Change is in the air. It’s that time of year when every men’s magazine shares a fall style preview containing the latest and greatest in men’s fashion, setting the tone for the season’s wardrobe. While autumn editions for magazines like GQ and Esquire report on the must-haves in men’s apparel, we’d like to try our hand in the gentleman’s code must-dos for the season. After all, looking like a gentleman is only a part of actually becoming a gentleman. So, without any further delay, we present to you… 2010 Fall Code Preview, part 3 of 3:

3. Pretense authenticity is the new black.

During the last decade of American illusion, have you really been true to who you are and who you want to be? Have you bought into beliefs and a lifestyle that you wish you could return for a full refund? Have you conformed to pop-culture expectations and mind-numbing marketing even though you know it wasn’t really you? Yes, I know this may sound a bit “come-to-Jesus-esque,” but a little self-examination never did no harm. In fact, it could do an enormous amount of good. And guess what? You’re the beneficiary!

Well then, out with the old and in with the new. It’s time to shake off pretense and start wearing authenticity - not just because it’s vogue, but because it’s the only way to live the good life. That is in case you want to live a lie and you think that’s the good life. If that’s the case, we offer you these wise words from a true gentleman to consider - Wesley of The Princess Bride: “We are men of action, lies do not become us.” So join us in becoming gentlemen by living the next decade and the rest of your life with raw, undeniable authenticity. 

Change is in the air. It’s that time of year when every men’s magazine shares a fall style preview containing the latest and greatest in men’s fashion, setting the tone for the season’s wardrobe. While autumn editions for magazines like GQ and Esquire report on the must-haves in men’s apparel, we’d like to try our hand in the gentleman’s code must-dos for the season. After all, looking like a gentleman is only a part of actually becoming a gentleman. So, without any further delay, we present to you… 2010 Fall Code Preview, part 2 of 3:

2. Leave your attitude preconceptions at the door.

Although it’s still wise to leave your attitude at the door, we think it’s just as important to leave your preconceptions at the door. We’re reminded of the adage: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This proverb is as old as dirt and as true as the sky is blue. Everyday we’re bombarded with things to analyze and decisions to make. To promote our comfort and survival, we quickly make enormous assumptions, apply them to our preconceived notions, decide whether we deem them as “attractive” or “unattractive,” and categorize things into our buckets of bias.

Even though some of your preconceptions may be accurate, it’s good to suspend them as much as possible, and/or reasonable, and to give things a fair shake. We’re pretty sure of this: embracing prejudice isn’t living life to it’s fullest. Embracing strict scrutiny of your prejudice, however, is living life more fully. It’s a sure way to live a more fulfilling and vibrant life. One of more love, peace and respect. It’s a way of life that opens up new experiences, opportunities and possibilities. It’s one that discovers that preconceptions are limiting and should be left at the door.

Change is in the air. It’s that time of year when every men’s magazine shares a fall style preview containing the latest and greatest in men’s fashion, setting the tone for the season’s wardrobe. While autumn editions for magazines like GQ and Esquire report on the must-haves in men’s apparel, we’d like to try our hand in the gentleman’s code must-dos for the season. After all, looking like a gentleman is only a part of actually becoming a gentleman. So, without any further delay, we present to you… 2010 Fall Code Preview, part 1 of 3:

1. Keep up with the Joneses your passions.

We all saw it and/or lived it - the absurd and frantic amassing of “stuff.” The early-to-mid 2000’s will be remembered as a time of supreme consumer materialistic gluttony. We’re reminded of the saying, “If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.” Too bad many of us didn’t heed such wisdom. But, hindsight’s 20/20 - especially when looking in the rearview mirror of a budget-guzzling, non-utilitarian, luxury vehicle. Many of us are likely embarrassed by our not too distant financial decisions. But, not all is lost.

Although, it has likely struck home that it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re keeping up with the Joneses, your luxury vehicle can still help you get from point A to point B to pursue your passions. One blessing of the Great Recession is that we’ve been afforded the glaring opportunity to reassess what’s truly meaningful in life and what we value. Life is short. Stop letting it pass you by. Stop wishing away the days just to get to the weekend. Stop working at a job just to keep up with the Joneses. Start following your passions. It’s your life. Do what you love to do. The rest will take care of itself.