New PR merch.

Special thanks to Stetson.

Awesome new stuff coming soon.

It’s great being the style blogger :)

-SB

A quick “micro collection” for design class.

Spring/summer. Linen loose weave vest, linen cased light “bubble blazer”, 3/4 placket jersey polo with oxford collar/cuffs.

We had over a week to put this together…I whipped it up in a couple hours :/

Time management is crucial…balancing school, consulting business, managing the site, working on the new collection, some other projects, etc.

Blackberry calendar is a godsend. And Townsend is good too, lol

-SB

The other day Michael Andrews Bespoke was featured on Better TV in a feature on “quick tips to makeover your wardrobe”, so Michael asked me to help write the tips and style the shoot.

Here are the five simple/general tips I came up with….

Makeover Tip #1 – Invest in a suit that fits
Michael and Dan state that the average American male wears his clothing one to two sizes too large. 
Before – show a man with a baggy suit, and explain where it doesn’t fit properly, and why it’s not flattering to the eye/body
After – show the same man with a custom MAB “slim fit” suit (in the same color as the baggy suit)
Talking points - The advantages of going custom (especially for the hard to fit), as well as the proper way to buy off-the-rack: size down in the fitting room until a jacket is noticeably too small and uncomfortable, size up one from there. The shoulders and jacket body length are most important, just about everything else (sleeve length, tapering at sides, waist size, pant hem) can be easily altered. Just make sure to find a trustee alterations tailor. We can also suggests finding suit separates for the hard to fit.

Makeover Tip #2 – Slim down your current “billowy” shirts
Similarly, Michael and Dan show how an average American shirt is ill-fit as well. 
Before – show a man with a baggy shirt
After – show the same man with a European inspired “slim fit” shirt (in the same color as the baggy shirt)
Talking points - Instead of throwing out an old baggy shirt, Michaels suggests where to make adjustments in key places for a slim fit (take in the sides and/or ad darts to the back). It’s simple, quick and costs only a few dollars. The collar size, however, cannot be altered short of remaking the shirt – so make sure the collar fits and there isn’t too much space at the neck.

Makeover Tip #3 – Small Accessories make a big difference
Michael and Dan state that simple accessory touches like cufflinks, a tie bar, colorful socks and a pocket square are safe, business-approproate accessories that can add an element of style to any outfit. 
Before – show a man in his updated suit (from tip #1) plain Jane with no accessories
After – same outfit with white folded pocket sqaure, and 2” silver tie bar
Talking points – this is a great way to make a simple outfit stand out a little, also a great way to make a repeat look new/different. We can also demonstrate the different ways to fold a pocket square, and the different look/feel of each method.

Makeover Tip #4 – Double Duty
Michael and Dan state that the right suit jacket, in a textured fabric, with or without a subtle pattern, can double as a versatile blazer.
Before – show a man with an obvious suit jacket (sharp fabric with sheen, straight pockets) with jeans
After – show the same man in a well-fit, textured, patterned suit jacket with the same jeans and outfit
Talking points – if you invest in the right suit, it can do double duty as a weekend or travel blazer. You can wear it during the week to the office, then on the weekend with jeans or khakis. We’re all about instructing our clients to get the most out of their wardrobes.
Makeover Tip #5 – Don’t be afraid of Pattern
Michael and Dan state how many guys are afraid of pattern, but the benefits can be great
Before – show a man in a boring blue suit + white shirt + solid red tie
After – show a man in the same suit (or maybe a cooler pinstripe/check) with a check shirt and stripe tie
Talking points – how to match patterns (different scales/proportions, color coordinating, etc) and how to match shirts and ties to get more outfits out of your wardrobe. We can also talk about how check/pattern shirts can double as weekend/casual shirts.

Bonus Tip (of course): Makeover Tip #6 – Magnetic Collar Stays
Have your shirts do double duty by using new magnetic collar stays
Before – show a man with a stiff dress collar and casual pants
After – show the shirt now with magnetic collar stays that hold it open in a more casual position, same pants
Talking points – this is a great way to double the value of all of your shirts, how to dress appropriate for the situation, etc.

Yours in style,

SB

Gotta love it.

The way men dressed a hundred years ago is so inspiring - the layers, the details, the ruffles, the dandyidm, the THOUGHT.

A small taste.

-SB

Murderousness continues tonight.

There wll be (ox)blood.

-SB

Crisp white shirt. Fresh Black Tie. Thin Black Leather Gloves. 

Murderous. 

-SB

Where we work…

-Townsend

A shout-out to mothers everywhere… Post coming soon!

-Townsend