How to Communicate on a Date

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS there should never be a dull moment of conversation when on a date with a wonderful woman. Good communication skills on a date will allow her to open up and be more comfortable with you...

While dining, the perfect gentleman knows never to talk with food in his mouth. Finish chewing and then begin to talk. She will rather wait until you finish chewing in order to hear you more clearly. Ask her questions when you see she is not eating or drinking. A good time to ask questions is when she has just finished chewing, not while she is chewing or has just put food in her mouth. Now while she is talking, you chew and eat, which will make for a great dining experience in which you enjoy great conversation while having a meal. 

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

www.michaelferrera.com

What does "Dressed to the Nines" mean?

We all have heard the term "dressed to the nines" which refers to someone that is immaculately dressed. Well, this is actually a very old phrase which comes from the 1800's military era.

When suits were made for military men, master tailors would use more than enough fabric to create a top notch suit. Although a gentleman's suit could easily be made with 5-6 yards of fabric, the tailors would use a full  "9 yards" of fabric to get a rich finished look. This is where we get the phrase "dressed to the nines." Over time, the phrase began to be used when referring to someone that is dress extremely well, even if their attire is not made with a complete nine yards of fabric.

Ferrera Fresh Tip: In a Life with Style, always dress to the nines! And now you know why...

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera
www.michaelferrera.com

Can you wear Jeans as Business Casual

No!

Well okay, Maybe!

While jeans have become very stylish and dressy, it is often asked: can you wear jeans as business casual? And the answers is: it depends! The etiquette and proper answer is that there is not a real definition of "business casual." And, if an event calls for business casual, it never calls for jeans to be worn in the given setting. However, Americans often choose to go against the grain for one reason or another so it is important to be aware of what to do in this situation.

To answer this question further I will offer a few things to consider and scenarios that could call for business casual attire. By considering these things when dressing business casual will allow you to always be appropriately dressed.

1. Know your industry. If you're in an industry that calls for you to wear a suit & tie more often than not, jeans are a No. 
2. If jeans are apart of your profession such as denim design or fabric manufacturing, jeans may be Okay.
3. If the business casual event is held in an office or meeting space, jeans are a No.
4. If the business casual event is held in lounge or bar, jeans may be Okay.
5. If the business casual event is held  in hotel lobby or space, jeans are a No.
6. If the business casual event is at a someone's home, jeans may be Okay.
7. If your business casual event is held in a golf club house or private club jeans are a No. 
8. If the person your are attending with or who invited you is not wearing jeans, then No.
9. If you choose to wear jeans as business casual, always wear dark jeans with little or no washes. Darker than traditional blue jeans would be considered dark denim.
10. If you do choose to wear jeans as business casual, also wear a blazer and dress shoes so not to be considered casual.

The next time you or someone you know considers wearing jeans as business casual, consider the 10 tips above first and choose accordingly. Appropriate attire is much more valuable than stylish attire. 

"Life...With Style"

Yours Truly,

Michael Ferrera

The Look

What does RSVP mean?

We have all received invitations that finish with the fancy letters "R.S.V.P" but what does that really mean? You probably know that it means we are suppose to reply if we are coming to the event, but the abbreviation R.S.V.P. actually means Répondez S'il Vous Plaît which is French for "Please Respond." 

The reason we see this phrase R.S.V.P. in the English language dating back to the late 18th Century is that many naturally adopted this French etiquette since it does sound fancy and it is a nice way to abbreviate the long phrase. Yes it all comes down to knowing that you have to reply in regards to your attendance to an event, but it sure is nice to know what the R.S.V.P. means on that next invitation you send out or receive.

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît sounds like (Re-Pond-Zé-See-Voo-Plāa)

First Date Tips: 6 Steps to a Successful First Date

Ferrera Fresh Hint: GENTS The First dates the most important date, period!

Ahhh, yes the first date is always exciting for the simple fact that it is just New! However, the first date is your opportunity to display the gentleman that you are as well as observe and learn about the lady you are interested in.  Listening and good conversation will make this date successful without a doubt but remember dates are to be fun and not feel like an "interview." Here are 6 tips that will avoid date disasters and will make your first dates successful!

• Make sure to plan this date! It shows her that you take time and that she is important. There is no excuse not to plan the first date, period!
• Know a little about the weather for your date and a little bit about the things she likes and does not like as it pertains to food, fun and entertainment.
• There is no need for too much touching or being close on a first date. If it does happen let her initiate it.  She may continually and subtly invite you to be closer to her with small touches, and other flirtatious signs. Just take note and keep your cool. 
• The first date should be a place where you can actually talk! Movies, operas or plays just don’t work since you have to be silent in these places. Having dinner, a glass of wine, visit a café or a lounge is more appropriate since you can interact in conversation.
• Be very alert on the first date! Listen, respond, remember, take mental notes and know that all communication skills apply. Her body language and conversation will tell you whether this is the only date or if there will be other dates to follow.
• Keep your cool and do not be too romantic on the first date! This might even make her want you more because it gives the impression that you are polite enough to respect her space which she will be attracted to! But, let her initiate romantic interaction and you respond as you desire...

One more tip for good measure which you regular readers know from other post which is, always dress your best! Put your skills in to play from the gentleman’s style blogs and carry on your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Ferrera Fresh Answers

Ferrera Fresh Tip: When you don't know, not sure, or just want a second opinion, ask an expert...

Quiet often question come into the inbox at ask@michaelferrera.com, Facebook, & Twitter for answers to quick fashion & style questions. Ferrera Fresh Tips with the ladies, date ideas, nice restaurants to visit, among others. Which means, if one person is asking then there are others out there too with the same questions. Here are a few of this weeks top questions, use as you wish and share with others.

Questioner: When traditionally is it best to wear a two button suit versus a three button suit? -Gentleman | Oakland, CA

Ferrera Fresh Answer: There is no "traditionally" best. The number of buttons on a suit are completely for style, so you can choose based on personal preference! The 3 button is the classic-cant-really-go-wrong, but currently the 2 button is a little more fresh since it's lighter, simple, chic and professional all in one...

Questioner: What color shirt would you recommend with a white linen suit for a wedding? Very casual, I'm wearing sandals. - Gentleman | Santa Monica, CA

Ferrera Fresh Answer: Color shirt! Something bright like teal, bright pink, or royal blue dress shirt. If the sandals have brown in it, a shirt with tan or brown is fresh too.

Questioner: What is "corporate casual?" -Gentleman | Rancho, CA

Ferrera Fresh Answer: "Technically" there's no such thing! This was started as a way to just dress casual, but it depends on the event. Polo's, slacks or slacks, shirt and a blazer often work. The main thing is you can ditch the neck tie.

Remain fresh you all and live Life with Style!

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera