The Craft Manual: Stature Pt.2 (Feat. @Breyanne)

My apologies on the delay, but I couldn't turn off 'Marvin’s Room' and I had to explain voicemails left because of that record. Nevertheless, I'm back. Last week I dropped the Stature portion of the Craft Manual. Due to overwhelming response and positive feedback, I'm extending the section. That's how we work, you let me know your thoughts and I listen. Let's begin...

In part 1 we covered the general areas that made up stature. This time around, I'm giving you the cheat code. Covering every nook and crannie until your aura is perfected. There are 3 main components to this section all of equal importance; Fashion, Hygiene, and Presence. None greater than the other, and without one it will render the other components useless. Something like not being able to crack your neighbors wifi password.

     Fashion - If all you do is match labels, yeah. Just go ahead and log off. Over here, we don't coordinate yellows and try and match an obscure color from our shoes with collar of our shirt. Nah, that is not the move. Too many Saturday nights have gone by where I've seen guys dress right off the Express rack. A 1MX fitted and $1 cherry bombs will NOT put you on the road to prosperity. The key to fashion is that it speaks, for you and about you. Your outfit has an entire conversation with her before you even utter word. Try and approach her with a 38 waist pant when you've been a size 30 since high school. You have to be more aware; and in the words of my homie JJ Sullinger you, "gots to be more careful". So if you have a ton of LRG and over sized street wear nestled neatly in your closet, line every article of clothing across your lawn, and have a Bon Fire. Yeah, let that throwback jersey rest in smoldering flames. We are starting over.

 "If all you do is match labels, yeah. Just go ahead and log off."

    Undergarments - Nope, don't pause me. I'm here to help you. In order to excel you have to know the basics, the fundamentals if you will.  If you’re a boxer’s man, get some that fit. I can't stress this enough. Too tight and you restrict yourself on the dance floor; Discomfort of that nature will show. A proper fit will allow you to correctly hit a dougie or grab a waist to 'No Hands'. What's most important is that a proper fit allows you to breathe and keep away the body odors. Right fit, a nice print, and the end of the night writes itself.

    Pant - Inseam, cuff, and how the toe of your shoe vibes visually can not be overstated enough. You'll want your pant to set the tone. A carefree, yet 'put together' look will require a rugged wash. While of course a button up accompanied by a vest or blazer will flow nicely with matte flat pant (dress pants). If you’re wearing a formal button up with jeans, I'm upper cutting you right out your sneakers. Pants should have a thumb length from belt to waist and make the time to ensure your length is correct. Comfort is again paramount.

   Shirt - Know your fabrics. If you're into a more free and rugged look, Sole Classics (shameless plug) should be your first stop. But when selecting tees and hoodies, know your fabrics. What I mean by that is, understand your body type. Materials fall differently, so being aware of how certain fabrics fall over your arms, chest and midsection will only compliment your purchase. Once again, oversized clothing will not get your texts answered. Larger builds should embrace layers, while smaller builds will go the form fitted route. Both however should exemplify confidence, and an overall sense of identity. The right selections will have you looking and feeling your best.

     Hygiene - Hygiene doesn't end with toothpaste. Your car and home fall under that category as well. We all know the ill effects of bad hygiene and we have the horror stories to prove it. During the week, consistency is key. Timely shaving of all regions will assist you in the summer months. No woman likes unsightly hair, that's a fact, google it. Exfoliate and it will help with body acne and facial cleaners will work wonders especially if you're athletic. But none of this works if you only do it once. Acidic fruits before bed help with bad breath and keep mouthwash at the ready. When in the streets on those unforgiving weekends, keep gum and run a full hygienic regimen before you leave the house. A quick hair tip for waves without the wavecap forehead imprint. Get a fine comb, regular relaxer and  neutralizing shampoo. Apply the relaxer for 10-12 minutes, hop in the shower and rinse twice with the neutralizing shampoo. Follow those instructions directly or run the risk of waking up with a nude scalp. You’ll want to condition with a cholesterol or low oil hair grease.     

     Presence - Presence is the end result of the aforementioned components of stature. This will come naturally as you are not self conscious about how you look, or smell. When you have that self confidence and you know for a stone cold fact you're attractive you'll have no issues during meet and greets or even in a work setting. With your outfit and hygiene taken care of, you have more time to focus on not so innate things such as eye contact and the flow of the conversation that you are having (we cover this later in the Craft Manual). Lesson here, is perfect the fundamentals and you’ll be starring in no time.

I always say we have a Dream team over here at the Rowe’. So I had my toes kicked up, and I thought to myself. The people need to hear from one of the ILLest females to ever do it. I bring to you Craft from the female perspective, courtesy of, Ms. @Breyanne.

Stature: From a Woman’s Perspective.

 As my good friend Rob has already stated, stature is your position in the community most relevant to you.  So, how do your peers perceive you?

     Females - Women are the most judged species on earth. It’s sad but relevantly true. Literally, from the day of birth it is embedded in our heads the appropriate way a lady conducts herself and throughout the various stages of our life we are judged on these standards. In our day and age, it is most appropriate for a woman to keep her hair done  and wear fashionable clothes.  Fashion and choice of wardrobe plays one the biggest roles in people’s perception of who you are and what you represent. A woman with excellent stature speaks with intellect, maintain confidence without putting herself on a pedestal, and most important as Rob has mentioned, she is discrete about her private affairs. The less people know about a woman’s private life the higher she is on the stature scale.

 Just like many woman, I hold myself to the preceding standards. I try to keep up with the latest fashions. I have a standing bi-weekly appointment at a hair salon. I made a point to get a great education and because of this my vocabulary has expanded tremendously and I can articulate very well. I am very confident in myself, but I do not think I am anyone’s superior. Now these are not the most important things in life but I do them to maintain my stature.

     Males -  Just like women, it is important for a man to keep up with his appearance as well. The number one thing a woman notices about a man is his appearance. Some woman will frown at man with mediocre attire, but may still give him a chance if she enjoys his conversation. But best believe if she gets in a relationship with him she will encourage him to increase his fresh. For example, you ever noticed a guy who got in a relationship and a few months later his wardrobe expanded or his outfits are put together just a little differently? It happens.

"The number one thing a woman notices about a man is his appearance. Some woman will frown at man with mediocre attire..."

A man’s confidence level is a key aspect in his stature as well. Standing out in a room full of people without feeling intimidated shows character.  He must be able to carry on a conversation without stumbling over words because he is so nervous. Speaking of conversations, he should have other things to talk about besides sports and video games. It is okay to be passionate about these items, but a man will become boring if this is all he can relate to.

I hope we were able to assist your future endeavors with this post. Maybe you learned something new or maybe we reminded you to reinforce old habits. Nevertheless, we do this in consideration of your prosperity. I want to see you enjoying a conversation leading to events worthwhile without having to resort to the thirst. Let me know what you think in the comment section or talk to us at @SincerelyRW and @Breyanne respectively. But always remember, if you're queen hasn't at least tried to hack your twitter she doesn't love you.

- Sincerely