Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Try This.

If you're looking to add a new dimension to your wardrobe, look no further because the white pant is back!  No longer reserved for the cast members of Miami Vice, a white pant(or jean) can add a seasonal depth to your summer wardrobe and it's a color that looks great on everyone.  Incorporate a light, neutral top and you'll have an outfit that conveys confidence while giving you a rakish summer style.
J.Crew $98
Levi's $39.99


H&M 49.95

HUGO Hugo Boss $165

 Alan doing it.
Stay Tailored
-DTH

Monday, July 11, 2011

Take Care

Get the most out of your clothing investments by visiting the drycleaners as little as possible. Drycleaners use many harsh chemicals and high heat that can irreparably damage your clothing. Your clothing is an investment and should be cared for like one.

I reccomend laundering your shirts on your own by using the gentle cycle and keeping the temperature setting on cold. Let the shirts hang dry and run an iron over them when you're ready to wear them.  Also, it is very important to use a quality detergent, it will keep all of your clothes looking brand new.

For your suits..It is only neccesary to dryclean wool suits once a season at most. Wool is a very breathable material that only needs to be hung on a proper suit hanger to regain shape and remove wrinkles. If you happen to have an accident and get a stain...use the drycleaners but only have them spot clean the affected area.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Dress Belt Optional

Style and Fashion trends change faster than the Flyer's change goalies during the playoffs.  While some stick and become relevant, many are here and gone before you even know it.  While it's not necessary to follow these rapidly changing trends religiously, it's never a bad idea to try something different that strikes your interest, whether you see it in a movie, magazine or even something you see someone wearing out in the streets.

About a year and a half ago I was reading a magazine and I noticed that in one of the ads the model wasn't wearing a belt.  It struck my interest because every guy growing up has always been told that you're supposed to match your belt to your shoes and that if your pants have belt loops then a belt is required.   Well, some rules are meant to be bent.  I gave it a try and haven't worn a belt since.

The cool thing about this look is that it simplifies your dress attire and gives you a much cleaner appearance.  A dress slack has a very minimal waist line that doesn't reveal any obtrusive buttons or clips, so instead of having a belt break up your pants and shirt, there's a clean flow from top to bottom.

This look requires a well-tailored trouser that has NO PLEATS.   Pleats are only useful if your daily routine involves roundhouse kicking people in the face, so you don't fall into that category then lose them!  Belts are useful for keeping poor fitting pants from falling, so if you took my advice from my "How to" post, you should have no problem pulling this look off. 





Personal style is all about trying new things and wearing pieces that express your personality, even if you're wearing a suit.  The simplest things can make all the difference, so take a risk, what's the worst that can happen?  Besides, why would you want to look like everyone else?

Stay Tailored
-DTH










Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

Finding the Right Jean

Jean prices and pockets are getting out of control today, leaving many of us broke billboards.  There's nothing wrong with investing in your wardrobe and splurging on a pair of jeans, but if you're going to spend $200+ then you better get your money's worth.  A great jean should be a staple in every man's wardrobe and will last for years, which is why you want to invest in a pair that is going to stay in style.

True Religion and Rock & Republic may carry a high price tag and do a wonderful job of advertising, but anyone who wears a jean that looks like a horse kicked you in the ass isn't doing themselves a favor, only the brand they're wearing.  Do yourself a solid and find a jean that you can wear for every occasion, whether it's going out for the night or catching a Phill's game, I want you to get the most out of your investment.

No.
First of all, you need to find a jean cut that fits your body type.  If you have tree trunks for legs, it's probably in your best interest (and your balls) if you stay away from the slim-cut and go for a relaxed straight leg with a mid-rise on the waste.   On the other hand, if you're on the slimmer side, choose a jean that is going to fit snug but still comfortable with a mid to low rise.  Also, stay away from a boot-cut because they only look good with one thing, boots!  Straight leg jeans look great with everything from sneakers to dress shoes, so that's one less thing you have to worry about.

As for the length, a simple way of of knowing if they're the right size for you is to fold them up about an inch and a half so that there's a cuff.  After doing so, the front of the jean should be resting on the top of your shoe with little to no break.  Whatever you do, don't alter the length your jeans because they will fit or look the way you want them to, I guarantee it.  Make sure you try on anything before you buy it, even if you think you're familiar with the brand because ALL fits change from time to time and going back and forth to a store to make exchanges is just a waste of time.

