Style isn't just about the clothes...
Lauren Larsen
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly emulate style..? How there is a difference between looking like you are wearing clothes and looking like the clothes are wearing you? How some people just have that certain j ne c'est quoi that you can't quite put a finger on? In our opinion, style is a product of the the way you act, carry yourself and interact with others in addition to knowing how to put a proper outfit together.
During a recent visit to the Douglas Coupland exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery, I came across a quote that became the inspiration for this post...
“Fashionable people can opt out of the fashion scene, but a stylish person can not become unstylish unless they hit their head on a rock and suffer brain damage.”
Style is something that cannot be faked but can be learned, and once learned, is difficult to be forgotten. This post is dedicated to showing you a couple ways to amp up your overall style game (and will definitely assist in the dating department).
1. Invest in a nice, classic watch.
- This does not have to be a Rolex, Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe, or any other brand that costs a small fortune, just something that is subtle and looks good. No bling, rainbow colours, massive faces or plastic straps, please.
2. Regardless of the cut, have clean, properly groomed hair.
- Grow out the top, ditch the hair gel, invest in a matte clay and sweep it to the side. Find a great barber or a hair stylist who knows whats up and stick with him/her!
I AM GALLA shows us how it's done!
3. Know about the various wine varietals & regions and how to order wine properly.
- Buy a book, read a blog or do a couple wine tastings to find out the differences between a merlot and a cabernet sauvignon and Napa Valley from Bordeaux France. Knowing what you like and how to properly order wine not only gives you style points, it is impressive.
Holmegaard cabarnet red wine glass & Peugeot grand bouquet decanter.
4. Know how to cook a proper meal.
- There are various places in Calgary that offer cooking classes. Whether it be location specific fare or local grub, The Cookbook Co. Cooks has a wide range of classes to choose from. If you're not into checking out a class, grab a cookbook (Jamie Oliver is great) and practice a few meals at home!
5. Know how to make a proper cocktail.
- There are not many things more impressive than a man who knows how to make a proper cocktail (would you like shaken or stirred...?). There are a few places that offer cocktail making courses but an even better way to dabble in the art of cocktail creation is by practicing at home. The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff is an exceptional book and one of the few that tells the story of the classics, from 1862 to now. Learn the basics, Manhattan, Martini, Old Fashioned, Margarita.. etc, and you'll be set to impress.
6. Own a set of nice wine & scotch glasses (at least 4 of each).
- Having proper drink vessels is a must for stylish entertaining. Invest in at least four of each and you will be set for almost any occasion.
Waterford Marquis vintage set & Riedel red wine glasses.
7. If you are going to wear cologne, ensure it does not smell like a locker room.
- We'd recommend going for something that has musky notes. Tom Ford makes an amazing selection of unisex fragrances, our favourites being Black Orchid and Tobacco Vanilla.
In addition to helping you create a functioning and stylish wardrobe, we are more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have in regards to the other style lacking aspects of your life. Drop us a line!
- Ensemble Style, Calgary