Although when Sally Solesby, Director of the FiftyForward Knowles center, contacted us about their annual Project Funway runway event May 15th, we were a bit flabbergasted as we tend to consider ‘fashion’ to be the proverbial ‘F-word’ around here amongst most of our guys.  However, we could wholeheartedly understand their invitation as who wouldn’t want to get a glimpse of these gams walking the catwalk??

Much to our, and we’re sure several others’, relief, last year’s chair Tori Alexander had already wrangled her husband Dave and our own client, Brian Cook, in to represent the male gender at FiftyForwardKnowles big event and we must say, WHAT. A. MISTAKE.  I mean, who in their right mind would want to see these two guys parading up and down the runway representing the best in Nashville’s menswear??

Brian Cook, left, and Dave Alexander, right

Who are we kidding?  These guys looked great and got more whoops and hollers than the ladies so we consider ‘Mission: J. Michaels Takes Over The Nashville Fashion World – Step 1′ to be complete.

Each of the guys wore three outfits.  Our store provided the entirety of Brian Cook’s three looks, while The Oxford Shop provided the clothing for Mr. Alexander who wore his own shoes.  Coincidentally enough, the Peter Millar Summer Blue Glen Plaid Sportcoat Dave is wearing above from the Oxford Shop, we also have in our own store.  Funny how that happens.  Our own runway maven, Miranda Priest, was on-hand styling both guys so they didn’t hit the catwalk wearing an upside down pocketsquare or one pant leg longer than the other (which, we’re sure, would have been a travesty).

The Tennessean’s Cathi Aycock emcee’d the event and detailed out every model’s look.  We look forward to her own commentary of the outfits from Project Funway on her own blog on The Tennessean’s website later this week.

Cathi Aycock introducing Brian at the runway luncheon, benefitting the FiftyForwardKnowles center

Every piece from Brian’s three looks came from our store and, excluding the Polo Blue Label tan linen suit shown below in his outfit #1, are all still available in our current inventory.  Of course, we would be more than happy to have a tan linen suit like the one worn here made up from Polo’s Made-to-Measure collection.

Outfit #1: ‘Guy On The Go’

Outfit #1 - 'Guy On The Go'

•  Polo Blue Label Tan Linen Suit
•  Made in Italy
• Two Button, Side Vents with Flat Front Trousers

• Shirt by Luciano Barbera, also Made in Italy
• Blue with chocolate brown stripe & cutaway spread collar

• Chocolate brown knit tie with white tipping detail by Peter Millar
• Linen pocket-round with brown tipping by Edward Armah
• Alligator Belt by Martin Dingman

• Roll-up Duffle Suit Bag in Chocolate Tumbled Napa Leather
• By VBC Milano – Made in Italy

• Alden Bit Loafer in Brown
• Part of Alden’s Cape Code Collection – Made in America

Outfit #2: ‘Sartorial Summer’

Outfit #2: 'Sartorial Summer'

• Tombolini ‘Dream Fabric’ Soft Coat
• Made in Italy of ‘zero gravity’ weight wool & sillk
• Unconstructed and washed down for an elegant, casual feel

•  Blue Gingham Check Shirt by J. Michaels – Made in New England
• 100% Washed Linen for a softer look and feel

• *Gardeur Cashmere/Cotton White Five Pocket Pant
• Touch of stretch for comfort
•  Jean construction with streamlined fit

• D-Ring Canvas Belt by Bills Khakis – Made in the U.S.A.
• Red Paisley Pocketsquare by Seaward & Stearn
• Blue Suede Driver with contrast stitch detail by Donald Pliner

Outfit #3: ‘Classic Summer Casual’

Outfit #3: 'Classic Summer Casual'

• Chocolate Brown with Ivory Windowpane Sportcoat
• Linen & Wool, featuring two button front, open patch pockets, and side vents

• Cotton Orange Check Shirt by Mastai Ferretti
• Buttondown Collar
• Available in Several Colors

• Tan Linen Polo Blue Label Pants
• Plain Front with Cuffed Bottoms
• Also available in Marine Blue, Lime Green, & Watermelon Pink

• Linen Pocketsquare with Sky Blue Tipping by Seaward & Stearn
• Chocolate Brown Bison O-Ring Belt by W. Kleinberg – Made in America

• Alden Bit Loafer in Brown
•  Part of Alden’s Cape Cod Collection – Made in America

We had a great time putting together the looks for the event which benefits the outstanding work that those at the FiftyForwardKnowles center are doing to enrich the lives of seniors 50 and older in Davidson and surrounding counties.  FiftyForward provides services and educational classes to seniors in need of assistance or who simply want to continue to grow in their ‘golden years’.  To learn more about how FiftyForward is helping your community, click here.

One of our all time favorite 50+ (the jury’s really still out on that, it’s hard for us to believe) Nashvillians was along for the ride at the luncheon, Mr. Bill Armistead.  Famous in the most prestigious of circles, Wild Bill talked it up with Miranda at the event and stopped for a picture on their way out.

Our own Miranda Priest & 'Wild Bill' Armistead

For more information on the pieces of clothing shown above or if you’d like to aid in stage two of our plot to take Nashville’s fashion scene by storm, drop us a line, give us a call (615.321.0686) or stop by the shop.

Until next time,

Miranda & The J. Michaels Crew

Nashville’s geographically centered location aids in our locals attending AS. MANY. of these romps as possible.  And, God bless ‘em, we are ready and willing to assist in assuring their position amongst the best dressed in the Paddock Club .  Pomp and circumstance aside, dressing for the Kentucky Derby, Iroquois Steeplechase, or any race is deep rooted in the traditional southern gentleman’s uniform.  It’s an opportunity for the natty guy to show off and for the regular guy to tip-toe into a look he may not put together otherwise; however, our intentions are always to ensure that, once the dust has cleared and the winnings cashed in, you aren’t stuck with pieces of clothing you’d only wear to a costume party.

In celebration of the races and to give you a few ideas, here are a few items we’ve picked out of the shop that we think would be great additions to any guy looking for something appropriate to wear up in the boxes.

A Few Tips…

• Unless planning to socialize solely amongst the twenty somethings in field, expect to dress the part.  A jacket, no matter the temperature, will be required.
• As the races are society’s way to usher in the warmer, more frivolous months, don’t plan on wearing what you wear to work to the boxes… a basic grey, black or navy suit isn’t gonna cut it.
• Lighter and brighter is better.  Stick to summerweight suits, blazers, sportcoats and trousers.  Your own heat index will thank you midday.
• Don’t dress like a peacock.  Just because your lady friend might be wearing one on her head doesn’t give you the right to dress like one.  As with any standard of mens’ dress, the term ‘less is more’ can still apply at the derby.  Choose a bright colored shirt and tie, or pocketsquare…  this isn’t a costume party, it’s a traditional spectacle.  Stepping just ‘outside the box’ is key, don’t throw the damn box out the window.
• Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, but call on professional help if needed.  You don’t want to look like your mother dressed you for the occasion.  A good rule of thumb is to mix up to three patterns, with only one of the three really making a statement.
• Try something you might not do otherwise.  Even if its as small of a touch as a bowtie or a colored pocketsquare, you’ll be surprised how many people notice your willingness to attempt something new.

Two entirely appropriate, yet very wearable Derby day outfits. Sportcoats by Polo Blue Label & Peter Millar, shirts by Gitman & Mastai Ferretti, pants by Incotex & Polo Blue Label.

Don’t want to put quite the effort or cash that an entirely new outfit would entail?  How about adding a pocketsquare or bowtie to a basic navy blazer, pinpoint oxford shirt, and some khakis?

Pocketsquares are the easiest way to polish off a look and, whether basic or patterned, we have you covered.

