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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Clothier's Corner Custom clothing: There is a difference
Posted By William Wilson on Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I’m quite often asked, “Is there really that much difference between custom and off the rack clothing?” The answer is yes, absolutely.
There are three types of clothing: custom, made to measure, and off the rack. All have their benefits and weaknesses, and are usually chosen based on budget. Those with less discretionary income tend to buy off the rack. Those more affluent tend to trend towards custom. Those in the middle buy made to measure. I know, you’re wondering what the difference is. Well, I’ll tell you.
Off the rack is what you buy from most department and clothing stores. Prices can range depending on the store. Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus offer a really expensive price point, while Joseph A. Bank and Men’s Warehouse offer a lower priced product. Don’t let price fool you. Most off-the-rack suits are made in the same places. Usually the difference in the suit is the tag inside. That’s right, the suit you bought for $250 at the big box store is the same as the one you bought for $1,600, at the high-end store. So be careful not to fall for expensive tags. If you spend over $800 for a suit, buy custom or made to measure.
Made to measure is just that: made to your measurements. This is not custom. Made to measure is basically an off-the-rack suit, with the alterations done before you get it. Tom James offers made to measure, though they tell clients it's custom. Many clothiers will tell you it’s the same as custom. It is not even close.
Custom is the king. When purchasing a custom garment, you design it. Everything is exactly the way you want it. When you wear a custom suit, you are wearing an extension of yourself. It’s the pinnacle of clothing. If you can afford it, you should always buy custom. I tell all my clients, if you can afford custom, buy custom. There is no substitute for getting exactly what you want.
Most clothiers will lie to you and tell you custom and made to measure are the same thing. Ask your clothier if custom, and made to measure, is the same thing. If he says yes, get a new one. He’s a liar. Until next time…
William Wilson is a nationally respected men’s clothier and image consultant. His clients include professional athletes, CEOs, and corporations. His homepage is www.WilliamtheClothier.com. Follow William on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/theclothier.
News Update on Charlotte Fashion Week
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Here's a recent press release for you folks interested in the Charlotte NC Fashion Week, going down Sept. 10-12 at the Mint Museum of Art.
Simply the Best for Barbara McKay and Charlotte NC Fashion Week 2009
June 16, 2009
Charlotte, NC. Barbara McKay of Charlotte’s “Simply the Best” Magazine and local television show, signs on as special guest emcee for Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week (CNCFW) September 10-12 at the Mint Museum of Art.
Barbara’s show, which airs on Saturdays on WSOCTV Channel 9, Charlotte provides raving reviews of the most exciting and absolutely best places to go in Charlotte for looking your best. Ms. Mckay joins the ranks of fashion enthusiasts who see CNCFW as an amazing opportunity for Charlotte’s fashion and entertainment industries. “I am honored to participate in CNCFW and am dedicated to making this a very special event in Charlotte.” States McKay.
Already set to grace the runway this year: returning designers Luis Carlos Machicao of Machiçao Couture, Kimberly Pixton of Pixton Bridal Couture and Shinikki Peterson of Lujeanik Designs. This year CNCFW will feature two European designers from Sarajevo, Alen Kekic and Amela Rodan who will join the line up of talent showing their collections on the runway.
CNCFW Director, Anthony Simons is extremely pleased with the showing of support from contributing businesses. “The customer base and brand identification of our sponsors convey the ideal image desired to enable us to enhance this exciting multi-day event.” Among those companies participating this year include; MAC cosmetics, Varji Varji salon and spa providing hair styling, Bakers Shoes providing footwear, and Scott Jaguar as the official car sponsor. Fox News Charlotte, Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, Sotac Magazine, and Plitzs Lifestyle Magazine will provide Media coverage.
This year organizers are very excited about hosting the second annual event at the Mint Museum. The rich history, character and significant role the museum plays in the world of art and fashion lends to an exceptional partnership.
Tickets are currently available for the fashion event of the year. Both General Admission and VIP options are offered. Those interested in attending may purchase tickets online or by phone. Visit charlottencfashionweek.com for more information.
This is a positive event for Charlotte, generating revenue for local business and creating internships for students studying in the fields of fashion marketing, public relations, and fashion merchandising. CNCFW is the only professionally produced multi-day event in Charlotte where designers can show their collections on a modest budget. Travelers to Charlotte will have a cultured and thrilling activity to attend and fashion buyers will have fresh new choices.
For more information on becoming a sponsor email info@Charlottencfashionweek.com or call 888-644-9230
Designers, boutiques and media inquiries contact Jas Dodd at jas@Charlottencfashionweek.com or call 347-564-0206.
Sale of the Day Sale of the day: Junior League Wearhouse
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Enjoy 20 percent off all clothing at Junior League Wearhouse as part of their Father's Day sale.
