Notes, Information, and Style Guidance from the desk of Consuelo C. Bova, Esq.- CEO of ForTheFit.com
Welcome!
"Short Memo" is a forum for Consuelo C. Bova to share her knowledge about Men's Clothing. As founder and C.E.O. of ForTheFit.com (the nation's foremost short men's apparel retailer), she has learned a thing or two about Men's fashion- particularly as it relates to dressing shorter men. Her philosophy? "Men's fashion has less to do with the season's hottest trends or a man's natural good looks," she states "the secret is that any man, whatever his size or shape, can look amazing if he knows how to select the Right Style and the Right Fit for him." This blog will include style advice, tips, tricks and trends for making shorter men dress their very best.
They're here! Our much anticipated line of men's fleece, jersey, and other athletic pants (including your favorite zippered track pants) are now in stock. Exclusively at ForTheFit.com, you will find the athletic pants and loungewear you need in both men's Tall and Short clothing sizes.
Ready for the BIG news? Want the Skinny? Here's the tall & short of it...
The Nation's premier short men's clothing retailer and purveyor of fashion in hard-to-find sizes, can add to their credit the title of "the Nation's only Tall & Slim men's clothing specialist." That's right. While we do carry Big & Tall sizes, too- we noticed that no one is covering the skinny guy, the long & lanky gent. And since it is our goal as a company to take care of fashion business for all the hard-to-fit folks, we've decided to tackle this area, too.
We're adding new merchandise regularly, so keep checking back with us. To date: we have the latest in men's cotton twill chinos (inseams to 40"), sweats and athletic pants (inseams to 37"), tall t-shirts, longer sleeve dress shirts, extended length ties, and more! Check us out at ForTheFit.com, now for tall men's clothing, too .
There are new happenings allover at ForTheFit.com.... let's start with taking a look at our new makeover!
We've updated our look at ForTheFit.com. The new site certainly has a more modern, clean look and feel- but we hope you'll also enjoy some of the new additions and customer benefits, including:
Easy Navigation
Social Networking -we've made it easier to find us on Facebook and Twitter (and save BIG- since Twitter followers and Facebook friends get exclusive deals and first notice of sale events).
Share your favorite products with friends using the social networking buttons for Facebook on located on every product page!
Simple one page checkout (and Google Checkout enabled, too for your convenience)
Product Reviews (read one or leave one!)
Gift Registry and Wish Lists available (the Holidays are around the corner, believe it or not- gift registries make shopping so much easier on loved ones, and the results work out better for you too!)
Now you can earn points on every purchase with MyStyle Rewards
Check it out- visit our new home at ForTheFit.com & tell us what you think- we always appreciate your comments and feedback.
A few tips from the resident expert in dressing hard-to-find sizes (particularly petite men and women), Consuelo Bova, CEO of online, specialty retailer and apparel manufacturing company ForTheFit.com:
1) KNOW YOUR SIZE: Fit makes a tremendous difference in our overall appearance. Small, ill-fitting or oversized clothing can make for a very underwhelming first impression. Don’t fixate on the size you think you are, the size you want to be, or even the size tag itself (it’s often wrong or purposely misrepresented for marketing purposes). Instead, learn to take your measurements and judge clothes according to their size and fit to your body.
2) KNOW YOUR STYLE: The latest magazines and celebrity style are a great place to start, but ultimately the clothes buy and wear need to be right for you, your personal style and body type. Reference the latest trends to keep your style current, but make sure to adapt your choices to suit the best styles for your body and personality.
3) KNOW YOUR STORE: We should all have a “store.” The place that in a pinch, you know you can quickly find the right styles for your taste, in your sizes, and in your price range. Get to know the staff. Knowledgeable and friendly staff at a store worth visiting and spending your money at will alert you when the best items for you hit the shelf so you have your best pick of sizes and styles. Identify what that store is for you- it is a great way to build the foundation to a great new wardrobe and maintain it. Visit other stores mostly for your wardrobe “spice” .
4) KNOW YOUR COLOR: Don’t underestimate the importance of wearing the right colors for your skin tone and hair. The wrong shade of a color can wash you out and ruin an otherwise great looking and well-fitting outfit. Learn what your best colors are and stick to them. Again if the trendy color is not “your color,” don’t wear it- just adjust the “trend” to a different shade that does work for you.
5) ASK AN HONEST FRIEND: We all need an honest fashion friend and shopping companion. A person that will tell you the painful truth about whether an outfit suits you or not. In exchange for their invaluable services, promise not to be hurt by their critiques, okay?
That is (among) the questions, our style experts here at ForTheFit.com are asked most often.
"Should I match my socks to my pants? My shirt? My shoes?? Wear whatever is clean? Help!!!"