Often overlooked, but once on they rarely go unnoticed. Check out the new Nigel Knox and Pantherella spring fancy socks available!

By far, our dress and sport shirt offerings have increased considerably in the past several weeks and there is a mighty fine assortment of options, if we do say so ourselves.  Anything from linen solids to mini gingham checks to exploded buffalo check plaids, you’ll be hard pressed to find a shirt (or two, or twelve!) that won’t make you appear more competent, evolved and successful than you already are… on or off the track.

Linen & Cotton Shirts By Kim Herring & Baldassari

Take your pick, from Robert Talbott, Peter Millar, Seaward & Stearn, Mastai Ferreti, Scott Barber, Luciano Barbera

A great alternative to a solid, these mini checks and ginghams will spice up any basic wardrobe piece and will pair with most any tie with ease

Speaking of neckwear, if bowties aren’t a part of your life (no matter the occasion), we can assure you that one of the hundred plus neckties we have in the shop will get the job done.  Check out the new repp stripes and madras plaids we just got in this week!

Madras is to summer as raindances are to thunderstorms. Wear it and good times will follow

A brand new smattering of bright repp stripes just in this week!

Those who want to really dress to impress and usher in the season in their derby best often begin their search in February by thumbing through the hundreds of sportcoat and summer weight suit fabrics available from our made to measure manufacturers.  The majority though have enough to worry about first quarter and usually don’t start their search for that perfect look for the track until a week or two before.

Never fear!  We can still find you a sportcoat here on the rack, take care of any necessary alterations and have it ready for your day at the races!  We have a fantastic assortment of sportcoats in the shop that will get you in all the right places at Churchill Downs or where ever you may roam this summer.

Sportcoats & Softcoats by Peter Millar, Oxxford, Polo Blue Label, Luciano Barbera, Southwick, RNG, Tombolini & more in a variety of sizes.

Bills Khakis Cotton & Linen Pants ripe for the picking. We have a whole selection of Bills Khakis pants, shorts, and five pockets sure to get you through summer.

Polo Blue Label 100% Linen Pants - ... alright, so we can't promise you'll wear these once a week, but you sure will be the life of the party when ya do

Stop by the shop for more ideas on derby attire or give us a call and we’ll be happy to hand select pieces for you to finish off your outfit for the Great American Race(s).  Double down on whichever horse suits your fancy, but don’t gamble on your own presentation.

What: 138th Annual Kentucky Derby

Where: Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Need directions?

When: May 4th & 5th, 2012 – Gates Open At 8 A.M.

What: 71st Iroquois Steeplechase

Where: Iroquois Steeplchase Grounds – Percy Warner Park -Need Directions?

When: May 12th, 2012 – Gates Open At 8 A.M.

If the races aren’t on your schedule, feel free to stop by and watch them on the big screen at the shop.  Be surrounded by well dressed folks, we’ll hand you a beverage of your choice, and we can guarantee parking will be much less of a hassle.

Until next time,

Miranda & The J. Michaels Crew

Meet Bill, check out what's new from Bills Khakis for Spring, and preview/reserve your items from the ever growing Fall Limited Edition Collection!

Stop by the shop to meet our special guest, Bill Thomas, founder of Bills Khakis!  Learn how it all started over twenty years ago with a pair of WWII khakis Bill found in an army surplus store and how the business grew from the trunk of his car to the iconic all American brand it is today.  You’ll also have a chance to view new items from the Spring collection and hear first hand from Bill his top picks of the upcoming Fall collection and how you can reserve your own picks to ensure you get your part of their ever expanding collection.

Receive 10% Off All Bills Khakis Items & Orders April 13th & 14th!

