Be the buyer...and win!

You have excellent taste, my friend. Now you have a chance to disseminate your good style choices among the masses. Help us by being our accessories buyer. As a thank you, one lucky individual will win two pocket squares of his or her choice! 

Here's how it works: 

1. Vote by commenting on your favorite fabric below. The most popular choice will get turned into a hand-sewn pocket square debuting this fall. 
2. Follow and share our Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter accounts with your friends and get them to follow, share and vote! 
3. Deadline is Friday, August 15 at 11:59PM EST. 
4. A chosen winner will be announced by Monday, August 18. We'll contact you via  Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter. 

Accessories Highlight: JORD Watches

Summer time is about rolling up your sleeves and showing off your guns. Getting away from the city when you can and getting back in tune with the great outdoors, whether in the woods or on the water. JORD watches has the perfect combination for their natural watches in the city in-between your weekend trips. 

"Delmar" Watch
source: JORD

Their wide variety of designs makes them easy to wear casually or in the office. Starting off in November 2013, the company has fresh eyes for the market. They made sure to start off ahead of the game with their sustainable materials and being mindful of their environmental impact. 

source: instagram, @woodwatches_com

The company was started by 3 brothers and group of close childhood friends, based in St. Louis. The gentleman wanted to build something that not only would leave an impression on people but combine form and design. Today's technology makes everything overly accessible to the point where we are left with a feeling of nostalgia. Our generation (those of us in our mid to late 20s) grew up when technology was just beginning to grow. Touch screens and automatic vacuums were still considered science fiction. 

Rosie the robot maid from The Jetsons
source: bing

The nostalgic hunger for simpler items like the typewriters has lead the masses to go vintage markets and remakes. Items are also being remade to adapt to technology, such as piece of drift wood to be an IPad holder, making every piece unique, personal and a beautiful nod to nature. 

Driftwood Dock by Docksmith
source: etsy

Merging nature with contemporary design and function is a growing market that is difficult to achieve well. With the brother's father and grandfather as avid watch collectors, it was the perfect to be inspired by their passions and continue the family tradition; only they get to create their own collection. JORD watches are able to create a beautiful harmony between nostalgia, nature, function and contemporary design.

copyright 9tailors, LLC.

Their favorite watch? The 764 Model. The reason? 

"It is unlike any other watch on the market right now. It is the only all wood watch that is automatic. Not to mention, it is just a very cool/unique looking watch. It has many nicknames, we have had people call it the snake watch, the transformer watch, the mid-evil watch, etc." 

The 746 Model, shown in Black and Maple wood
source: JORD

Their clean designs and polished wood keeps the watches appropriate for the office, while the wood aesthetic keeps it perfect for the weekend or casual wear. 

Lounging around in a suit and wooden watch
copyright 9tailors, LLC.

From Left to Right: the company favorite - The 746 Model, Sully in Natural Green, a best seller - 94A in Chocolate and Ely in Cherry, modeled by 9tailors.
source: JORD

Little bonus? That guy in your life that is slightly fashionably challenged and loves watches but complains they're too gaudy, this is the perfect compromise. 

Want to make sure your watch fits under your shirt cuffs? Can't find an off-the-rack shirt to fit you properly, you're in luck! We are having our annual Buy 3, Get 1 Free Shirt sale for the month of July. Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com to book an appointment or for more information. 

An End of Work Day Thought, Last Minute Details

You're day is almost over and you're thinking about going home or getting food. You're not going to have to think about work until either after dinner or when your alarm goes off tomorrow morning. If you hit that snooze button too many times, you're going to end up running out the door to catch the T that closes its door as soon as you step onto the platform. Chances are, you grabbed the first thing you saw and threw it on - but what if it's the same suit you wore yesterday?! You have to make it look different and distract people from noticing and if you're lucky enough, it's a gray suit that everyone has. 

Possible solutions to having to wear the same suit 2 days in a row

• Wear a *noticeably different shirt. If you wore white, wear color. If you wore color, wear a pattern or white. 
• Add, subtract or change accessories  (throw in a pocket square, wear a bow tie instead of a tie) 

Ultimately, your goal is to put together a last minute outfit that no one will notice is the main pieces are the same as the previous day - it's all about drawing attention to the details instead of the whole generic suit.

