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

The Meaasure of a Man: A resource for the ladies...

Taking measurements is a fairly simple process- a soft measuring tape and some basic instructions is all you need. But, measuring the man in your life requires a little more- more permission, more convincing...

"I thought size didn't matter..."
It is if you want to buy clothes that fit so that you look your best. Specifically, you want your guy to look his best ( a well-dressed man can be an excellent accessory!)

"But he hates shopping..."
He won't once he knows his actual size. Knowing his actual size will make it easier (and therefore more fun) to shop. A bonus: If you know his size, it will be easier for you to shop & buy him gifts.

Tell him he has your permission to have a Fit...

Start at the top and working your way down. Don’t forget to write everything down as you go so he’ll have the list for later.

1. Collar size: Simply measure around the base of his neck. If he intends to wear the shirt with a tie, the shirt size selected should closely match his exact collar measurement. However, a shirt to be worn without a tie may be purchased slightly larger (by about a 1/2 size) for comfort and a more casual look.


2. Chest size: Have him relax his arms at his sides and measure around the fullest part of his chest with the tape measure just below his armpits.


3. Overarm Measurement: Measure the circumference of his chest and arms (at the highest point of his shoulder blades). Subtract chest measurement from his overarm measurement. This measurement can be useful when buying a jacket or sportcoat- if the difference is 7 inches or greater, we recommend buying jackets one size larger for comfort and a better fit in the upper arms and shoulders.


4. Arm: Have him bend his elbow 90 degrees and place his hand on his hip. Stand behind him and hold the tape at the center back of his neck. Measure across his shoulder to his elbow, and down to his wrist. The total length in inches is his sleeve length.


5. Waist: Measure loosely (so he can breath) around his natural waistline. Many men wear trousers well below the natural waist, under the belly if they carry extra weight around the mid-section- but this can actually make him look heavier than he actually is. For belts, choose a size 1-2 inches larger than his actual waist size.


6. Rise: Rise refers to the distance between the top of a trouser’s waistband and the top of the trouser leg’s inseam (at the crotch). Measure his favorite (and best fitting) pants by measuring along the trouser's seam , or start from scratch (especially if his pants are too tight or too baggy through the buttocks, crotch and thighs). Guys under 5'9" often benefit from short rise pants.


7. Inseam: An inseam can be measured using a pair of pants that fit well (see ForTheFit.com's Style Guide for tips on perfect length). Measure from the crotch seam (where all the fabric meets), down the pant leg all the way to the end. If he does not have a pair of pants of the proper length right now, you’ll need at least pants that fit properly in the waist. From those you can judge where you want the pants to stop. Proper length may vary whether your man is wearing jeans or crisp dress pants, but never by more than an inch and a half. Also, you will want to take the inseam for each leg if you want to have custom pants made because the length may not be the same for each leg. Lastly, if his current trousers are regular rise and you are considering a switch to short rise, keep in mind that the new placement of the crotch will affect the inseam length- adjust accordingly.

And if he's really stubborn...

• Remind him how much more fun it could be taking measurements with you, than visiting his tailor- Earl


• Bribe him- a favorite meal, a massage, whatever it takes!


• Swap- he can take your measurements next. It can't hurt (too many women are slaves to the number on the tag- it's important to know your size, too- Plus, how much better will it be when his gifts to you are actually the right size.)


• Because you said so.


• Feeling frisky? Offer to take measurements... wearing nothing but the measuring tape. We doubt he'll say no.

Good luck (& Better Fit)!

Resource: "Men's Wardrobe and the Size Solution" About.com

Check out this video by stylist Kim Johnson Gross at About.com- it offers a few great tips for the various hard-to-fit sizes and shapes of Men- Big & Tall, Shorter Men, etc.

http://video.about.com/mensfashion/Men-s-Wardrobe-Size-Solutions.ht

Enjoy!

