Image Granted

Video: Lunch For 25

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:21:39 PST

So finally someone decided to stop taking pictures of all the double breasted men in the world and actually film them on video. Don't take this the wrong way. It's great to see streetwear shots from Pitti and the fashion shows but we were wondering if these guys ever talk, or sing, or laugh, or if they just pose with cigarettes for the camera all day.

Unfortunately, we aren't in the position physically or financially to get this type of footage on camera (one day we will be) but fortunately we're on top of our game just in time to bring you the first clips from The Sartorialist. He will be highlighting some of the best dressed, most stylish, and fashion forward men you've all seen in the photos but never seen in motion. While we aren't fans of how the Sartorialist has handle his business and personal affairs in the past, we give him a round of applause on this project. Enjoy.

The Gentlemen's Corner Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:22:06 PST

In part I of our series with The Gentlemen's Corner we spoke with Joris in depth about his business and the progress of his online accessories shop for men. In part II we review some pieces of the collection Joris was nice enough to send us. While the pieces themselves--ties, socks, pocket squares are nothing new to us, its the quality, craftsmanship, and presentation we look for. Fortunately all of these aspects were properly achieved. A silk knit tie and two linen pocket squares from Breuer, a velvet bow tie from The Cordial Churchman, and socks from the house brand made a nice collection. We're familiar with The Cordial Churchman and own one of their ties. We've heard of Breuer but haven't had the chance to see their products in person, so this was a first for us.

Breuer is a family-owned Austrian brand started in 1892 by Marcus Breuer. He started out making sailorknot ties and over the course of 100 plus years started with the tie and in the 20th century expanded into all forms of menswear apparel. However, Breuer ties are the company's hallmark creation. The original Breuer boutiques could be found in Belgium, but eventually moved to Nice and the French Riviera and weaving mills were opened in Lyon. Today Breuer boutiques can be found in Paris, Madrid and New York.

We are thoroughly impressed with the selection and quality of the items we received an the others at the Gentlemen's Corner. Enjoy!

Video: Best Man & The Proper Men's Dress Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:02:20 PST

If you're at all familiar with the film industry you know that movies, videos, and other visual media take time to shoot, edit, and ultimately release. Movies that won't hit the box office for another 2 years are being shot today. This is something we weren't so familiar with in the past but we have come accustomed to recently with the amount of videos we've been shooting. Our most recent project actually wasn't recent at all. We shot this video during the summer last year and its hitting the streets today and we're happy to bring it to you full force.

Best Man is a new online resource for men (or men who are actually boys) who are looking for another way to get the information they need to be better men. Best Man features video content provided by mavens, or lifestyle experts, on several categories including food, music, travel, fitness, and of course, style. We were honored to be asked to be a maven for Best Man and share our knowledge with a new set of viewers. Every week Bet Man brings it audience a new video with a new maven filled with timely and useful information. This week its our turn.

We answer a few questions from our concerned public on which type of shirt collars are appropriate, what to wear under a dress shirt, what colors are best, and others. This is the first of many interviews as subsequent topics will include trousers, suits, ties, and other aspects of a man's wardrobe. In the coming weeks we'll be shooting more interviews and bring them to you in full affect. In the meantime, take a look and have a listen, then check your shirt. you may need a new one.

PS - We happen to mention a couple brands in this video. We were not paid and/or otherwise compensated for this. We happen to own the products created by the brands mentioned ourselves and are happy to promote them because of the quality of their offerings.

The Primer X IG Guide to Sweaters

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:04:29 PST

Our latest piece for Primer. Enjoy and wear your sweater proudly.

Whether you’re dressing up or going for comfort, the sweater is one of the most versatile pieces in a man’s wardrobe.

So you’ve opened your gifts, carved the ham, and done the all-so-important returning of the gifts the day after. Christmas is officially over, but winter is in full swing and that means it’s still sweater season. Whether you’re in 20 degrees below zero or 60 degrees where you live, there is a sweater for every occasion. Here we dissect the fabric, fit, function, and maintenance of the favorites you may already have and the ones you have yet to buy.

Fabric

Possibly the most important factor in selecting a sweater is choosing the proper fabric. Too light and you’ll be bone cold. Too heavy and you’ll be sweating like a dog in heat. Nailing the fabric is paramount. Nine times out of ten natural fibers will look better, feel better, and last longer than sweaters full of synthetic material. Look out for nylon, rayon, polyester and the like. While synthetic fibers have their place in your wardrobe; this isn’t it. Natural fibers will cost more but the investment over time will serve you well.

Some of the most common fabrics and weights include:

Sheep Wool – Probably the most used fabric for sweaters behind cotton. There are many different types which all have varying degrees of softness and warmth. Merino, Shetland, and Lambswool (from the first sheering of a sheep) are the most common. Merino is softest followed by Lambswool and then Shetland. When you were growing up and your favorite sweater (make that the sweater your mom liked to see you in) was itchy it was because it was probably a coarse wool like Shetland versus a smooth Merino.

Cashmere – This wool, which comes from goats, is the epitome of luxury. Extremely soft, lightweight, warm and delicate—although less than you may think. This is the good stuff and you’ll pay a pretty penny for it. Every man deserves to have the enjoyment of feeling cashmere against his skin. If you don’t buy one for any other reason, remember women love cashmere and any man in it.

Cotton – A very common material. Durable, lightweight, and cool. This is what you wear in the spring and summer to ward off the late night chill. Mostly used in casual dressing but can be dressed up appropriately if done well.

Linen – Strictly for warm weather wear. Light, breathable, and absorbs moisture much better than cotton. Most men are fearful of linen because it wrinkles, but this is part of the character of the fabric and also how it helps keep you cool.

Silk – It’s rare to find sweaters made of 100% silk, but it is used as an insulator and to add a bit of refinement. Silk is soft and durable but also retains heat well. Look for it combined with other fabrics.

Blends – Blending the above materials make sweaters either lighter and cooler, or heavier and warmer depending on the content. Putting together high end materials like cashmere, silk, and wool will produce a more refined and classy product; while combining lower end fabrics like cotton and linen will produce a rougher, lighter, more durable product.

Fit

The first aspect of fit when it comes to sweaters is the neckline. Most men are only familiar with a few of them. This is how to choose which is best for you.

Crew neck – What 90% of men wear, but in our opinion severely overused. Recognized by the full circular collar. Originally worn by rowing, boating and crew members—hence the name.

V-neck – Recognized by the cut out V at the neckline. This V shape elongates the man, will give him height visually and keeps the wearer cooler. It also allows for the tie to be shown off as well as an open collar in casual environments. V-necks flatter every man and should be worn often.

Turtleneck - This sweater does not get nearly as much attention from most men as it should. Walk around in many retail stores and the men’s turtleneck is nowhere to be found, while there are stacks for women. We’re not quite sure why this is since the turtleneck is such a versatile piece. It can be dressed up under a blazer for a holiday party or worn casually alone for a walk in the park. The key to wearing it is to get the right roll at the neck and to never tuck it in.

Roll neck – Often confused with the turtleneck. It’s actually more like its cousin. A half breed between a turtleneck and a crew neck. It’s a combo of both. It commonly comes with a high collar with the edge rolled a bit. It is inherently worn casually.

Shawl Collar – Our personal favorite. Recognized by the extra fabric wrapped around the neck for comfort and warmth. Most common in cardigans, but can be seen in other forms as well. Wear it casually, dressed up, or for comfort as a replacement for a hoodie.

Set in sleeve – A sleeve that is sewn onto the body, essentially sewing two separate pieces of fabric together. Set in sleeves are more professional because of the use of seams and extra stitching.

Raglan sleeve - Using one continuous piece of fabric for the sleeve with no joining of a separate piece until the neck.

Sweater vest - Similar to most v-necks, but lacking sleeves, sweater vests make a great layering option for suits.

Function

Once you’ve chosen the right fabric and most appropriate fit, it’s important to know when, where, and how to wear your sweater. Rocking the reindeer Christmas sweater in July? Not a good look. Put your sweater to work the right way.

On duty – Work, business meetings, ceremonies and other formal environments call for a more refined look. Wear thinner, lighter, softer, and more subdued fabrics and colors. V-necks are universal in business. Wear minimal patterns and keep texture soft and smooth.

Off duty – Travel, athletic pursuits, lounging at home, parties, etc. call for something a bit more casual. Thicker, coarser, and louder patterns are acceptable.

Maintenance

Okay, so you think you’ve got the game wrapped up with sweaters? But what happens when you take it off? What happens if–more like when–it gets dirty? Oh, and don’t forget the huge head of yours stretching out things that shouldn’t be. There are certain ways to wear and care for you sweaters to keep them fresh and lasting as long as winter.

Cleaning

If you’re purchasing quality sweaters and rotating them properly they won’t need much cleaning. Most sweaters without stains can do with a cleaning at the beginning and end of the season. Or right after they’re taken out of storage and right before they’re returned in.

The best advice is to follow the instructions on the care tag. If it says “dry clean only” then do so. If your sweater says “do not dry clean,” it’s best to wash it by hand. This will most likely be your cashmere goods. To wash by hand we recommend using cold water. Fill a clean sink or bath tub with enough cold water to soak the garment. Use either a delicate detergent such as Woolite or a capful of dish soap will do. Soak the garment for about 30 minutes or until you think you’ve gotten the funk out of it.

Rinse gently with cold water and squeeze the garment but DO NOT RING it. Twisting the garment will destroy the fibers and the sweater will never be the same. Instead, squeeze out the water and soap gently and reshape it to its natural form. Lay it flat on a dry towel and pay it dry with another. Then let Mother Nature take over the drying process.

This is certainly more work than dumping it in the washer and dryer, but it will prevent pilling, shrinking, and destroying the fibers.

Storage

Before and after washing your sweaters they should be stored in a canvas and/or air tight bin or bag where moths and temperature changes won’t negatively affect the garment. Never hang your sweaters on a hanger. Gravity and time will destroy the drape of the garment, and leave dimples where the sweater contacted the points of the hanger.

Always fold your sweaters and return them to their bin and/or bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place and be sure to check them for moth larvae under and around the hems after opening them before the season, and before returning them to the storage at season’s end.

Take the time to choose the right fabric, fit, and function of your sweater and you’ll spend the winter warm and toasty, while everyone else is left in the cold.

Project/Capsule NYC Review

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:06:45 PST

We just got back from the Project and Capsule trade shows in NYC. For those who are familiar you understand the importance of this annual event to get the year started off right. For those of you not familiar these trade shows are built and organized for menswear buyers, vendors, suppliers, bloggers, and enthusiats to descend on NYC every January to check out the up and coming designers and products and revisit old friends and established partnerships. This was our first time attending Project which is headlined by Nick Wooster and his collaborative efforts. Our friend CB was part of the blogger project tracking every second of the show.

However, the highlight for us has always been Capsule. the vibe, the people, the music, and of course the brands shine their brightest here. The layout this year was expanded to include more brands and was laid out flat instead vertically. Everyone was pleased not to have to climb up an down stairs to get to their favorite brands. We saw bags from Ghurka, boots from Oakstreet bootmakers, jackets from Barbour, slippers from Del Toro Shoes and others. We caught up with our good friend Shimon of Ovadia & Sons, met the turned out team of Epaulet, traded stores with photographer Justin Chung and of course hung out with our man Alex of My Pantalones.

The highlight of the afternoon was getting to rap a taste with Sid Mashburn and his team from Atlanta. Sid is a true southern gentlemen and it was a pleasure talking shop with him. Here are a few shots from the day. Next week we'll be back in NYC for business and meetings at Mrket and ENK. Reviews to come.

Alex of My Pantalones

Ariel of Ovadia and Sons

Kendrick and Mariah

Alex, Skip, Ruben, CB, Corey

Sid Mashburn

International Style: Bread & Butter Berlin

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:04:11 PST

At the moment Pitti Uomo is the center of attention in the menswear industry. It is probably the most famous of the menswear tradeshows and the most media hyped. However, lately Pitti seems to be a good old boys club with the same attendees year in and year out taking the same photos of men who spend the rest of the year coordinating their shoelaces in preparation for a week out of the month in January. This is not to discredit the show. One day we we hope to be able to attend. But this has become the standard and we are about exposing more than just standard. Believe it or not there is another trade show in January and we're here to introduce it.

Enter Bread and Butter Berlin, the largest fashion tradeshow in Europe. Located in Berlin's international Tempelhof airport, this show has something for everyone. The event is split into several segments, but the highlight for us is Urban Superior - Men. This segment's philosophy is based on urban elegance. The brand list includes many Euro collections that may not be as familiar as the house hold names of Cucinelli, Kiton, or Isaia. Instead you'll see collections from Tiger of Sweden, J. Lindeberg, Strellson, and Arrow among others. Berlin is a hotbed for emerging and established designers and menswear enthusiasts. Yes, Italy may be king, but Berlin is no pauper.

The Selected Few Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:13:53 PST

If you've been following us for any length of time you've no doubt heard the news about our new venture with The Selected Few. Over the last few months we've been working behind the scenes to bring you something fresh, something new, and something stylish. We've grown weary of the status quo in the menswear game so we decided to get some of the best and brightest young minds together on this project to shout to the world and to whisper to our next door neighbor. While we'll be building our empire at TSF, IG will continue to bring you the menswear news and advice you've become accustomed to. See plenty more of our rants and raves over at TSF. Until then, we present you with our official introduction by way of Commonwealth Proper. Congratulations on your elevated style.

Introducing: Artu Napoli

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:10:55 PST

Much has been said about classic Neapolitan style. The effortless style with which the Neapolitans dress is synonymous with class and ease. We recently came across Artu Napoli. Artu holds true to its Italian roots with a tailored yet refined, relaxed and casual feel. Artu takes the time to explain why their style is worth the notoriety.

