Pieces You Need and Want for Fall 2014

You've celebrated the last vestiges of summer this past weekend. We're now eagerly awaiting for the new season to begin. It's almost time to pack up your shorts and polos. But, what do you need for fall 2014? Here are the top five tips you should be paying attention to.

Fall Tip #1: Brown and Green

These were the two primary colors for fall 2014. The somber look of these two colors provides a refreshing contrast to last season's brights blues. We recommend trying a suit or suit separate in mocha brown or olive green.

Fall Tip #2: Texture

We love layering various textures together! It adds visual interest and depth to any outfit. We recommend trying pairing a tweed jacket with a knit-wool tie. Or, you can wear your chunky knit sweater over your chambray shirt. The possibilities are endless.

Fall Tip #3: Tonal

Try monochromatic this fall from head to toe. We're particularly partial to tonal grays and taupe for a sophisticated look. But, extra points are given to those who can pull off all white!

Fall Tip #4: The dress boot

This trend carried over from last year. But, we still love the way the dress boot falls under a narrow trouser leg or a cuffed jeans. Go with laces or monk straps. Either are sure to be a great investment for the fall and winter.

Fall Tip #5: Military

This fall is all about the masculine and the rugged. We're seeing military influences everywhere from over-sized coats to bomber jackets. How about adding gun flap to your outerwear or epaulets to your shirt? We recommend trying fitted dress pants with cargo pockets in textured tweed or suiting wool.

What's on your list? Need to refresh your clothing for fall? Email us at info@9tailors.com.

Summer and shorts make a perfect pairing

Summer is finally here and mercury is rising fast! Whether you're golfing, beaching, barbecuing or just spending time with friends and family, there is one item you'll definitely need to stay cool. 9tailors is now offering it. Can you guess? Shorts!

For a limited time only, you can custom-design your very own custom shorts for $95.00. Our Style Consultants will take your measurements and help you customize your design. So, whether you'll need shorts...

At a friend's rooftop bbq or drinks

                                               

Or, on the beach or at a lobster bake...

                                             


We've got you covered!

Let us know how you'll be wearing your shorts. Share your summer inspiration with us. Or, for more men's style inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

Contact us today to get your very own 9tailors custom shorts. Email us at info@9tailors.com.

Spring Collection featuring Her

Technology is advancing at a greater pace than we have ever thought was actually possible. Sure, we imagined it and expected to go faster if anything given our predictions for what the year 2010 was supposed to look like from movies made in the 1970's and 1980's. But realistically? We can only expect so much to happen at once or really, we can only expect so much to be released on the open market. Otherwise, I think we're catching up to our fantasies and science fiction stories at an alarming rate. 

Generations are being raised on i-pads and smart phones. We live on our phones. We are lost if we can't find our phone, forget it at home or god forbid - the battery dies and we don't have a charger with us or even more tormenting, no outlet. We socialize with each other in person while keeping our eyes on our miniature screen and barely put it down; whether it work, social media (not actually socializing with other people, but networking) or just playing candy crush, the large majority of us don't know how to be present. 

source: 2.bp.blogpsot

Her is a beautiful movie by Spike Jonze about socially reconnecting ... with an IOS system. But nonetheless, Joaquin Pheonix's character, Theodore, learns how to love again and how to emotionally reconnect, eventually, with another person and how to get himself out of his own funk. 

For the put together guy who finds freedom with technological growth and keeping up to date with the latest gadgets, we give you, our outfit inspired by Theodore from Her.

A laid back but tailored linen jacket keeps things casual but put together when you're out and about. You may not have to wear a wool suit to the office everyday but you don't want to look like you just rolled out of bed. The colored cotton pants keeps the outfit lively with fun socks to match and play on subtle details, like the purple stripes in your custom shirt. The custom shirt has two chest pockets for your phone (where Theodore keeps his) or business cards, ready for you to connect with anyone at the local coffee shop or wifi bar. The shirt also features a special button down that I have yet to see anywhere else. Photos to follow in a few weeks. 

Interested in a casually tailored garment like a blazer or just pants for the warmer seasons? Want to have brighter colors and start exploring away from the ordinary navy's and gray's? Want a different kind of collar like the 'batman' collar or want to even know what a 'batman' collar is and how many different ways we can button down the collar? Contact us at info@9tailors.com! 

10 Looks We LOVE to See on Men

Valentine's Day is just at the end of this week and the pressure is building. If you don't have a date yet, there's still time to impress that special someone you have your eye on. We have put together a list of items that we love to see gentlemen in. We can't help but do a double take.

Sweater With a Quarter Zipper

It's not something the average guy thinks to get but it gives a polished, mature look. It says, "I'm grown-up and my mother doesn't dress me" - Alex, Style Consultant and Studio Manager

Vineyard Vines, source: bloomingdales

A Well Fitted Button Down With Jeans

It's comfortable and approachable. You're put together without going overboard. - Karly, Style Consultant

Etro, source: nordstrom

Blazer
A blazer just makes just about anything sophisticated.

Look 1: Pair a blazer with a button down and jeans gives the wearer a cool and collected look. It's a man who means business but still knows how to relax and not take everything too seriously. How does your heart not throb while looking at Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto? Aside from them being them, their looks are effortless. 

Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto, source: gq

Look 2: Throwing the blazer on over the jean jacket not only makes everything seem more put together but also gives the blazer an air of edge. It says, you care about how you look but you don't need to follow all of the rules. You decide what looks good on you, not the fashion spreads. The accessories don't hurt either, the pocket square keeps the sophistication of the blazer, balancing the formal look with the uber casual look. 

source: istreetfashion

Patterns
A man who wears patterns just says "fun".

Look 1: Plaid. Who doesn't love a man in plaid? The pattern exudes masculinity without carrying an ax around in the woods with a full beard. Cultural influences has lead us to believe a man in plaid knows how to take care of himself and his environment.

Ryan Gosling, source: totalfilmmag

Look 2: Mixing Patterns. A man who has taken the time to coordinate patterns into his wardrobe pays attention to details. It is bold and difficult to do but extremely attractive when it is well done. It says, not only do you like to have fun, but you know how to fun without going crazy or getting into trouble. 

source: seat14a

Vests With a Button Down

Not many men wear vests so it's always something special to see one. It's dressing nicely without going too formal and looking strictly business. It's gives an air of comfort and makes the wearer look distinguished. 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, source:gq

Crew Neck Sweaters

After all of the plunging v-necks men have been wearing of the past few years, it's nice to return to the classic crew neck sweater. It can be dressed up with a button down underneath it or kept casual with jeans or corduroys. It's a staple in a man's closet (or it should) and nice to see someone so at ease. As much as we love men taking more care in what they wear and paying attention to suit details and pocket squares, they need to have a complimenting casual closet, too. A man who dresses up all the time can come off as being stuffy. A well balanced closet is always best. 

source: new york times

Leather
Leather is another look that speaks to masculinity, jackets, bags and shoes. A leather jacket gives a man a 'bad boy' look automatically. Enough said. 

Chris Hemsworth, source: itsmusicfashionlife

Bow Ties

It's an accessory not every man will venture into. Learning how to tie a bow tie can be frustrating. Learning how to pair it with your everyday wardrobe instead of just wearing it for formal occasions can be daunting. Finding the fun patterns is fun but then matching that up with a shirt you already own instead of buying a new one, that can be just as confusing. However, when a man learns how to wear and tie a bow tie, you know he's a grown-up and not afraid of challenges. *Clip-on ties don't count. 

Pharrell Williams wearing a bow tie and a leather jacket, an irresistible combination. source: papermag

If these looks don't work for you - a good rule of them is to have an approachable put together look. 

Thinking about getting a suit for a special occasion? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com. 

February is Here! You Know What That Means..

Ah Valentines Day. The day where you are either in a panic in what to get for your significant other or you just use as an excuse to eat chocolates. But what about yourself? Why not treat yourself to a little extra love? Our expert style consultants aide you in achieving the look your going for with the desired colors and details. We ensure your look doesn't go overboard and keeping a balanced overall look. 

Start with the basics - White Shirts

A well fitting basic white shirt is something every man should have in his closet. It goes with everything and instantly cleans up your look. Keep it from being too plain by adding touches of color or pattern. 

9tailors Custom White Shirts, center shirt with contrast inner color and monogram. 9tailors knotted cuff links framing the shirts with a Jegman tie. 

Dress Your Blazer or Suit with a Pocket Square

Don't leave your suit looking bare and naked, bring it to life with a touch of color or pattern. Pocket squares break up full suits, keeping it from looking too plain or overwhelmingly-ordinary. If you are wearing a traditional gray or navy suit, a pocket square is the perfect way to subtly bring your suit to life without wearing a loud tie or shirt. Its the right amount of effort and sophistication that says "I know what I'm doing, while looking good doing it". 

9tailors silk pocket squares

Mix It Up with Colored and Patterned Shirts

If this is new territory for you, start off with a check or plaid shirt. They are different from the ordinary stripped shirts that you see everywhere and add a little bit more life to it with more color and design. They pair really well with casual blazers or making a suit a bit more fashion forward.

If you're not one for patterns, there's always the solid colored shirts that isn't your traditional blue. Try something bolder or with tiny patterns that aren't noticeable until standing closely by...which is what you want anyways. And don't forget, no one ever looks bad with a bow tie, especially ones with bicycles on it. 

Loving 9tailors custom shirts paired with OoOtie bowties

Need help dressing for your date? Not sure what to wear when meeting the significant other's friends and family? Want to experiment with patterns and different colors but not sure how to? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com. We would love to work with you ;-)

Actual Client, Dan Foley, knows how to dress to get his date. He's wearing a 9tailors custom light purple gingham shirt under a 9tailors suit, using colorful matching socks and a 9tailors silk pocket square to top everything off. 

Spring 2014 Trends to Avoid

Now that you have the gist of what's coming when the days begin to warm up without plummeting two days later, here's what you should avoid.

Meggings, source: chaos-mag

Meggings, Men's Leggings.

They are as bad as they sound. Men have been wearing leggings for a few years now - under athletic shorts for additional warmth in the winter. That's about it and it should not extend beyond that. It's bad enough when women wear leggings as though they are pants with crop tops, exposing the world to horrendous misfitting and the poor visions that go along with them (camel toe). Same thing goes for men, you do not need to flaunt your package in such a manner, it's distracting and unflattering. Even the painfully tight skinny jeans some men insist on wearing can be a bit too revealing, but at least those have the thickness of stretch denim. Whereas, meggings, leaves nothing to the imagination. Just no. 

Camoflauge cargo shorts, source: GQ

Camouflage - Use Caution

This trend has consistently come and gone and unlike double breasted jackets, it's not a refreshing break and it doesn't get any better with every come back. Camouflage was invented by the French during World War I. Painters, illustrators and fashion designers were put in the front lines to paint and change soldier's uniforms to blend in. They were called "camofleurs", meaning "to disguise". 

Designers think that changing the colors from greens, browns and neutrals - the colors they are supposed to be - makes them fashionable because it's doing the exact opposite of its intended us by drawing attention to the wearer. But is it good attention or is it just early 90's middle school bad attention? Yes, changing the color of a pattern can make it more attractive and wearable. However, this does not usually apply to obnoxiously loud colors that want to be neon. If they do, it's hunting season and not so much runway ready. Should fashion really be playing with something that was invented as a safety precaution against enemies and accidental shooting while hunting with Dick Cheney?

Camouflage done right, source: imperfectlydistinguished

This does not at all meant that camouflage should not be worn fashionably, just use sparingly. Don't deck yourself out in head to camouflage to go to the grocery store. Use it as accents or a single statement piece. The purple in the cargo pants above is a nice color combination because it is not changing every color. The purple acts as an accent color, bringing it to life. Just maybe not as cargo shorts or cargo shorts paired with a pinstripe blazer - it looks like the wearer is trying too hard.

Raf Simons Spring 2014, source:style

Tunics

The slightest difference in length can change the type of shirt you are wearing - cropped, normal, long/tunic -- and then there's dress. What is shown above becomes a dress and not so much a tunic. Now, don't get me wrong - I love my androgynous friends and drag queens. But, this is not for every day street wear unless it fits your lifestyle. In which case, this would not be a trend for you but already part of your wardrobe as a staple. Those who would like to look at this for a trend, I would advise against it. This is not a tunic, this is a dress. If you would like to try the tunic trend anyways, be sure the length falls below the butt but not so far as mid-thigh.

Ermenegildo Zegna/Lanvin/Giorgio Armani, source:arizonafoothillsmag

Loose Suits

Just as men were finally getting comfortable with the idea of a form fitting suit that flatters their figure, the runways roll out with these. Loose fitting suits from the 80s. If you want your suit to look more fluid with your movement, opt for a higher thread count like Giorgio Armani's on the right. Otherwise, you do not need to gliding through the wind as you walk (although that does sound like fun, it's not very work appropriate). Stick with flattering form fitting suits. They will last you much longer than a seasonal suit trend that you will want to get tailored after a month of wearing it. 

And remember, nothing says a grown man like looking as though you're a toddler dressing up in your father's suits. ;-)

Interested to become more fashion forward but need some guidance to keep an appropriate balance for work? Want your suits to be a little bit more playful without going over the top? Feeling adventurous with your wardrobe and want to step it up a bit? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

Renting vs. Buying

The Great Groom and Guest Debate - Should You Rent or Buy? 

Answer: Buy Custom

**And I'm not just saying this because 9tailors does custom suits. I'm saying this because I've asked around why some men have opted for buying a custom suit instead of renting one. 

• First and foremost, never leave your suits or tuxedos to the last minute - especially if you're in the wedding (not to mention if you're the groom). This is asking for trouble and chaos.
• Secondly, every man should own one well fitting suit. It doesn't matter if you have a closet full of suits if they don't fit, Paul Ryan has proven that theory doesn't work. 

source: thedailybeast

The answer to the great debate isn't a flat out - always buy custom, just about 90% of the time. The remaining 10% is reserved for formal affairs that require guests to wear a tuxedo. Tuxedos can be rented simply because, not every one needs a tuxedo every year. If you are someone who attends numerous black tie affairs and galas during the holidays and event season in the Spring and Fall - then you should buy a tuxedo. It'll save your wallet in the long run and you'll consistently look polished in a well fitted suit. 

The Risk of Renting

Many of clients have come in with renting horror stories and one gentleman even described renting a suit is like "wearing someone else's underwear", especially when you don't know what they've done in that suit. *Granted, I would expect rental places to dry clean their suits upon their return*

Here are a couple of horror story examples 

• A group of groomsmen ordered their suits at the same time at the same place from a rental company months before the wedding. Two days before the wedding, they went to pick them up - only to find that their suits did not match. The associate explained to them the suits were shipped from different warehouses and this is what they received. There is nothing they can do for them and cannot refund their deposits because it's been 'x' amount of days since the order has been placed. 
• Moral of the Story: If the rental place is a chain and has warehouses all over the country, the store you order and/or pick up from cannot guarantee all of their fabric will match up as they should. Larger corporate companies also tend to have strict consumer policies and will put those ahead of customer service. 
• Why did the suits come out in different colors? The suits were probably made at different times. This means the fabric used to make each suit was cut in different places along the bulk roll of fabric or even from different bulk rolls. The dye of each fabric varies from roll to roll even though they are supposed to be the same color, they may not match up perfectly when they are put next to each other. A larger corporate company also probably means they work with several tailoring companies who may get their fabrics from different places. The suits were probably ordered from several tailors. 
• How does 9tailors avoid this issue? We order our wedding party suits at the same time to ensure they are cut from the same bulk of fabric. Our company only works with one group of suit tailors to ensure consistency of quality and fabric. 
• Happy Ending: The groomsmen were lucky enough to find matching suits in roughly everyone's size the next day - just in time for the wedding. The next groomsman to become the groom from the group came to us for his suits. 
• A groom rented a his shirt and suit from a large company several weeks before his wedding. The day before his wedding, the groom went to pick up his items and tried them on. When he came out of the dressing room and looked in the mirror, he felt like a kid playing dress up in his father closet all over again. The associate looked over the order and found that it was another gentleman's order. The groom's order had been shipped to another location in another state. 
• How does 9tailors avoid this issue? Our tailors ship everything directly to our Boston Showroom. Our style consultants stay in constant communication with each client about the status of their order. Clients need to confirm shipping addresses before any items are sent out and will receive a tracking number. 

Renting a suit doesn't guarantee it will fit you correctly or flatter your shape. Some places will over measure your body to better fit the store sizes they have available and take in the suit minimally. They tend to prefer the bigger look to better preserve their suits and make it easier to fit you. For example, if you measure a size 39, they will put you in a 42 instead. It also really depends on where you are renting from, each place measures differently. 9tailors will not accept any body measurements from Men's Warehouse because of this. Renting also means sacrificing one measurement for another. Joey, from Friends, exemplifies forgoing the comfort of a button collar to fit the shoulders and is forces to unbutton his collar. 

If you rent, do your research first and make sure you are renting from a place with great customer service and return policies - always check Yelp reviews. Make sure to plan ahead and leave room for any reordering that may need to be done or last minute changes so you don't end up in a panic a couple of days before your event. If you own a black suit, you can get away with wearing that to a formal event instead of a tuxedo depending on the event itself. 

