Style. Keep it simple, stay tailored.

Try This.

2011-07-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to add a new dimension to your wardrobe, look no further because the white pant is back! No longer reserved for the cast members of Miami Vice, a white pant(or jean) can add a seasonal depth to your summer wardrobe and it's a color that looks great on everyone. Incorporate a light, neutral top and you'll have an outfit that conveys confidence while giving you a rakish summer style.

J.Crew $98

Levi's $39.99


H&M 49.95

HUGO Hugo Boss $165

Alan doing it.

Stay Tailored
-DTH

Take Care

2011-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Get the most out of your clothing investments by visiting the drycleaners as little as possible. Drycleaners use many harsh chemicals and high heat that can irreparably damage your clothing. Your clothing is an investment and should be cared for like one.

I reccomend laundering your shirts on your own by using the gentle cycle and keeping the temperature setting on cold. Let the shirts hang dry and run an iron over them when you're ready to wear them. Also, it is very important to use a quality detergent, it will keep all of your clothes looking brand new.

For your suits..It is only neccesary to dryclean wool suits once a season at most. Wool is a very breathable material that only needs to be hung on a proper suit hanger to regain shape and remove wrinkles. If you happen to have an accident and get a stain...use the drycleaners but only have them spot clean the affected area.

Dress Belt Optional

2011-07-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Style and Fashion trends change faster than the Flyer's change goalies during the playoffs. While some stick and become relevant, many are here and gone before you even know it. While it's not necessary to follow these rapidly changing trends religiously, it's never a bad idea to try something different that strikes your interest, whether you see it in a movie, magazine or even something you see someone wearing out in the streets.

About a year and a half ago I was reading a magazine and I noticed that in one of the ads the model wasn't wearing a belt. It struck my interest because every guy growing up has always been told that you're supposed to match your belt to your shoes and that if your pants have belt loops then a belt is required. Well, some rules are meant to be bent. I gave it a try and haven't worn a belt since.

The cool thing about this look is that it simplifies your dress attire and gives you a much cleaner appearance. A dress slack has a very minimal waist line that doesn't reveal any obtrusive buttons or clips, so instead of having a belt break up your pants and shirt, there's a clean flow from top to bottom.

This look requires a well-tailored trouser that has NO PLEATS. Pleats are only useful if your daily routine involves roundhouse kicking people in the face, so you don't fall into that category then lose them! Belts are useful for keeping poor fitting pants from falling, so if you took my advice from my "How to" post, you should have no problem pulling this look off.

Personal style is all about trying new things and wearing pieces that express your personality, even if you're wearing a suit. The simplest things can make all the difference, so take a risk, what's the worst that can happen? Besides, why would you want to look like everyone else?

Stay Tailored
-DTH

Check out Roy!

2011-05-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Check out these awesome handcrafted jeans at RoyDenim.com

Finding the Right Jean

2011-05-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jean prices and pockets are getting out of control today, leaving many of us broke billboards. There's nothing wrong with investing in your wardrobe and splurging on a pair of jeans, but if you're going to spend $200+ then you better get your money's worth. A great jean should be a staple in every man's wardrobe and will last for years, which is why you want to invest in a pair that is going to stay in style.

True Religion and Rock & Republic may carry a high price tag and do a wonderful job of advertising, but anyone who wears a jean that looks like a horse kicked you in the ass isn't doing themselves a favor, only the brand they're wearing. Do yourself a solid and find a jean that you can wear for every occasion, whether it's going out for the night or catching a Phill's game, I want you to get the most out of your investment.

No.

First of all, you need to find a jean cut that fits your body type. If you have tree trunks for legs, it's probably in your best interest (and your balls) if you stay away from the slim-cut and go for a relaxed straight leg with a mid-rise on the waste. On the other hand, if you're on the slimmer side, choose a jean that is going to fit snug but still comfortable with a mid to low rise. Also, stay away from a boot-cut because they only look good with one thing, boots! Straight leg jeans look great with everything from sneakers to dress shoes, so that's one less thing you have to worry about.