ENGLISH SHOULDER AND SIDE SEAMS -
Do not be fooled by the name, it is an Italian technique. Instead of an industrial production by a machine with two needles, the side seams and the hidden soft and strong seams in the armhole, are constructed in two phases with two separate needles. This lengthens the durability of the garment after washing and ironing.

HIDDEN SET-IN SLEEVE -
To prevent the shirt from going up while moving your arms, the armhole should be relatively small and high. The only right way to reach this is to slide the whole sleeve in the shoulder and attach it from the inside. It has been intentionally chosen to stitch the shoulder and the armhole with thick and shiny yarn.

BACK -
The back does not have visible stitching seams and the fabric has been cut in your pattern in such a way, to guarantee the highest possible comfort.

ATTACHMENT OF THE COLLAR AND THE CUFFS -
With ready-to-wear garments, even the valuable shirts of high profile brands, the collar and cuffs are set in with a single stitching seam. Artu Napoli uses two separate stitching seams for a supple and neat presentation. For every shirt, the inner lining of the collar and the cuffs is specially and separately made; meaning that a particular type of lining is chosen that fits best with a certain shirt, whether it is a soft button-down, a non-starched collar or a starched ‘spread’ collar for a smart business shirt.

PEARL BUTTONS -
All Artu Napoli shirts are made with buttons of the thickest part of the white Australian nacreous shell. With a thickness of almost 4 mm, the button is cut hollow on top and round at the bottom. This makes sure that the buttons can be opened and closed better and that the fabric does not crush. Furthermore, the button is attached with a cock's foot: a traditionally made technique that makes sure the button can never fall off.

STITCHING SEAMS WITH 9 STITCHES PER CM -
Artu Napoli makes 9 stitches on every centimetre. You should check this on the shirt you are wearing at the moment; the higher the amount of stitches per cm, the more powerful and beautiful the seam. Only the finest two ply fabric can be used due to the high amount of stitches.

LOOSE WHALE BONES -
All Artu Napoli shirts are delivered with two small pockets in the collar in which the whale bones are hidden to keep the shape of the collar neat. The removable whale bones are made of a material that can handle the heat of washing, drying and ironing.

CENTERING THE FABRIC PATTERN -
Tailored shirts of the highest quality can be recognised by the pattern going along the side seams, the possible chest pockets and on the collar and cuffs. The strengthening along the split at the bottom of the sleeve is cut in such a way that the pattern continues.

INSIDE OF COLLAR AND CUFFS -

To prevent shrinkage, proper inside work for the collar and cuffs has to be done to maintain the shape and effect of the shirt. Artu Napoli only uses environmental friendly material.

FARFALLA OR BUTTERFLY -
This is a small triangular piece of cloth sewn at the bottom of the side seam of the shirt to strengthen the suture between the front and the back. With a slim fit and a fuller collar a shirt has been created that is constantly being polished for perfection.

Style Q&A: The Gentlemen's Corner - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:55:49 PST

The Gentlemen's Corner is a new men's furnishings webshop operating out of Belgium carrying luxury accessories and other high quality items. We've had the good fortune of speaking with the owner and founder Joris Van Hoecke over the last several weeks and we're happy to bring you an in depth interview. In part two of our introduction we will be reviewing some of the items directly from the shop. Look out for it in the coming weeks.

IG - Thanks for talking with IG. Please tell us about yourself.

GC - My name is Joris Van Hoecke, I’m from Belgium. I’m the owner at The Gentlemen's Corner (TGC) and passionate about men's accessories. Never finding what I was looking for I started to play with the idea of creating a webshop specialized in accessories for men. Now, a couple of months later TGC is a fact.

The concept of the online boutique is to offer a range of well-known and up-and-coming high-end brands as wide as possible. Every man interested in accessories should be able to find what he is looking for at our shop.

I guess I started this venture because I like a lot of American brands as well as European that aren’t available everywhere. So now, I’ve created something that gives European clients the opportunity to buy cool American brands and give American clients the opportunity to buy cool European brands.

IG - What was your occupation before starting TGC?

GC - I just graduated college in Brussels, Belgium. I have a masters in commercial science but I didn’t want to go and work for a big firm and wait to launch my webshop because, what better thing to do than to just go for something you believe in, right?

IG - What made you to decide to become an entrepreneur and branch out on your own?

GC - The idea for TGC was something I played with for a year before deciding to go through with it. I guess I think I am not alone in my quest for cool new brands and accessories. A lack of focus on accessories by a lot of boutiques, men who are becoming more and more aware that there is more out there than just their plain office suit, a passion for business and fashion and wanting to create something for my own are all factors that contributed to my decision of starting my webshop.

IG - What is the strategic plan for TGC?

