How To Match A Pocket Square

Question:
Your view of pocket squares? Matching color to tie? to shirt? or not matching to any of the above. Solid color, Flowered print, Muli colored. What is your opinion. Thanks, Ken

Reply:The answer is a resounding yes! All your suggestions work depending on the look you want to achieve. The solid color pocket square usually matches the shirt or one of the colors in the tie and is a dressier presentation. A multi-color puff should match your outfit like a floral couch in your living room goes with striped wall paper and a high quality Persian rug. The multi-color puff should be placed into the jacket pocket in a square format.

How Do I Get Rid Of Suit Odor?

Question:
Some of my wool suits smell as though they are sweat stained or in need of cleaning even after they have been dry cleaned. These are all top line and fairly expensive items. What is causing this? Is there ever a time when the lining within the jacket and trousers can/should be replaced? Thanks.


Reply:
This is a question that I would take to a large, very professional dry cleaner. The Better Business Bureau might be able to lead you to someone in the business that can respond to your question. But following are some of my thoughts. Before you go to any expense try a different cleaner that has an excellent reputation. There are many reasons why a cleaner can perform poorly. The odor you may be experiencing may be mildew. If dry cleaning does not remove the odor try airing the garment outdoors for several days. If this does not work some cleaners that deal with cleaning clothing after a fire have an ozone room which generally can get rid of some very offensive smells. Try to find one of these guys in your neighborhood.The lining does not have to be replaced unless it is torn to a point where it cannot be repaired. The odor is imbedded in the fabric, canvas etc. Replacing the lining will not solve your problem

The Boutique Jacques 10 Step Plan to Prom

Guys, getting ready for prom night? Following is the Holy Grail on what you should wear:

1. Swagger-Jack a Celeb

The awards show season is an annual parade of men's evening looks, where every option under the sun is put on display. If their choice is not far off the beaten track you might be able to copy their look for a fraction of what they paid.

2. Buy or Rent?

Now, we know that if you're at the usual attending age, chances are your calendar isn't stacked with black-tie events, so if you insist on a tux cosider renting. Be aware that a rental will almost never fit and look like a nicely tailored tuxedo. The other choice, which we suggest, is purchasing a great looking black suit which can look as spectacular as the finest tux. Your investment won't sit in the closet, it will keep you looking great for many years.

3. Make Sure Your New Tux (Or Suit) Fits Like it Should

The other big difference between the tux you own and the one you don't is that when it's yours, you can make sure it fits like a glove. 


The Jacket

1. The collar should hug your neck without gaping or breaking underneath
2. The lapels should not gape and should fall smoothly along your chest
3. Jacket shoulders should fall smoothly on you
4. The jacket should be able to close without being overly snug
5. Sleeves should reach just below the wrist bone allowing ¼” to ½” of shirt cuff to show
6. The jacket should cover the seat and reach the crotch in front

The Pant

1. Should rest just above or on your hips
2. Should fall cleanly all the way down
3. Should break slightly over the shoe
4. Should fall to the top of the heel in back or as much as 1” shorter
5. Should cover approximately the front 1/3^rd of your shoe

4. Don't Be Afraid to be a Black-Tie Rebel
Work with textures. Try a cut velvet or silky looking evening jacket with a solid black pant. Wear a tie or bow with a splash of colour and a pocket square with some dazzle. Dark shirts - black, charcoal, grape - are a move away from classic, into the world of Jack Sparrow


5. Sweat the Small Stuff
The finishing touches make all the difference. Make sure your tie or bow, your shoes socks, pocket square, jewelry frame you in the image you want to portray and let your indivduality rise to the surface - otherwise you will look like one of the pack which is not necessarily a bad thing.

6. Color Outside the Lines
Who says that prom has to be a black-tie affair? Well, if your invite does, then that's that, but if you happen to have a more open-ended dress code, buck the formal trend and go for a suit that shows a bit more personality but is equally appropriate for the big night. 

