Get A Custom Suit From Combatant Gentlemen

New men's suiting company, Combatant Gentlemen, promises quality suits at a more than reasonable price. By cutting out the wholesale process, the LA-based company has created a new, online shopping process for the young men of the world, aiming to help them an afford suit so they can (finally) land that dream job. Plus, the suits can be slightly tailored for a better fit.

Outside of affordability, Combatant Gentlemen also includes a very accessible, approachable, and eager-for-feedback staff (they are currently a team of 3!). This brand new start up has a very promising future.  Check them out at www.combatgent.com.

Plus, for a limited time, join their email list for "a chance to get fully suited, compliments of your friends at Combat Gent."

  Image(s) courtesy of combatgent.com

San Francisco Symphony: Orchestrate Your Outfit

As much as we all say "you couldn't pay me enough to ever go back to high school"- and as much as I completely agree- there is one thing I do miss about it: the dances. When I was a teenager, the thought of billowy dresses with big hair and makeup inflated my spirits and shot me sky high when I slipped on the heels. My every-other-day high school life was spent in flip flops and tank tops. I was an athlete growing up in southern California so reasons to get dressed up were few and far between. But the dances...they were there to give your inner girly girl an night out. Now that I find myself well out of high school and even college, I've discovered "prom" type occasions are even more scarce. Apparently adults no longer want a reason to gallivant throughout the night in a fancy dress and sharp suit...unless of course it comes with a striking orchestration courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS).

The beautiful exterior of the Davies Symphony Hall, home to the SFS

Like any reasonable stylist out there, I love an excuse to play dress up. The San Francisco Symphony celebrates it's 100th season this year with an opening night fast approaching. You know what that means right? Time to ask your mom to take you shopping because you're going to the gala with the hottest boy at work and you need a new dress and shoes. And bag. Probably hair and makeup too. But it will totally be worth it because not only is your date going to look so cute in a suit, the night has the promise of magic!
But I digress...

The Opening Night Gala (held this season on September 7th) is the only night guests wear formal attire. Every other show you can wear business or cocktail clothing; however, for the opening show of a centennial season I think that throwing on a little extra shellack is called for. This then begs the question of: what am I going to wear? Lucky for you, Bloomingdale's has some pieces that are sure to be music to your...ears?

You can go bold...

Aidan Maddox, $440 (Go for an up-do to soften the impact of this dress)

You can go clean and classic...

BCBGMaxAzria, on sale for $104! (it has a beautiful cut-out back)

And if you're pregnant...

Halston Heritage, $495. (For this look, add a long earring to accentuate the neck)

For the hot date you're sure to be taking...

Theory, ~$700. There is nothing like a man in a suit...too bad this fine gent isn't free

Tickets to the symphony are more than affordable (they start at $15!) but if attire and ticket cost are still a concern, you're in luck. There will be a FREE concert the night after the Opening Gala in honor of the symphony's triple digit birthday. Festivities begin at 1130am but the concert starts at noon. September 8th is a Thursday but on the chance of a clear, SF summer day with free music, you might just find yourself skipping there.

Image(s) courtesy of bloomingdales.com

How To Series: How to Care for A Wool Suit

This one goes out to all the guys in the audience. I'm sure most of you, if not all of you, own a nice wool suit. (If you don't, go out and get one immediately because it's a staple to your closet!) The one thing I'm guessing is that not one of you knows how to properly care for it. If you've been throwing it in the wash* or dry-cleaning it regularly, you're doing a great disservice to your clothes.

shop.com

Rule number one, and the one you might find most surprising, your suit only needs to be dry-cleaned about twice a year. Extensive cleaning, on any garment not just suits, wears the fibers down reducing their strength and luster.

Rule 2: After wearing, dust the suit off and remove food stains with a stiff, wool bristle brush. There are great websites offering menswear accessories that are both functional and attractive.

3-for-1! Great for traveling. vavraitaly.com

Rule 3: Be sure to brush the suit lengthwise. This is in tune with the direction (weave) of the threads and won't break them. It's similar to shaving in the direction of your facial hair to avoid ingrown hairs.

Rule 4: Hang your suit on a contoured hanger to maintain the shape of the shoulders. Make sure it's also thick enough to hold the weight of both pieces of your suit. Use the clamp hanger for your pants, which should be hung upside down to hold the crease through the center of the leg.

Look for cedar hangers, another 2-for-1: cedar is the best wood to keep closets/clothes fresh and free of moths

Rule 5: Always store suits uncovered (more breathable) and away from direct heat (this one's fairly obvious, no?)

Rule 6: Try to let your suit "hang out" for at least 24 hours before and after wearing. This allows the wrinkles time to fall out and helps the suit keep its shape. 

I kinda want one of these! A great idea: suit valet

If you want a more detailed account of how to care for your suit, go here or here. Either site is an excellent resource for information. There's even an entire section devoted to shoe care!

--Happy cleaning guys!--

 
* As a general rule, your suit should never be submerged in water.


hanger image(s) courtesy of google product search