GC - Of course offering outstanding quality and service is a number one priority. Like any other business, growth is the long term strategy. The first couple of years we will try to grow in Europe. Trying to get our site out there and trying to build brand awareness. Visibility is key so most of our time goes to marketing. We ship worldwide so everyone can buy but the main focus is first to conquer the Belgian/ European market, followed by the Americas and Asia.

We will continue to attract the best brands, European and American. Hopefully to offer American clients the opportunity to order top European brands and offer European clients to order top Amercian brands.

IG - Why did you decide to open an online shop versus brick and mortar?

GC - The potential of the world wide web is unbelievable. You can reach so much people in so little time.

The last couple of years online shopping has become a booming business and has incredible potential.

The classic main street shop is still great and still offers that shopping experience of walking into the store, having social interaction, being able to fit the product, etc. But cities are becoming more crowded every year, traffic is a nightmare, you might not find what you are looking for and shopping becomes stressful… So what greater way to shop than to shop from your own home, with a nice cup of coffee, browsing those cool online shops and when you order getting your products delivered at your doorstep.

IG – Do you think the market is saturated with online menswear shops?

GC - No I don’t. The problem with online menswear shops is they all have the same concept. The concept I am going for is offering something menswear shops have too little of: accessories. The priority for menswear shops is clothing. Accessories always seem to disappear into the background. That’s the whole reason I started my shop. They all have that blue dotted pocket square every other store offers. There’s not enough imagination.

There are also a lot of start ups thinking online shops are easy money and that it’s just setting up a webshop and that’s it. It’s not that simple so you see them fail as fast as you see them set up. Since this is a worldwide business there is also worldwide competition and you have to keep being innovative and keep trying new things to keep your site interesting.

IG - What was it like starting a business during an economic downturn?

GC - To be honest, it’s a scary feeling. Here you are with a webshop you position as a high-end shop and we’re in the deepest financial and political worldwide crisis the world has ever seen. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and get support from the people around you. Good planning is the best preparation for any scenario. Time will tell if this was a good move.

IG - What are the most important things you have learned since launching your business?

GC - Networking is key. I am sure this goes for any business. Be open for advice and ideas from others but evaluate with your own vision in mind. Never think you’re the smartest guy in the room. Have a long term plan and stick to that plan.

IG - What is your philosophy on price-points, quality, and quantity for TGC?

GC - Price-quality ratio is the most important thing. I make this a key issue. The site, product, deliveries, returns have to be top notch. Client is king and as an online retailer clients need the best service.

IG - Describe your customer service philosophy? Is customer feedback important?

GC - As I said, the customer is king. We try to make the ordering process as simple as possible. Once a client orders something the goal is to get the package ASAP to the customer. We make it an issue of offering the client an easy return of the package when it does not satisfy the customer’s needs.

In case of questions we are 24/7 available and will do whatever we can to help out in any way we can.

Our site is very transparent in terms of address, phone numbers, mail addresses, contact forms, etc.

We appreciate feedback from clients through the site, our Facebook page or Twitter.

IG - How do you maintain quality control over your product?

GC - Since we are a starting business we have little staff so I can check every package before it gets sent out.

I am very detail oriented so every package sent is exactly how I want it to be.

IG - Describe TGC’s market. Who is your target customer?

GC - Actually it’s pretty simple, every man or woman. Men looking for accessories to give their outfits that unique touch. Woman looking for unique and cool gifts for their boyfriends or husbands.

IG - What differentiates TGC from its online competitors?

GC - The concept. We offer accessories from well-known and up-and-coming high-end international brands.

I can honestly say that in a couple of months we will be a webshop offering one of the widest selections of brands and products for men.

Besides being a webshop we also have an ‘online lifestyle’ magazine called ‘The Gazette’ that appears weekly.

In this Gazette we put the spotlight on the brands we carry, style icons, events all around the world, movies, television series, how-to guides, tips and tricks, and lots of other cool stuff.

IG - What do you want TGC’s target customer to say or think about your business?

GC - I would like people thinking that The Gentlemen’s Corner is a unique and fresh concept with cool products, cool Gazette, user friendly, great service. Something they’ve never seen before!

IG - Describe TGC five years from now.

GC - Hopefully, if everything goes well, we will have good visibility in Europe and continuing growth in the States. Our list of brands and products will have grown significantly, offering the biggest collection of brands and products in Europe and worldwide in terms of accessories for men. We will have optimized our site to make it even more user friendly, trying to offer a custom service for each customer in terms of deliveries.

IG - What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

GC - What do you mean not working? (Laughs) No, I’m joking. I like to play all kinds of sports with friends, just have fun, spend some quality time with my girlfriend, relax.

IG - If you could travel to any three places in the world, where would they be and why?

GC - Asia, anywhere in Asia. I feel that it’s all happening there. Fashion, finance, construction… It’s a whole different culture, interesting and very inspiring.

