Little Details | J. Kent Ltd.

The Silent Language

Aug 16 2012

There's more to your appearance than your clothing. High quality, well-tailored clothing gives your image an immediate boost, but you can maximize that advantage by mastering effective body language. When others see you, they see your clothes first, then they notice body language; the way you walk, how you sit, what you do with your hands while you talk, and the expressions on your face. All these contribute to their opinion of you. Three key points on body language will steer you toward an image of confidence and self-assurance. Handshake- Check that your handshake is firm but not overbearing. No one likes a weak grip, but they also don't want bruised fingers after a quick hello-and-handshake. Eye contact- Many of us look at people when they're talking to us, but let our gaze wander when we're the one speaking. Eye contact, more than anything else, shows that we're...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

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Ask Kent

Fraying Shirt Cuffs

Jul 23 2012

I received this question from a reader: Why do my shirt cuffs keep fraying? This is what I shared with them: Fraying shirt cuffs is generally due to the shirt rubbing on something: a watch, a desk for those who spend time writing by hand, or a keyboard for those who spend time at the computer. You may want to choose slightly larger cuffs on your shirts, so that the cuff slides easily over the watch instead of getting caught on it. Even a very smooth watch can create friction that will wear on your shirt. When you write or type, lift your arm slightly, or roll your sleeves up first....

J Kent Erickson

Ask Kent

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

Choose the Details

Jul 09 2012

Ready-to-wear clothing is full of details that attempt to offer interesting focal points to the eye. But those details are decided by far-off fashion designers, and change with the season. If you find a detail you like, it may be gone the next time you shop. If you don’t like the current offerings, it can be hard to find clothing that looks great on you. That’s what makes custom clothing so valuable: you choose the details that work for you, and you can have them every time you make a new custom clothing selection. You’re never limited by the whims of fashion, because you can pick and choose your favorite features, from pockets and buttons to fabrics and cuts....

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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Accessories & Jewelry

Choosing Belts: Four Classic Belt Styles

Jul 02 2012

Pairing a belt with clothing can be a tricky business: you want it to look perfect with today's outfit, and yet coordinate with several outfits. Each type of belt has its own built-in style. Here are five classic belt styles for different looks. Canvas- With its relaxed look, the canvas belt works well with casual-wear such as chinos or corduroys. Tans and browns work best with khaki slacks, while darker belts look best over darker trousers. Plaited- While dressier than a canvas belt, plaited leather belts are still on the relaxed end. Wear them with a sport jacket and trousers, or with your more casual suits. Black leather- A black belt with a brass or silver buckle is a perennial favorite for good reason: it can be worn any time you're wearing black shoes, whether you're wearing a fine suit or trousers without a coat. Brown leather- Brown leather belts...

J Kent Erickson

Accessories & Jewelry

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Accessories & Jewelry

Tie Quality

Jun 04 2012

Ties add more than a splash of color to your work attire - the quality of your tie contributes to your image as well. The next time you're selecting new ties for your wardrobe, make sure they are of long lasting, high-quality workmanship. When measuring tie quality the first consideration is the "hand" or feel of the tie. Check that the fabric feels pleasant to the touch. A scratchy or stiff tie is likely to be of lower-quality fabric than one that simply feels luxuriant. This "touch test" applies equally well to thick and thin fabrics. Next, check the manufacture's tag to see what type of fabric you're holding. Silk or wool ties are generally preferable to synthetics. The natural elasticity of these fibers will stretch better around the neck, leading to a longer useful life in your wardrobe. Once you've approved the feel and fabric of the tie, check the details. Finer...

J Kent Erickson

Accessories & Jewelry

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Suits

Detailed to “Suit” You

Jul 22 2010

We’ve all heard the phrase, “the devil is in the details.” It’s true that the details—whether in business dealings or business attire—can make the difference between success and failure. Most businessmen wouldn’t dream of presenting a business proposal without careful attention to the details. Applying that same level of care to a business wardrobe is just as important. The niceties of a suit can create the impression of success or failure, competence or irresponsibility, strength or weakness. We can help you craft a suit that conveys the impression most suitable to your needs. The choices on details are seldom “right” or “wrong,” but rather points on a sliding scale. For example, using a Windsor half-knot on your tie looks heavier than the trimmer four-in-hand knot. Cutting squared suit shoulders creates a more solid look than the closely fitted silhouette. Your custom-tailored suit is shaped not just to fit your measurements, but to create...

J Kent Erickson

Suits

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Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

Peaked Lapels are at the Peak

May 24 2010

Many business suits feature a notched lapel, conveying a dependable functionality. But when you’re looking for something a little dressier, let your lapels climb to the peak. Wearing an elegant coat with peaked lapels is suitable for most business needs, but this isn’t the suit coat that doubles as a sport coat. Don’t pair peaked lapels (including double-breasted coats) with jeans and a T-shirt–keep the power suit powerful. For an added measure of dressiness, pair the peak lapel suit with a coordinating vest. Overcoats may also be made with peaked lapels, creating an even stronger combination of elegance....

J Kent Erickson

Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

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