Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Worn Out Wednesday – Justin Noel

Today we speak with bartender and co owner of Sweetwater Social, Justin Noel.

I had a unique journey to get to where I am today. Not to say that everyone has the same route in this industry, but American that I am, my bartending career started overseas. While living in Amsterdam, playing soccer and studying, I got the opportunity to work for at a nightclub in Rembrandtplein (one of the busier nightlife areas in the city). This offered me my first taste of bartending and I never looked back. I worked in this nightclub slinging cocktails and beers to people ordering in Dutch. If anyone has been to the Netherlands you’ll see that they are a very fashionable people, so I not only had to learn the language to understand their orders, but had to step up my style as well. One of my fellow bartenders introduced me to WE clothing company, a Dutch fashion retailer, while I was there and then I was set. WE men’s loose fit jeans became the only thing I wore when not wearing cleats and soccer attire.

Recommended Videos

From the Netherlands I found my way to London. It was there that I learned what a ‘real’ cocktail was, as well as the art of flair bartending. I worked at a couple of spots in the Leicester Square and Covenant Gardens areas of London, learning the intricacies of the gimlet and throwing a bottle over my head. This is where the fun of bartending set in and I knew this was something I could do other than soccer. After graduating back in the States it was my mom who suggested I apply at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel after she saw an ad for a bar position.   I took her suggestion and found myself at the age of 21 working for the luxury hotel chain. At the Ritz, not only did I receive an education in spirits but, because of the clientele, I was forced to learn the classics (cocktails) and what made a quality suit. My first was a tailored Brooks Brothers classic black slim cut two button accompanied with some French cuffed shirts and cuff links.

The Ritz not only gave me a spirits education but it got me to Miami, and from there I ended up working with Bacardi USA which then led me to take a job in New Zealand. From New Zealand, my bartending journey took me to Southeast Asia, Australia, Greece, back to South Florida, and finally back to New York. At the time, New York was where everything was happening in terms of the cocktail world.

My career took me around the world in order for me to learn the craft of bartending, but it also introduced me to new cultures and new fashions. While in Southeast Asia my brother and I had a lot of tailored suits and shirts made. These became the backbone of my style when I got back to New York, as the tie-and-vest look was dominating the scene. The Double RL store became my one stop shop for jeans and waistcoats. My look was influenced by my overseas travels. I rocked classic Adidas Gazelles for footwear (always multicolored), an Adidas track jacket zip up, while behind the bar Double RL jeans, Double RL vests, and Banana Republic fitted shirts. Who would have thought that I would open a bar one day right across from the store where I bought my jeans and vests, but that is exactly what happened when I opened my first bar as an owner in 1534 Bar.

Recently I had the opportunity to open Bleecker Kitchen & Co. and Sweetwater Social with my friend Tim Cooper and our partners Shaun Rose, Josh Berkowitz, Udi Vaknin, and Jeff Nessani. I am currently the National Brand Ambassador for Espolon Tequila, and will be starting my own tailor made suit company and haberdashery in Toronto known as Thomas Henry. My partners in Toronto and I are also looking to open a bar of the same name. As I said before, my story, like most bartender’s is unique, but mine has taken me on one hell of a journey.

Here Justin tells us about his personal style:

Jeans: Double RL Boot Cut Dark Denim

Shirts: Banana Republic slim cut button up

Pants: Express Producer Pants

Suits: Thomas Henry Tailored Made

Shoes: Adidas Gazelles and Kenneth Cole ankle boots.

Accessories: Lots of stuff on my wrist, and a black and neon pink Nixon watch.

Outerwear: Adidas track jacket and navy blue Nautica Peacoat.

Your favorite fragrance: Hugo Boss Green

Your favorite App: Uber and Hotels Tonight. 

Favorite piece of technology: My Samsung Galaxy 4

Next tech purchase: I travel a lot for work and don’t like to travel with a big camera so my next purchase is: Sony DSC-QX10 Smartphone Attachable Lens for my phone.

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Tecovas launches first work boot with their signature western charm
Tecovas launches their first work boot
man wearing cowboy work boots

For anyone looking to add Western touches to their closet, brands like Tecovas are some of the go-to options. While they have more than enough cowboy boots to pick from, their recent collection will add to their growing range. Recently, the brand launched its first work boot that combines the need for a rugged shoe with a Western feel. As part of their first Work collection, Tecovas is introducing three new designs to the lineup which balance style with foot protection and support. With Westernwear on the rise, thanks to the popularity of shows like Yellowstone, this new collection is a must-have for any worker. Although these boots have an undoubted Western inspiration, they are still versatile and practical for almost any wardrobe. 
Tecovas’ Work Collection

 

Read more
These Gucci rubber slides are 55% off from Gilt — hurry if you want them!
The Gucci Web Rubber Slide Sandal on a white background.

If you want your feet to take a break from running shoe deals and sneaker deals, but you want to stay fashionable, there's an offer from Gilt that you may find interesting. The Gucci Web Rubber Slide Sandal, which is originally priced at $400, is currently on sale at less than half-price. That's available following a $220 discount. You'll only have to pay $180 for these sandals, but only if you hurry because there's no telling how much time is remaining. That amounts to a whopping 55% off. Another reason to hurry -- if you're thinking of getting these sandals as a gift for the holidays, you need to buy soon so they are delivered on time. Especially since the shipping channels aren't too congested yet.

Why you should buy the Gucci Web Rubber Slide Sandal
Free your feet and give your toes some breathing room by wearing men's sandals, but you don't have to give up your fashion identity if you go for the Gucci Web Rubber Slide Sandal. The white rubber material is comfortable and durable, and the green and red stripes mark the sandals with the brand's signature look. The slip-on design makes the sandals extremely easy to wear, so that you can spend some time away from the laces and straps of other types of footwear.

Read more
This English Laundry 2-piece suit is less than half-price — $425 off!
It's time to look your best.
A model wearing the English Laundry 2-piece Wool-Blend Suit.

If you're looking for men's suit deals in preparation for a holiday event, Gilt has an offer that would be hard to refuse. The English Laundry two-piece wool-blend suit, which originally sells for $695, is currently on sale at 61% off, bringing its price down to a more affordable $270. We're not sure how much time is remaining before the $425 discount gets taken down, so you better hurry with your purchase if you don't want to miss out. Besides, if you need the suit for an upcoming function, you better have it delivered while the shipping channels aren't too congested yet.

Why you should buy the English Laundry two-piece wool-blend suit

Read more