Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Three signs of a Gentleman

Feb 15 2019

Many people have compiled lists of the signs that distinguish a gentleman. Some lists include useful concepts, while others simply contain the author's personal preferences. We have found that there are three essential qualities that show a man to be a true gentleman-no matter what his individual style preferences may be. Mindfulness: He is considerate of others' needs. Without letting others have their own way at his expense, he shows chivalry and courtesy to his fellow beings. In business situations, he actively thinks of how best to accommodate everyone's goals and create win-win situations. Dignity: He maintains his good manners even in difficult situations. He learns how to maintain his aplomb when others can't, and is never boorish in social situations. Impeccably dressed: His attire demonstrates self-confidence and an understanding of his own value in society. By choosing to wear high-quality clothing that fits him perfectly and lasts for years, he shows that...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Help Your Wardrobe Tell Your Story

May 15 2018

Your appearance tells a story. We’re here to help it tell the right story for you. The three most important aspects of your story are: What social or hierarchal group you belong to Where you fit within that group What your individuality is As your custom clothier, we work with you to ensure that your story to others (and yourself) is that you belong to the “group” we might call high-level business professionals, that your place in that group is at the top, and that your individuality is confident and capable. When you tell that story effectively, others sense intuitively that you have discipline, power, self-respect, and confidence. Your clothing shapes people’s views of where you stand on social ladders, your power—even your intelligence. When you’re well-dressed, people are more likely to assume you’re competent, in charge, and an authority, because you project that image. Dressing well shapes how people think about you—for the...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Buying Cheap = Buying Twice

Nov 15 2016

We have all found ourselves tempted to purchase something because of a low price. However, if you buy something you don’t really need because it’s “a deal” or “on sale,” you may find that your impetuous purchase isn’t a good fit for you. Perhaps it’s a color you don’t really care for, or a seasonal fabric that you can’t wear often. It may end up being used only once or twice (or never), and then taking up space unnecessarily. Later on, when you replace that item with something more useful that actually contributes to your wardrobe options, you’ll find that having to make two purchases cancelled out the savings of buying something inexpensive. Instead of saving money, you’ll have bought twice. When buying clothing, you may also find that low prices can often mean low quality, including cheaper fabrics that wear out sooner, sloppy detailing, buttons that are not securely fastened, or...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Crafting Your Individual Style: A Quiet Rebellion

Feb 01 2016

When you create a customized wardrobe that showcases your unique sense of style, you’re stepping away from the crowd’s choices, and charting your own course. There’s a bit of rebellion in creating something truly unique—you’re giving the subtle but unmistakable message to the world that you know your own mind, and you refuse to bend to the whims of others. Your favorite style may be one of timeless elegance, or you may choose to set trends. Traditional or edgy, demure or bold: no matter your preferences, you’re letting your own voice be heard instead of merely being an echo of others....

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Dress Code — or Dress Principles?

Nov 01 2015

Today’s companies are turning away from the lax dress habits of the last two decades. Instead of relying on a specific "dress code", many professionals are able to choose their own attire. That can create a dilemma for some, as they wonder how to dress appropriately when there are few (or no) guidelines. What do terms like “casual Friday” mean? What is too casual? What is too formal? We suggest you dress for the activity or event at hand rather than the day of the week. Casual clothing, such as tee shirts and jeans, are best for personal time. Dressy clothing, such as your suits and other custom professional clothing, should be used when conducting important business. Your dress choices show others how you feel about your work. Take pride in both. Save extremely casual clothing for free time—your business accomplishments and capabilities deserve respect, and a tee shirt cannot communicate that. If...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Daring and Sparing: How to Wear Unusual Colors

Jun 01 2015

The basics play an important role in a wardrobe, but sometimes you may want to wear unusual colors to add life and vitality to an outfit. When you’re deciding when—and how—to incorporate these colors into your ensemble, keep the following concepts in mind: A little goes a long way. Whether you’re considering lime green or sunshine yellow, be careful not to let it overwhelm the rest of your ensemble. A bright, bold pocket square or tie will usually serve the purpose better than a coat of the same color. Know your purpose. Are you trying to stand out in a job interview or showcase your inner creativity? A wardrobe piece that shows off your fashion savvy at a luncheon with those in a creative industry may not work as well in an interview setting. Keep unusual colors higher on the frame. A violet vest or tie is generally preferable to violet trousers, unless...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Sprezzatura: The Art of Carelessness

May 01 2015

Some of us work hard to create a look of elegance. They study, they learn, they make careful style decisions. Others of us seem to achieve elegance naturally. They have an air of easy grace and carelessness that seems to belie the effort involved in looking fantastic. What’s the difference? It’s sprezzatura: the Italian concept of nonchalance with excellence, which we might call studied carelessness. And it’s a fantastic way to create your own individual style. But how to achieve it? What’s the difference between painstaking perfection and effortless perfection? It’s the imperfections. Good style shouldn’t look like you worked hard to create an ensemble; it should look like it sprang into being spontaneously, joyfully. Avoid being overly careful when placing your pocket square. Let your tie knot be off-center. Wear shoes that do not exactly match your suit. A small imperfection may be the key to creating the perfect air of...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Be the Best-Dressed Person in Any Room

Feb 16 2015

Dressing well is less a matter of “making a statement” than it is creating elegance through simplicity. A few key points will help you on your way to sartorial success. The detailing on your clothing matters, as it shows your careful attention to the essentials. Your custom attire allows you to choose details that work perfectly with your physique, your personality, your profession, and your sense of style—and, because they’re tailored just for you, your clothes will always offer you an impeccable fit. Today’s clothing strategy seems to be to dress as casually as the occasion will allow—but that’s never a recipe for being well-dressed. Instead, the best-dressed select an outfit that is slightly dressier than the occasion requires. Each interaction with peers is an opportunity to create a favorable impression. That’s easier to accomplish when you have the confidence that custom-tailored clothing naturally inspires. To avoid spending unnecessary time in your closet...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Custom Clothing: The Fit & The Fashion

Dec 08 2014

Custom Clothing: The Fit & The Fashion Two roads tend to lead to custom clothing; the first is fit. Those with hard-to-fit body types find a welcome relief from the sizing constraints of off-the-rack clothing through creating their own custom fit. Even slight differences from the “average” size in any of several key fitting points can make it difficult (if not impossible) to buy ready-made clothing that fits well. For gentlemen who are wider in the neck, have a long torso, or are otherwise proportioned differently than the manufacturers’ base patterns, custom clothing is the best source for clothing that fits, looks, and feels fantastic. The second road that leads to custom clothing is fashion. There is simply no better way to create exactly the look that expresses a unique personality than custom clothing. Men with a keen sense of style often turn to custom clothing to avoid being limited to the...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

Image & Lifestyle

Investing in Custom Clothing Is Investing in You

Nov 24 2014

You wouldn’t neglect your professional skills and expect to be accepted as a professional, yet many businessmen neglect their wardrobe and expect to be accepted as a gentleman. Just as your professional skills and abilities must be first-rate and up-to-date if you’re to succeed in business, your image should be stylish and polished. Each piece of clothing in your closet must work hard to create the external expression of your internal confidence and business savvy. Custom clothing is the easiest, most practical way to achieve this hard-working wardrobe....

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle