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. 

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

These are the Breaks*

If you're a custom clothing aficionado, you understand the importance of the pant break: where your trousers meet your shoes. However, with all of the trends out there, it's hard to know what break will look best. Seemingly, there's either much confusion or not enough attention paid to this integral part of how your suit should fit your proportions. Ultimately, it depends on you and your personal style, but here are some helpful hints to guide your choice.

Too Much
We are here to tell you that too much break is NOT a good look. It comes off as disheveled, sloppy, and glaringly obvious that a visit to the the tailor is required to adjust your pants to proper length. It also singlehandedly defeats the purpose of wearing a suit, especially when you're trying to look dapper.

Courtesy of alibaba.com

Too much break = too much bunching at the bottom. And heaven forbid your pant leg slips past your shoe and you're treading along on top of it—the frayed ends alone should alert you that your pants are far too long.

Too Little
Similarly, too little break isn't a great look either, depending on how one wears it. If a guy has really short hemlines, his pants will look too small for him. Geek Chic is one thing—Revenge of the Nerds is quite another.

Courtesy of starkinsider.com

When considering the break of your pants, we suggest you adhere to three industry standards to achieve a polished appearance for your body type: the full break, the medium break, or the short break.

The Full Break
Considered by most to be an adventurous and bold trend, this version is for the taller gentlemen as it gives a little more fabric to provide coverage for longer legs. The full break gives the pants a deeper crease along the front and falls right above the sole of your shoe. This prevents the pants from looking too short on a man of higher stature. It still may run the risk of looking a bit too untidy, so proceed with care.

Courtesy of ESPN here

The Medium Break
The most traditional and classic look is the medium break. Known for its conservative style, this is a clean look that cuts right across the top of the shoe and covers a little bit of the laces (if there are any). Men of middle heights wear this look very well, while those on either side of the height scale are better advised to approach with caution. However, the medium break has an angled hem in the back, which allows the pant to be long enough to hit the top of your back sole and shorter in front to reveal some dress shoe, which looks presentable on most men.

Courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk

The Short Break
For the trendsetters who keep a watchful eye on the runway, this is a look that you know well as more and more designers consider this a style standard. The short break is generally a higher hem that gives little, if only barely, a crease to the pant leg and hits just below the top of your shoe front (a la Thom Browne). Some refer to this as a "high water" pant, as it can show a bit of ankle. Any body type that wants to make a statement can pull this off, but it's generally delineated to more slender gentlemen. Not meant for those who are weary to reveal some ankle.

Courtesy of Mens's Health

Cuffed? Rolled?
As for cuffing or rolling your pants: we leave this up to you. The trick here is not too much roll and not too much ankle, and it's usually done with denim, but it's a fashion-forward look worth mentioning.

Courtesy of GQ

Those who don this look have guts. If you love it, go for it! If you hate it, better leave it be. The most important thing about wearing a look well is how comfortable you feel.



Still unsure what pant break you favor the most, or which one will accommodate your personal style? Email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com for some sage advice on pant styles and lengths, or make an appointment to custom-design the look you crave.

*"These are the Breaks" by Kurtis Blow

Pants that Changed the World

Fads come and go but some make an impression that lasts. Check out the pants that changed the world, even if their brightest moment was fleeting-thankfully.

Probably the most memorable pants are those that MC Hammer famously flaunted.

Their unflattering silhouette makes for a diaper inspired look even on the most toned bodies. These should only make an appearance on Halloween.

Another fad tragedy was Zubaz. Created by a couple wrestlers on the road who wanted something more comfortable, and fashionable, to work out in these pants took the world by storm. Usually worn with a mullet and equally ostentatious shirt these pants guarantee to please even the most discerning of fashionistas.

The company went bankrupt a few years after its birth and was subsequently named in the top three horrible things to happen to sports that year. What a legacy for zebra print.

The most recent of the three would be this...Sagging.

Why must boys show off their underwear? There is nothing flattering, or practical, about wearing your pants well below your backside. And, why is he wearing a belt?

If you wore any of these, or worse, still do, please contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com to make an appointment. We will get you some good fitting slacks that complement your shape, and will stay put while you walk.