As for the length, a simple way of of knowing if they're the right size for you is to fold them up about an inch and a half so that there's a cuff. After doing so, the front of the jean should be resting on the top of your shoe with little to no break. Whatever you do, don't alter the length your jeans because they will fit or look the way you want them to, I guarantee it. Make sure you try on anything before you buy it, even if you think you're familiar with the brand because ALL fits change from time to time and going back and forth to a store to make exchanges is just a waste of time.

Yes.

In terms of wash, go with a darker pair that is free of tears, wholes, rips, pocket flaps and huge logos. "Keep it simple" and if you don't think someone would notice if you wore the same jeans twice in a row, then you're headed in the right direction. The beauty of denim is that you actually personalize it yourself by everyday wear. All the lines from sitting down and moving around should be made by you, not by a distressing machine. You have to break them in like a baseball glove. It takes a little while, but once you finally have them the way you want, you won't want to wear anything else. Going with a dark wash is also going to give you unlimited options when it comes to the shirt you decide to match. Dark jeans look great with every color from white to black, so no matter what, you'll be ready for any occasion.

Stay Tailored
-DTH

Philly..Philly..Philly..

2011-05-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, the worst dressed city in the country...could it be true? Well, GQ thinks so and I know many others do as well. If you're not from the Delaware Valley then you almost certainly hate Philly, just about everyone does. We're known for our blue collar, hard working, snowball throwing, Michael Irving booing, tough persona which I for one take pride in being part of. I really love this city and feel as though we're all family, no matter what race or background. We're known for a lot, but there's one thing that we're not known for and that's style. I've seen it first hand all over the city and what everyone's saying is true, Philadelphia has no style!

This dilemma is in effect from North Philly to Citizens Bank Park, we have pride in everything except the way we dress. It doesn't cost a lot of money to dress well or to have style, all it takes is a little bit of effort. Sweatpants and tank tops are meant for the gym and lounging around your house, not down town! Don't be discouraged if you get shit from your friends because you decided to wear a nice shirt that doesn't have a dragon raping a lizard on a skateboard on the front and Mr. Ed Hardy's autograph on the back, you'll stand out, and for good reasons . Try it and lead by example, I guarantee your friends will follow “suit.”

Go hit a sale at Macy's and get a few new shirts, a couple nice pairs of pants and see what compliments you get when you're at work or out at night. You never know who you might bump into, so in my opinion it is always a good idea to look your best wherever you go. Who knows, you could meet a future employer or girlfriend so look sharp!

How to "Stay Tailored"

2011-04-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sure every guy reading this has bought a slim-fit shirt, suit or pants that they thought would fit like the pictures they see in GQ, Details, Esquire, etc. but when you get them home, the shirt is blousey and the suit fits like a box. That's because what these magazines fail to let you know is that in all of their photo shoots the model's clothes are pinned to from the back to give them that slim, custom appearance that is so sought after. Clothes will never fit the way these magazines portray them to off of the rack. The key is getting them tailored.

Wearing tailored clothes doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spend thousands of dollars to have well fitting clothes, it means that your clothes fit like they're supposed to. I'm going to give you a few tips that will make your $200 suit look like it was custom made for you.

The first and most important step is to find a good tailor, not a dry cleaner that does alterations. When you find the right tailor, you won't even have to explain what you want done to your specific piece of clothing, they'll just know. Whether it's a suit, shirt, pants or a sport coat, they can all be tailored to fit your specific needs.

Picture from last year

Suit jackets can be taken in or let out at every seem, so if you have a suit that is a few years old that doesn't fit as well as you would like, I would first recommend having your tailor taking your suit jacket in on the side and center seams. This alteration will conform your suit jacket to your body, in effect, giving you the slim design that you want and should only run you about $35-$50. The same can be done for any sport coat that you own, so that instead of looking like an ESPN commentator you'll look like a tailored gentleman.

