Thursday, September 20, 2007

Your Perfect Formal Wardrobe.

Shop smart
The suit you buy for your interview will not be the last one you ever buy, but since it may be the first one you own, it has to be versatile: Think of it as the Swiss Army knife in your closet.

“How to Buy a Business Suit”

WHAT DO I BUY FIRST?

Primary

* Suits
* Sport jackets
* Dress shirts
* Dress pants
*Ties

Secondary
* Chinos
* Sweaters
* Polo shirts
* Shoes
* Socks
* Belts
* Overcoats
* Accessories

SHOP SMART: PANTS

Color:
Dark gray = All business.Black = Sophisticated, urban.Tan = Earthy but sophisticated.Fabric: For year-round, mid weight wool and wool blends will get you through most seasons. In summertime, a tropical wool or linen is often more comfortable, while winter, a heavier wool or wool flannel will keep you better insulated.

Style: Again, the big decision here is whether to go with pleated or flat-front pants. Each is appropriate, but some larger men may find pleated trousers more roomy . Pleated pants should be cuffed<1> whereas flat-front trousers often look more streamlined when un cuffed. As for the width of the legs, styles vary slightly every season, but not enough so that It’s noticeable. Basically, stay away from the extremes: Too narrow or too baggy. Most important, wear your trousers on your gut, but it only highlights the fact that you have one. It just looks sloppy.

SHOP SMART: THE POLO SHIRT/SWEATER

What it says: Although more casual than a shirt and tie, a nice polo sweater says you know how to work hard and still be comfortable.How to say it best: A polo works best with a sport jacket, but it’s refined enough to be paired with a suit. Navy and charcoal gray will mix best with your suits, while a maroon or dark green would likely go well with the sport jackets.

SHOP SMART: BRIEFCASES

Soft briefcase: The soft briefcase has replaced the hard case in the last decade.How to say it best: A soft leather briefcase should also be black, dark brown, or tan with either brass or silver fixtures.The attaché case: This tradition hand case tells people you’re all business nothing is going to get in the way of your work, even if you have to lock it up.How to say it best: Black, brown, or tan leather with brass or silver fixtures.

GOALS
There or four suits, several sport jackets and pants, many shirts and ties, a few pairs of shoes, and handful of power accessories.Why it matters: Building the proper business wardrobe is critical to success in the workplace as it prepares you for every occasion and signals to everyone that you being.Guidelines: What do I need? How much do I need?Quality control: At this point in your professional life, buy the best you can afford for your budget. It will certainly affect the quantity of what you purchase, but in the long run, the quality items will last longer and give you a greater return on the investment.

HALF WINDSOR

In this stage of your career, you have added some shirts and ties for special occasions. With a spread collar and slightly and thicker tie, a half windsor ,makes a nice knot.However, it should be an accent, not an everyday event P.M. over A.M.
1. Being with the tie’s wide end approximately one foot below the narrow end, and cross it over the narrow end, bringing it back underneath.

2. Take the wide end up trough the loop and pass it around the front from left to right.

3. Bring it through the loop again and pass it through the knot in front.

4. Tighten the knot slowly s you draw it up to the collar.Work

Wardrobe
As you begin to flourish in the workplace, your wardrobe must expand along with you. Always consider the atmosphere of your office, what your position is, and the long-term goals you have as you choose your business attire. And remember that what you see on the following pages needn’t be accumulated immediately or even one year. A wardrobe, like a career, tales time to build.

“The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what it is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.”

DO MY CLOTHES MEAN BUSINESS?

Navy Interview Suit + 3 Suits = Work Wardrobe
As with your interview suit, the suits you buy should be the best quality you can afford in classic styles. Following these guidelines will allow you versatility and will make your budget go further.Dark gray suitJust like a navy suit, gray is basic but vital. Everything looks good with gray and everything mixes with it. The fabric should be a worsted wool that can be worn nearly all year-round. A two-or three-button style is best , either with a single rear vent or without.The world, of course, is not black and white, it’s gray and with good reason. It’s elegant and formal. A man in gray is serious and unassailable. The tailoring on this suit should be the same s with the inside of the waist, they’re for suspenders.

Light Gray Suit
For a third suit, light gray is a smart option. It is just as versatile as its darker cousin, and can be worn further into the summer months. A khaki suit is an alternative for this as well.Opt for some variation between your gray suits. For instance, if the dark one is two-button, make this one there.