-C. Bova, CEO

Celeb Style Report: Oscars 2009, a Short Walk Down the Red Carpet

Look no further than the nearest Red Carpet for exemplary Short Men's Fashion "Dos" (and some serious "Don'ts," too). It is especially important for shorter men in the entertainment industry to look sharp and confident at these events and make the most of their height. Some tips for looking smart (and walking tall) at your next evening event, garnered from observing some of our favorite, shorter male celebs:

1) Anthony Hopkins (5'8")

The Clothes: a two button, properly fitted tux (see it HERE)

The Lesson: DO choose a suit or a tux with lapels that start lower, since the longer V-shape can lengthen the look of the torso. A four button suit adds too much unflattering bulk to a shorter frame

2) Emile Hirsch (5'5.5")

The Clothes: Long, slouchy pants worn on the red carpet make him look shorter (see it HERE)

The Lesson: DON'T wear pants that are too long. Uncuffed suit pants should be just long enough to create just a small break in the front crease. If there is no break, your pants are too short. Multiple or deep breaks mean your pants are too long. Also, the hem should slope toward the back. ForTheFit.com offers advice and actual photos of great fit, click here. Get your trousers hemmed by a professional, or buy pre-hemmed trousers in your exact inseam (no additional tailoring time or charge) and even in short-rise styles, at shorter men's specialist, ForTheFit.com

3) Sean Penn (5'8")

The Clothes: Sean Penn wore all black on Oscar night, with a slim patterned tie for added style and visual interest (see it HERE).

The Lessons:

DO try a monochromatic look at your next formal event. Wearing the same color head-to-toe helps visually lengthen the body to make you look taller. Plus, an all-black suit, shirt and tie ensemble projects a high-fashion and high-powered image.

DO keep the width of your tie thin and the knot small. Looking taller can be accomplished by creating vertical lines wherever you can. A thinner tie guides the eye down the line of your body and a small knot will keep the tie from looking too angular. Also, be sure the length of your tie is right for your body; it should never fall below your belly button.

Black shirts with a trim fit and skinny ties available at FortheFit.com.

* All heights are provided based on estimates available at CelebHeights.com. They are offered for entertainment purposes only and we cannot verify their accuracy.

If the sock fits...": The Do's and Don'ts of this highly Misunderstood Men's Accessory

...then buy it in every color!

Men don't often give much thought to their hosiery purchases, until of course it's halfway through some insufferable meeting and you notice your socks are slipping and your feet hurt from the misplaced seams- or perhaps on a walk, when you stop to adjust your socks every few steps. Sound familiar? Then read on!


FIT & QUALITY: Stepping in...
Half Sizes, Widths...when buying shoes, you look for a perfect fit. Yet, socks are only offered in these wide ranges that suggest that you can wear the same footwear as a man who wears a shoe 3 sizes larger than you. The retail industry has determined that the "average" shoe size is 10-12 and creates socks accordingly. However, if you were smaller than a 10 or larger than a 12, you may find fit to be a problem. Men with smaller feet often shop the boy's department for dress and casual socks, finding the low price irresistable. But the quality is poor, so socks have to be replaced with such frequency that any savings disappear. Others simply buy socks that are too large and tuck under the toe, leading to foot pains, itching, or just plain discomfort. Former shoe salesperson A. Bridge reveals, "I can tell you that no matter what those sock packages claim, men under a size 8 won't fit into a 10-13 sock size without rolling or tucking – and they aren't happy about it. Also, Men with larger feet shop store after store looking for socks with heels that actually reach the end of their foot."

Instead, find socks that fit your foot. For larger shoe sizes (13+), try specialty retailers, such as
JayStevens.com, which offer socks in larger size ranges. For smaller feet (shoe size less than 10), FortheFit.com offers premium Men's socks in size small, to fit shoe sizes 5-9.

Quality matters, too. The hallmark of quality socks and hosiery are the seam, material and workmanship. Face it, men's socks get used and abused- you literally walk all over them. Invest in quality hosiery that offers a hand-linked toe-seam for an exceptionally smooth join, and premium fibers (which hold-up better wash-after-wash, wear-after-wear).

STYLE: Stepping Out
Now that you've found socks to fit you, here are a few style tips to make sure your feet don't offend...

• The color of your socks should match the color of your pants, not your shoes. However, the color is preferably not exact unless you wear black pants.


• Your sock drawer should include at least two each of the basics: black socks for dress, blue for jeans, a color close to khaki and athletic socks


• Athletic Socks are for the Gym only. Period.


• With shorts, wear nothing higher than an Ankle sock. With long pants, wear socks high enough that you expose no leg when you sit.


• Colorful and patterned socks are great for adding a little extra pizazz to your wardrobe, but keep this in mind: the more colorful your outfit the more toned down your socks should be. Avoid looking like you stepped out of a work by Andy Warhol.


• Socks + Sandals = Oil + Water - they never go together.