-And don't forget, you can always mix and match or wear your suit as separates 

1 Suit, 3 Outfits
Source: GQ

This Spring season is all about blue. We have seen a decent amount of blue suits come in with more on the way but if you're not ready for a full blue suit (not navy - blue), then use a pocket square or tie to stay up to date and keep your suits from looking stale. 

If blue is still too much for you, there's always the classic white pocket square. There are ways to play around with that, too though, so don't count it out all together as 'too basic'. A linen pocket square will keep things casual while a silk pocket square will nod to an elegant gentleman. A silk pocket square with a contrasting trim will say you pay attention to detail and don't need excess flash to put your look together, you know what you're doing. And last but not least, a white on white pattern - my personal favorites. The subtle details aren't noticed from a far but when you're up close and talking to someone, their eye will be drawn to the your pocket square as it breaks up the monochromatic suit but be pleasantly surprised by the hidden-in-plain-sight polka dots. 

Don't forget, We're having our accessories sale this month! Get them while they're in stock otherwise they go back up to full price.

Interested in spicing up your suits with some pocket square love? Want to learn how to fold them or what will go well with your wedding? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

Clean Shoes, Clean Details: Socks

Now that your shoes are shined and ready for Spring, don't forget the details. Socks and colored shoelaces have become surprisingly important in menswear fashion in the past few years. People are paying more attention to the pattern and colors of your socks and how they match up with your tie or pocket square. The sock is one of the few places that you can have some fun with while at work. 

Ryan Gosling at "Drive" premiere showing off red socks with black loafers.
source: mensfashionmagazine

Keeping it (kind of) Conservative,

If you don't know where to start but want to start exploring, start with playing with classics. Argyle and stripes are safe bets but are brought to life with bright color combinations or go for playful patterns, like polka dots, but stick with classic colors, like black and white. Our client demonstrates the latter option below. 

Actual Client, Dan, showing off playful black and white polka dotted socks with red shoelaces to match the heel of the sock over black shoes. It all ties together so seamlessly, you can't help but love it! 

If you really want to jump into the trend but not get overwhelmed by too many options off a wall, Happy Socks makes gift sets for men with a perfect balance! The argyles keep it classic but the colors make it more playful. Blue is always a safe color and also is the most favored color among men, so you can't go wrong. The gray is a safe color that matches just about anything but keeps it alive with the pink edge and blue toes. The polka dots stay playful but not too outrageously so with it's navy background. This gift set has the conservative sets for work and bolder sets for weekends. 

Happy Socks gift set for Men, $45.00

Want to be a little more playful than argyle's and polka dots but still be able to wear socks to work? Again, play with the pattern but stick with conservative colors. It keeps the looks well balanced and not too overwhelming in the office as you walk by.

Happy Socks, Paisley $12.00

If you couldn't tell, I'm a fan of black and white socks in fun patterns. The pops of color on the heel, toe and band are always hidden surprises that allow you to wear these socks in conservative settings. You get to have fun without looking inappropriately dressed.
Ted Baker Hounds Tooth Socks, $24.75

Getting Playful and Bold,

The geometric pattern and bolder color makes this sock better suited for play and a casual or bolder suit. This would look fantastic with the bluer suits our clients have been ordering! Very seasonally appropriate.
Ted Baker Banofie Sock, $14.03

Super playful and absolutely for weekend wear. Whenever a sock is covered in an all-out print such as parrots, you can't resist buying them but you have to make certain you're showing them off with the right outfit.
Ted Baker Madera Sock, $14.03

Floral, floral everywhere! It can't be Spring without roses blooming and gardens getting replanted and freshened for the long sunny Summer days to come.
Happy Socks Rose Sock, $12.00

Boston Magazine employed local illustrator, Nick Sullivan to show wearers how to show off their socks on weekends by rolling up their pants.

illustration by Nick Sullivan for Boston Magazine

illustration by Nick Sullivan for Boston Magazine

illustration by Nick Sullivan for Boston Magazine

illustration by Nick Sullivan for Boston Magazine

Love having a pair of pants that fits you perfectly? Want to know if we can make you custom chinos for Spring or shorts for the Summer? We can! Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

Floral Bow Ties and Floral Pocket Squares, Oh My!