Unfortunately, there is no one, perfect answer. Heck, mostly it's up to you. But, we'll do our best to dispel the myths, offer the basics, and get you taking a step in the right direction for you!
There is one, hard, fast rule: DON’T match your socks to your shoes, this blurs the line between your feet and your legs. Makes you look shorter. Just don't do it.
If you are a dapper, dressy sort, then consider this: DO match your socks to your pants. Black Suit= Black Socks. Navy trouser= Navy socks.
Khaki Pants= Khaki... STOP. See Below.
For a more casual look, and for dressy looks if you are the more stylish type : DO match your socks to an accessory such as a tie or pocket square, or for the khaki pants example, match to your shirt. DO opt for subtle patterns that are in step with the rest of your outfit.
So what is your take on matching sock matter? We'd love to knowwhat you think! Use the voting buttons below to cast your vote!
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Also, remember that Father's Day is around the corner (June 20, 2010!). Socks don't usually rank high on anyone's gift list, but if your Dad is still wearing Khaki or White socks with everything, maybe it's time to give him a leg-up! Try some patterns and other fun styles!
"I don't look good in Green." Not true. Everyone can wear any color if you pick the right shade for your skin tone. Here's a little help so you can look your best when you are out celebrating St. Patty's Day!
The first step is to identify your season. Yes, I know it's Spring. But what "Season" are you? This refers to your skin tone…
"Winter" complexions have blue or pink undertones. People who fall into this category are generally brunettes, with skin best described as pale white, yellowish-olive, or dark, and they have deeply colored eyes. Many Asians and African Americans have "Winter" complexions.
The Green For You: Look for a sharp, stark green – like an Emerald green.
"Summer" complexions have blue or pink undertones, but unlike "Winters," they are more often natural blondes or brunettes with light-colored eyes.
The Green For You: Choose a pastel shade with pink or blue undertones, like this Minty Green for your best look.
"Autumn" complexions feature golden undertones (think of redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes)
The Green For You: Look for a green with a gold undertone, like Avocado
"Spring" skin has golden undertones (may be described as a creamy white or peach skinned, strawberry blondes with freckles , blue or green eyes)
The Green For You: Look for a warm green color, like this Military Green.
As you can see, looking good on St. Patrick's Day does not require luck of the Irish, only a little experimentation with color. Enjoy the day!
Happy Fall! It is actually crisp (FINALLY) in Florida so we are enjoying the cooler weather and getting in the Holiday spirit! To that end, our much anticipated Holiday Gift Guide 2009 is here! It is chock full of new and already popular items- check it out! On the right side of our home page, you will also find our Holiday Shipping deadlines and a link for our special, Holiday return policy (we're giving you extra-time on purchases made after Nov. 1, 2009). Also new this year: for the last-minute shoppers, we've identified a selection of best-selling items available for immediate shipment, with guaranteed delivery by the 24th of December. Check out our Last-Minute Gift Guide here. When ordering from the Last-Minute Gift Guide, you may order as late as Dec. 21, 2009 at 12 noon EST and your order should arrive by 12/24! Yep- the Holiday Season is in full swing!
Speaking of "Swings," our micro-fiber, short-rise shorts and other specialty, athletic apparel in short men's sizes was highlighted in a Holiday Gift Guide in the St. Petersburg Times this week , "Golfer's guide to finding places that specialize in niche golf equipment," by Rodney Page. The article also included some small businesses that specialize in nifty, specialty items for the Golfer on our list- like left-handed gear, special carts, women's and children's clubs, accuracy-enhancing golf balls (and who, besides Tiger, couldn't make use of those!).
For those of you who love the fit of our Berle Short-Rise Chinos and Washable-Wool Trousers, our New Corduroy Trousers have arrived (Short-Rise, Short Inseam & New Colors this year!) . Enjoy your Holiday Shopping, but also remember to relax and enjoy this delightful season (can you tell it's my most favorite time of the year?)
ForTheFit.com was founded in 2005, by the husband and wife team of Consuelo and Jeffrey Bova. After Consuelo became frustrated with the lack of stylish, high quality apparel options for her 5'7" slim & trim husband, an idea and a unique new company was born. Currently, ForTheFit.com is the nation's premier short men's apparel retailer. They serve customers throughout the U.S., as well as Canada, the U.K. and Australia.
Founded in 2005, ForTheFit.com is the nation's premier short men's apparel retailer. In guiding ForTheFit.com, she draws on her EXPERIENCE (over 7 years in marketing, 2 years public and private sector legal experience), her EDUCATION (B.S. Georgetown University, MSB'00; J.D. from Stetson University COL'06) , and her FAMILY life (married to C.F.O., Jeff Bova, and they share a toddler son).
* All images and text are copyrighted property of ForTheFit.com and Consuelo Cantillo Bova. Neither photos nor text may be taken, used, reprinted or altered in any way without the express written consent of the owner.