The Benefit of Buying Custom

Having a suit that fits to your specific body type, posture and proportions that you will want to wear over and over again. 

Actual Client

Picking the details from the inside-out

Custom lining and monogram (not shown) options available

Besides, as a client put it - The worst part about renting suits is having to return the next day hung over. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Rick Musiol Jr, the winner of our November Social Media Tuxedo Giveaway! 

Interested in getting custom suit for an upcoming event or your wedding? Are you an existing client and want to model for us? Contact us at info@9tailors.com

Trend Watch: Double Breasted Suits

Double breasted jackets are thought of to be dated but really, they're a classic. They were introduced in the 20's and have faded out and back in style over the years. The only thing that really changes about them is the fit. The 1920's was all about the American style suits with excess fabric and less form fitting, even the late 80's favored looser clothes. 

source: canadianbusiness.com/Getty images

Now, it's all about having a fitted suit that tapers to your body and really shows your sleek silhouette that men are working so hard to get now. It's not just the women who have something to show off, everyone loves a man in a tapered suit that shows off his physique while looking incredibly classy. A true gentleman. 

source: styleschool.co.uk 

How to Wear a Double Breasted Suit

• Double breasted suits are traditionally paired with a peaked lapel. Notched lapels are acceptable pair with to give a more casual appearance. However, a peaked lapel will visually balance out the suit by drawing the focus towards the shoulders. A peaked lapel helps make the shoulders look slightly broader and can give the wearer the appearance of having an athletic body shape. 
• If there is an inner hidden button, always button it. If just the outer button is buttoned, the suit will not be pulled across the body appropriately. The suit will look saggy and gather underneath, giving the wearer a bulge across their torso. This is the opposite affect a double breasted suit is supposed to have. Because there is more than one button to fasten across the torso, it pulls the fabric tighter around the body, giving it a smoother and slimmer appearance. This is the perfect suit for someone who wants a slimmer European fit. 
• Leave the suit buttoned until you take it off or sit down. The jacket must be unbuttoned when the wearer is sitting and must be re-buttoned when the gentleman gets up. 
• The general rule is to leave the last button unbuttoned but some rules are meant to be broken. Ryan Gosling has buttoned his last button in the top picture, despite his hands covering it, as does Prince Charles on a regular basis. 
• Double breasted Vests - don't wear belts, wear suspenders. Belts will make the vest look bulky at the bottom. Wearing a double breasted vest with a single breasted jacket is acceptable. 

Actual Client: Dana Quigley in his proposal suit (she said yes!), wearing a double breasted vest under a single breasted jacket with velvet trim. 

Interested in a double breasted suit or vest, contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com 

Happy New Year! Spring 2014 Trend Report- PRINTS!

You know the cliches, out with the old and in with the new. Fashion has a non-stop revolving door of trends from season to season. Whether or not you decide to jump on board ahead of schedule or mid-game, it's good for you to have an idea of what you're jumping into.

For the month of January, every Tuesday will spotlight an upcoming trend for men's suits. Until then, enjoy other menswear trends for Spring 2014. 

There are multiple patterns to pick from to find the one best suits your fancy:

FLORAL
Embrace elegance this upcoming season and mix it with structured clothes to keep a masculine edge. 

                           

 ARMY PRINT
This trend has come and gone and at this point, is becoming a classic, just be sure not to go too crazy with the camouflage like in the 90s. Use this more of an accent or a single piece, don't cover yourself from head to toe in pink, purple, blue, green and brown army print.

POLKA DOTS

I love polka dots! I'm very excited about this trend and am anxious to see this on men. They're playful enough to have limited rules about the scale and all over prints but is best to one piece. 

Interested in working with a style consultant to help you incorporate these trends with your current wardrobe? Want to start straying away from your standard navy suit? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

Meet Brother Cleve

source: copyright Michael Young,  2013

For those of you who don’t already know him, Brother Cleve is responsible for building and reinvigorating Boston’s cocktail scene. This is not an exaggeration. He has been doing this for over 30 years and generously so. He has trained some of the greatest bartenders around the city from Jackson Cannon of Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar and The Hawthorne to Misty Kalkofen formally of Drink the list goes on. When he’s not bartending, he’s making music. He’s also a well known DJ and for creating lounge music as a member of the musical group, Combustible Edison.

When I first heard of who he is and that I will be meeting with him to work with 9tailors for a bourbon-tastingevent, I was very nervous. I more so sat and watched and listened to 9tailors owner, Samantha Shih and him talk. I nervously chimed in from time to time, trying to make sure I didn't say anything overly eager or something for the sake of not staying completely silent the whole time. He ended up being very social and full of storytelling about his experiences.

One of his current positions is being a Beverage Consultant at Delta Group LLC in Boston. I got to ask him a few questions and here is what he had to say:

Briefly describe your products, services and company.

“We offer a variety of services and bars, including consulting on food and beverage menus, staff training, social media and website design, architectural design, and financial management/evaluation/investment services. Aside from the company, I also create cocktails for events (which I often bartend as well). And I’ve been in the music industry for over 30 years, performing around the world in bands (I play keyboard instruments and as a DJ. I’ve scored music for television and films, and create soundscapes/sound design. My clients have included Cinemax/HBO, Universal Studios Orlando, Discovery Channel, among them.”

Please provide a brief background of yourself and your co-founders.

“The Foodservice sector of the company is run by Henry Patterson, a 35-year veteran of the industry, and former owner of the Bel Canto chain of restaurants, which he sold in 1991. I met Henry in 2012, when he brought me in as Director of Beverage Programming. I have been involved with cocktail development since the late 1980s, and have created drink menus at many establishments and events since that time”

When did you join the company?

“2012”

Why did you decide to star your business?

“I am not the owner of this business, just part of the a team. That said, I am also hired on my own by individuals looking for signature cocktails for parties, weddings, or other sorts of events. And I have been a DJ since the mid-90s, spinning in the clubs all around the world. I also work corporate parties, house parties, weddings, special events of all kinds. With around 10,000 records and CD’s and 50,000 digital music files, I can safely say I have something to please everyone”

What is unique about your products, services and company?

“My passion has always been the alchemy involved in creating something new from diverse elements, be it in music creation or mixing as a DJ or mixing as a bartender. I love to create a flow in sound or in liquid. And, like an actor, I like to look the part. Because one of my main styles has been with lounge music and cocktails, much of my look has been built on retro/modernism, which sounds like a dichotomy but really isn’t. But I also do things like tropical parties, where I dress in a South of the Border/South Pacific hybrid. Or I can spin South Asian/Bollywood music while dressed in Nehru suit. It’s all like parts in a play”

What is your favorite piece of advice that you tell your customers about your product?

“Be it music or cocktails, having some sort of theme for an event is always a fun approach. It gives a great starting point and gives a way to tie everything – food, drink, music, décor, fashion – together. I think it makes everything more memorable for the guest. And the guest should be your number one priority”

What’s trending in your industry/field/business?

“Cocktails have grown enormously in popularity since when I got started, which is when they were at their lowest ebb. You couldn't even buy things like bitters back then, unless you searched extra hard (I bout Orange Bitters in Indiana, for instance… the only place I could find them! Now I can buy them at my local supermarket). Techniques like barrel-aged and bottle-aged cocktails, carbonated cocktails, things like that, as well as the plethora of (often local) craft spirits and imports of small global brands…there is a wealth of flavors available to craft into tasty libations. In music, things always move forward, and the internet has brought the world of music and the music of the world closer together; you don’t have to search fro records in piles of rubble (as I did for many years in the bazaars of India, digging for tracks which will be on my new compilation “Bombay Disco”, due out in Spring 2014). And while vinyl records have become popular for the first time in a generation, advances in software for DJ’s and producers has made it inherently easier to mix and produce music, even on something as compact as an IPad. It’s amazing how far things have advanced in a relatively short amount of time”

source: GQ, December 1996 by Dewey Nicks

Where can my customers buy more of your products?

“Currently, I have a menu of cocktails at First Printer in Harvard Sq, Cambridge, and at Rovezzi’s, an award-winning Italian restaurant out in Sturbridge, in Central Massachusetts. I’ve had cocktails on menus at places like Eastern Standard, Legal Seafoods, Back Bar, Drink (well they don’t really have a menu…), Brick & Mortar, Noir and many others”

What is your favorite drink? Why?

