Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors was recently listed by the Wall Street Journal's Weekend Journal as one of the amenities that makes the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago one of the best places to live. It's no wonder Nicholas Joseph's clients are some of the best dressed men in Chicago. See the article.
Gentlemen,
There's been some confusion out there about the color shoe to be worn with your suits. This dilemma is easily resolved. A black shoe is ideal for a black suit...always. However, your black suit should only be worn after 6pm. In most cases, black is not suitable for the office or for daytime - it's far too dressy. For gray, navy or earth-tone suitings, please wear a brown shoe. It is most appropriate and looks fantastic! We also recommend an oxford, wingtip, or cap toe. Your options in shade of brown are nearly limitless and far more interesting than black. The general rule is lace-ups with your suits. A monk strap also makes a nice statement and is correct. We're not sticklers for rules...but we believe, before you break them you should know them.
Incidentally, if you insist on wearing your black suit during the day, may we recommend an ecru shirt, a tie or pocket square with earth-tones and a chocolate brown shoe. It softens the look and makes it more sunshine friendly.
And naturally, make those shoes shine!
PS: One of the best shoe shines in the Loop is at Altman's Shoes - and it's only $2 (allowing for a healthy tip)! Jacob, the shine stand owner's son, does a really great job and takes his time, you can tell his father taught him well - something to admire these days. Altman's is at 120 W Monroe St (at LaSalle) in Chicago. (here's an Article on Altman's Shoes and Boots in Chicago)
Lightweight, breathable and possibly cotton, linen, or tropical wool and half-lined, or unlined, the Summer blazer is essential for happy hour cocktails, dinner dates, fancy bbq's, and gatherings. Side vents will keep you cool and patch pockets will give it that laid back summer feel. Wear it with linen or cotton pants, or lightweight jeans with a collared sport shirt and pocket square and you're ready for anything.
Custom blazers are available in a wide range of cloths, request an appointment to take a look. Save more by purchasing in a custom clothing package.
As the weather starts to change, it is time to think of purchasing a few spring essentials to spruce up your wardrobe and keep you looking fresh. We've compiled a brief list of Spring Essentials to get you off to a great start and would be happy to offer additional guidance in-person, on the phone, or via email. And when those April showers bring May flowers remember - a gentleman never forgets his umbrella, and always shares!
Mid-Grey and Light Grey Suits: Lighten up your greys, perhaps add a pinstripe, and pair with a light blue or always classic white shirt. A trim custom shirt always does the trick along with a white cotton pocket square for a clean look. Why not spring for a new custom suit as well?
Patterned Shirts: Patterned shirts are huge for Spring 2010, especially in a plaid fabric. You can pick a bold or subtle plaid, but either way it is a must have. You can wear this look to the office or more casual with jeans on the weekend. Custom shirts are one of our specialties and we just received several great pinks and lavender pattern shirtings in from our Italian mills.
Solid or Small Patterned Ties: An easy way to complete a well-put-together look is to finish with a simple, yet perfectly matched and subtle tie. This season solids, tone-on-tone solids (any type of pattern in one solid color...stripes, pindots, etc), and small patterned ties are in.
Pink: Try something pink such as a shirt, tie or pocket square is a great way to brighten up your spring wardrobe.
Sport coat: A sport coat is a great way to transition to the warmer months. Guys are wearing these with a scarf and leather gloves instead of outerwear, we love the look - and so do the ladies. It makes you look put together and casually chic. But make sure you don't just wear your suit jacket! If you decide to opt for a custom sport coat or custom blazer we are happy to help.
Trench Coat: A trench coat or rain coat is a essential piece in your wardrobe that will always be in style and help you avoid getting soaked in April showers. There are many different lengths, styles and colors to chose from. A great start is the classic tan or black coat in three quarter length.
Wing tip Shoes: Brogue wing tips are back in style. These tradition British shoes are very detailed and a nice change from your basic lace ups.
In this interconnected global world no man is an island - enter The Men's Club. Established in 2009, The Men's Club is a men's only networking organization that believes strongly in making connections. Members are ambitious like-minded men who are focused on business and believe in helping each other socially, professionally and personally.
The Men's Club started as an informal group dinner and quickly outgrew its roots as successful leaders of business in Chicago learned of this unique networking experience to meet smart, ambitious people and to rekindle old acquaintances.
Members are a diverse group both professionally and geographically. There are doctors, professional money managers, authors, IT professionals/leaders, real estate professionals, CEOs, entrepreneurs, lawyers and other occupations represented. Our interests run the gamut from investing, exotic sports cars, collecting art/wine/cigars, sports, charity work, world history to overseas politics.
Their mission is to build a tight knit group of like-minded men across the United States that embrace the common belief that, together, we can achieve our personal goals and dreams rather than trying to achieve them alone. Their members believe they are much stronger and resourceful as a group rather than as individuals. As a result of their mission, they will not only provide value and support among our membership but also help our community through charitable endeavors.
The Men's Club has quarterly events that facilitate valuable networking and relationship building. Additionally, members can contact each other directly via their website.
If you would like more information about TMC or would like to join, check out their website: www.themensclubonline.com.
Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors were proud to dress our male models in the latest custom suit and custom shirt looks for the 3rd Annual Tea with Jane Fashion Show at The Drake Chicago. In celebration of Jane Addams Day, the 3rd annual Tea with Jane - Honor the Past, Serve the Present, Prepare for the Future, was held on Thursday, December 10, 2009. Guests enjoyed high tea and a fashion show of holiday finery by some of Chicago’s premium merchants in the legendary Palm Court in The Drake Hotel. Over 120 guests attended this annual event raising more than $52,000!
Models dazzled in fine jewelry created by Tiffany & Co, designer coats from Elan Furs, handmade couture hats by Joy Millinery, exclusive men’s fashion by Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors, luxury luggage and handbags by Tumi and designer women’s fashions by The Carlisle Collection. Ayala Maquillage provided make-up design, Chicago Wedding Photgraphy studio, Pret-a-Poser, captured the images of the event and James Joseph provided hair design.
Tea with Jane culminated in a surprise raffle drawing, with the grand prize winner receiving a “Quatrefoil Tiffany Key” pendant donated by Tiffany & Co.
Read full article and see pictures from the event: Tea with Jane
Most men do not take good care of their suits. After a long day of work they throw their suit on the floor or toss their coat on a hook. But the biggest mistake a man can make is dry cleaning his suits too often. The dry cleaner uses harsh chemicals that can damage the natural fibers of the cloth, weakening and thinning them. As a result, the material at high traction areas, like the elbows and crotch, will wear down faster. While dry cleaning is still the most effective way to remove dirt from a garment, it should be understood that a suit is usually not that dirty.
Any dirt or dust that your suit could accumulate in a day’s time can easily be brushed off in the evening. Just hang up your jacket and pants and brush them with a soft bristled brush. This brushing can remove the specks of dirt before they go deep into the fabric.
If you brush your suit regularly after wear, it should only need to be dry cleaned twice a year. Also remember to hang your suit up every night and wait a day before wearing it again to let it naturally drape out its wrinkles. On occasion, you may steam your suit on its hanger to remove any last wrinkles with a portable steamer or an iron with a steam setting on low heat. If the crease in your trousers softens over time, this can be steamed back with an iron (on low heat).
Remember, your suit is an investment, so make sure to take care of it so every dollar is worn to the fullest.
Slix garments, designed to compliment Nicholas Joseph custom shirts & custom suits, represent the ultimate evolution in men’s underwear.
The Slix product line’s revolutionary departure from common, cotton underwear provides streamlining undershirts that never come untucked, supremely comfortable boxer briefs that maintain their shape, and socks that never droop.
Slix undergarments marry high-performance textiles with thoughtful designs to deliver exceptional comfort, versatility and sex appeal, giving the modern professional man the edge in his every endeavor.
Nicholas Joseph clients receive 15% off on all Slix garments. Visit www.getyourslixon.com and use Promo Code: NJ15
During this peak of Holiday parties, gatherings, and galas..."how to dress", you may ask? Well we've got you covered. In the WGN News segment below, advice from Nicholas Hansen of Nicholas Joseph, and Robert Patrizi of HALO [FOR MEN] will guide you through three simple looks, from after work cocktails and gift exchanges, to alternatives for black tie New Year's Eve parties. Take a look at our Men's Holiday Style and New Year's Eve Style segment.
This holiday get your loved ones a gift you know they will like, the gift of custom clothing. They will get to choose all fabrics and styling options and then over a dozen measurements are taken to ensure the perfect fit. Buy an $100 gift certificate now through Dec 24th and receive a FREE $50 gift certificate to Nicholas Joseph, $50 gift certificate to Halo and 20% off at Le Dress. (offer valid only on first $100 in gift certificate spend)