Other than the usual fan favorites available in a myriad of new colors, Bills Khakis continues to expand their line tremendously each season.  Some of our top picks this season include:

* The Ventile Cloth Pant – 6 Ounce, 100% Cotton.  Waterproof.  Originally used by the British Air Force in WWI, the lightweight ventile cloth allowed the pilots dropped into the English Channel an extra five minutes to live.  We can’t guarantee this pant will make you live any longer, but it sure would make for a mighty comfortable golf pant, stadium pant, or anywhere else you might tread water.

Ventile Cloth Pant - 100% Cotton. Waterproof. Available in 2 colors as part of Bills Khakis Fall 2012 Limited Edition Collection

* Bills’ Sport Shirt Collection – 100% Cotton.  Available in standard and tailored fits, button down and dress collars and more patterns and washes than you can imagine, Bills Khakis sport shirt collection has proven that the brand known for khakis was just getting started.

Bills Khakis Signature Plaid Sport Shirt. Part of Bills' Fall 2012 Limited Edition Collection.

* Appalachian Shawl Neck Sweater – 10 Ounce, 100% Cotton.  Military inspired cotton sweater with button up shawl neck collar.  Bills Khakis went the extra mile and added the big ribbing at the collar, cuffs, and bottom – for your pleasure, of course.

Bill's Khakis interpretation of the standard military issue. 100% Cotton & 10 Ounce, part of Bills Khakis Fall 2012 Limited Edition Collection

* Flannel Lined Vintage Twill Pant – 9 Ounce, 100% Cotton.  A vast improvement on the original bulky flannels suitable only for a December weekend in January, the new lighter, softer version wears like your favorite pair of broken in khakis the first time, and every cool night thereafter.

Bills Khakis Flannel Linted Vintage Twill. Lighter, softer, and broken in like your favorite pair of khakis. Available in 3 colors as part of Bills Khakis Fall 2012 Limited Edition Collection

* Bullard Field Pant – 10 Ounce, 100% Cotton.  An old fan favorite is back by popular demand and is better than ever!  Bulletproof, bulky, and unashamed, this is Bills Khakis premium ounce cotton and has been revived to its original glory.

Bullard Field Pant. 100% Cotton, 10 Ounces. Back by popular demand as part of Bills Khakis Fall 2012 Limited Edition Collection

Bills Khakis has flourished into a lifestyle brand and it is near impossible for any store (or even a handful of stores) to carry every item in every color, size and model available.  Come in and see the entire collection Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th and reserve your favorites to better guarantee that once August & September roll around, your Bills Khakis Fall 2012 picks are here waiting on you.

Until next time,

- Miranda & The J. Michaels Crew

Experience why Hickey Freeman continues to be America’s iconic brand and the heritage connected to this over 100 year old company.

Hickey Freeman's Factory Floor 'The Temple' — a 77,000-square-foot factory in Rochester, New York — is where it all happens. Tailors from around the world gather in Rochester's sartorial sanctuary to set sleeves and stitch collars and roll lapels. Each tailor has a different specialty, but they all share a common goal: to create suits that represent the very pinnacle of American tailoring.

Hamilton Shirtmakers chose J. Michaels to carry their line exclusively in Nashville and we’re flattered to showcase their custom fabrics in our shop.  As featured in this month’s Garden & Gun magazine, Hamilton Shirtmakers is the oldest shirt manufacturer in the United States and is the only manufacturer who still hand cuts their patterns for every individual.

Hamilton keeps an individual hand cut paper pattern on every one of their customers. Their meticulous attention to detail coupled with their top grade fabric line sourced from Thomas Mason mills is why they are considered the best made shirt not just in America, but the world.

With the opening of the Masters Golf Tournament today coupled with Easter weekend, we can imagine you might have a busy schedule ahead.  We hope you can carve out some time to stop by Friday or Saturday and see why we think Hickey Freeman & Hamilton Shirts are so special… and, as a special bonus, we are giving away a Rocketballz Taylormade Driver Golf Club to the guy who buys the most one lucky customer.

In celebration of Master's weekend (and to give you guys another reason to kick those other weekend plans to the curb), we're giving away a Rocketballz Taylormade Driver Golf Club to one lucky patron!

