Letter to my readers

It’s been a long interesting matchmaking summer and I’m proud to say that I was able to match most of my bachelors. I’ve worked long hours and will continue to do so for those still under contract. They’re amazing guys and deserve all that I can give to fulfill their dreams of finding their perfect matches.

Though my success rate wasn’t 100%, those who didn’t find their perfect ladies are now more prepared to go out and find them. All contracts with Lorenz Matchmaking included date coaching sessions. And those who took advantage of these sessions have a better understanding of the importance of the right image and knowledge about how women approach dating, and I feel confident that by using that knowledge they will find their Ms.Rights all on their own.

Reflecting back on the summer and my history as a date coach and fashion consultant I realized that my success rate for helping men prepare for the dating world has been 100%. I can honestly say that there hasn’t been a single client who hasn’t walked taller and felt more self-confident, self-assured. It has enabled them to attract the right types of women and lasting relationships.

Back to the present. I’m never satisfied with anything less than 100%. Therefore, I’ve come full circle, and beginning this fall will be concentrating on date coaching and helping men sport an image that will attract the right types of women while still keeping my toes in the matchmaking water (more info forthcoming on SSHI Website).

As with most things in life preparation and knowing appropriate protocol is paramount. Knowledge is key; it never fails to get you exactly what you want.

The Sexy Man

The sexy man - I mean truly sexy through to the core – is the man who is least aware of the stunning effect that he has on most women.

You think so? he often remarks when we meet – because that’s just what I tell him when it’s instantly obvious. And, believe me, I’m not all that surprised when he seems slightly astonished, because this man doesn’t walk around thinking that he’s God’s gift to women (ladies, you know what I mean).

There’s a sparkle in his eyes, he’s well-dressed, well-groomed, confident, and forthcoming, displaying a natural sense of etiquette.

Sexy isn’t a put-on and take-off type of thing, having nothing to do with a swagger, come-on wink, or body language that you adopt when you spot a woman who catches your eye.

You either have it or you don’t. It’s as simple as that. However, once aware of what sexy really means you can learn how to turn yourself into the man that downright owns it.

Seeing yourself as others see you is nearly impossible. The way in which you present yourself may not be the way in which women perceive you at all. Sexy means manly rather than studly. It isn’t about a woman setting eyes upon you and instantly longing to jump into your bed.

Sexy means you’re approachable and having women wanting to know you.

The sexy man wins every time!

Is Spring the Time to Ditch the Socks?

With spring upon us – though in Portland you’d never know it just yet – it’s time to think about warm weather fashion.

On the men’s spring 2012 fashion runway everything, including suits, appears sans socks. Though you may be the guy who doesn’t feel fully dressed in a jacket and trousers without socks, when wearing sneakers and loafers with your more casual pants such as khakis and jeans you may want to think about ditching the socks in favor of a more updated look.

Though it seems that the younger generation can get away with just about anything fashion trendy, the more mature man is much more hesitant to stray away from traditional attire. Especially when it comes to suits, bare ankles are out of the question. However, when sporting a more casual look try the European statement – well dressed sans socks.

Nothing appears as cumbersome as warm weather clothing worn with socks paired with casual sneakers and soft leather loafers.

Spring is the time to ditch the socks.

The busy man

When love walks into a man’s life his career naturally shifts a bit to make time and space for the new lady. This, of course, means that there’s little time left over for other necessary tasks that need tending to, i.e., clothes shopping (most likely something he doesn’t especially enjoy to begin with), gift buying (there are always those loved ones that expect him to remember birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries), and picking up grooming products that keep him looking his best.

The busy man needs help with these everyday chores. He requires a personal concierge to preselect clothing items so that he simply shows up for a single wardrobe fitting with a professional stylist there to help him make the best choices, gifts bought, and daily grooming products purchased and delivered to him.

Contact me to learn more about this exciting Lorenz Concierge service.

Well-heeled

The first thing most women notice about a man is his shoes. Believe it or not shoes can tell a lot about you. Cheap shoes make you appear . . . well, cheap. Though you may be sporting an expensive suit, trousers, or designer jeans if your shoes are less than quality (believe me, women know a thing or two about quality and shoes) or – gulp – in a state of disrepair your entire image can slip from eye-catching to passer-by in a single beat of a lady’s heart.

If you’re one of those guys who takes pride in wearing well-made – $$ – shoes that last for what seems like forever, most likely you have much the same attitude about your clothing as well. And because you spend bank on your appearance you take pride in keeping your wardrobe clean and well-pressed – and, of course, you inspect each item before wearing just to make sure it’s shipshape before hitting the streets.

Then, standing in front of your full-length mirror – don’t even tell me you don’t own one – you give yourself a thumbs up. Looking good!

And then just before leaving the house you slide into your shoes without so much as giving the poor soles a second thought. Sure you had them shined the last time you were in Nordstrom and spotted the shoeshine stand before exiting the store with your new button down shirt, but that was, hmmmm, when?

