men's corner: the tired suit...

let's face it...a man's suit is not something you replace every few months...but after a bit of wear...that suit begins to feel...and look a bit tired...what to do?

this last weekend...a client was thinking he needed a spruce up in his work attire...but didn't want to spend loads of money...meaning...he didn't really want to buy new suits...so we ventured out...and picked up some nice colorful shirts (other then the colors he is used to wearing) and print dress shirts...mixed in some nice new ties...did a bit of mixing of patterns...and voila...a tired suit...no more...

so skip the plain white shirt...go a little crazy...add some color...some print...and liven up that tired old suit...oh...and don't forget some fun print socks!

1901 trim fit dress shirt
nordstrom

instant travel...

your suitcase is your closet when you travel...and at times...i must admit...i have packed like i truly did bring my whole closet...only to bring it all back home unworn...add to that an achy back...when i started traveling for business in my corporate america days...i literally was on the road three weeks out of the month...and being that i had my suitcase to contend with...and all my "work" stuff...ie: laptop, brochures etc...i learned to be creative with my packing...

so here are a few things to think about when choosing clothes to pack...
- how much room does it take up?

- does it match with other pieces you're bringing?

- will it go day and evening?

- can you wear it more than once?

- does it wrinkle easily?

for example...my corporate america days...i pretty much lived in suits...i usually looked for suit fabric that was seasonless...like a lightweight wool...that made it possible for the suit to work both warm and cool climates...a dark suit with matching pants and skirt could be deconstructed to create a variety of looks with few accessories...i would pack a top that could stand on its own without the suit jacket...i would also pack a dressier pant and fun chic shoes to pair with my suit jacket out for a nite on the town... business dinner with clients...

all in all this works with casual wear as well...pair a few tops with that flouncy skirt...etc...

ideal travel fabrics bounce back after being crushed...who wants to spend time ironing clothes when you get to your destination? or worse yet...looking like a crumpled mess...if you so choose not to iron =)

do you have some great travel tips to share? please do...

photo source

men's corner: dry cleaning the suits...

in speaking with one of my clients the other day...we got on the subject of dry cleaning...and the dollars that add up in that lovely exercise...he then told me that he takes his suits in (all of them) about every week in a half...no wonder he is feeling the pain of the dry cleaner bill...

the fact is that constant dry cleaning does wear on the fabrications of the suit...and decreases its lifespan...for that reason alone...i would say invest in a good steam cleaner...and get to steaming...maybe not the ideal answer...but works wonders on your investment...in both keeping the quality of your suit up to par...as well as some extra $$ in your bank account...

a fabric steamer does not replace your regular dry cleaning...but those in between times...it is the perfect solution for lingering smells (smoke etc)...wrinkles...but...if your suit is soiled...from profusely sweating...or you got some of the hamburger grease from lunch on it...then by all means...make a trip to the dry cleaner...a clothes brush is also a great tool to have at home...this helps in brushing away the light dirt and dust that may have planted itself on your suit...

and one last tip...when taking your suits to the dry cleaners...always take both the jacket and pants in...this will maintain the continuity of the dye in both pieces...the last thing you want is a mismatched suit...

in summary...get your suit cleaned only when it’s dirty...get your suit steamed when it’s wrinkled...

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men's corner: the three-piece suit...

is one of fall 2010's biggest trends...and while some may think it is a bit to corporate...i personally love the look...and the best part...when you take your jacket off...you still look very well put together with the vest completing the look...

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suits...

a suit is a big investment..and a major clue to your personality and life style...do you need the sculptured tailoring of a power suit to underline your authority? or would you be happier in a suit that is less about control than it is about comfort and subtlety of line? maybe you prefer a more traditionally feminine knit suit...or a fitted...dressy mixed suit with components you can really match with other parts of your wardrobe...

the ultimate question...which suit suits your style?

there was a time back in my corporate america days...that i literally wore a suit every day...although that isn't my lifestyle now...i kept alot of my suits...and when occasion calls for it...i absolutely love donning my suits...

how about you? is it something you incorporate into your wardrobe?

neiman marcus ad from summer 2009...
the kay unger on the right is calling out to me...even though it is from last year...

you want me to buy a suit?

of course...your base wardrobe doesn't have to include suits at all...some of my clients don't want to look too "suity"...but more creative and daring with their clothes...

if you don't consider yourself a "suit person"...i urge you to give it some more thought before you write them off altogether...a suit can be a lifesaver for those occasions when nothing else will do...and even if you rarely have cause to wear one...the separate pieces of a suit will lend versatility to the rest of your wardrobe...

when looking at suits...the same rules apply as buying separates...the fit is key...and...bonus points...if the suit comes with a skirt & a trouser...i say grab all three pieces...some also come with a dress...more options for you to work with in your closet...