Khaki Popkin Suit
A warm weather essential for any man, the khaki suit is like navy for the summer. Split this suit in half when on the road and you have a pair of khaki pants or a khaki pants or a khaki jacket.The khaki suit is slightly more casual than darker suits, poplin is also lightweight, which makes it ideal for summer. Because the fabric is so lightweight, be sure the suit is pressed often. Otherwise, you can look like an unmade bed.

Bulletproof
The most formal sport jacket there is, a blazer is appropriate un any work environment and arguably the hardest-working item in your closet. A blazer with a little bit of structure in the shoulders and lining will fit more like a suit jacket than a more casual coat. Traditionally, the blazer has gold buttons, but almost any store will offer dark navy buttons as well, or replace them free of charge. Go for this option: You’re not Thurston Howell lll.

The Blue Blazer
The blue blazer is like the remote control: Quite simply, on man can live without one. Perfect for the office, business lunchs travel, and weekends, a blazer can dress you up and take you anywhere. As with your suits, try to get a wool blazer that’s enough for summer and heavy enough for winter. Two-button single-breasted is there-button is perfectly acceptable.

COLLAR
The collar of a jacket or suit should be lined with wool. This will help it lie flat against the neck and shoulders.

BUTTONS
Look for quality stitching around the buttons, meaning the thread itself many times to anchor them.

POCKETS
The pockets should be lined with rayon or cotton. This will help the jacket maintain its shape better. To ensure this even more, don’t open your jacket pockets.

We remain with Best Regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

A Mans Accessories

The sole of a man often reveals his soul. Shoes that are well polished, with heels that are not worn down and laces that aren’t frayed, are the mark of a man who is responsible and cares about details. Here’s how to set off on the right foot.

OXFORDS
It may be simple plain black leather with there to six sets of eyelets but oxford is the dressiest option for business. Just about the only statement you can make with an oxford is in the toe. Whether it’s narrow and traditional of the kind your father would select or rounder, with a thicker sole and slightly more hip, keep the [lain-toe oxford down. And buy a set shoe trees.

CAP-TOE OXFORD
A basic variation on the oxford shoe, the cap-toe has a horizontal stitch going across its tip. It’s a little more polished than its plain cousin. Unlike the plain oxford, the cap-toe usually comes with a narrow toe.

Use A BELT
Unless you’re suspenders kind of guy, you’re not fully dressed until you’re wearing a belt. Black leather is the way to go it matches the shoes and goes with just about everything you will ever buy. The belt itself should be about 1 ½” wide with a buckle that is modest and simple, either brass or silver. When fastened, it should come through the first loop on your pants. And make sure there’s one extra notch on it so you can loosen it after a big meal.

SAFE SOCKS
Okay, so socks are not the most exciting purchase you will ever make, but you still have to know a thing or two. Above all, you have to wear them. Stick with plain black dress socks, meaning they’re fairly thin and often vertically ribbed. They should be made of wool or cotton. Natural fibers breathe and absorb moisture better. Make sure they’re long enough to cover your shins when you cross your legs. No one wants to see your hairy legs!

NO-NONSENSE Eye Wear
If your glasses are too goofy or showy, you may be making a spectacle of yourself. Select a pair that is modest, businesslike, and fits your face - any good optician will see to that. Black or brown frames in metal or plastic work best. They should have a simple shape and the size of the frames should not overpower your face. The lenses should be clear, not tinted.

Watch
Every working man should wear a watch. It doesn’t cost much and you’ll show up early for your interview. If you don’t have the right watch, now’s the time. Either a leather strap or metal band is appropriate for work. If leather, select a smooth band in black, tan, or brown. With metal, consider stainless steel or gold , but don’t wear anything too flashy or sporty. A simple round or rectangular face is ideal. Save the digital for the gym.The watch should be easy to read, but not digital, which is too sporty. Round or rectangular face are equally appropriate. A versatile, stainless steel and gold combination matches both gold and silver jewelry. It should have a Date indicator. The strap can be an Integral bracelet. It should have a Light-colored background face. Try to use a band with links and not an expansion, band.If a watch is ROUND-FACED LEATHER strap it says CONSERVATIVE, PRACTICAL, NO-NONSENSE, STRAIGHT-FORWARD. A STAINLESS STEEL GOLD WATCH shouts DECORATIVE, OUTGOING, ASSERTIVE. Make sure to Check for proper fit. Watch should firmly grasp the wrist and not slide around like a bracelet. It should be a Single dial.An illuminating face would be an asset. The leather band should be a bit padded. Don’t supersize it!

From Dress Smart
We remain with Best Regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com