This week, image consultant Kimberly Law rounds up our pocket square mini series with Puff Folds, which work best with silk squares because they drape easily and produce a less structured look. Silk handkerchiefs also come in a variety of colours and prints so it’s easy to create a variety of different looks that work well with suits, as well as sport coats. Read the rest of this entry »

This week, our image consultant Kimberly Law demonstrates point folds with the two, three and four point folds. Read the rest of this entry »

Because our Tie Knot series with personal image consultant Kimberly Law was so well received, we’ve decided to bring you another set of videos on men’s image and style: Pocket squares!

Since the late 19th century, all traditionally tailored men’s coats have featured an angled chest pocket to display a finishing touch. The best folded squares are those that don’t draw attention to themselves. Check out the video above to learn how this is done!

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here. Read on for more tips on how to make the most out of pocket squares. Read the rest of this entry »

Ok folks! This is The Bachelor Makeover Contest follow-up you’ve been waiting for!

Women are all about the details fellas. We notice the small tear that you’re trying to hide by rolling up your sleeves, whether you’ve starched that shirt or bothered to iron it, a bad shave or haircut, even when you’ve let your fingernails grow out past that acceptable length! We’re not saying that you need to get regular mani/pedi’s, but a little extra effort goes a long way, especially if you’re in search of that perfect someone.

Needless to say, most men could use a tip or two in the wooing department, which is why My Girlfriend and It’s Just Lunch teamed up for The Bachelor Makeover Contest, offering Vancouver bachelors the chance to win a potentially life-changing grand prize worth over $4,000 that includes a ‘home run’ makeover and a dream date for Valentine’s Day.

Well, West Vancouver’s Peter Weddigen was that deserving bachelor, seen here after the surprise announcement.

Unbeknownst to Peter, he was nominated by friend Len Chasten, along with his entire swim team! It’s Just Lunch’s Jacquie Brownridge and My Girlfriend’s Jill Hannan received no less than nine testimonials which attested to Peter’s rightful place as the bachelor of the year.

Peter is a total Tom Hanks,” said Len, “a solid citizen, nice guy, decent looking, totally responsible…[but] while every woman would love to marry Tom Hanks, they really want to date George Clooney, or Brad Pitt.”

Fellow swimmer Carole McClean wrote, “Peter is always ready to go out while the rest of the swim team are busy with family obligations. He needs obligations of his own!”

To see Peter’s full transformation, read on! Read the rest of this entry »

If running down to the corner store to pick up a Durex 12-pack is your idea of prepping for a date that you hope will turn into a sleepover, then you are in dire need of Jill Hannan and Jacquie Brownridge’s expert advice. Click on the video above for a crash course on how to impress your dream date the first time you bring her home.

And just in time for Valentine’s Day, My Girlfriend and It’s Just Lunch have partnered to present The Bachelor Makeover Contest. One deserving bachelor will be getting the full treatment from My Girlfriend à la Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, PLUS a one year membership to It’s Just Lunch, complete with dating tips to help him find the woman of his dreams.

So here’s the official callout for all busy professional men who haven’t been actively dating in a long time but want to. Do you know a great guy who keeps getting overlooked by the women he wants to date because of his appearance and outdated style; plus he lives in a typical bachelor pad with a bathroom that screams ‘enter at your own risk’? Then nominate him (or yourself) today! (Deadline: January 18, 2008).

For some bonus dating tips, read on!

Read the rest of this entry »

Do you ever find yourself at your wit’s end trying to come up with a different outfit for work every day? For those of you who hate to shop, or don’t have the means to do so as much as you’d like, you need to replace the mismatched clutter in your closet with wardrobe capsules. As our image consultant Kimberly Law explains, all you need is six basic pieces to get a capsule started and this combination alone will save you an incredible amount of time and money while giving you more versatility with fewer pieces of clothing. Click on the video above to find out more!

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here.

Until Mad Morten came along, I actually wasn’t aware that there was such a thing as a “resting position,” and a “finish position” for cutlery when dining. I’ve found such etiquette fascinating ever since and realized that these customs aren’t necessarily of use only in high society. As our personal image consultant Kimberly Law shows, no matter what kind of dinner party you hold, it helps you to be a better host when you know your guests are finished with their dishes and ready to move on without having to ask. I’ve found in my travels to Europe that they’re in regular practice and not reserved for fine dining. If you make it a habit of eating over the kitchen sink (I’m definitely guilty of that now and again), then these practices may seem a bit on the superfluous side, but give it a try; you may find that you enjoy this touch of sophistication and start eating this way instead. I did!

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here.

As we wrap up our four-part tie knots series, personal image consultant Kimberly Law demonstrates the steps that make up a Pratt Knot (also called Shelby Knot).

After learning the other knots, you may find this one confusing because everything seems backwards; even the tie faces the wrong way when you first start off. Our model described it best: It’s a backwards Four in Hand. But the result looks somewhat different as it has a slightly wider top and is also a little more symmetrical.

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here.

If you’d like to learn another tie knot, or just have a question or story idea in the realm of Image & Etiquette, send us an email! We may just feature it in a future segment.

Here’s the most highly regarded tie knot of all, and one which will never go out of style. It is perfectly symmetrical and substantial, giving its wearer a certain air of distinction that cannot be found in a comparatively flimsier tie knot like the The Four in Hand. If you place the two side by side, I’d be surprised you’d opt for the more basic choice.

As our personal image consultant Kimberly Law points out though, the Full Windsor is more appropriate for men with a medium to larger build. But if you’re on the slimmer side, you can still achieve this classy look by applying The Half Windsor instead.

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here.

Don’t miss next week when we round up our Tie Knot series with the Pratt (also called Shelby) Knot

In part two of this series, personal image consultant Kimberly Law introduces a more classic tie knot called the Half Windsor. Unlike the Four in Hand, this knot is more balanced. I usually enjoy asymmetrical lines but when it comes to ties, I find the lopsidedness of the simpler one just plain annoying to look at…and everyone does it! Hopefully once you see how a Half Windsor is done, you’ll convert.

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here.

If you like this tie knot, then you’ll love the Full Windsor, which will be featured next week so stay tuned!