Why Didn't She Call Back?

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS keep your cool! Even in awkward situations...

Have you ever been in the awkward situation when you call a chick and she doesn't call back? But that's not it, you happen to cross paths at a mutual event. Sounds funny huh, and can be very awkward but as the perfect gentleman what should you do?

If you happen to see a female in public that hasn’t called you back yet, it might seem awkward but keep your cool! There may be no particular reason as to why a she has not called you back so be cordial, be a gentleman and communicate as you would with a person you haven’t seen in a while. say hello to her, shake hands or hug and converse as you normally would. If the conversation continues to more than just hello and small talk, you can mention that you have called and if she has received your message. You can even say it in a joking way to lighten up the awkward moment for both of you. Whatever response she has, show no emotion as if it did not bother you and carry on. If you know why she may have not called you back be wise and just leave the topic alone.

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

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

A Florist for A Gentleman!

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS Shhh, but you should have a business relationship with a few florist so that can help you and show you love throughout the year for your lady...or ladies...

Gentleman, there are almost two or three different occasions throughout the year that we for sure need to grab a beautiful bouquet of flowers for that special lady in your life. Among those days are Valentines Day, a birthday and anniversaries if you're lucky enough to be married. Not to mention, that you can send flowers for no reason at all, which ladies absolutely love! So when these days begin to come close there is no need for you to be running around, searching the Internet, and calling multiple stores looking for a some flowers. It is much more beneficial and convenient to find one or two florist that you know personally that also know you. Yes, cost is a factor but in the long run a "relationship" with a local florist will be more cost effect by getting favors and discounts because you're a regularly customer. In addition, when you call, pick up or have your flowers delivered you have the confidence of knowing your flowers are going to look good for that special lady! (or ladies if you're single, just kidding...but not really)

Remember, ladies (plural), does not have to mean a lady you're dating! We all may have mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, clients or friends that are deserving of an occasional flower arrangement. There also may be occasions, good and not so good, throughout the year that flowers are appropriate. Such occasions are sending a "Get Well" bouquet for someone that is ill, a bouquet for a friend after a passing in their family, or a generous "Thank You" bouquet as a kind gesture. All these yearly events will allow you build a positive relationship with your local florist which will be handsomely rewarding to you as a gentleman in many different ways! ;o)

That's Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Here are some flicks to add to your repertoire of "Girly Movies"

You dont have to like them, just know they exist and there's some flower shops scenes in them to grab some tips from too.

A Gentleman's Worse-Case Date Scenarios

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Keep your "cool" even in the most awkward situations!

GENTS we've all had a variety of experiences in dating! Some good and some...not so good! Hopefully, the good ones outweigh the bad. Nonetheless, I recently caught a glimpse of an article on AskMen.com titled The Top 10: Worse Case Date Scenarios and I thought, how timely is this read after the last blog post on Inexpensive Date Ideas. The article is funny until you hit number 1, which had no humor at all in my opinion, since we've all probably have had at least 1 or 2 of the Top 10 Worst-Cases Date Scenarios happen in our dating experiences! (Don't leave me hanging on this one gents, ladies read this blog too!)

The one thing that I saw that would make almost all of these Worst-Case Date Scenario not so bad is to just be a gentleman! When you are respectful, considerate and have confidence you'll be able to handle any situation! So take note: A respectful gentleman is always sure enough "Life...With Style"

Check Top 10: Worse-Case Date Scenario article then please come back and tell us how many of these scenarios you've experienced, both Gents & Ladies! You DO NOT need to say which ones, but just how many situations have happened. My confession is below! (SMH & LOL)

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Cheap Dates: Inexpensive Ideas that are Rich in Quality

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS The same things that helped you get your lady interested are the same things you should continue to do in the relationship to keep her…

After receiving at least a handful of personal emails, facebook messages and tweets in the last week about how how more men should use the fresh tips. I’m encouraged to simply nudge us gentleman to always keep it fresh in relationships with the ladies!

I’m no relationship coach but because of the fresh tips I’ve received messages from different ladies that the men they have dated don’t take time to “plan” a nice date. That men minimize the quality of dates over time, or that men get too comfortable now that they are in the relationship by not doing the things they used to do.

Many times ladies don’t always need to have the expensive, luxurious dates but they do want to know that a man took time to plan, set aside time, and shows that he genuinely cares. We all know that dinners and movies are classic dates but think about how many dinners and movies she have experienced. (chuckle)

So think outside the box gents and always keep your dates fresh! A Ferrera Fresh Tip to remember that will liven up your dates and minimizes the cost of the date is, “think like a child, but make sure your actions are mature!” Meaning: have fun while dating these wonderful ladies, gents! Dating should not be a "chore" but an enjoyable experience for you and her. Be creative and you might even save some money and have more dates! Until next time ladies and gents, I’ll leave you with 10 fresh date ideas that the ladies will love!

1. Cook dinner together! Find a few recipes from the food network and mix it up together in the kitchen. It’s a great time to flirt with her and enjoy a meal in an intimate setting.

2. Race car driving! Not the kiddy go-karts, but there are some race centers that have adult size karts that you both can race and play! It makes for great future “remember when we…” conversations!

3. Picnic at the beach! Not only do you get to check her out in a swimsuit, but it’s a nice “planned” hangout. Not to mention you can show off your fitness if you’ve read the fitness post!

4. Wine tasting! Sounds expensive but it’s not! With just a little planning you can find a tour and wine tasting for two at very minimal or no cost!

5. Miniature Golfing! Remember when you did this as kids? She does too, which is why she’ll like it! Again great time to flirt and to friendly compete with her.

6. Art Walk! If she likes art, visit a local museum and just walk around, wink, and flirt with her as you pretend to look at art! It may not be the coolest thing for you to do, but it could get the girl! ;o)

7. “Weekday dates!” Meet her for a short lunch, happy hour after work, meet up for appetizers, or meet her for  a glass of wine at a roof top location. All of these things shows you’ve planned.

8. Go bowling! A classic date and another friendly competitive hangout.

9. Go sightseeing! Chances are if you’ve lived in an area for a while there are a ton of historic places that you both haven’t explored. Do some light Google research and go see them.

10. Read a cook book, a lifestyle magazine or a blog together and do an activity you find interesting! Hint: “Life with Style” by Michael Ferrera is a good place to start.

Yours Truly,

Michael Ferrera