The days are finally feeling warmer and the notion of Spring being around the corner is more of a reality than a fantasy. 

Transitioning your winter wardrobe to a spring wardrobe can be daunting for some, especially for those who don't have an extensive one. A simple way to start is with accessories, pocket squares and bow ties. Bow ties are more playful and evokes a lighter spirit than neck ties do. Neck ties can weigh an outfit down because it automatically draws attention downward. Bow ties draw attention upwards to your sparkling smile, ready and waiting to charm. 

Splashes of color and/or pattern brings darker winter solid colors to life without staying in dark colors or jumping head first into brighter colors before the weather is right. Start with the classics before you venture to bolder colors and patterns. Florals will always in fashion during the warmer seasons, it's how you wear it that will keep you in vogue. 

Our studio is getting ready for Spring with the help of new furniture and our little garden is blossoming...

9tailors Spring Floral Bow Ties & Pocket Squares

If you're not quite ready to experiment with bow ties, pocket squares are a safe bet. They are beautifully understated and changes the mood of your suit in an instant. 

Interested in trying on one of our new floral bow ties or pocket squares with your suit? Want help transitioning into spring? Need a lighter suit for warmer days coming? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com 

Snow, Rain, Puddles - LifeHack to Keep Your Shoes Happy

It's a relief to have a day or two without a wintry mix (rain and snow), the temperatures are warming up and it feels like Spring compared to last week. Mother Nature will not stop toying with us and keeps us on our toes. Whether we are slipping on ice or leaping over puddles, our shoes have taken a serious beating this Winter and it isn't over yet. 

Bill Cunningham for New York Times

If you've just shinned your shoes in hopes of reviving them before they're completely dead, you're not going to want to see the all the polish wash off because you slipped into a puddle. 

Not many men will wear a pair of street shoes to their office and carry their nice wingtip shoes in a bag with them like many women do. If you insist on wearing your lovely professional shoes out in snowy or rainy weather, you must take precautions. 

source: iloveurtop

The rubber shoe covers aren't the most attractive thing but they also aren't the worst. They are practical and and keep your shoe protected and clean while you are in the office without having to change shoes when you leave for your lunch break. They are not obnoxiously loud and actually look decent while you're walking around. One of our clients came in with these the other day. I didn't even realize he was wearing them until he took them off to reveal perfectly polished shoes. The best part? They're inexpensive! You can find them on amazon. It's just smart. 

Need style advice? Want to know how to take care of your custom suits and shirts? Need help coordinating outfits or mixing and matching patterns? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com. 

Valentine's Day Extra with VienneMilano

Valentine's Day is just a couple of days away and there's only so much time to top off your plans and put the final touches on your lady love's gift. If you want to get her something sexy but something that she can also wear whenever she feels like it for herself and can use in her everyday life, think about gifting her with some luxuriously Italian-made thigh highs by VienneMilano.

All of VienneMilano thigh highs feature playful bands to keep them up without pulling the skin. 

This relatively new company has been making it's mark this past year, gaining traction for their multi-purpose thigh highs outside of the bedroom. Their fun colors make them wearable for all seasons while their thicker thigh highs make them perfect for under jeans or pants in the winter for a little extra warmth. Who doesn't doesn't want to feel sexy in the dead of winter wearing a jacket that makes them look like a marshmellow. It's what underneath that makes all the difference. 

Vienne of VienneMilano speaks about her love for thigh highs,

When did you start VienneMilano? 

November 1, 2011

What made you want to start the company and why thigh highs?

I created the brand as there was a lack of comfortable, luxurious thigh highs in US. At the time, everything I found was either made for Halloween or was very trasy. As such, with the vision of re-introducing thigh high stockings as a fashion complement that can be work outside of the bedroom, VienneMilano was born.