More details on the who, when, where and for how long is in the image below.  We hope you have a chance to drop by and discover what makes each of these brands so great.  As always, drinks, food, and good times are on us!

One such man has been a customer of ours for a number of years now and, as we like to gently put it, has ‘the disease’ when it comes to fine clothing and therefore always looks appropriate for every occasion.  John Bridges, a local Nashvillian by way of Alabama, has been an award winning columnist and newsman but has found true acclaim with his best-selling series of books which began with the popular guide to men’s etiquette, ‘How To Be A Gentleman’. 

John's entire series of books, including 'How To Be A Gentleman', 'A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up', 'As A Gentleman Would Say', 'A Gentleman Entertains', and 'Toasts & Tributes'. All available in our shop and signed by John himself.

We look forward to highlighting some bits of advice from John’s books over time in our blog and giving our own sartorial spin on the importance of being a gentleman, not just looking like one. 

 

Until next time,

 

- Miranda and the rest of the crew here at J. Michaels

Let’s be honest: a handful of blogs in a matter of several months? No bueno. No bueno indeed. So, with this here blog post as evidence, we pledge to be much more consistent and, subsequently, more entertaining for those of you out there that get a kick out of fine men’s clothes and, well, us and everything that we find interesting, important, and pertinent out there in the universe.

And what’s more interesting/important/pertinent at this very moment then how fantastic our new store looks with all this new spring merchandise rolling in?! Right??? Okay, kill us… we haven’t gotten together our slew of new ‘hot off the press blog topics’ together yet. But hey, it’s a start.

As amazing as our new store is, you would expect our blog to follow suit (no pun intended). Come back often, we look forward to rehauling this blog in the hopes that one day it doesn’t appear so ‘default/ramshackle’ and instead makes you feel all warm and fuzzy (and by that we mean, evolved and masculine, of course.. rawrr) and you therefore want to come back and visit and visit often. Until then, be entranced by the mighty fine pieces of clothing below and stop by the shop for a better look at what we do… or, if for nothing else, a beer and a fine place to watch March Madness or the Master’s.

Bring it on, Spring. These fine gentleman are just a smattering of what's in and what is to come.

Seriously, we have more sportshirts, sportcoats, soft coats, suits, polos, socks, dress pants, casual pants, jeans, five pockets.. heck, even underwear than we have EVER. HAD. Our new location and the increase in traffic has been a blessing and we pass that blessing on to you with more of what we love and hope you will too.

New Southern Tide & Peter Millar Polos, Wovens, Shorts, Swimtrunks & More! Seriously, we didn't hold back this season.

The color doesn't stop. Check out these amazing new linen shirts just in from Baldassari (we prefer to call it 'Bad Ass-ari' because, let's be serious, what sounds better to you?) Also available in Blue.

What's that you say? Neon red and green frighten you? Calm down, we've got your basic blues covered. Bills Khakis, Baldassari, and Peter Millar left to right.

We've had our fan favorites over the years for shorts but the Peter Millar Sunwashed Twill Short, shown here in a myriad of colors, has become the front runner. Available in more colors for those who have a real short addiction. And just in, along the top, are the slightly longer Scott Barber shorts, for those guys with more legs than torso.

‘But guys, what about the fun stuff?’ you say? Well, to that we say you won’t know WHERE. TO. START. The fun is just beginning.

The level of neckties we have in this season is near proposterous. With brands like Dolcepunta, Robert Talbott, Breur, R. Hanauer, Cantini, Seaward & Stearn and newcomer Marchesi di Como, you'll be hardpressed to NOT find what you want.

Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a hot topic amongst clotheshorses and nonclotheshorses alike. The knit tie might remind you of how old you are if you're looking at them from a 'comeback' perspective but we say tie one on and see how young they make you feel. Look at it as a means of evolution and something different than the three dozen other ties hanging in your closet. The ladies love em ; )

Whew, we weren't kidding when we said we may have gone off the deep end this season. Hey, every man needs a bit of flair.. a hint of surprise, that ya got something up your sleeve... or pant leg, whichever

Carrot & Gibbs Bowties have always been a mainstay for us, since before the times of heralded former Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee. We've added a new brand to the linup, Edward Armah, whose bowties and pocketcircles are taking over the world of men's fine clothing.

We’ve also expanded our shoe department and, among the usual suspects like Allen Edmonds, Alden, Martin Dingman, Cole Haan, and Michael Toschi, there’s a new guy on our shelves named Donald Pliner and he is not. afraid. to. be. seen. Here are just a couple of our favorites we’ve gotten in so far this season:

The summer wingtip to conquer all summer wingtips. This burnished tan style ups the ante with washed orange lacing, detail, and sole. Don't discount the orange simply for UT fans... these puppies are for LIFE.. and a well-heeled one at that for certain.

Whoa. Don't step on our blue suede shoes, just try them on. We agree, they might not be for everyone. But 'that guy' they are for just had a mild heart attack so forward this on to your buddies who don't shy from color with a bottle of Bayer Extra Strength and we'll take care of the rest.

Is that it? Lord no. But God bless you for making it this far down. At the very moment I’m typing this sentence, another half a dozen boxes of new ‘blow your socks off’ product just got tagged and is waiting to head downstairs to the showroom. So your best bet is to stop by the shop to get the pick of the litter or give us a call and we’ll be glad to hunt it down and ship it out to you. We can guarantee not everything, especially the really good stuff we only get a handful of, will be on the website…. heck, we barely have time to write these blogs as it is.

Thanks for checking back in with us and we hope you’ll stop back by soon. We look forward to giving you something new to look at, love/hate, and write home to your friends and family about.

Until next time,

- Miranda aka ‘the young, bright one of the bunch’ (okay… I confess, I came up with that one myself. Seriously, do you think the guys have the time to write this stuff??) ; )

Every year in the waning weeks prior to Nashville’s most prestigious social event, we get dozens of phone calls from our customers regarding just what the appropriate attire is. And every July, we open up the latest issue of NFocus only to cringe at the near and way far misses some of Nashville’s gentleman-who-should-know-better. So, here’s a checklist of white tie imperatives, so that you won’t show up looking like someone who found their money by the side of the road, and didn’t know what to do with it:

(1) Black tails coat and matching formal trousers. This is called a full dress, or evening coat, as opposed to the morning coat, or cutaway coat which is also a tails coat, but is obliquely “cut away” in front. The full dress coat is horizontally cut away in front and has the appearance of being double breasted, although it is not to be buttoned, or even to have the capacity to be buttoned. Both are derivatives of the coats worn at all times during the Regency period, and were cut short in front to enable functionality while riding a horse.

Ron Samuels looking dapper as ever in his J. Michaels tails. Image courtesy of NFocus Magazine.

(2) A notch lapel on a tails coat is not only entirely inappropriate but one of the most common mistakes seen in formalwear and sets apart those who are fluent in the realm of social awareness and those who don’t take the time to understand the environment into which they’ve been thrust. When it comes to tails (and even tuxedos for that matter) peak lapels are it; otherwise, you might as well be wearing a black suit and holding a champagne filled platter. The lapels of the coat should be covered with black silk, either satin or grosgrain (if you’re having one made, request grosgrain—the majority of off-the-rack full dress suits are made with satin lapels). The trousers, of course are beltless, plain bottom hemmed, and have a single braid of matching satin or grosgrain down the side of each leg in the U.S., and a double braid down the side of each leg in Europe. Flat front or pleated trousers are each appropriate.

Owen Kelly looks the part and makes a big entrance. Image courtesy of NFocus

(3) White broadcloth or voile shirt with a heavy cotton pique bib front, matching pique wing collar, and matching pique French cuff (most preferably and appropriately single layer, but a fold over cuff is also acceptable). There are no exceptions. This is the shirt.

