That Other Photography Blog

nevver:

1. The sooner you’re comfortable dressing up the better.
2. If you’re friends aren’t surprised by one of your interests then you’re too predictable.
3. If you’re not already, become friends with a painter.
4. Know enough about wine that you’re comfortable speak to a sommelier.
5. If you can’t drive a stick shift you’ll regret it at the most inopportune time.
6. Don’t frequent strip clubs, but be prepared to visit them at the right time.
7. If you’re not reading Anthony Lane you’re missing out on one of life’s great pleasures.
8. If you’re useful in the kitchen it will pay off regularly.
9. Pay for her cab home.
10. Don’t be afraid of subtitles: Be familiar with The Conformist, Ran, Le Mepris and Amarcord.
11. That’s not a baseball hat is it?
12. The best articles in the New York Times are in the Business Section. Michael Powell on sports, Eric Asimov on wine, Pete Wells on food, Maureen Down on how the world works.
13. Never wear a sporting uniform in public.
14. If you like a bar or restaurant learn as many people’s names there as you can.
15. If you can afford a cleaning lady hire one.
16. Women will judge your sheets, towels and furniture. And rightly so.
17. Don’t eat meat for two weeks.
18. Nobody is your bro.
19. If there’s a line outside and you’re not confident, think twice.
20. If you live in New York become a member of the Frick Collection and the Morgan Library.
21. Have breakfast with a friend once a week.
22. You already know you should look at your phone less.
23. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from Jane Austen, Henry James, Tolstoy and Melville.
24. Try not buy anything that advertises on television.
25. Go to India before you’re twenty five.
26. Unless you’re hiking at altitude, don’t wear a backpack in public.
27. Tip bartenders in cash.
28. Seek the advice of a man who works in a good men’s store, even if you can’t afford to shop there. They’ll be more helpful than you realize.
29. No pink cocktails.
30. Ask your grandfather what his life was like 50 years ago, and don’t interrupt him.
31. If your watch impresses people then you’re impressing the wrong people.
32. You don’t visit your local greenmarket?
33. If you don’t cook then Mark Bittman’s Minimalist recipes are a great place to start. (They’re all online.)
34. You’ll never regret being a regular.
35. Have a pet cause and donate to it, even if it’s only $25 a year.
36. Not white or black socks in public, unless you’re playing tennis or attending a funeral.
37. If your cocktail arrives with a straw in it you may have made a mistake.
38. Go to the Mercury Lounge once a year, even if you don’t know the band. Same for the Metropolitan Opera (there are cheap tickets)—start with Puccini of Mozart if you’re not sure.
39. If you live in New York know a good place to drink 15 minutes from wherever you are.
40. Have a calling card you’re proud of, your name and number are enough.
41. No woman will ever be impressed by your sneakers. And she will be correct.
42. Get to know Chuck Klosterman and Jason Gay.
43. Peter Luger’s is great for lunch. So is the 21 Club. Wear your best and act like you belong. Everybody was a rookie at one point.
44. Have a friend who’s twenty years older than you.
45. If you’re grateful for the education you received then give money to that school. If you’re not, then give money to an educational cause you support.
46. You don’t write thank you notes?
47. Bring a bottle to every party—and not cheap wine from the nearest store. If you’re not confident choosing the wine then bring cold champagne.
48. Get familiar with a liquor store staff. In New York that means Chamber Street Wines, Appellation Wines, Thirst Wine Merchants or Astor Place Wines, among others. Have them send you a mixed case with tasting notes on what they’ve chosen. It’s as good an education as there is.
49. Film Forum is one of New York’s great resources. Become a member and don’t be afraid of seeing anything they show.
50. If you want to bet on sports then do so, but avoid fantasy football if possible. It messes with your allegiances.
51. Always watch the State of the Union, regardless of your politics.
52. You don’t know anything about the Civil War?
53. Start building your library now.
54. Two posts a day on Instagram are enough.
55. At some point you can break just about any rule of dressing, but square-toed shoes are never right.
56. Research tailors in your area and aspire to visit the one that’s right for you. Start with a versatile sport coat if you can’t afford a suit. And take their advice, this is their livelihood.
57. When in doubt where straightforward, classic clothes. Don’t try to reinvent anything. If Fred Astaire wouldn’t recognize it then be wary. You don’t want to look like a Bond villain or a Russian military attaché.
58. Don’t bet on college basketball based on anything Charles Barkley says. Or pro basketball, for that matter.
59. A martini is made with gin is stirred and served very cold with a twist of lemon. Start there before experimenting.
60. Don’t rent clothes.

(via nevver)