7. Get Groomed the Smart Way
You're going to have to shave, or at least trim (let summer break be your experimental-facial-hair phase). If you want to keep some scruff, do it like our man model here, and keep it cleaned up. And, you should plan your haircut at the right time. About one week before the big day is enough lead to allow your sharply shorn 'do to settle in. You don't want to pose for pics looking like you just got out of the chair.

8. A Couple Sprays Go a Long Way
Formal occasions are not an excuse to douse oneself in patchouli. Going heavy on the cologne isn't going to help you look any better, and certainly won't be fun for those closest to you all night (i.e. your date). A night like prom is, however, an occasion to break away from your usual scent and try something new. If you have trouble figuring out what works best for you mail us or drop by.

9. Think Outside the (Florist's) Box
A guy who gets his date a rose corsage is like the guy who goes to a great Italian restaurant and orders spaghetti and marinara; there's nothing wrong with it, but so many more exciting options are out there! Try an orchid or calla lily that will look unique amongst the parade of roses on the big night. Same goes for your boutonniere.

10. Be a GentlemanThis might be the most important after all. Step up to the plate and impress her by opening car doors, helping her to her seat, and standing when she gets up to go to the bathroom with six other girls. A little bit of chivalry goes a long way, especially at the after--party. 

How do you dress? Casual, smart casual or business classic?

Everything about your presentation plays a supporting role to you as a candidate in an interview and that includes your clothing. View yourself as the masterpiece framed by your clothing. It is there to draw attention to you not to itself. So if the interviewer remembers the clothing, other than you were well dressed, something is amiss – you were dressed for a party not an interview, your clothing was loud or perhaps not well maintained.

"How do you dress? Casual, smart casual or business classic?"

All of the above work today in the right setting but when in doubt err on the side of formality.

With a little luck you will be told at the start of the process how to dress, otherwise, if in doubt, don’t be shy to call HR and find out how successful candidates generally dress for interviews. You can also visit the company and its website to get an impression of the corporate culture.

Most accounting firms, law firms, financial institutions and generally firms offering openings of a professional nature expect candidates to dress in business classic. The culture in the advertising, architecture, technology and entertainment industries often allow for a little flare and more casual attire, but even there be informed and don’t take it too far. You want to communicate that you respect the interview process and you are eager to land the job.

Ceramic Clothing...

Cor Sine Labe Doli presents their new series of ceramic bow ties.

The bow ties are built by traditional ceramicists in the medieval town of Marostica. They present a nice line-up ranging from navy blue to metallic gold, as well as some nice colorways with structure, underlining once again the material used.

CASUAL FRIDAY... CASUAL SUMMER – EXPRESS YOURSELF BUT...

The Corporate uniform is laid to rest awaiting yet another appearance Monday morning. Casual Friday is here offering the opportunity to express that hidden designer fighting for its release within me. Great! I can wear my designer jeans and that fabulous shirt with the peacock feathers my girl friend got me in Hawaii ……. No I can’t! 

Smart casual is about being more relaxed and informal, not about breaking all the corporate dress codes. Freedom to be casual is not a directive from above to wear bold, vivacious or revealing clothing. Casual dress must respect your environment including clients, co-workers and especially your boss. Don’t gain a reputation of standing out because of your clothing. Gain repute from who you are and what you do.

ADAPTING TO A RELAXED DRESS CODE FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS

When dressing for the office always consider the image you wish to project to clients, staff and your boss. The summer months still require a business look but offer somewhat more latitude. Don’t be the banker trying to impress a new corporate client dressed in golf attire looking like he is late for a foursome. And what would you think of the flight crew on your next Trans Atlantic crossing coming on board unshaven and wearing green fatigues (comfortable green fatigues). Most of us would hightail it of the plane.

Look and feel too relaxed and you will loose your business edge along with your productivity. Don’t jettison formality completely for the warmer days. Consider an unstructured suit or sport jacket. Pair it with a nice sport shirt or a relaxed polo shirt and maintain a professional image.

LOOK PROFESSIONAL, FEEL PROFESSIONAL, BE PROFESSIONAL