Toulouse, France. I’ve spent 6 months studying there. A great city, great climate and just good memories and great friends.

Florence, Italy. I’ve spent some holidays there and the city center is amazing. I like the architecture, the people, the shops, the Italian way of life and of course the famous Italian style of dressing inspired by Gianni Agnelli called ‘sprezzatura’.

Introducing: Exquisite Trimmings

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:19:20 PST

We recently came across a little known accessories shop carrying some of the most well-known names in menswear. Exquisite Trimmings is owned and operated by Shya Green. We had the chance to speak with Shya and get some insight into his operation. Currently the shop carries ties, scarves, and pocket squares in silks, wools, cashmere and mixes from some of the oldest and most high-quality brands in the world such as Rubinacci, E. Marinella, E.G. Cappelli, Brioni, Drake's, Tom Ford, Kiton, Battisti Napoli, Barney's, E. Tautz, Duchamp, Bamford & Sons, Gitman Bros, Richard James, Ralph Lauren, Etro, Zegna, and Corneliani.

You'd think that with brands and products such as these would cause a man take out a second mortgage on his house, but surprisingly most of the ties and pocket squares are under $100 with the most expensive tie coming in at $135 (cashmere scarves are a bit more over $200). This is an incredible value for the names, materials, craftsmanship, and exclusivity of these products.

Shya was kind enough to send us a package with some lovely items. A Drake's silk knit tie in pink with green polka dots made for Barney's, two Robert Talbott pocket squares; one in cotton, the other in a cotton/linen mix with hand rolled edges, and a pair of handsome chain linked cuff links not yet available on the site. While the tie and pocket squares are among the more accessible options, they are crafted with the same exacting standards as the more expensive items. We highly recommend Exquisite Trimmings for men who have a discerning eye when it comes to neckties and pocket squares. Tell Shya we sent you.

Interview: What Your Socks Say About You

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:30:50 PST

Man of The House asked us to talk about socks. We ended up having a three page discussion. If you thought those ratty gym socks were enough. Think again.

Unless it’s laundry day or there was a catastrophic event resulting in the loss of all the hosiery except what he is wearing, a man’s socks say a lot about him. The logic of “I wear whatever socks I have, so this argument is invalid” may actually prove the point even further.To peer into a man’s soul, look at his socks.

Yes, this may come off as sacrilegious or judgemental. Yes, it may be critical. But, in the end, hosiery is one of those things people pay attention to. As Grant Harris, owner and chief style consultant of Image Granted, a Washington, D.C.-based company, says: "[People] notice what you should be wearing—not the nice things you are wearing. If you're wearing a nice shirt and a crummy tie, they're going to notice the tie, not the shirt."

Hosiery—The Final Frontier

Although a man’s closet may largely revolve around the versatility of the clothes inside, something must be said about the non-universality of socks.

You would not wear a tanktop beneath a blazer in a situation that calls for a full suit. In that same vein, wearing athletic or ankle socks—even if they're black—with a pair of Oxfords doesn't work.

Regardless of your default style, a 24-pack of white cotton crew socks (while possibly an amazing deal) won't complement the majority of a man's wardrobe, professional or otherwise.

"Menswear is about the detail," says Harris, who adds that a man who is specific about the hosiery he dons is a man who understands the particulars.

But he's also a man whose wardrobe is getting close to where he needs it to be. "When it comes to the point where you're looking for those cashmere over-the-calf socks to go with [nice] boots, you've already got the boots. You've got the suit that goes over the boots. He's past the right suit, shirt or tie."

That point established, Harris says he understands those who are just beginning to build a wardrobe aren't obligated to share his intrepidity when it comes to hosiery ("My sock drawer looks like a rainbow," he says), but after a man's wardrobe is nearing an acceptable level, it's time to focus on refining details.

Read the rest HERE.

Shoe Recrafting with Allen Edmonds

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:55:29 PST

Shoe recrafting is a valuable tool in keeping your footwear in good condition through years of wear and tear. Most quality shoemakers offer this service. If the brand you wear doesn't offer this, you're wearing the wrong brand.

Style Q&A: The Proper Length of an Untucked Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:09:53 PST

Our latest entry in the Style Q&A series. We must admit this one was a bit more detailed than others in the past and we had to enlist some or our expert counterparts. So after a bit of a break...we're back.

The most versatile button up shirt can be worn both tucked in and untucked. But with different lengths and cuts, it can be hard to tell if a shirt fits untucked.

Back to untucked button up shirts — You’ve mentioned how long they should hang in the back, but what about in the front? – Ali A. (a concerned wife)

The quick and easy answer is that it should be the same length as the back of your shirt which as we’ve discussed earlier should fall no lower than the bottom of your back pocket. Dress shirt hems should come in the same length in the front as they do in the back to ensure uniformity.

