INFLUENCES

​

        There are so many that could be included but like most things on this site, I can't include them all. This will give you a start on your way to discovering the many people and characters that have brought Top Shelf into the  world. 

 

• Harvey Specter – The best closer ( attorney ) in town, according to him, and he proves it everyday. His track record speaks for itself and proves that he is a high achiever. He knows how to dress and how to carry himself and if you can overlook the fact that he’s a lawyer, you can learn a lot from this character. If you’re not a fan of Suits I’d recommend watching the show because its Top Shelf 100%. Smart and sophisticated its got everything cool from clothing for both men and women, beautiful office settings, classy bars and numerous references to all things luxury. 

​

• James Bond – no introduction necessary. Who hasn’t thought about how cool it would be to do what he does, minus the…killing part. There are multiple sites devoted to everything from his clothing to cars to body language that its overwhelming. Every film shows the Top Shelf Luxury Lifestyle from start to finish. 

 

• Neil Caffrey – If you’re not familiar with this character, you should be. White Collar takes place in New York and the B footage they use and the actual outside scenes are shot all around NY. I found many places to visit because of this show. The scenes in Central Park are spectacular. But its also his well-rounded outlook on life that makes him Top Shelf. He knows a little about a lot and a lot about a little. Art for example is one of his fortes. It has to be. He is a con man after all. Knowing about art, fine dining and clothing is all part of the game. Having the confidence to talk about a Rodin sculpture while drinking wine is truly a skill, especially when he’s going to steal it. Aside from that, he is stylish and smart and can show you how to be charming and confident in any occasion.

​

• Steve McQueen - Actor, Marine, race car driver and all around American Icon. He collected cars, many of them Jaguar, Porsche and Ferrari. He loved off-road motorsports, did many of his own stunts and flew airplanes. To say he lived his life to fullest would be an understatement. He had a great style which earned him the nickname "king of cool". Polo shirts, Persol sunglasses, Harrington jackets...he wore them all and made them classic. More than anything, he carried himself in such a way that he just defined confidence. 

​

• Frank Sinatra- What more needs to be said about him? It seems that no matter what walk of life you come from, everyone knows him and his music. Put on a suit ( or dress) and grab your girl ( or guy) and order up that martini. Besides being the charismatic persona that he was, he also acted in numerous movies, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Private Angelo Maggio in From Here to Eternity. He was awarded many other accolades in television and music including 11 Grammy Awards. As far as The Rat Pack goes, he made sure all of them shared in on the fame and fortune. One story in particular that I love is when Sammy Davis Jr wanted to belong to a certain Palm Springs County Club but was denied membership. Frank basically told the club "you want me, you take Sammy too". Same thing for the Sands Hotel. Best man at his wedding? You bet. This is not meant to be a bio on The Man, but you get the point. We can learn a lot from this. Just like with anyone on this list, I know you can find the negative too. But at TSL we celebrate the good, not the bad. We all have flaws

​

• Marilyn Monroe - You can't have any list of people who brought so much life (Top Shelf) to the world without mentioning the Platinum Blonde. She had a rough  start, growing up in foster homes but overcame it all to be an Icon. Check out any of her movies or just look how she dressed. Simply stunning. To me, she always wore a smile and exuded femininity. She was smarter than she let on, saying " I can be smart when it's important, but most men don't like it". Let's face it: she rose up in Hollywood when certain movements hadn't taken place yet. She learned to navigate old Hollywood and make her own path. She had over 400 books in her library. She gave to numerous charities. She fought for civil rights for everyone at a time when most wouldn't. She stood up for Ella Fitzgerald during the 1950's when she was not allowed to perform at the famous Mocambo in Hollywood. Marilyn said put her on the program and I'll sit up front every night in order to support Ella. As with everyone on this list, take a moment to do a deep dive on these influencers and you'll see just how important they were. She was beauty AND brains. 

​

• Raquel Welsh - Another Icon, Raquel rose to stardom from the famous One Million Years B.C. Who could forget that famous bikini that turned her into a sex symbol? But like Marilyn, this was just a stepping stone to a much greater career. Many of her roles were strong female characters. During her life she built many businesses such as a yoga and nutrition company,  a jewelry business, a skin care/beauty line and her famous wig collection. I love how she continued to dress as she got older. Many people opt for baggy, more comfortable clothes but Raquel went with dressing up all the time. Even into her later years I would still look at her and think "Damn, she still has it. Still carrying herself with confidence, grace and sex appeal". Aging gracefully...that was her.

​

• John Glenn - A true pioneer in American history, he was someone you might not expect to be on this list. The first American in space is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Some of you didn't know that but let me share a few more things about his hero. He was your traditional suit and bow tie wearing, clean cut, tough and courageous stereotype. He went to space on two different programs and he took the famous photo of Earth from space that became a cultural phenomenon. It was his idea to take photos for NASA at a time when it wasn't a priority. He was a US senator for four terms. He was in the Navy and the Marines serving in World War 2 and the Korean War. So, why is he on this list? Others have done the same. For me, it's because he wanted to do good for the world. Like the others on this list he gave of his time and tried to make a positive impact. " We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves". Top Shelf is not just about living your life to the fullest but it's also about helping others make their lives better. You impact people far more than you know.

​

• Princess Grace of Monaco - Born Grace Patricia Kelly, she grew up not far from where I am, just outside of Philadelphia. She starred in multiple films, many of them Hitchcock masterpieces,  but I want to focus on not just her fashion sense, charm and beauty but on her charitable work and love of the arts. She worked for children's rights and well being, building the Princess Grace Hospital. She opened the first daycare in Monaco, created various dance, arts and cultural centers. While putting this together, I realized that she did so much for so many. Her list of giving is rather overwhelming. I'll leave you with yet another quote..." I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others". 

​

• Princess Catherine of Wales - If there ever was a modern day example of how to treat people, Catherine (Kate) would be it. Watch her in numerous interactions with everyone from the ball kids at Wimbledon to the average person on the street to her fellow peers, you'll see someone who sees everyone the same. She treats them with such respect and actively listens to them. Her style has been talked about by the media and many copy her outfits. Another person who supports and started many charities, the list is almost endless. I can hear people saying     "Yes, but she can. She's royalty!" Well, she began a lot of her charity work before she met William. It's just her personality and the way she was raised. Follow her manners, style, generosity and you'll stand out just like she does.

• There are many more people who should be on this list and I plan on getting to as many as I can. If you watch what people say, the way they move and interact with others and their actions, you'll see that there are many people around you who aren't famous but  exemplify these traits. Follow them