Here is a quick nod to the Every Swell Man should Learn series, and this is something that can show how swell you really are to those around you. There comes a moment in many mens life where he is asked to toast another; whether it be a celebration of a career advancement, a retirement, a birth, or marriage, you should be ready to shower your mate with praise. There are a few simple tasks to composing and delivering the perfect toast. Not all of us are public speakers, and delivering a toast in a crowd can be daunting, so I will give some tips to quell those fears as well. Continue reading
Author Archives: howtobeswell
The Cartier Roadster
This may not be a new and exciting timepiece for everyone, but for me it is an all time favorite, that I have yet to write about. The Cartier Roadster had been a “Holy Grail” watch for me for a long time. You know the type, that piece that you would want to acquire using any means necessary, but has always been just out of reach. Rest assured my crusade was not in vain, I’ve made my conquest and this watch rests in my personal collection. I didn’t consider this to be a grail watch because of some technical prowess, or revolutionary complication, the feeling was purely about style and design. Being the car aficionado that I am, when I first laid eyes on this watch and understood its nuances, I was captivated. I knew that I would have to have this object of beauty. It was unmistakably the most interesting watch that I had ever seen.
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Passion Pit: Take a Walk
I recently came across a new group that has really caught my attention recently. Passion Pit is a great indie rock band from out east specifically Cambridge, Massachusetts. They formed in 2007 and its members are: Michael Angelakos, Ian Hultquist, Xander Singh, Jeff Apruzzese , and Nate Donmoyer. All of the band members, save Angelakos, attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Michael attended Emerson College. Their name comes from a slang term for a drive in movie theater. Continue reading
Happy Birthday Aston Martin…100 years
The British car manufacturer and racing legend, Aston Martin turns 100 today. I have always loved Aston Martin. With their rich racing heritage, consistent styling, and hand-built quality, whats not to love? And what better day to write about this brand than their 10oth anniversary.
Rules to being a Gentleman
I “borrowed” this from one of my favorite blogs, The Effortless Gent. I thought it was important enough to share with the How to be Swell readers too. The blog post it came from is very good and recommended reading as well, For now this is just a quick post from me, but there is more swell stuff to come. In the mean time … stay swell.
Happy New Year
Yes it’s that time again. Time to dust off the clichés’ of turning a new leaf, and starting fresh. Time to get out last years resolutions and update your list to try them again this year. I am well aware that we are inundated with these types of messages for the new year (especially from your local health clubs), but I do want to make a challenge to you. Continue reading
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from How to be Swell. This Christmas think back to those wonderful Norman Rockwell pictures for the Saturday Evening Post, and the warm feelings that they evoke. I hope that your Christmas is the embodiment of those idyllic pictures, I wish for all of you great fellowship, good food, celebrations and long embraces from your loved ones. Stay swell 
JFKs watches
Our 35th president was a man who exuded style and class. John Fitzgerald “Jack” Kennedy became one of the most popular presidents and his administration was refered to affectionately as Camelot. He garnered respect from politicians on both sides of the aisle, but he also had a fair share of detractors. Some disliked him so vehemently that they were able to take his life on November 22 1963. Of course any discussion of JFK can go in so many directions; His politics are open for debate, his storied personal life, and many rumored trysts make for sordid conversation. He without a doubt left a huge legacy here in america and depending on your perspective will decide the degree of said legacy. I wont be addressing those topics here, I want to talk about Jack’s personal style, specifically his taste in watches. There are four specific watches related to JFK that tell stories of their own. Four distinguished pieces belonging to the president that he wore for various reasons in noteworthy situations. Continue reading
What you’re wearing today
I thought I would do a quick post and try out the WordPress app on my I phone. Since I write I style blog, what better to write about than my style today.
I am wearing one of my favorite shirts from express. It is a French-cuffed cotton shirt with a black and grey bulls-eye pattern. I love French cuffs because I love cuff links. Cuff links are a great way to show some personality subtlety in your wardrobe. With many themes and whimsical designs there is a cuff link for every swell guy.
Mrs. How to be Swell thought this shirt was too daring, but I think it looks swell. I matched with a pair of cuff links that I really like in solve with Onyx and a cool snake design surrounding it.
You will also notice my favorite watch to wear with this shirt is my vintage Heuer Carrera, I think the black and white dial with the perforated is the perfect compliment to this shirt.
I finished it off with a charcoal paisley skinny tie, and grey pinstriped trousers with black belt and shoes.
It’s fun to dissect what your wearing in a given day, and why. Try some cool combos, and think about why you would put them together. Also tell me what you think of the “iPhone post”. So go have some fun and always look swell.
Pea Coat
Ahhh, my trusty pea coat. Some people may call it a navy coat, officers coat or even pilots jacket. What ever you call it, this is about the best jacket money can buy. It is an iconic piece of clothing that has remained relatively unchanged in its long history. This should be a staple in your winter wardrobe, it is my go to winter jacket, I wear it over my work dress clothes and pair it with my favorite heavy wool striped scarf and I am ready for just about anything. Continue reading
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