Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Cashmere-Just in time for the Holidays...


From the company that brought the best (and reasonably priced) bespoke suits to Charlotte, now comes the finest cashmere sweaters and overcoats.

Astor & Black recently inked a deal with one of the country’s premier outfitters of cashmere sweaters. Choose from crews, v-necks and zip-ups in every color under the sun. Prices start at under $200 - amazing considering that nearly identical pieces in a premium department store would cost triple that amount.

Even better, A&B also offers custom-fitted overcoats in cashmere from the ultra-luxe Loro Piana firm. As expected, we personalize the coat to your exact specifications, including color, length, lining and buttons. All for less than some boxy and unflattering off-the-rack wool shell at the mall.

Expect the same amazing quality and fit as found in our custom suits and blazers. And guys, if you haven’t had the opportunity to own an Astor & Black original, be sure to try one.

So let's get together...schedule an appointment to see the wears' today!

Contact: davidwatkins@astorandblack.com. www.astorandblack.com for more info.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Guest Contributor: Paul Walters - "1st Impressions"

Greetings! My name is Paul Walters and I have grown up with somewhat of an affinity for men's clothing (no, baseball caps and sneakers don't count) and often downright dandyism, and am pleased to be offered the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Today's post expands upon the notion of looking one's best. Down the road my writings will be graced with more specificity, but as this is my first, let's discuss why we spend our time visiting sites such as this. I assume all of us here have a desire to not only put our best foot forward, but to smash it down in the face of mediocrity and insolence.
Will Rogers once said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Makes sense, right? Well, studies have shown that, upon your first meeting, an individual will give you a primary sweep and evaluate you within 30 seconds; and, it can take up to five years for them to change their initial opinion of you! If that is truly the case, I would hate to face the potential of meeting anyone important while running to the grocery store in worn track shoes and sweats. If this sits with you well, please read on.
The first impression is only the first step. Continuity is crucial. Consider this scenario: you have a job interview for an important position under an important boss. Five people interview, and all of you have the same qualifications. Obviously, the way you look when you walk into that room is how you will be viewed throughout the hiring process (assuming you speak with more intellect than Gomer Pyle). Did you look the part? Excellent! Let's move on.
Why waste any time presenting an image of poise and polish if it cannot be repeated? Maintaining a standard of excellence in your dress assures an employer that when you wake up in the morning, you take your time preparing to do your job. This assurance manifests itself throughout the whole of your work relationship. If you prepare to come to work, the assumption will be that you prepare to do your work. This is why two associates hired at the same time cannot both get a corner office with a window! The one that stands out is justly rewarded.
Shave daily, for crying out loud! Press and iron your clothes! Wear a tie! Shine your shoes! And then, imagine that everyone else does, too. Breaking through the corporate mold is where individuality finally comes into play. J.F.K. said, "If you accept 2nd place when 1st is available you make a habit of doing it for the rest of your life." Dress for first place, and all others can be nothing better than second.
Obviously, the workplace is a metaphor for all other areas of one's life, as work encompasses most of our lives, but the theory remains the same. I've never gotten shoddy service at a department store if I was dressed well. I've never repelled women when I was dressed well, and consequently, I'll always make sure that I am dressed well!
Hopefully my dedication to "the cause" has been well represented. My next writing will further explore developing stylistic individuality rather than simply explaining the nuts-and-bolts approach to self-representation, but remember: If you've found yourself here, the desire to look like a million bucks (whether you spend it or not) is obviously an itch that needs to be scratched, and you've come to the right place.
Cheers,
Paul

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Tie The Windsor Knot....

I get asked at least once a week about my knot and how to go about it. Well, here is the least annoying instruction I have been able to find. This video should do it for you.

The Windsor knot, also (wrongly) known as the "Double-Windsor" (a non-existing enormous 16-move knot), is the most well known knot in the world. The Windsor is a large, symmetrical, self-releasing triangular knot. The tie was named by Americans in the 1920-30's after the Duke of Windsor. The Duke was known for his fondness of large triangular tie knots, but didn't in fact invent this particular knot. His secret was a specially tailored tie with an extra thickness of material. There are four tie-versions that result in the "Windsor" knot; two self releasing, and two non-self releasing. This version filmed here is considered as the original (self releasing) version. The video is to be viewed as if you were looking in a mirror.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Anatomy of a well made suit...



A great article from FORBES about the anatomy of a well made suit. A good read for research. I am proud to say that every Astor & Black suit fits the criteria and then some...and it all comes standard, no extra charge for full canvass or functioning button holes.

Visit Astor & Black to learn more then call me for an appointment.