David Anderson's tails fit like a glove, would you expect anything less of him or us? Image courtesy of NFocus

(4) Matching white cotton pique bow tie. When we say matching, what we mean is the very same fabric as the bibbing, cuff and collar on the shirt.

(5) White cotton pique vest, the fabric of which, you guessed it, matches the tie and pique fabric of the shirt. (Hey, how hard is this, gentlemen? There’s no guess work, and you can buy one outfit and wear it for as long as you can fit into it.) It is imperative that the bottom of the vest not extend below the bottom of the front of the coat, and, at the same time, extend below the waistband of the trouser. So, if you choose to go to the rental place and rent full dress attire that’s been worn by 40 other people, and you’re being helped by someone whose only experience with any sort of formal attire is the powder blue “tuxedo” he wore to his senior prom, make sure you instruct him as to the proper length of the vest in relation to your other articles of clothing.

Frank Garrison's studly getup. Image courtesy of NFocus.

(6) Mother of Pearl studs and cufflinks. These are specific to full dress. They can be gold or silver rimmed, but silver is definitely preferable. Rhodium substitutes for Sterling, but, of course Sterling (or better yet, platinum) is the set that your grandsons will fight over.

Damon Byrd's foxy stud set, an elegant alternative, showcased his love of fox hunting. Image courtesy of NFocus.

(7) Black over the calf silk or fine gauge Merino wool socks. Some more refined hosiery might have a very fine pindot pattern.

Bill Armistead, one of our favorite people in the universe, showing how it's done. Image courtesy of NFocus.

(8) The traditional footwear for full dress is a velvet, patent leather, or calfskin pump, with a crest or grosgrain bow. My one break with tradition would be to ditch the bow. It’s superfluous, and way beyond it’s time. I would also say that a lace up plain-toed formal balmoral in patent leather or velvet (I actually own a black corduroy bal) is perfectly appropriate today. But, every accomplished gentleman should own a formal shoe. A black Gucci bit loafer is not a formal shoe, nor is a black cap toe. If you are going to go to formal events, don’t stop two feet short of dressing appropriately for the occasion.

Optional items include: white silk braces (ten years ago I would have included them in the imperative section and still think they finish the look today, even though they are hardly ever seen); top hat (a bit over the top..get it.. top—top hat…these days); opera cape for added warmth in the colder months or to fold up and lay your head upon and go to sleep if you’re ever forced to go to the opera; and, finally a tipped black cane, in case you need to give the valet parker a rap across his shoulders for driving your new Porsche Panamerica like a bat out of hell.

With these helpful tidbits, hopefully, you will feel fully at ease entering into the world of the most formal of affairs, and therefore, won’t be found slouching over the punch bowl, drowning out your embarrassment for sticking out like a biker at a church social just because you didn’t know the protocol beforehand.

For those of you who’ve had the oppurtunity to peruse our store here in Nashville, you know that our main focus is custom clothing. In fact, it’s how we built our business over twenty years ago.

As most of you know, as a brand Hickey Freeman virtually speaks for itself as America’s iconic men’s clothing manufacturer. Not to be left behind or rest on their laurels, recently they have designed exciting new models in keeping with today’s style evolutions. Nothing in Italy or England has anything on this timeless American innovator.

Hamilton Shirts is a hand cut custom shirt maker out of Houston who only chooses one store per city to carry their product, and we are honored that in Nashville they have chosen us to do so.

Join us April 1st & April 2nd for 10% Off All Trunk Show Orders!

We cordially invite you to join us either next Friday or Saturday to view the stellar selections offered by both of these outstanding companies and make welcome their representatives, Jeff Lang and Elizabeth Wallace, respectively. As usual, we will have plenty of libations and munchies on hand. We look forward to seeing you.