Yes.
In terms of wash, go with a darker pair that is free of tears, wholes, rips, pocket flaps and huge logos.  "Keep it simple" and if you don't think someone would notice if you wore the same jeans twice in a row, then you're headed in the right direction.  The beauty of denim is that you actually personalize it yourself by everyday wear.  All the lines from sitting down and moving around should be made by you, not by a distressing machine.  You have to break them in like a baseball glove.  It takes a little while, but once you finally have them the way you want, you won't want to wear anything else.  Going with a dark wash is also going to give you unlimited options when it comes to the shirt you decide to match.  Dark jeans look great with every color from white to black, so no matter what, you'll be ready for any occasion.



Stay Tailored
-DTH

Friday, May 13, 2011

Philly..Philly..Philly..


Philadelphia, the worst dressed city in the country...could it be true? Well, GQ thinks so and I know many others do as well. If you're not from the Delaware Valley then you almost certainly hate Philly, just about everyone does. We're known for our blue collar, hard working, snowball throwing, Michael Irving booing, tough persona which I for one take pride in being part of. I really love this city and feel as though we're all family, no matter what race or background. We're known for a lot, but there's one thing that we're not known for and that's style. I've seen it first hand all over the city and what everyone's saying is true, Philadelphia has no style!

This dilemma is in effect from North Philly to Citizens Bank Park, we have pride in everything except the way we dress. It doesn't cost a lot of money to dress well or to have style, all it takes is a little bit of effort. Sweatpants and tank tops are meant for the gym and lounging around your house, not down town! Don't be discouraged if you get shit from your friends because you decided to wear a nice shirt that doesn't have a dragon raping a lizard on a skateboard on the front and Mr. Ed Hardy's autograph on the back, you'll stand out, and for good reasons . Try it and lead by example, I guarantee your friends will follow “suit.”

Go hit a sale at Macy's and get a few new shirts, a couple nice pairs of pants and see what compliments you get when you're at work or out at night. You never know who you might bump into, so in my opinion it is always a good idea to look your best wherever you go. Who knows, you could meet a future employer or girlfriend so look sharp!

Friday, April 22, 2011

How to "Stay Tailored"

I'm sure every guy reading this has bought a slim-fit shirt, suit or pants that they thought would fit like the pictures they see in GQ, Details, Esquire, etc. but when you get them home, the shirt is blousey and the suit fits like a box. That's because what these magazines fail to let you know is that in all of their photo shoots the model's clothes are pinned to from the back to give them that slim, custom appearance that is so sought after. Clothes will never fit the way these magazines portray them to off of the rack. The key is getting them tailored.

Wearing tailored clothes doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spend thousands of dollars to have well fitting clothes, it means that your clothes fit like they're supposed to. I'm going to give you a few tips that will make your $200 suit look like it was custom made for you.

The first and most important step is to find a good tailor, not a dry cleaner that does alterations. When you find the right tailor, you won't even have to explain what you want done to your specific piece of clothing, they'll just know. Whether it's a suit, shirt, pants or a sport coat, they can all be tailored to fit your specific needs.

Picture from last year
Suit jackets can be taken in or let out at every seem, so if you have a suit that is a few years old that doesn't fit as well as you would like, I would first recommend having your tailor taking your suit jacket in on the side and center seams. This alteration will conform your suit jacket to your body, in effect, giving you the slim design that you want and should only run you about $35-$50. The same can be done for any sport coat that you own, so that instead of looking like an ESPN commentator you'll look like a tailored gentleman.

As for pants, they can also be altered to give them a modern update that will save you money and give you that "GQ" look. First of all, if your pants are pleated and cuffed, there's no hope, so donate them. Opt for a flat front, low rise and you'll have a pant that will stay in style for years to come. Have your tailor take them in from the inseam to clean them up and slim the legs. If the waist is too loose, or in most cases too tight, ask your tailor to take in/let out your waist and seat. By having these simple updates done to both your suit jacket and pants, you can have a brand new suit for under $100!

Hammer Time
Lastly, there's an epidemic going around affecting many men and it's called blousey shirt syndrome (BSS). When you tuck your shirt in, it shouldn't look like you're trying to conceal a pillow on your back. Your shirt should be nicely fitted and lie close to your body, flowing smoothly from your fitted pants to your tailored shirt. This is a quick fix and probably one of the simplest alterations. It can be done to every button down that you own by having your tailor do what is called a dart, only costing you about $15 per shirt. All that material that hangs out when you tuck your shirt in is removed from the back of the shirt. What you are left with is two vertical seams and an great fitting shirt. Find a great tailor and you'll actually save a lot money by updating the clothes you already own.

A nicely darted shirt









Stay tailored...







































Happy Easter and Passover!
-DTH