Antonio Centeno is the founder of Real Men Real Style, which provides educational content for men to build wardrobes that best aligns with their own individual styles.
In this interview, Antonio shares the story behind Real Men Real Style, practical style, grooming tips, and more.
Let's start by having you tell us a little bit about your background. What's your back story, and how did you get into men's style and fashion?
Antonio: So I don't have a fashion background; I do not have a fashion degree. I have an MBA from the University of Texas; I did my undergrad at Cornell College in Malvern in Iowa. In between those two stints at school, I spent five years in the United States Marine Corps. Before that, I grew up in Midland, Texas.
And yeah – I got into this simply because I saw there is an opportunity... my first company was started in 2007; [it] was called A Tailored Suit. I felt there was an opportunity in the custom clothing world. I [had] been fired from my job, and I said "Hey, I might as well get out there... start a company."
It was when I was running A Tailored Suit that I realized I needed to get traffic to my website. I started creating content. Then I realized I needed to create more, and I created the information portal Real Men Real Style. And my goal there was to write more, to put out more information, to bring organic traffic to my custom clothier.
Within about a year, I saw that [it] had a lot more potential than my custom clothier, and now I've transitioned fully over to Real Men Real Style where I use information. We sell information; we make money with advertising, affiliate income... we sell books, we've got all types of revenue streams, and that's really what I do now.
What is Real Men Real Style all about? And what makes it different from all the other men's style blogs out there?
Antonio: Okay, Real Men Really Style is all about, I would say – how can I put it? Let's say, you know, it's for practical guys. I like to use the science; I like to use the history of menswear to be able to give guys the strength and the understanding and the tools so that they can use clothing to their advantage. So make it relevant [to practical guys].
A lot of the blogs out there - I think they make the assumption that their readers really care about style, really care about the clothing and that they already get it. And for me, I focus on making sure that my audience really has an emotional investment in understanding how clothing is an important tool.
[Clothing] can help them make more money, they can help them close, you know, close that deal. They can help them meet that woman they've been wanting to speak with.
And because I focus on that emotional angle, I think I'm able to really create a lasting – a long and deep understanding - so that they actually go out there and take action.
In your experience, what do men find most challenging about dressing and grooming well?
Antonio: The biggest thing is to actually make it a priority. If a man makes dressing well and grooming well a priority, he's gonna go out there, and he's gonna take all the additional steps, which it's learning.
So you need to go out there and make an investment in [your] education; it's about maybe going out there and buying the clothing. A lot of guys think clothing is expensive, but then they're gonna go out and they're gonna spend $50 on a nice steak and a beer - but they won't spend that on a shirt.
And I help guys understand why it's a priority – maybe hey, eat in a few nights extra a week, and save that money, and actually go improve your wardrobe. So that I found, when I can help a guy make that shift, great things happen.
If you could give just one style and fashion tip, what would it be?
Antonio: It would be... know the name of your tailor.
And what I mean by that is, make sure your clothing fits. And if a guy knows his tailor, he's taking his clothing to his tailor, and he's getting things adjusted. Most men do not wear clothing that fits them.
And what would your one grooming tip be?
Antonio: To set up a grooming schedule; most men don't have a time of the month or a time of the week in which they... actually spend time improving and grooming themselves.
So by putting up a schedule, you'll be more consistent and stay ahead of it.
One of the main focuses of this blog is to help men be, look, and feel dapper quickly and efficiently. Do you have a simple and quick grooming routine that you follow that you can share with our readers?
Antonio: Okay, so I would recommend that a man, you know – you don't put things off. And I like to prepare and create systems.
So one of the things I have is I lay out my clothing the night before. I film a lot of video, and I often times film it early in the morning. And I have a – what do you call it? A valet. And it's a hanger that I can hang my trousers; I can hang my jacket; I can hang my shirt on.
I can put all the items that I want laid out in the morning. So it's easier for me to dress sharp and very much more effective than having to look for an iron – if you've got to iron a shirt in the morning, if you got to try and find your shoes, if you're wondering what shirt you're gonna wear with what tie. All of that can lead to confusion and chaos in the morning.
So for me to take the time in the evening to have that laid out properly saves a lot of time and effort.
How can our readers learn more about what you're up to and connect with you online?
Antonio: Just Google me, Antonio Centeno, or RealMenRealStyle.com, and go to our contact form. We have a lot of fun with the contact form.
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Step Up Your Game
Thanks to Antonio for sharing his story and for his fantastic advice. If you're interested in learning how to present yourself better, Antonio is offering a new course that you should check out: the Personal Image System.
Also - want to look dapper like Antonio... but just absolutely hate going shopping?
Then you should do yourself a favor and take a look at "Doorstep Dapperness," which is a list of 37 ways to get "dapperness" regularly delivered to you.
You can also download a free copy of "Doorstep Dapperness: 37 Ways to Get Dapperness Regularly Delivered to Your Door" by clicking the image below:
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