As for pants, they can also be altered to give them a modern update that will save you money and give you that "GQ" look. First of all, if your pants are pleated and cuffed, there's no hope, so donate them. Opt for a flat front, low rise and you'll have a pant that will stay in style for years to come. Have your tailor take them in from the inseam to clean them up and slim the legs. If the waist is too loose, or in most cases too tight, ask your tailor to take in/let out your waist and seat. By having these simple updates done to both your suit jacket and pants, you can have a brand new suit for under $100!

Hammer Time

Lastly, there's an epidemic going around affecting many men and it's called blousey shirt syndrome (BSS). When you tuck your shirt in, it shouldn't look like you're trying to conceal a pillow on your back. Your shirt should be nicely fitted and lie close to your body, flowing smoothly from your fitted pants to your tailored shirt. This is a quick fix and probably one of the simplest alterations. It can be done to every button down that you own by having your tailor do what is called a dart, only costing you about $15 per shirt. All that material that hangs out when you tuck your shirt in is removed from the back of the shirt. What you are left with is two vertical seams and an great fitting shirt. Find a great tailor and you'll actually save a lot money by updating the clothes you already own.


A nicely darted shirt

Stay tailored...

Happy Easter and Passover!
-DTH

Graduation. Interviews. Attire.

2011-04-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

With graduation looming upon college seniors and job availability at an all-time low, any interview that you are lucky enough to get should not be taken for gran-tit. Everyone has a course freshman year that teaches you the interview basics, the do's and do nots, but none touch on the proper way to dress for one.

It is absolutely true what "they" say: a first impression is made in the first few minutes and before you even open your mouth you've already been judged. As superficial as this sounds, it's the truth! Now I don't want to sit here and tell you how prepare for or act during an interview, but you do only have one chance to make a first impression, so let me give you a few tips on what to wear.

The first step in dressing for an interview is ditching the idea that you have to wear a black suit and a "power" tie. Power ties are for people in a powerful position and plain black suits are best left for more formal events. I recommend investing in a well tailored, navy blue, two button suit (A nice charcoal will also work well). It should be a staple in every man's wardrobe and can be worn for every single occasion that may arise, including interviews.

For your shirt and tie combination, "keep it simple." A plain white or a solid french blue will do just fine. Pairing these with a solid navy or grey tie brings this simple, conservative look together. By keeping your shirts and ties solid, the person conducting the interview will be more likely to pay attention to what you're saying than the beautiful Jerry Garcia tie that your Mom bought your Dad ten years ago. Save the patterned and striped ties for when you land the job. Keep the suit, shirt and simple...let the fit of your clothes speak rather than patterns and bright colors.

Complete your outfit with a nice pair of brown or black dress shoes. The color is up to you, but I would suggest wearing something with a point toe and low-profile. I've really been taking notice to an Italian shoe designer, A. Testoni, who's dress shoes are available at Giltman.com at a great discounted price. Your clothes are an investment and the higher quality of the item, the longer they will last...with the proper care. So make the investment, it will save you money in the long-run.

Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression.

-DTH

Suiting up for Spring

2011-04-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and it's time to pack up your flannel lined suits and throw on something a bit lighter that also has some color. While you're at it brighten up the shirts and ties as well! Spring style is all about color and bright ones at that. Right now you should be thinking about packing away the dark flannel plaid shirts and adding some color to your rotation. I would first recommend starting with a light solid pastel dress shirt and either a darker contrasting solid tie or a brighter patterned tie (depending on your place of work). Solid on solid has been trending recently and is one of my favorite looks for the Spring. It is ultra classic, clean, simple and looks great on every guy no matter what size or color. By choosing a slimmer, well tailored shirt and a narrower (about 6.5-7.5cm) tie, it also transforms this classic look into something that is very modern and up to date. Always remember to keep the tie widths no wider than your suits lapels.

As for the suits...The colors and the weight of the fabrics should get lighter as the weather gets warmer and as we get deeper into Spring. It's time to break out the light browns, greys, high blues and everyone's spring time favorite, the khaki suit. Add a nice brown wingtip or oxford to complete the Spring look and please no boat shoes with suits.

Just because GQ and J. Crew show it doesn't mean you have to do it! Keep the fabrics light and stay cool!

-DTH