1117 Pecan Ave.
704-377-1854
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Events Casting for upcoming fashion show
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Found this notice on our Facebook:
Casting for the Black and Blue fashion show entitled, “Hautelook”.
Fashion show is scheduled for Friday, July 10th at the rooftop of the EpiCentre
Model Casting for the show is Wednesday, June 17th from 6:30-9pm at MEZ located in the EpiCentre.
Be there on time and be prepared to show your runway skills.
Casting for the Fashion Show @ MEZ/ June 17th
201 E Trade St, Suite D 300
Charlotte, NC 28202
Fashion Show/July 10th
Rooftop of the EpiCentre
201 E Trade St, Suite D 300
Charlotte, NC 28202
For more information contact:
Yandrick @ Yandrick@hotmail.com
And Black and Blue boutique at 704-366-9339
News The Orvis Co. is in, Coplon's is (kind of) out
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Luxury sports goods retailer The Orvis Co. is coming to Phillips Place.
Orvis, which specializes in outdoor fly fishing, hunting, apparel and dog accessories, has signed a lease to occupy 7,500 square feet of space currently occupied by women's clothing boutique Coplon's, according to Phillips Place. Coplon's will move to a smaller, 3,500-square-foot space across from The Palm.
Read the rest at the Charlotte Observer.
Hot Spots / Shop Talk 'Fashion for your sole': Velocity
Posted By Samantha Webster on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Velocity is “fashion for your sole,” and owner Darryl Hines portrays the perfect example of that sole-ful style. He has been working steadfast to bring his urban sneaker boutique into an area of Charlotte that is in desperate need of independent retail presence. His University area store sits in the midst of chain stores and restaurants, standing out with its fresh, clean appearance and hip-hopping, wallet-dropping merchandise. You won’t find clutter and old shoe boxes here — just bright colors, hot shoes and modern style.
Creative Loafing: Tell me a little about Velocity. What is its reason for being?
Darryl Hines: Velocity is a fashion-forward sneaker boutique. It differs from other sneaker and footwear boutiques by the simple fact that it is offering new styles, brands, colors, and patterns along with classic styles, brands colors and patterns. So if you come looking for something different or for something classic, this is the place you find it all under one roof.
How did you get involved in the sneaker business?
It’s actually a longer story. I’ve had an affection for shoes and sneakers for 14 or 15 years, actually probably younger than that. The sneaker business came when I began recognizing that there wasn’t anyone targeting the mature urbanite, the person that maybe has a corporate day job but still likes to wear sneakers and casual apparel on evenings and weekends. Since there wasn’t anyone offering unique sneakers to that particular market, that I consider myself to be apart of, I came up with the vision of Velocity to create an atmosphere and sales environment, with some very unique but stylish sneakers at an affordable price, and here we are.
Sales / Sale of the Day Sale of the day: Jos. A Bank Clothiers
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 9:43 AM
Today only, everything in the men's clothing store (except shoes and gift cards) is 50 percent off. Good sale to check out if you're looking for a Father's Day gift.
CHARLOTTE (Founders Hall)
704-338-1852
The Shops at Founders Hall
Bank of America Corporate Center
100 North Tryon Street Ste. 100
Charlotte, NC 28202
CHARLOTTE (Morrocroft Village)
704-365-0290
Morrocroft Village
3904-A Colony Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
CHARLOTTE (Promenade)
704-844-6074
Promenade on Providence
5431 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.
Charlotte, NC 28277
CHARLOTTE (University Area)
704-549-9044
University Area off Harris Blvd
410 East McCullough Drive
Suite 130
Charlotte, NC 28262
Monday, June 15, 2009
News Homemade crocodile bags
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 2:28 PM
This is kind of disturbing, considering we're in a recession. French luxury goods group Hermes apparently is hard pressed to keep up with the demands for luxury leather bags, which can cost over $48,000. There just aren't enough crocodiles, apparently.
"It can take three to four crocodiles to make one of our bags so we are now breeding our own crocodiles on our own farms, mainly in Australia," Patrick Thomas told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris.Hermes already faces a major challenge producing 3,000 crocodile bags a year, Thomas said, adding: "The world is not full of crocodiles, except the stock exchange!"
Read the full story on Reuters.
Those poor crocs.
News Who are the most competitive retailers?
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Here's a list from WWD.com.
Coach ranked highest, followed by Jos. A Bank Clothiers and Aeropostale. Scores are ranked by W Scores, which incorporates economic performance and consumer satisfaction.
Sales / Sale of the Day Sale of the day: black & blue
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 12:40 PM
The denim shop in Morrison has a "buy one sale item, get the 2nd at 1/2 off the last marked price" sale going on.
720 Governor Morrison St # 180
704-366-9339
