Workwear Wednesday: Gentlemen's Edition

With as much as I tend to focus on women's fashion, it's hard to believe that I got my professional start as a tailor specializing in menswear. I still love getting my hands on a beautiful mens suit and tailoring it to fit just right.  While I understand that many work environments are more casual today, guys should still know how to do it right when necessary, and SO many men don't!  So today's Workwear Wednesday is for the bros!  Specifically I am reminded of this quote:

"So okay, I don't want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I don't get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair - ew! - and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we're expected to swoon? I don't think so!" 

-Cher Horowitz, Clueless, 1994

To start on a friendly note, here are two of your icons, looking quite dapper!

A fedora, perfectly pulled off. Note how this man wears one while NOT evoking Kevin Federline.

Excellently executed mixture of patterns! (not recommended for novices)

These guys look more sophisticated in jeans than any man in a Men's Warehouse suit!

A denim blazer. Again, not for beginners. High attention to accessories makes this work.

Classic high quality oxfords. Throw out your square-toed dress shoes if you haven't already.

Plaid ties are always wonderful!  It's the width & colors that change style over time.

And speaking of ties, you should all know by now that narrow ties are in fashion. Look for ties that are no more than 2&1/4 inch at the widest point. If you are a slender man you can go much narrower, if you've got a broad frame, stick to the 2" width.  Have a sentimental attachment to a super wide tie?  Take it to a tailors to have it narrowed. 

A lesson in layering. Consider not just color but texture too.

He should be wearing socks, but otherwise a great outfit. Notice how the belt matches the shoes?

Very fashionable while still completely masculine. 

Oh boy, I am just loving everything about this guy!  A plaid wool sports coat & matching cap? Now there's something to swoon about! 

Product Preview: Pocket Squares

I know my posts have been have been scarce this week but I've been working my tail off to get ready for the big No-Coast Craft-o-rama!   I'll be debuting several new products there including the new Men's Haberdashery line!  You've already seen a sneak peek of the slim plaid ties and here is a preview of the latest addition, pre-folded pocket squares!  A decade ago seeing a pocket square in a mans coat pocket was a rare thing but today no fashionable man should be without one.   Ah, but to deal with all the pesky folding and refolding is inconvenient for today's guy on the go.  The solution is our quality pre-folded pocket squares, available in four different fold styles.  Each is made of fine Egyptian cotton, reinforced at the base, and stitched in place to permanently hold it's shape.  And unlike the cheap cheesy pre-folded pocket squares that came with your prom tuxedo these are not stapled to large pieces of card board, so they are fully washable should they become soiled.   Look for them December 3rd and 4th and the Midtown Global Market!

Happy Friday + Product Preview!

Happy Friday everyone!  It doesn't even feel like Friday to me because I'm still in full "work mode" when usually by now I just can't wait for the weekend to start!  But it's been a pretty eventful week for Uptown Urban Craft, what with our new employee starting and new product designs being actualised, including our expansion into the world of fine men's neckwear! 

I have a little sneak peek of our new line of mens plaid ties for you all!   I started with this beautiful holiday plaid because, well why not?  All ties are fashioned in the stylish new slim width and constructed of 100% cotton.  They are handmade with fully-fitted interlining to ensure a beautiful drape and a smooth, even knot and hand-pressed and shaped for a clean finish.