Can you tell me a little bit about your company and product?

VienneMilano is the first luxury hosiery brand dedicated to thigh high stockings. All of our products are made in Italy for women who want to reveal their style and confidence by being elegant, playful and sexy in every occasion. 

Do you wear thigh highs every day?

No, I dont wear thigh highs every day. However, I do wear it very often - particularly to parties and formal occasions. 

How many pairs do you own?

My boyfriend loves it too when I wear thigh highs...hehe. I own every pair of thigh highs from our collection, which is about 36 in total. 

Do you ever wear tights instead? How do you feel about tights?

Nope. I can't remember the last time I wore tights! From what I can remember, pantyhose were too tight for us curvy chicks!

What is the benefit of wearing thigh highs over tights?

Oh where do I begin? Unlike grandma's pantyhose, thigh highs are very comfortable, fitted, sanitary, playful and obviously very sexy. First of all, with thigh highs, there are no uncomfortable waistbands that cut into your waistline. In addition, thigh highs will not flatten your curves under fitted skirts, dresses or pants. 

Playful thigh highs for festive parties, vibrant colors for keeping spirits up in the cold weather and thigh highs for that extra warmth. 

When is it appropriate to gift thigh highs? Do you need to be dating someone for a certain amount of time to gift these?

Well let's not get ahead of ourselves here; you don't need to be dating someone to get them luxurious thigh highs as a gift. With that said, since thigh highs are considered lingerie, you'll want to get VienneMilano thigh highs for someone that you either want to or are already in an intimate relationship with. These are a perfect gift for Valentine's Day, bridal showers, or just because presents. Our hosiery comes in a beautiful (no-need-to-wrap) purple box. 

Practical product boxes doubling as a gift box with a pull tab, sliding it open to reveal the luxurious product. 

Can you offer some guidance for someone looking to buy your thigh highs as a gift? Any advice for someone new to wearing thigh highs?

The first thing you'll want to do is figure out how tall the intended recipient is. Is she tall or petite? If she's somewhere between 5' 4" to 6' 2", then she is considered a large. If she is shorter than 5' 4", then she would be considered a small. Black is also very classic, so I high recommend going with black stockings as a gift. My advice for someone new to wearing thigh highs is, ENJOY! You (and your significant other) are going to love it. For those how plan on wearing thigh highs on a hot date, flaunting the band for strategic reasons is OK in my book. ;-)

Anything else you would like to add?

As VienneMilano approaches its third year, I am excited to enter 2014 with a new collection of hosiery, boasting our band as, I kid you not, the largest selection of thigh highs in the world. Our new collection embodies the brand's idea that thigh highs are appropriate for every occasion. In our latest collection, consumers will find reinterpretations of Spring 2014 must-have colors, red, teal, mustard yellow and dazzling blue. We will also be featuring run-resistant technology for black thigh highs! 

Purchase your pair of VienneMilano thigh highs and receive a 10% discount with promo code "9TAILORS" anytime of the year! 

Interested in getting a custom shirt for your lady love? Want to know more about what a woman likes to see on a man? Learn how to dress to impress and contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com. 

Types of Bow Ties

Bow ties have come back into fashion just like the pocket square, only it more in the direction of quirky. From skull and crossbones, dinosaurs and owls to polka dots, stripes and paisley, they are popping up in casual wear to formal wear. No matter the pattern you choose or lack there of, they make the wearer look dapper and ever so smooth. 

Source: GQ

Harry Shum Jr dancing around in a tweed suit, keeping it colorful with contrasting socks, vest and pocket square. He keeps his bow tie and shoes matching his suit to keep everything well balanced. As goofy as his sweater vest may be, he looks sharp; not to mention incredibly festive. 8 more days until Christmas! 