Keeping your shoes well-maintained at all times is as important as keeping your clothes looking like new – with the exception of your favorite jeans and leather bomber jacket which look better with wear (Note: I didn’t say soil).

Your shoe repair guy should know you by name – because he sees you often enough to remember it. And you should know his – Jerry Carroll at Derek’s Shoe Repair in Morgan’s Alley on SW Broadway.

Why Jerry? Simply said, he’s the best in Portland. Trust me on this one, guys!

Ladies love a well-heeled man

Two suits (one dark, the other a lighter shade), two well-fitting sports jackets, a small collection of button down shirts, a pair of fashion forward jeans, and three-four pairs of quality trousers = a well-dressed man. That said, the most frequently neglected item in a man’s wardrobe is shoes.

For many guys, buying shoes is, to say the least, painful – most would rather have a kidney removed than subject themselves to the task. There are just too many choices – narrow square toes, tassels, tie up, slip on, dress-up, dress-down, sporty, trendy, and classic all lined up on stores shelves. Five minutes in any shoe department and they’re anxiously locating the nearest exit for a quick getaway.

The shoe you absolutely need in your closet is the oxford. Worn with a suit, sports jacket and trousers, or jeans and a button down they’re your best shoe choice.

This is where quality counts. You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes. And quality, well-maintained oxfords convey style and sophistication. With the holidays upon us if you don’t already own a pair treat yourself and buy one. They’re an investment that will last several years.

Ladies love a well-heeled man!

Five things to consider when buying a tuxedo

With the holidays upon us it’s time to dust off the tuxedo. What? You don’t own one? Well, it’s time that you did. Every well-dressed gent should own a tuxedo. Unless you’re sixteen, renting one is an absolute no-no – not to mention a major turnoff for the ladies. You’re all grown up now, and nothing speaks cheapskate louder than sporting a rented tuxedo.

Five things to consider when buying a tuxedo:

1. Never go on the cheap. A tuxedo will last you several years. Think of it as an investment.

2. Fit is beyond important. Never-ever buy a tuxedo without consulting a good – better than good, gifted – tailor.

3. If you’ve been making due with a black suit and tie for formal events you’re one – maybe two – steps away from being well-dressed. Step up your game and go out and buy a tuxedo.

4. Nothing but the finest wool fabric should be considered – polyester isn’t an option.

5. Single button, notched or peaked lapel. Period. The Victorian inspired shawl lapel will add years to your age.

Make this the year that you show up at events and holiday parties looking your absolute best. Trust me, there’s nothing like a handsome man in a tuxedo – swoon!

Work bags

A surprisingly number of men have contacted me regarding my blog Five wardrobe items that make you undateable – the item in question, the backpack. Equally surprising is the number of men who use this off to school article as their work bags.

Granted, when you carry around a ton of work from the office each day, over a period of time, the load can have a negative impact on your health. However these days, in a mostly paperless society, the contents of a man’s work bag have lightened up – laptops replacing the need for lugging around stacks of files, manuals, etc.

If your concern is the equal distribution of weight on your body a good alternative is the messenger bag – that’s if you’re under 40 or work in a casual environment. Crossed over your torso it balances the load, taking pressure off of your spine.

Another option is the standard briefcase. This accessory lends you a more polished, professional look. Shifting the weight from one hand to the other will help you maintain a healthy posture.

There’s no reason to suffer for fashion – looking your best in comfort is possible.

Ditch the backpack = attract the ladies!

Five wardrobe items that make you undateable

You never know when you’ll meet Ms. Right. She could be standing there at the market beside you selecting Granny Smith apples, or seated next to you on the commuter train into the city. With this in mind, wherever you are anytime of the day it’s important that you look your best – in other words, dateable.

Five wardrobe items that make you undateable:

1. Athletic shoes worn as your casual everyday footwear.

2. Mandals. Sandals that you, God forbid, wear with socks all year round.

3. A backpack worn anywhere off the hiking trail or camping grounds – the mature man doesn’t use this item as a work bag.

4. A fanny pack. Nobody, and I mean nobody, should be seen anywhere wearing one of these.

5. Pleated trousers. Trouser with pleats are beyond out of fashion – on top of that, they make you look just plain frumpy.

The sophisticated woman will turn away from a man wearing any one of the above items. Sure, function over style may be your thing, however, this type of thinking is certain to have the woman of your dreams passing you by.

Dating standards too high?

Since posting what your date is really thinking and receiving dozens of email comments and questions, one of the many that stood out concerned dating standards.

R asked: Are my dating standards too high? I’m attracted to brunettes around 5′” 7,’ educated with a sense of humor. Someone with a nice laugh who doesn’t take everything seriously. Of course, there has to be chemistry. The women I’ve been dating for the past year seem to have one or two of these qualities, however I haven’t met one that fits the entire picture.