom

About Monarch
Monarch is dedicated to reflecting affluent, African American professionals and their lifestyles. An innovative source of empowerment where our culture, taste and values are expressed. Get your copy today and visit www.monarchmagazine.com

Mission
Monarch is dedicated to reflecting affluent, African American professionals and their lifestyles. Here is where you can find our culture, taste, values and interest expressed. Created as a source of empowerment, an innovative resource that provides encouragement, knowledge and pride. Monarch is designed to embody the thoughts, vision and intellect of today’s black urban professional. Identifying examples of success for those who aspire to fulfill their potential. Monarch Magazine attracts readers who have not placed limitations on who they are and what they can be. Readers who have chosen to associate themselves with things that are not defined by age or income, but rather a mind-set that says achievement. Monarch Magazine is the forum that brings its readers all of these things delivered within a vibrant and intelligent mix of business and style.

Company Overview
Monarch Magazine offers empowerment from the inside out with exciting features geared towards the African American professional (four issues per year). Readers and viewers are provided with content that illustrates lifestyle driven interests and ways to achieve the kind of personal and lifestyle success they desire. Within every channel of content exists in-depth access to some of the brightest and progressive minds in the nation!

Canon EOS Rebel 3Ti - My New Investment

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Creating a website from the ground up can be a very taxing, time-consuming task. Along with other activities that arrive with just living life, such as shoveling wood chips with a pitchfork out of the front yard, I have been extremely busy. My initial launch date of my new site has been pushed back to this upcoming Fall. I anticipate taking at least a 2 week sabbatical from my regular blogging duties here to apply the fine touches on my new creation. It is coming along fine, and I took the next step in taking full advantage of all the features of Wordpress - I invested in a quality camera. I have long desired to take and post high resolution photographs here on the blog, but my regular camera really does not bring life to the sartorial details that would do the picture justice.

And so, I purchased a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for a great price from Costco, as it was bundled with some other accessories that made the purchase worth it. First impressions: this is a great camera, perfect for a gentleman entering the field for the first time. Now, being a total novice, so I am going to rely heavily on the dormant photography skills of my beautiful wife. I am ecstatic about the myriad of possibilities that my new camera will bring to the new site. So, stay tuned, and thanks for your patience. I promise there are great things to come.

Black Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:01:00 +0000

The current economic climate has thrown the nation into an epic struggle for financial survival. Hyperbolic scary talk? Hardly. Here in Michigan, we are topping 8% unemployment. Factor in those individuals who are under-employed and the reality is frightening. However, living during this economic recession should not be a reason to buckle to financial stress. Defeat is never an option for the confident gentleman. In the face of an uncertain future, the gentleman must be certain. Devoid of doubt. Free of reservation. He must charge forward against the winds of tribulation and challenge. Perseverance and strength are vital characteristics the gentleman must own. Posted above is a short video of Chris Gardener explaining the importance of creating an opportunity for oneself in an atmosphere of high unemployment, scarce job opportunities, and economic turmoil. This is a gentleman who skillfully traversed a path that led him from homelessness to self-made millionaire by grasping the entrepreneurial spirit. Enjoy and be inspired.

UPTOWN Magazine: Stay In The Loop

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:13:00 +0000

Owning a thankless occupation, the gentleman’s belt has all but disappeared from the sartorial landscape. One would think that keeping trousers properly elevated would be highly regarded. Alas, the widespread practice of sagging has rendered the belt an afterthought. Which is puzzling because, seriously, the belt is one of the few accessories that actually serves a fundamental purpose. Nevertheless, if you are a gentleman who still practices the art of maintaining your pants at waist level, check out these hot selections in the latest belt attire. And as you will see, this small strip of leather (or cotton!) can do so much more than hoist your britches. It can actually add some style to your look.

Check out my UPTOWN article and see why sagging one's trousers is so overrated. Really, head over HERE and check it out.

The Standard #61

noreply@blogger.com (Glen Antoine Palmer) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 03:54:00 +0000

To be absolutely certain, a true gentleman does not artificially inflate his status with the hopes of degrading another individual's position. He does not exalt his own success with the silly, sole purpose of entertaining an audience. Sure, his educational pedigree is perhaps superior. And perhaps his financial status is greater as well. However, this gentleman understands that worth is not guided by material or academic status. He is humble. He is quiet. He rejects the presumption that his class is exceedingly higher than the man standing next to him. And if such realities were true, he does not call attention to such facts. Such preoccupation is foolish. Instead, he strives to uplift - never to tear down. So, lift someone up today. Recognize your good fortune and realize your reality could be remarkable different. Lift someone up today...right now.