There are three basic shapes to a bow tie : The Bat-Wing, The Butterfly and The Diamond Point

source: jamieleeeventplanning

The bat-wing bow tie, also known as a "thistle" bow tie, is the most basic bow tie to start yourself off with. It doesn't draw too much attention is proportional to itself. It can come in different widths to make it particularly understated or just the right amount of class. Its slim appearance gives it a modern notion, especially paired with your European or Super Slim suit. 

source: lifestylemirror
Sean Connery in a bat-wing bow tie as the ever classic, James Bond

"Make Way For Ducklings" Bat-Wing Bow Tie by oOotie

The butterfly bow tie makes it easy for first time-tiers to learn. Its shape gives guidance for where the knot should go and how much to fold to create the classic bow. The butterfly bow tie balances out the bold patterns or colors with its classic shape. If you want to have fun with a bow tie pattern but are feeling hesitant about being too bold, go for the butterfly. 

source: popularmechanics
Bill Nye the Science Guy always wears a butterfly bow tie and has fun with them, even to this day! 

"Dinosaur V4.0" Butterfly Bow Tie by oOotie

The diamond pointed bow tie is a hybrid between the butterfly and the bat-wing bow tie. It creates an asymmetrical look to keep things fresh if you wear a bow tie often. This bow tie makes a statement no matter what pattern or color you wear it in. 

source: GQ
Swizz Beatz making his outfit a touch classier with his bow tie but keeping it casual and light-hearted with the plaid, diamond shape. 

"Fixie Bike" Diamond Point Bow Tie by oOotie

Don't forget, even if you don't tie your bow tie, you look very good with it draping around your neck. 

source: pinterest
Idris Elba

Don't know how to tie a bow tie? No Problem!

*2 Bow Ties will be given away during this event

Stay up to date with our events and promotions, email us at info@9tailors.com and ask to sign up for our bi-monthly newsletters. 

9tailors Holiday Gift Guide

This is pretty much the last weekend to do your holiday gift shopping. Christmas is about a week and a half away. Sales are passing by and quantities are becoming limited. Lucky for you, our 20% off purchases over $150 promotion goes until December 26th and our Holiday Male Box gets you 10% off 9tailors accessories and custom shirt gift cards*restrictions apply until the end of the year. 

Our holiday gift guide is for those who are looking to buy men's suiting accessories to help build up your man's wardrobe to become a tad bit more dapper. If you get him a tie, don't just get him a tie. Get him a tie and a tie-holder. This will show that you thought about the gift a little more rather than just grabbing a tie that you hope he likes but also help keep the tie in place during his day. If you get him a bow tie, pair it with a pocket square or knotted cuff links. Knotted cuff links are the perfect starter cuff links for someone who isn't entirely sure of them. They are casual yet styled and the best part is that they are inexpensive. They come in array of colors to match up with their colored shoe laces or shirts. 

Classic and Conservative, Black & White
9tailors accessories, clockwise: bow tie $35.00, knotted cuff links $9.00, silk pocket squares $35.00

Santa's Stocking Stuffers Red
Moving Left to Right: jegman "power tie" $35.00 paired with 9tailors tie-holder $12.00 for 2,
9tailors linen and cotton pocket squares $35.00, 9tailors knotted cuff links $9.00, 9tailors red-colored shoelaces $5.00

Grinch Green
Moving Clockwise, Everett "duke" bow tie $68.00, Everett tweed neck tie $68.00, 9tailors silk pocket square $35.00,
9tailors green-colored shoelaces $5.00, 9tailors knotted cuff links $9.00

Candied Cake Purple
Moving Clockwise: 9tailors silk and cotton pocket squares $35.00, OoOtie bow tie $49.00,
9tailors purple-colored shoelaces $5.00, 9tailors knotted cuff links $9.00 , 9tailors tie holder $12.00 for 2

Snowflake Blue
Moving from Left to Right, Top to Bottom: 9tailors silk pocket squares & linen pocket square with custom embroidery $40.00 each
9tailors knotted cufflinks $9.00 , 9tailors tie holders $12.00 for 2, 9tailors navy-colored shoelaces $5.00

Golden Yellow
Moving Clockwise: 9tailors silk pocket squares $35.00, 9tailors knotted cuff links $9.00,
Everett neck tie $68.00, Tsaiclip mustache tie bar $12 for 2

Interested in an item above or help putting together an accessories kit? Contact us at info@9tailors.com