When my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas this season, I don't think she realized how strategic, informative, and concise I would make my Christmas list. Let's be honest, our families are not the best sometimes at picking us out exactly what we want. This is even more true when it comes to clothes. The main man your mom ever shops for is probably your dad, and probably thinks you have similar interest. . When it comes to clothes and you are wanting new dress pants, tell your parents that you like flat front pants, from Gap, in gray or khaki, and you wear a 30x30 in them. This will save you the grief of fighting the crowds after Christmas, your mom will be happy she knows you will not return her purchase, and ultimately you will get what you want.
This year I decided to ask for the some of the "essentials" that all guys request and will find some pleasure but also use in. You should try to get a diverse bag of things...let's be honest, this is free stuff so you should try and cover all the bases. I will share with you the things I asked for, so hopefully it will give you some help of things to ask for next year if this year wasn't the best.
Electronics: The iHome
Time is everything in life and your alarm clock is your launching pad to making sure your whole day is efficient. It does make it a little easier when you are waking up to your favorite song that will also help to get you going. However, the iHome is more than just an alarm clock. Whether you are in your dorm, apartment, or back porch it will provide great music for all of your friends and tunes to just relax too.
Books: Go Put your Strengths to Work - Marcus Buckingham (Business)
I discovered Marcus Buckingham when I was in job training this past summer from a higher-education professor at my university. I watched a 10 min clip of some of his stuff and I was hooked. Buckingham is a unique motivational speaker in the fact that is not a broad message of "go change the world," but to use your strengths to truly make a difference in your life while improving the world around you. I have read the first few pages and can't wait to get through the rest. This will definitely help if you are currently on the search for internships/jobs when you get the token interview question of "what are your strengths?"
Decision Points- George W. Bush (Politics)
George W. Bush was an American President who became the leader of the most powerful country in the world, but also the Free World at the turn of the century. All eight years of his presidency was defined by some of the most tumultuous times in America's later history. This autobiography is a reflection of the American President's time in office and the background and insight into some decision that shaped the entire World's future. I personally can not wait to read this book. Bush I think wasn't a bad president he just had a lot of bad situations that would have been a lose-lose situation for any person in his position. It is a general rule that when engaging in conversation that you should never talk about religion or politics, but if you ever are caught in a dialogue of talking about this Texas Cowboy, you will be able to hold your own...either side of the argument.
I am all for the E-reader, nook, or even the iPad to read your books, but there is some excitement I find about holding onto a book that has pages and that great smell. Guys, you can also let your other gent friends borrow the book when you are done...pass the knowledge along.
Home and Kitchen: Coffee Maker
Being in college I have learned to appreciate this liquid energy. Coffee is something has kept me going on the toughest of days and warm on some cold ones. We all love our this warm social drink, but it begins to add up when we drink we drop $1.50 on 10 cups throughout the week at our local baristas. That turns in to $15 a week, and $780 a year. Using this in your home will also cut down on the time you have to spend on actually walking to get it. You do have to spend time fixing it, but most coffee makers like this you can program to turn on at a certain time. You may also know that this is a dispenser style, which cuts down on cleaning extra parts. Also, I learned coffee is a good thing in normal doses. It has been shown do reduce certain types of cancer including prostate cancer. However, having more than one-and-half cups a day can be as beneficial to you..
Clothes:
The Sweater
Even winters in the South can be cold and we have to be able to stay warm and look good. In my opinion, the sweater can either make or break you when it comes to impressing people with your wonderful style when the temperature starts to drop. I have even learned to appreciate the tacky snowflake sweater that is two-toned. If you dress it up right and get one that actually fits well, you will look great, be warm, and accomplish that All-American look. Even though I love all sweaters, my heart lies with the v-neck sweater. This one looks better in my opinion when you decide to wear a button-down underneath it. It also works well when you are in that awkward seasonal time when it is freezing in the morning, but warmer during the day. Just wear the v-neck with nothing underneath and show off the chest you have been working on at the gym. Be careful though, different different brands have different "v's" and you do not want to competing with the robust blond at your next cocktail party for biggest plunging neckline. My best friend did a great job this year of picking out this blue v-neck out for me from Gap. Thanks buddy!
Dress Pants
If you ever ask me advice about dress pants, I won't be shy to let you know that I hate pleated pants. That is a different entry, but I always go with a nice flat-front, straight fit. I love a good pair of gray pants because you can either do dark look, or brightened them up with a nice bright shirt and some brown shoes.
T-Shirts
My mom did a great job of picking out a good variety of t-shirts. Now, this isn't your work in the yard t-shirt. These are nice v-necks and crew necks you can wear as and undershirt with your button down when you go out. You never know what you will have to use your button-down as a bandage at your next company pick-nic and you will still look great in just your Banana Republic gray t-shirt. Don't get just white, try a variety of colors!
Dress Shirts and Ties
I don't care if you are starving artist or the top MBA recruit, when it comes to dress shirts should never look like a parachute. My brother gave me this custom fit Ralph Lauren shirt which will look good going to my summer internship this year, or will look good with a dark pair of jeans when I am in class all day. As most brands have a "slim fit" or "custom fit" now, they are great for us "skinny guys" (I say I am well toned) because they are more tailored through your torso, so your physique doesn't get lost in extra fabric. This is a true essential.
Ties are not just an accessory these days, but can really bring your ensemble or look together. Fat ties are a no, but try and get a tie that is a little more tailored looking just like your dress shirts. Skinny ties are all right for going out, but be careful when wearing these to work. Check out Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, or JCrew for a great tie.