"The Manhattan has been my favorite cocktail for almost 40 years. I've even done lectures/seminars on its history at cocktail conventions and at universities. It's a simple drink to make, but also very simple to make incorrectly, so that's why it's my litmus test for bartenders. A well made one has the perfect balance between sweet, bitter and bracing, which is probably why  its retained its popularity since the first one was poured back in 1873. I prefer mine made with American Rye whiskey, the spirit used when it was first mixed"

Anything else you would like to include?

“I also create, and serve, original cocktails fairly often at Redstar Union (redstarunion.com), a very cool and intimate performance space in Kendal Square. You can only get access to it by going to the website”

If you would like to contact Brother Cleve, you can reach him at http://www.thedeltagroupllc.com/foodservice-team brothercleve@gmail.com cleve@deltafoodservice.com +1-617-230-5152

source: Lauren Clark, 2010

Interested in keeping up to date with our events? Contact us at info@9tailors.com

Warm Up with Winter Coats and Bourbon

Bourbon. Whisky. Scotch. Who really knows the difference? 'Tis the season when brown liquors enter our systems to warm us from the cold, harsh climate of New England (except that it is wonderfully warm right now for Movember).

Mark your calendars because on December 5, Brother Cleve, Boston's most influential bartender, will be pouring you and your friends glasses of Four Roses Bourbon and teaching you all about it. You'll also have a chance to preview the 9tailors custom winter outerwear and coating. This is a free event so, drink, relax and cozy up with a glass of bourbon.

Bourbon Tasting & Winter Coat Preview

9tailors Boston Showroom

December 5

6:00PM to 8:00PM 

Email: info@9tailors.com to RSVP
**Due to space constraints, there is limited availability. If you send us an RSVP, you must receive a confirmation email to attend.**
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More about what you'll be drinking....

Did you know? scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey based on where and how it is distilled. Bourbon's distilling details are so fine and intricate, there are legal standards for a bourbon to be born. What makes a bourbon a bourbon? Federal law includes but are not limited to, 

• Must have been made in the USA
• At least 51% of the grain used must be corn
• The maximum distilled strength is 160 proof and must be bottled with the minimum strength of 80 proof. When it is barreled for aging, it cannot be more than 125 proof. 
• The whiskey must age in a virgin charred white oak barrel
• To be a "straight bourbon", it must age in the virgin barrel for at least 2 years with no added coloring, flavoring or spirits. It must remain pure. 

Four Roses Bourbon is celebrating their 125th Anniversary, dubbing 2013 the Year of the Toast and was awarded American Distiller of the Year for its third year in a row!

source:  bourbonblog.com

More about the man...

Stay tuned for next week's post introducing you to the ever-dapper, Brother Cleve! The man responsible for Boston's cocktail scene.

source: Bill Brett for the Boston Globe

Want to stay up to date with 9tailors events and promotions? Contact us at info@9tailors.com

Movember, Have You Started?

source: neatorama.com

No Shave November_, Movember, for beards or for moustaches. Pick which ever suits your fancy, either way; November has officially been taken over by facial hair and for a good cause or two. Both have a slightly different set of rules, goals and causes in mind, either way; you cannot shave.

Movember is all about the moustache. You must start off with a clean face. So if you haven’t shaved yet, shave now, you’re a day late. The purpose is to raise funds for men’s health. Women had October and now the Men have November. Men’s health includes raising funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and supporting mental health. You can of course do this independently but to help fight the good fight, go to http://us.movemeber.com to registrar and learn more. Moustaches only, no beards allowed. 

Nick Offerman has also offered his services to mademan.com to create an instructional video on how to grow a moustache for Movember.

No Shave November is all about the beards and growing as much hair as you can. Men who participate in No Shave November tend to keep their beards at least through December as well. They use the time in November to grow the beard and December to trim or style it. The purpose of No Shave November is a more independently driven fundraiser by each participant. If you choose to raise funds in the No Shave November route, you must find your own charity rather than registrar like the Movember movement, depending on what charity you choose. 

Take a look at The World Beard Championships for some inspiration for mustaches and beards alike. 

source: world beard championships

source: mirror.co.uk

Besides, facial hair can be a great accessory to suits if you're not ready to try out the pocket square or tie bar. It will always be a classic look and there's just something about a man with facial hair in a suit that has the perfect balance of sophistication and rugged masculinity.

source: artofmanliness.com
Clark Gable

source: journalfen.net
Freddie Mercury

source: makefive.com

"Stay Classy" - Ron Burgundy

Want to design a suit that matches the style of your 'stache? Contact a style consultant at customerservice@9tailors.com