🗞️ How to Dress, Work & Live with More Intention

Hey Reader,

Welcome back to the GW Weekend S’letter, your monthly dose of ideas to help you look, love, and live a little better.

This month, we're talking about the power of being intentional. From mise en place for your wardrobe to a surprisingly useful lesson from Hamilton, I'm sharing a few ideas I've picked up along the way that have changed how I approach style, work, and life.

We'll also get into the difference between looking rich and actually being rich, plus a deal worth knowing about and some reading for the road.

Let's get into it.

In today's S'letter:

• Style: Mise En Place
• Life: Talk Less, Smile More
• Earn: Looking Rich vs. Living Rich
• Save: One Sweet Deal
• ICYMI: Reading for the Road

STYLE

👔 Mise En Place Your Style

Mise en place is a French culinary phrase which means “putting in place” or “everything in its place.” It refers to the set up required before cooking, and is often used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients that a cook will require for the menu items that are expected to be prepared during a shift.

Why not apply this concept to getting dressed?

The majority of people don’t think about what they’re going to wear in advance, unless there’s a special occasion or important meeting coming up.

If you’ve ever found yourself frantically grabbing random pieces out of the closet as you scramble to get out the door in the morning, then maybe you could try a little “mise en place”.

Whether you’re dressing casually or suiting up, a little preparation will set you up for a smooth transition from the bed to the boardroom and beyond.

THE BOTTOM LINE

A daily habit of thoughtfully preparing your outfit the night before can save you time and energy. It’s like exercising a muscle. The more you think about what you wear on a daily basis – over time – you’ll elevate your style and be able to curate a dope fit without even thinking.

LIFE

😃 Talk Less, Smile More

I can't believe it's been over 10 years since the release of the wildly-popular Broadway musical, Hamilton.
​
It seems like only yesterday I had the soundtrack on repeat at my desk, as I slaved away in the ad world.
​
Long gone are those days, but there's a line that had always stood out to me...

It's from Aaron Burr as advice to the brash and outspoken Alexander Hamilton.
​
The line "talk less, smile more" encapsulates Burr’s philosophy of restraint and calculated charm, which contrasts sharply with Hamilton’s impulsive, outspoken nature.
​
The line resonates with me because I've always been the type to speak out only when I have something important to say and to always maintain a positive attitude.

I feel like there's much to learn from those 4 simple words:

1. The power of listening

Talking less can mean listening more, which allows for better understanding of others’ perspectives and strategic timing in conversations or decisions.
​
Today, this can translate to active listening in negotiations, leadership, or personal relationships.

2. Strategic timing in communication

Burr’s advice suggests choosing when to speak and when to stay silent. This can be a valuable lesson in professional or social settings, where restraint can prevent conflicts or maintain alliances until the right moment to act arises.

3. The risk of over-sharing

Hamilton’s tendency to “talk more” often leads to trouble, such as alienating allies or escalating conflicts (e.g., his role in the Reynolds Pamphlet).
​
The line reminds us that oversharing or speaking impulsively can have unintended consequences, a lesson applicable in personal, professional, or public settings.

4. Balancing authenticity and tact

While Burr’s approach prioritizes tact over authenticity, Hamilton’s openness, though flawed, drives his influence.
​
The line invites reflection on finding a balance – being true to one’s values while navigating social dynamics wisely.

5. The cost of caution

Burr’s philosophy, while strategic, is later shown to leave him on the sidelines of history (e.g., in “The Room Where It Happens”).
​
The line serves as a cautionary tale about excessive caution, suggesting that avoiding risks entirely can limit one’s impact or legacy.
​
...and so, whether you talk less or not – it never hurts to smile once in a while :D

EARN

👀 Looking Rich vs. Living Rich

A few years ago, I saw someone pull up in a six-figure luxury car. Like most people, my first thought was, "Wow... this guy must be loaded."

Maybe he was.

Or maybe he was just making really expensive monthly payments.

That's what struck me after reading a recent article by Ben Carlson from A Wealth of Common Sense. He tells the story of two successful men. One quietly saves, invests, and builds a $5 million net worth. The other earns just as much but spends freely on luxury cars, expensive vacations, and status symbols, ending up with a $2 million net worth. From the outside, most people would assume the second guy is richer.

But here's the question:

Which one sleeps better at night?

It's easy to confuse appearances with wealth. Social media has only made that worse. We see the watch, the car, the designer clothes, and assume success. What we don't see are the savings account, the investment portfolio, or the freedom that comes from living below your means.

Real wealth is quieter.

It's having options.

It's being able to walk away from a job you hate. Taking time off without panic. Helping family because you want to, not because you're trying to impress them. Sleeping well because your lifestyle isn't financed by next month's paycheck.

The irony? The people who look the wealthiest aren't always the ones who are the wealthiest.

Worth Remembering

Don't measure your finances by what other people can see. Measure them by the freedom they give you.

Because the richest person in the room isn't always wearing the nicest watch.

Sometimes, he's the one who doesn't need anyone to notice him at all.

🤑 One Sweet Deal

The normally $25 Uniqlo Supima Tee is currently under $8, at least in the v-neck variety for some reason.

​Check out the Uniqlo Supima Cotton V-Neck Tee here - $7.90

It's one of the best value tees on the market. I own several pairs myself. If you want more details about the shirt, take a look at my review here.

And that's a wrap on this month's GW S’letter.

If there's a thread running through everything we covered, it's this: the things that matter most are rarely the things that make the most noise.

Prepare before you begin. Say a little less and pay attention a little more. And don't confuse looking successful with actually building a life that gives you freedom.

With style, money, work, and relationships the goal isn't to impress everyone else. It's to become more intentional about the person you're becoming.

Until next month, look good, live well, and keep becoming the gent you want to be.

📖 Reading for the road

• ​​​How to Attract Women (Without even trying)​

• ​​​The Best Summer Color Combinations​

• The Best Men's No-Show Socks for Summer​

• How to Nail Smart Casual Style (The Ultimate Guide)​​​

I hope this email made your day 1% better. If you like this dispatch please do "add to address book" or reply and let me know what you're thinking. These are "positive signals" that help my newsletter land in your inbox.