Hello, Goodbye

I am happy to introduce a new writer to the 9tailors blog, Kimberly! She will be bringing you the latest news and trends in men's fashion and anything else that strikes her fancy.  Can't wait to see what Kim starts turning out!

Photo Courtsey of Channing Johnson

I bid you adieu!  It was fun. And, of course, I leave you in good hands!

Of course, we love getting tips.  If you love it, hate it, or want to know more about it- chances are we do too!  You can reach Kimberly directly at kimberly@9tailors.com.

Triangles, Squares, and The Pouf! How To Rock a Pocket Square

With pocket squares becoming more and more common we are in turn addressing more and more questions concerning the proper way to utilize the accessory.  How exactly do you craft that little square in your pocket to showcase your style?  Are you artfully disheveled?  Exacting and angular? Or, simply confused?

Lets break it down.  While some dandies have specific requirements on how a pocket square should be folded, we are proponents of doing it your way- hence the DIY (design it yourself) approach.

The Triangle- some men like the angular look and fold their pocket squares into triangles and have the points poke out at various angles.  This is a very sharp look.  Sharp in the sense it looks clean and exacting. Generally this would work out well for people who prefer razor sharp lines and no fuss.

Photo: Channing Johnson
Pocket Square: Salmagundi

The Square- oft referred to as a classic, this has somewhat fallen out of favor.  While it also has a sharp look like the triangle, this is easier to manipulate in order to only show the slightest sliver of silk. The square could be considered the beginners pocket square.

Photo: Channing Johnson
Pocket Square: Salmagundi

The Pouf- granted this is simply how I have labeled it, but the look, in reflection of the name, is playful.  This is great for patterned pocket squares so you get more exposure, as well as a more casual look in a friendly environment. It is pictured below as part of a more casual suit-with-no-tie combo.

Photo: Channing Johnson
Pocket Square: Salmagundi

These three options are the most commonly used but as always we love diversity.  Send us your way to sport a pocket square at info@9tailors.com and you might end up on the blog!

Meet Kenneth: Resident Scientist

Meet our clean cut client, Kenneth. Kenneth is a big fan of dressing to impress despite the fact that the majority of men in his profession tend to stick to khakis.  He regularly bucks the norm with daring lining options and colorful ties. Read more about our favorite scientist below.  

Name: Kenneth Lawrence
Age: do I really have to? 46
Hometown: Norfolk VA
Current Residence: Norfolk, MA
Occupation: Senior Medical Scientist

How long have you been a 9tailors client? About 3 years

Why choose custom? Simple, because the fit is amazing. Choosing a shirt off the rack can always be an adventure for anyone even a “normal size” person. You never really know your size and even when you do you never get the shirt to fix the way it should. Sometimes the sleeves peek out just right when you wear a jacket but when you take off the jacket there is too much material sticking out in back or on the sides; not a great look. Other times, the body of the shirt is just too big and it looks awful. A well design custom made shirt should be in the closet of any man that cares about the way they present themselves to others.

What would be your style advice to other men in your professional field? Just because you are a scientist you do not have to wear jeans or khakis every day. Sure, Fridays can be jean day and Wednesday wear khakis, but once in a while, wear shoes with leather soles, a pressed shirt and a pair of wool slacks. Socks should match and shine your shoes (it’s cheap) too.

What/who inspires your style? Myself and my dad. I would honestly rather help a women choose a dress or accessory (what does that say about me?) than worry about being inspired by anyone else. That said, I like a classic look which includes a pressed 9tailors shirt, wool slacks and a colorful tie to match. As for looks, I like the “Mad Men” style without the skinny ties. A tailored, well fitting, well groomed man looks intelligent, feels confident and gives you a leg up on the next guy…… sometimes.

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors? All of them. But probably my suit with the custom zebra lining; no one can top that. Sam, Alex, and Kathryn, make the fitting and all aspect of getting custom made clothes a great experience.

Shoot Details:

Location: Beacon Hill

Trench Coat: 9tailors

Shirt: 9tailors 

Hat: Salmagundi

We're currently offering 3 jacket styles for spring 2012. All are priced at $400. However, for a limited time (until March 16, 2012) we will be offering each style for $50 off. Get them now! It's going to be perfect trench coat weather in no time!

All photos were taken by Channing Johnson.  You can check out more of his work, here. Want to design a custom trench coat for spring?  Send us an email today at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment.  

Holiday Hours and Last Minute Gifts!

Our client, Matt in his 9tailors vest and pants. (Photo by Channing Johnson)

With only a few days left until Christmas, we thought that we would let you know what our studio hours will be for the next few weeks.

December 24 to December 26: CLOSED
December 31 to January 2: CLOSED

Our Style Consultant, Alex, will be here to assist all of you all other days from 11:00AM to 7:00PM.

If you are like the many last minute shoppers who need a gift, but our studio is closed, you may purchase a gift card here. Need some convincing? BostInno recommends as one of the best gifts to give him for last minute Boston shoppers. And, Lauren Antos, owner and designer from our favorite women's ready-to-wear clothing line, Lily & Migs, also recommends our black gingham shirts as a great gift on New Brahmin! 

Happy Holidays!

Meet Bryan: Nothing finishes a look better than a cocktail in hand....

Meet our client turned model, Bryan, wearing a 9tailors midnight navy tuxedo (which we have a deal on at the moment, here). Towering above most at well over 6 feet custom emphasizes his height without packing on unnecessary bulk.
For his look we styled two separate versions of the same suit. First, was a more formal and conservative look. This included a bowtie, understated cufflinks, a white pocket square, and standard lace-up shoes.

For the second version Bryan pulled out some of his own brightly colored cufflinks, a slim silk tie, a patterned pocket square, and a pair of buckled Hugo Boss shoes. We left out the sometimes-stuffy waist covering and added a belt and a cocktail, his favorite accessory.

Name
Bryan Meckley
Age
32
Current Occupation
Finance
Hometown
Middletown, MD
Current Residence
Boston, MA

How long have you been a 9tailors client?
One year

Why choose custom?
Personalized quality and next-level service.

What would be your style advice to other men in your professional field?
Command excellence, not extravagance. Observe. Adopt style elements from other places and eras. Fuse them in your own way. Redefine the modern gentleman. Wear it like you’re gonna be buried in it. And remember that nothing finishes a look better than a cocktail in hand.

How would you describe your style?
Classic with modern indulgences.

What/who inspires your style?
Strangers on the streets. Real men wearing real clothes in real life. The ones who get it right are worth learning from. Forget the staged magazine models – they are an impossible and irrelevant benchmark.

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?
Midnight blue tux. Gives the vices a little class.

Photo Shoot Details:

Location: Liberty Hotel

Suit: 9tailors

Shirt: 9tailors

Pocket Square: Salmagundi

Meet Etienne: Never overlook the small details...

Here is Etienne, yet another stylish 9tailors client. He has a penchant for bowties- that he ties himself, prints with prints, and lots of color. Despite staying up late studying the law at one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, Etienne is never too busy to keep his shirts crisp and shoes shined. It's in the details, gentlemen.

Etienne has accomplished what few men do; he artfully balances class with color. And, when done right, as Etienne masterfully demonstrates in his photos, a dash of color can elevate your look. Check out the way he pairs a subtle red check suit with brightly colored ties and pocket squares.

Name: Etienne Toussaint
Age: 26
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Current Residence: Cambridge, MA
Occupation: Law Student

How long have you been a 9tailors client?
1 year.
Why choose custom?
The fit is better, the style is unique, and the quality is lasting.
How would you describe your style?
My style is sophisticated and classy with a dash of modern swag and dynamic color combinations.
What/who inspires your style?
Don Draper from "Mad Men"; Sean Connery as James Bond; George Clooney
What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?
A slate gray 2 button suit with purple lining.
What would be your style advice to other men?
Wear clothing that fits and keep the colors simple. Also, never overlook the small details that matter - shine your shoes and iron your button-up shirts.

Here are some more photos of Etienne showing off his modern swag through the lens of fantastic photographer Channing Johnson...

Photo Shoot Details: 

Location: Liberty Hotel

Suit: 9tailors

Shirt: 9tailors

Pocket Square: Salmagundi

Want a plaid suit for fall? Email us at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment with a style consultant who can help you achieve the look you're after.

Meet Micah: Dress like you give a damn...

Micah in his 9tailors tweed suit. Photo by Channing Johnson.

Meet one of our stylish clients, Micah Whitson. He's the proprietor and designer of a fantastic print shop, Old Try that specializes in southern themes and motifs here in Massachusetts. One of our favorite prints? One that exclaims, "Hotty Toddy Gosh Almighty!" He's also the one who designed our profile picture above.

Micah never ceases to amaze his us with his taste, classic with a modern and quirky twist.  Micah is also trendsetter among his fellow colleagues. He started "Formal Fridays," where he'll wear a suit to work on Fridays (he hasn't missed a Friday since he started it several years ago). In a world where casual Fridays rule, we love that he is setting himself apart from the rest.

Read more about Micah and how he styles his own 9tailors tweed suit below.

Name: Micah Whitson
Age: 30 
Hometown: Athens, AL 
Current Residence: Arlington, MA
Occupation: Proprietor, designer of Old Try
How long have you been a 9tailors client?
2 years and a half
Why choose custom?
Small, married male seeks suits with impeccable fit, fabric and finish. 
How would you describe your style? 
I like clothes that hug. Ankles that pop. Cuffs that show. And anything in a plaid. 
What/who inspires your style? 
Brits. Southerners. JFK. Andre 3000 and assorted other dapper fellows. 
What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?

Grey vest with blue polka dots. 

What would be your style advice to other men?
Morning gents. You're grown men. Dress like you give a damn. 


Sounds like good advice...


Here are some other amazing shots of Micah. All photos taken by super talented photographer, Channing Johnson.

Shoot Details:
Location: Beacon Hill
Suit: 9tailors
Shirt: 9tailors 
Pocket Square: Salmagundi
Tie: Knit tie
Tie Clip: Tsai Clip

Want a tweed suit or blazer for fall? Make an appointment by e-mailing us at info@9tailors.com.