#matroformen

The Norfolk Premium Outlets opened this past Thursday, June 29 and it’s been busy ever since. Now we know it’s the weekend, so you may be tempted to spend all of your summer money at this new shopping site, but we’re here to help. Read on to learn the five ways you can save yourself from overspending.

Charley’s Philly Steaks, Jamba Juice, Auntie Anne’s, and Starbucks might seem harmless in the moment but a quick snack before you head out will save you at least $10 in impulse buys. 

You’ll see some familiar stores at the outlets, like Calvin Klein, GAP, and Osh Kosh B’gosh - don’t get caught up in the sale appeal. It’s a holiday weekend and there’s still plenty of summer left. Think about upcoming events, birthdays, and the fact that #winteriscoming then shop according to your calendar.

Bring a witness, whoops, we meant friend. Having that accountability partner - whether it’s your spouse, sibling, acquaintance, or parent - will hopefully decrease your chances of buying things you’ll later regret. *cough cough like the RompHim*

BBQs, cookouts, and parties in general cost money: food, decorations, catering, cleaning, etc. Unless you plan on serving bread sandwiches and ramen at your 4th of July celebration, we recommend you avoid buying one in every color (at least until the family leaves). 

You can’t spend what you don’t have. Leave the cards at home and do not opt for the store credit card. The outlets just got here and, like Waterside, they aren’t going anywhere. 

Many years ago, Matro™ began as a brilliant idea in the mind of our President and CEO, Matthew Harrell. An athlete all of his life, Matthew saw that there was a hugely under-served market of athletic men who wish to dress well but, due to their larger than average muscles, were seemingly unable to do so. 

Matro™ is a brand of business casual menswear designed for athletically built men; classic pieces, tapered to accentuate the frame of gentlemen with a larger than average chest to waist ratio. 

We strive to produce clothing and accessories of the highest quality, for men of the highest caliber. Our designs take inspiration from the dapper threads of the 1920's-50's, reviving the look of the 'classic man' while catering to a modern silhouette. We firmly believe that all men deserve the luxury of exceptional clothing, without the struggles associated with the buying and fitting process. 

From the board room, to the boardwalk-- our clothing is versatile and timeless. There comes a time in every man’s life when he must ask, in the separation between intellect and power, between class and edge, between boys and men, where do you fit? “Where Sophistication Meets Strength”™

Dating, in the modern world of apps, online sites, and feminist movements, is more complicated than it used to be. Bravo for even considering the endeavor after all this time out of the game. 

I will say the best part of dating is its great equalizer – time. Women age and clocks start counting down priorities vs. preferences. Men mature into their looks and also begin prioritizing quality over preferences. Personality and a sense of humor can surpass good looks. A secure retirement plan and stable career can veto the spontaneous artist with the voice of an angel. The great news is there’s still hope, but not without your fair share of stress. Hopefully these easy five tips will help minimize the headaches and illuminate the highlights.

· Ask with Purpose and Intention. Contrary to some modern theories, you actually have to ask the woman on a real date: calendar date, time, and place. That is the bare minimum. If you know her well enough, offer to pick her up at her place. If you’re complete strangers, drive separately. She will appreciate the option to escape, but hopefully she won’t feel the need to.

· Manners Matter. Be on time, open the doors, pull out her chair, use eye contact, consult her in the decision-making process, and listen to what she tells you. You wanted this opportunity with her, so treat the date accordingly. Even if you are only interested in sexual activities, treat her with the same respect you would want a man to treat your female family members.

· Go Beyond Small Talk. Often people find themselves caught up in the standard Q&A session: career/occupation, kids, previous relationships, what you do for fun, etc. Rarely does this information tell you whether this individual will be the one you want to spend all day Sunday with or even all night Friday, so ask the real questions. Ideally try to find common ground or at least overlapping humor. Make the most of the time you have; this is the first date and a second one isn’t guaranteed.

· Be Decent. You don’t have to be amazing, but you do have to be decent. Whether she decides to continue the evening or not, still keep your manners. If you both realize within the first 10 minutes that the feelings aren’t mutual enough to fake through, respectfully propose to end the evening early. If you’re not sure where you rate with her, ask. She may cushion the blow with a white lie after putting her on the spot, but in the end she will appreciate your forwardness.

· Thank Her for the Evening. Regardless of the outcome, at one point in time this date was exactly what you wanted and she accepted. Thank her for taking the time out of her life to see what’s between you two. Don’t embellish, don’t lie, but appreciate the fact she could have said no and didn’t.