PART 4- Smart Shopping: Emphasize Quality to Make your Wardrobe Last on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many we really need. At the same time, the message out there is mixed- unless we spend more as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Quality clothing can be less expensive than discount clothing. Look at the value you get out of clothing before you look at the price tag. Invest wisely and you will buy pieces that last years instead of months. Stick to natural fabrics and well constructed pieces when you pay premium.

1. You wear your socks every week! Spend more on quality dress socks that won’t wear out. Having difficulty finding good quality socks in a small men’s size? Take a look at Pantherella Patterned Dress Hosiery, Men's Size Small (6-8) .
2. Cashmere is a fabric synonymous with luxury. Unlike sweaters made with man-made fabrics a cashmere sweater won’t pill. It will last longer and feels soft even after many washes. Wear it over button up shirts in various colors and patterns to vary your look Red House Pure Cashmere Pullover

New Australian Study Confirms with Height come Higher Wages

A new Australian study confirms U.S. findings from a few years past that taller people (men and women) earn higher wages than their shorter counterparts. This was found to be true across the board- various industries, professions,levels, etc. How much so? To the tune of an extra 4 inches in men lead to wages about 3% (or one year of experience) higher. You can find the article here, courtesy of Yahoo and the AP.

How to combat this issue? Dress Taller! It has always been our philosophy at ForTheFit.com, that the key for shorter men is to dress to maximize your height and visually lengthen your frame (giving the impression of greater height). In the current economy and job market, given this new research- it literally pays to dress taller and make a better first impression on your interviewer.

A few tips:
1) Keep your suit simple and in a dark color- black is always best.
2) Subtle, vertical pinstripes (can be monochromatic) are an added plus because they will visually lengthen your frame.
3) Keep your tie simple & slim to add inches as well
4) Skip heels or lifts- they can be more comical than effective.
5) Match shoes and socks to trouser to lengthen

Good Luck!

C. Bova, CEO

PART 3- Smart Shopping: Focus on FIT to Stretch your Wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Focus on fit to get a wardrobe that will make you look sharp and remember that clothes that suit your personality and body type are always stylish.

1. American’s today seem to live in their jeans. Casual Friday, dinner out, a barbeque, the football game... your jeans are probably the pants you love most. Spend what you need to get a pair that fits. Look for the correct rise as well as the right length and consider whether the pockets sit where you want them to. Yes guys, that means I expect you to try them on and turn around to look at the back. Great jeans make your backside look lifted and round Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
2. Skip the tailor- buy clothes that fits from the get-go to save a lot of $$$money.
   
1. Try on a variety of sizes. If you usually wear a Medium but you try on a shirt and it seems too large or too small, try a size up or down. All cuts are not equal and some manufacturers cut larger or smaller than the norm- don't let your ego prevent you from securing a great style in your size.
   
2. Look for pants that are the correct hem length and avoid the cost of tailoring. From dress trousers to denim, ForTheFit.com offers pants pre-hemmed at no additional cost. Try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)

PART 2- Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Step into your closet and ask yourself whether you have something appropriate for every aspect of your life – work, sports, dates, family events, happy hour, etc. If not, start shopping today. Otherwise, you will find yourself doing last minute shopping for that big event. Last minute shopping is nearly always more expensive and less likely to offer a repeat performance. Instead, shop for what you need over time and what might last over time...

1. INVEST...in pieces you’ll wear once a week or more.
2. BETTER OVER TIME... Add pieces to your wardrobe that improve with age and wear.
   

• The Leather Jacket: A classically styled, leather jacket, when well cared-for, will improve over time- becoming softer, more supple and generally wonderful to wear. Tip: Leather does not tailor well, so buy a jacket that fits off the rack (for shorter men, try the Park Avenue Classic Lambskin Jacket, or our Suede Jacket (pictured below) for classic, unembellished jackets available in sizes from men's extra-small
• The Jean: Quality jeans will soften and improve with each wash, not disintegrate (for a shorter inseam , from 27"- try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)

Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to stop buying, but it’s a good idea to shop with your lifestyle and existing wardrobe in mind.

1. Take Stock: Buy pieces that integrate well with what you already own.
2. Assets: Accessories can be a low-cost way to revamp a "tired" wardrobe. Consider adding some new ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, or vests to existing suit/dress shirt ensembles. Add a little luxe to an inexpensive suit or dress shirt with a 100% silk tie in a colorful, eye-catching print- options abound even at lower price points. Consider Ben Sherman & Palio 100% Silk Ties, from $38 . With French-cuff dress shirts, ditch the complementary cufflinks that come with the shirt and find a little something that represents you. It tells everyone from discerning women to potential clients and interviewers that you are a person that pays attention to little details- a favorable trait for sure! Styles abound from classics (simple shapes in gold or silver, stone inlays) to unique and quirky (football, sailing, gambling, theater motifs and more- you name it!) .
3. Basic Investments: Basics= pieces that can be dressed up or down, worn for years without going out of style, or come in neutral colors that match most everything. Some examples...

• Every man needs a classic pair of high quality, chino trousers in his wardrobe. A khaki colored, flat front model will get the most use- taking you easily from work (business casual) to play (add a golf shirt for the club; a dress-casual shirt or lightweight sweater for drinks or dinner). For quality and style that lasts, we recommend "The Ultimate Chino" Khaki Trouser by Ballin, from $119
• A well-fitting, basic white dress shirt is essential. It, too, goes from work (under a suit, sportcoat or on its own) to play (with jeans for a casual dinner out) effortlessly. One caveat: it's white, so account for inevitable spills and buy several.100% Cotton Dress Shirts by Classix, from $30
  
• The Perfect Jeans: Worn more than any single item of clothing in a man's closet, a good quality pair of jeans in a classic color and style will last season after season. Plus, consider this bonus: Divide the number of wears you get from one pair of jeans into the price you paid and you’ll realize that they cost you pennies per wear! Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
  
• Last but not least: the Polo Shirt. As comfortable as a T-shirt, but wearable to the office, for sports, weekends, you name it. Options abound, so look for a good quality version (one that won't fade, stretch or pill after one wear or wash). that fits well (shoulder seams should fall at or within an inch or so of your actual shoulders, sleeves should end well before your elbows and the length should not completely cover your backside), in a basic color (navy, red, black and white are all good choices). Outer Banks polo, from $20
  

People are Talking...Entrepreneurship in the Recessed Economy & ForTheFit.com

Learn more about the entrepreneurs at the helm of ForTheFit.com, the premier US Short men's clothes retailer.

Check out this week's news about entrepreneurship & start-ups in this down economy with articles including comments by ForTheFit.com's leadership team, including CEO Consuelo Bova.

"Down Times Spark Startups" Christian Science Monitor, March 23, 2009 by Marilyn Gardner

"163 Ways to Become an Entrepreneur" March 24, 2009 by the best-selling author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, Michael Michalowicz