One exception to this is the polo shirt. Original polo shirts came with a longer back hem than front hem. The difference between polos and dress shirts is that polos come with a flat bottom and are designed to be untucked. Dress shirts come with a curved hem and are designed to be tucked in. Somehow over the years this has been reversed (at least in America). The longer back hem of the polo shirt is intended to cover the rear when untucked and keep the shirt in place when tucked.

We thought we’d bring in another expert on the matter so we asked Mr. Eric Powell of Ratio Clothing his opinion. Ratio makes custom shirts, and Eric had this to say:

“The large majority of dress shirts or button-up shirts these days will hang to the same length in the front and back, or be very close. For the overall length, my general rule of thumb is mid-back-pocket on the length for a short worn untucked.

And, while we’re on the topic, I think the most overlooked factor in wearing a shirt untucked is how big around the shirt is in the hips and waist area. If you have a shirt that is much bigger around than your waist, it’s going to look bad untucked even if you nail the length (imagine a poncho). Look for a good slim-fit option that fits snug, but not button-popping tight, through the torso and you’ll be in good shape.

If you really want to get into the minutiae of a great looking untucked button-up, the shape of the shirt tails can make a difference too. We opt for a shallow curve on our shirts so that the length on the sides of the shirt is long enough to fall past the belt-line without the front and rear tails hanging like a dress.”

Update: Marko John's - British Sock Maker

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:37:45 PST

Awhile back we announced our collaboration with Marko John's. We were proud to partner with an established brand and even more proud to be the first outside designer to work with a manufacturer that's been around since 1895. After a long haul of design and production the final product is now available for purchase. Our MJ's are available with free shipping until midnight tonight. Order now and enjoy them for the rest of the winter. Thanks for your support!

Introducing: Men of ILK

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:29:34 PST

Men of ILK is a recently launched menswear retailer sourcing high-quality and traditional outerwear, knits, denim and other wardrobe essentials from a few household brands like Lee, Filson, and Gant Rugger along side not so well-known brands from Scandinavia like Svensson. ILK is currently the only online UK retailer these mix of brands.

Although ILK offers American and Scandinavian brands they haven't forgotten their English roots and carry an ample supply of D.S. Dundee. Men of ILK has been so kind to offer our readers a 10% discount (including sale items) through January 15th. Use code MOBVT8 at check out for the savings. We recommend this piece and this piece. Here are a few of our favorites from the site.

The Selected Few in Philadelphia

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:31:26 PST

The Selected Few recently hit the road to scout brands for our next gathering of style. This trip took us to the fair city of Philadelphia where we met up with the bespoke tailors of Commonwealth Proper. Our man Alex of The Pantalones was our personal street photographer and if you ask me Tommy Ton has some competition.

We were glad to share the day with intellectual, well-mannered, and well dressed men who are product of their business pursuits. We're honored to add DieProper to our list of quality brands with a great product, stellar customer service, and an overall love of the game. They'll be opening an e-commerce shop next week with their ready to wear collection of shirts, ties, and pocket squares. Look out for them at our next show. More photos and video to come. Congratulations on your elevated style.

Shop In Style: Barcelona

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:58:47 PST

If you're going to shop...do it in style. We highly recommend Santa Eulali in Barcelona, Spain.

Gary Cooper: Enduring Style Book Signing

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:14:34 PST

Bruce Boyer; menswear author and historian held a book signing at the Paul Stuart flagship in NYC for the newly released style biography of Hollywood actor Gary Cooper. You can call the Paul Stuart men's department at 800.678.8278 and purchase a signed copy for $60 to have delivered in time for Christmas. We would love to see this book signing come to DC. We'll have to work on it.

Brand Review: Gloverall of England

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:45:55 PST

Gloverall is widely recognised worldwide as the originator of the classic Duffle coat. This winter weather staple owes its status to military and industrial beginnings and is one of England's most iconic brands. Gloverall and the company and what is know as today's Duffle coat was created in the 1950's by Mr. Harold Morris and his wife who sold cotton, leather, gloves and overalls. When the couple were approached by the government during WWII to supply soldiers with surplus Duffie coats, the name Gloverall (combining gloves and overalls) was born.

The word Duffle originates from a heavy woollen cloth closely woven for warmth and manufactured in the Belgian town of Duffle. Through the years it has come to signify a hooded coat with distinctive toggle fastenings which was adopted by the British Navy and used by officers and men of the watch to protect against the harsh Atlantic and North Sea winds. The toggles were designed to be heavy and maneuverable enough to be unfastened while wearing thick gloves, and hoods were carefully designed to fit over peaked Naval caps. Gloverall still maintains this original link to its Naval heritage.

