Product Description

“My manners were the first ingredient that set me apart from my peers,” notes the suave and stylish Fonzworth Bentley, Sean “Diddy” Combs’s former personal assistant and a celebrity in his own right. Now, in this one-of-a-kind book, Bentley shares his surefire strategies for success.

Just how does a guy move from Atlanta to New York City without knowing a soul in the entertainment industry and become, in less than two years, the P.A. to one of the biggest moguls in hip-hop history? Bentley attributes his accomplishment to one key equation: Manners + Confidence + Style = Swagger. With this formula, Bentley transformed himself into an icon of unflappable grace, elegance, and good manners–and now he’s on a mission to help you step up your game, advance your swagger, get ahead, and live out your dreams.

Inside you’ll learn everything you need to know about

• manners and the magic of Please and Thank You
• the art of eating well, from which glass to use to handling the napkin
• the basics of fine dining, whether you’re a host or a guest
• the do’s and “oh no you di’int’s” of cell phones, e-mail, and text messaging
• projecting confidence through your body language
• the power of introductions, even when you can’t remember someone’s name
• what to do before, during, and after a job interview
• body maintenance, from hair to toes to pearly whites
• the principles of timeless fashion, so you never go out of style
• 15 things every man and 15 things every woman must have in his or her closet
Plus “Bent Hints”–little things to keep in mind for any occasion

Though we seem to be in the midst of what Bentley calls “the Golden Age of Disrespect,” he demonstrates how we can add a touch of class and dignity to our lives. He’s here to make sure your color schemes are fly and your stance is stage-ready.

Filled with photographs to illustrate his lessons, Advance Your Swagger is the lifestyle book of the year. He’s taken care of his world–now let Mr. Bentley whip yours into style.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48515 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-25
• Released on: 2007-09-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781400064533
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
Advance praise for Advance Your Swagger

“Can this be the dawning of a new Fonz? As hip hop’s self-appointed Emily Post-in-embryo points out, manners not only count, they can open doors. For a culture groomed on celebrity, cell phones, and fast food, Master Fonzworth’s words of advice are both timely and thoughtful. While a thoroughly entertaining read, taken seriously, Swagger could turn any sow’s ear into a silk purse, any frog into a prince.”
–Alan Flusser, author, president of Alan Flusser Designs

“Bentley is the most ‘etiquatted’ person I know. I always ask Bentley for style tips, now he’s sharing his secrets with the world.”
–Kanye West

“Of all the gentlemen that I have known, Fonzworth Bentley is the most refined of them all. His style flawless . . . his etiquette impeccable . . . and his swagger timeless.”
–Cameron Diaz

“Very necessary!”
–André 3000

“The right book at the right time written by the right man.”
–Russell Simons

About the Author
The First Gentleman of Hip Hop, Fonzworth Bentley, Derek Watkins, graduated from Atlanta’s Morehouse College with a bachelor of science degree concentrating in biology, then attended New York’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. After becoming one of the most popular maitre d’s in New York City, he raised his profile as Sean “Diddy” Combs’s personal assistant. He later became the arbiter of good taste for Courvoisier and style and fashion correspondent for Access Hollywood, covering the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. He was also named one of People magazine’s “50 Hottest Bachelors” in 2004. He is the executive producer of an upcoming album with Kanye West featuring Andre 3000, Faith Evans, Esthero, and Pimp C, among others. Bentley has appeared on MTV’s Making of the Band 2 and in music videos with OutKast, Kanye West, and Usher. He has also appeared in two feature films, Honey and Fat Albert. Fonzworth Bentley lives in Los Angeles.

For information about Bentley’s tour, news, special events, and his Advance Your Swagger contest, visit him online at www.fonzworthbentley.net and www.myspace.com/therealbentley.

Customer Reviews

Trust Me...EVERYBODY Needs To Get This Book!
Before you read any further, put any preconceived notions that you have about Diddy's former personal assistant Fonzworth Bentley out of your mind. Fonzworth Bentley a.k.a. Derek Watkins' new book Advance Your Swagger is a modern etiquette book that everyone needs to have on their bookshelf. Some of the things you will learn in this book are simply priceless. Some things include: the art of tipping appropriately, how to dine at a fine restaurant, proper cell phone usage, email and text messaging guidelines, and 15 things every man and women should have in his or her closet. There are even pictured examples to go along with some of the tips (i.e. table settings) so that the reader can actually see what he's talking about. Bentley effortlessly teaches you the power of good old-fashioned manners that is often not taught in today's society. This book also includes "Bent Hints" to go along with some of the topics in the book. Advance Your Swagger is an etiquette book that everyone should own no matter how large or small your bank account.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

"Something long overdue"
Derek a.k.a. "Fonzworth Bentley" has taken the time to share things that all civilized individuals should know and care about. In this particular period when so many artists are focusing on the obscure and unimportant, Derek manages to infuse a breath of fresh air into the hip-hop community. I am confident that he has put together a timeless piece of literature!

Way too short...
I demand that Mr. Bentley write another (and longer) book. This one was way too entertaining, full of photos, informative, descriptive, and conversational. I couldn't have been more disappointed that I finished reading it in one good sitting. He covered how to tie a necktie, bowtie, how to eat at a dinner table, how to talk on your cell phone and when (I especially appreciated that chapter because I hate loud cell phone people), and tipping. I definitely hope there's a new season of "From Gs to Gents" because I respect what he did with those young men. The most rebellious cats came off looking classy by the end of the show. I think this book is very important, and I wish it was required reading. However, I'm confused about Bentley's take on how pants should fit considering in the C.O.L.O.U.R.S. video, all of those guys were flooding (or maybe that was just for humor's sake). I can't get into the bowtie deal or corduroy, but other than that, I think his style techniques were dead on, especially the no sagging part. But he left out one huge part--how to talk, date, and be in a relationship with classy women. I was looking forward to a chapter on not whistling, honking horns at women, screaming "Eh shawty," and butt grabbing in the club, etc. Put that in your next book, Mr. Bentley. Please!