Students Who Set the Standard

The students in the LIFE images were a lucky bunch; whether it was required or by choice of taste, they looked sophisticated while gaining knowledge.

As I viewed the photographs of well-dressed teens, it only reminded me of that specific "missed opportunity" my high school hasn't granted me along with my fellow classmates. The first photograph is pure class while in class; the Milton Academy blazer, neat club tie, and the perfect length of exposed shirt cuff is a fine example of prep heritage. The students in madras jackets may not have been aware of what they've done: They've set a standard that many style-minded youngsters strive to achieve.

While all of us do not attend prep schools, the LIFE photographs provide much-needed inspiration in the area of dressing well when the opportunity arises (from causal weekends to formal events). With that said, the gorgeous season known as summer is here, so there is no reason to feel limited. Every single day is a chance to look spiffy and express your sartorial abilities. Unleash that inner-dandy.

The Time Instrument

Plain and simple: The timepiece will always be significant. In this modern day and age, cellular devices have been chosen as a reference to quickly view the time. While nothing is wrong with this action, it makes the timepiece extraneous, only serving as a piece of art on one's wrist instead of a functional item as well. The irony is this: When you go to pull your cellular device out of your pocket to view the time, you're wasting it. Simply look at your wrist and let your timepiece of choice serve as your go-to item to view what we all deem precious.

"What is time? Swiss manufacture it. French hoard it. Italians want it. Americans say it is money. Hindus say it does not exist." — Peter Lorre

The watch is my favorite accessory, simply because it's the most relevant. It can make a bold statement without being too show-y and it serves an important purpose other than just looking good. I consider the watch to be the true definition of form and function.

Time instruments have been needed dating back to 1500 B.C. when the Egyptians used sundials. This is just recognition of how important the time instrument has been. With rich history behind this particular accessory, the heavyweights of the industry were founded in earlier years (Cartier in 1847 and Rolex in 1908).

"Time does not have the same appeal for everyone." — William Shakespeare

The watch is a very special and vital accessory that can go from being simple to versatile. There are watches that come in materials such as carbon and stainless steel that specialize in diving to flying to even driving. With watches come specifics or complications...date windows being the simplest of the bunch to timepieces that come with such a thing as the moon phase. For a racecar driver, like McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, the chronograph would be a proper choice. Even with a watch that has complications, simplicity forgoes any exciting activities that may take place behind the glass.


Gianni Agnelli wore his timepiece with such bravado (over his shirt cuff). He did this because he did not have time to pull back his shirt cuff to view it. I've never come across any other man that has worn his watch in such an innovative way.

"I always look at a man's watch. I'm partial to older ones, maybe with a crocodile strap in brown or black." — Padma Lakshmi

The truth about the watch is it's the best tool to keep up with the time. The beautiful thing is there are numerous time instruments and available interchangeable pieces (watchbands being one) made to complement any man's taste. It's been said that the greatest luxury in life is time and that we should indulge in every second. It wouldn't hurt to have a neat wrist accessory to update you on what we all need to take in and enjoy.

A Youth's Style Discovery

I introduced myself to this world of style, and because of that, I now have an extensive imagination when it comes to putting together unique ensembles. Even though I am only seventeen, it is understood that classic style is embraced by many individuals who understand and appreciate the value of taking the time to get dressed. Being a stylish high school student in this day and age is welcomed, but it is a missed opportunity by others who don't take pride in what they wear.

Not long ago, I limited myself to a trendy palette: jeans, T-shirts, and gaudy sneakers. While I introduced myself to style, a friend introduced me to GQ, and then I further got into Esquire along with its Big Black Book editions. Now at this time, I was still clothing myself in streetwear, which made me think to myself, "I'm wasting my money if I just flip through the magazines and not use them as a tool." This is when my style changed—swiftly and drastically. I began to pay close attention to the magazines' expert knowledge and concentrate on style websites (The Sartorialist, Ivy Style, Unabashedly Prep, A Suitable Wardrobe, Street Etiquette, The Impossible Cool, The Brooklyn Circus) that would further inspire me. Discovering this inspiration has kept my style consistent and innovative.

In my opinion, dressing is an art. Classic style is all about timelessness; it is about dressing with purpose, pride and passion. Self-respect is a word that comes to mind when I think of this style. The values classic style represents are endless: self-worth, durability, dignity and history. The wonderful thing about classic style: It doesn't limit your choice to minimal and conservative dressing. There is room to express your creative side.

My style is well-liked by the young and the old. There are a few who have mentioned that I am "too young to fit into that look," but I continue on to dress elegantly and carry myself as so. A few peers have come up to me and expressed their situation: They would love to discover their creative sides, but they are afraid of an opinionated critic. When it comes to getting dressed, I follow my own golden rule: "Never dress to impress, but dress to express." If I could get many of my peers to follow this one simple rule, they would be on the road to comfortable and unique dressing.

My style discovery has changed the way I live; it is more convenient for me. I am able to freely dress the way I want, having a Devil-may-care attitude towards the individuals who decide to criticize my decision to step away from that limited palette. In this day and age, if everyone dressed with classic charm, the world would be a much more beautiful place.

Gorgeous Italy: The Life I Want

I covet Italy and I haven't visited the country yet. From viewing many divine images the Internet has provided, my fascination has grown; all of the shots I've seen have been divine, and they've truly shown the beauty Italy has to offer. It even goes as far as those images portraying the Italian way of life, and that's a lifestyle I would like to incorporate into my own. Movies like Miracle at St. Anna and Quantum of Solace makes me appreciate Italia even more.


When I first saw an image of this island, I thought, "This would be the perfect location to gather my closest friends and vacation." If I could have it all my way at this very moment, I would host an extraordinary summer event; I'm almost sure the weather would be crisp and sunny along with a magnificent atmosphere. From the beautiful sands to the posh villas, I consider the ideas of this the "good life." For now, I can only imagine how much fun I'd have. Being surrounded by beautiful women, clear blue waters, and consuming delicious Italian dishes would only add to the grand experience.


The Colosseum also known as the Roman Coliseum is now only a tourist attraction, but the beautiful landmark has ancient history behind it. The Roman Coliseum was built around 72 AD. Mainly used to showcase gladiators against wild beasts, the Coliseum would be filled with citizens of the Roman Empire to watch. Gladiator was a film that showed what it was like during those times. To know that this great architectural piece of work is still standing gives me hope that I will be able to view it in person one day. Things like this attract me to Italy; there's so much rich history to admire.


From observation, my beliefs are granted: The Italian way of life is simple, but the best is required. Take a look at the Alfa Romeo 8C, for example. With a strong attention to detail, the 8C comes with a beautiful exterior, a full-grain braided leather interior, and a carbon fiber dash. That's a stylish automobile at its finest. The Alfa Romeo truly represents the Italian-manufactured automobile well; that's true performance, style, and substance.

I'm young and in this lifetime I have a long way to go. If I keep striving consistently like I'm aiming to do now, I truly believe nothing is impossible. I've made it a personal goal to make Italy my final destination of dwelling. I have a passion for living life the way I want to, and by all means necessary, I will be joining my very stylish friends in Milan, Tuscany, Siena, Florence, Naples, or maybe even Rome. It's only a matter of time. This is the life I want.