We were recently fortunate enough to acquire our first Gloverall in a deep forest green. With an 80% wool and 20% polyester content it;s heavy, warm and water repellent just like a good winter coat should be. The Duffle comes with leather fastenings, horn toggles, storm flap at the neck, a bucket hood with tab adjusters, extra shoulder padding for warmth and durability, and lovely plaid lining. We're looking forward to throwing it on over and chunky sweater or heavy wool blazer with duck or polo boots when the time is right.

Haberdash & EDC Grand Opening Party

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:45:03 PST

We introduced you to the Chicago menswear shop Haberdash awhile back. They recently opened their Everyday Carry (EDC) concept boutique focused on the essentials a man needs to survive the everyday struggle. Boots, grooming and shaving products, dress shoes, and of course a hot shave. The grand opening party was held earlier this month and we were privy to the show. Check out the shots below.

Marshall Anthony Private Menswear Viewing

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:17:22 PST

Our friends Marshall Anthony are hosting a private menswear viewing of their 2011 Fall collection of silk, wool, and cashmere handmade ties. Check out the details and check your inbox for the invite. We'll be there to take part.

Introducing: ColsenKeane Leather Goods

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:39:42 PST

If you're in the market for handsome, handmade leather accessories, then look no further than ColsenKeane Leather Goods. Listening to the owner describe his passion for his work is what we enjoy the most. Enjoy.

The Style Inbox

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:44:38 PST

"I recently came across your site and have been a fan ever since. I have a style related question that I was hoping you could answer for me: Is it fashionable to wear a short sleeve button down shirt over a blazer? It sounds like potential combination in my head but short sleeves always remind me of Dwight from The Office. What's your take?" - Kyle

We admit this is a new one for us. We weren't sure if you actually meant what you wrote or something else but we'll take it head on. The short answer to your question is a definite no. You should never wear or think about wearing a short sleeved button up shirt over a blazer. We actually had a hard time even thinking how this would be anatomically possible in terms of comfort and function.

Then we got to thinking where we may have seen something like this before. Sure enough this Lacoste ad popped up. This happens to be done a bit different. It's a polo shirt over a suit but its the same concept. It doesn't look good on a model in a major ad and it won't look good on you either. We suggest finding a different way to express yourself other than wearing shirts over your blazer when they most certainly belong under it.

Introducing: Marshall Anthony Neckties

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:38:03 PST

We recently had the pleasure of meeting the tie-making duo of Marshall Anthony (MA). MA is young company started in 2009 by Darhel Anthony. The company started out making custom bow ties and evolved overtime into full neckties. The owners graduated from Hampton University in Tidewater Virginia and now run their operation out of New York. They were gracious enough to grace us wit their presence at The Selected Few trunk show.

They currently offer a selection of neckties and bowties in raw silk, Donegal wool, cashmere and others all made in the US. Patterns include solids, Glen checks, herringbones, and houndstooths. The partially lined ties come untipped and with hand rolled edges. Others are silk tipped in their signature deep purple. They also offer customization on their raw silk ties in different colorways. All neckties come in a reasonable 3.25 inches width. The bow ties come in raw silk and a lofty cashmere. They are self-tie and come in a butterfly and a rounded diamond point version. All neck and bow ties range from $75-$105.

MA is looking to expand its business in major cities across the nation and DC is next. We fully support their endeavors and look forward to their success. Here are some of our favorites.

Shoe Closet Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Image Granted) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:36:34 PST

Black oxfords: They should have minimal ornamentation like perforations, seams, wingtips, etc. You need a shoe that you can wear to a job interview, funeral, or some other event that requires seriousness on your part, and this is it. Pair them with your grey or black slacks or suits and make sure they’re leather-soled.
Brown dress shoes: Try a medium shade, like a tobacco color. You can wear it all year round and it looks excellent with blue, grey, and tan suits or dress pants. Try a wingtip, cap-toe, or dress loafer to start, also with a leather sole.
Brown casual shoes: These can be a rubber-soled slip-on or lace-up in whatever shade you like. Get a couple of different shades and styles so you can rotate them and not wear them out too quickly and throw them on with jeans or your khakis.
Boat shoes: These are great for sockless wear in the warm weather and are a great chance to throw some color into your shoe collection. Find a pair in blue, red, green, cream, brown, or whatever you like that’s available. Wear them with lightweight cotton pants or shorts in the summertime.
Non-athletic sneakers: No Nike Shox and no New Balances, I don’t care what J.Crew is offering. You can get a streamlined “sport-inspired” sneaker at very low cost if you look in the right places. Wear these with jeans when you’re hung over at brunch on a Sunday.
Snow boots: It sucks when your feet get cold and wet, no matter how grown up you are.

Via