Blog Archives - Page 7 of 11 - BALANI Custom Clothiers

Dressed to Kill

February 4, 2011 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File

It’s that time of year again. With February 14th quickly approaching, it only seems appropriate to discuss the one event on every guy’s mind. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, of course.

In an era dominated by bootlegging, gambling, and gangsters (not much has changed), two men emerged as leaders in Chicago’s notorious crime racket. Bugs Moran, leader of Chicago’s north side Irish gang, and Al Capone, head of Chicago’s south side Italian mob fought ruthlessly for control of the city. Forget Cubs versus Sox, these two were the epitome of rivals.

Things came to a head when seven of Moran’s men were famously killed on February 14th 1929, by Capone’s henchmen. Known as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Capone was hoping to kill Moran and take control of the city by sending him a very special “valentine.” Unfortunately for Capone, Moran sniffed out Capone’s attack like bad lasagna (like there is such a thing) and managed to get out of Dodge, just in time.

Aside from their fondness for Tommy guns, there’s one thing that these archenemies had in common, and that was their undying passion for bespoke. Although both were well known for their impeccable style, Moran and Capone differed substantially when it came to their sense of fashion.

A devote Catholic (for a mobster, anyway), Moran was extremely conservative and took his wardrobe very seriously. It’s rumored that after he assaulted his tailor for “gouging prices” (don’t get any ideas), Moran earned the nickname “Bugs” because of his “buggy” behavior.

With slicked back hair, Moran wore fitted three-piece suits in dark, subtle colors. Pairing his high-waisted slacks with a white shirt, narrow collar, and small tie knot, Moran had a reserved sense of style.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Al Capone’s ostentatious style was a direct reflection of his grandiose personality. Frequently dressed in bold pinstripes, and wide lapels, Capone wore his three-piece suit with an Italian silk shirt, raccoon topcoat, and a matching silk tie and handkerchief. Rarely seen without a cigar, borsalino wide-brimmed hat, and his $50,000 11.5-carat, blinged-out diamond ring, Capone was clearly a supporter of accessorizing.

Whether you reside on the north or south side of Chicago, the key take away here is to always out-dress the competition. Looks can kill, after all.

316 Club

February 4, 2011 Sonny Balani Blog, The Balani Buzz No comments

We don’t promote other companies very often (we’re too busy talking about ourselves), but we’ll make an exception for the guys at 316. Our friends are featured as today’s Groupon and have an amazing offer you should definitely check out.

Suit Color Theory

February 4, 2011 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

In the professional world, the phrase dress for success is commonly utilized to signify the importance of suitable attire in the work place. It is common knowledge that what you wear speaks volumes about what kind of person you are and the level of success you have attained. What many fail to realize is that the color of your suit is as significant as brand, style, or cut.

Colorology, the science of color, explains how each color has a different energy and how those energies resonate with us in particular ways. For example, a vibrant red tie conveys power, wealth and strength. The same color principle applies to suits.

Typically, the darker the suit, the more authoritative and successful the person is perceived. Conveying a similar effect, bold stripes and patterns are associated with power and dominance.

With a variety of different hues and shades, a navy suit represents confidence, power, stability and trust. It is for this reason that bankers, politicians, and lawyers often gravitate toward this color. Navy is also a perfect color for a first interview.

Commonly associated with a sense of security and loyalty, charcoal is a customary choice for men who work with clients face-to-face. Representing authority without being overpowering, a medium charcoal suit is both strong and classic.

Brown or Earth tone suits portray a person as practical, smart, reliable and down-to-earth. Considered a less dominant color, brown suits are appropriate for small business meetings with co-workers or clients.

Regardless of what color suit you prefer, make sure you know which shade work best for you and the setting you are in.

Keep Your Shoes Kicking

January 19, 2011 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File

It is often said, “you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wear.”

Albeit true, it is actually far more revealing to see how well a person takes care of their shoes. Whether you are dressed in sneakers or have diamonds on the soles of your shoes, nothing is worse than your shoes giving the impression spending time in a back alley dumpster.

For this reason, preserving your shoes is as important as the kind of shoes you purchase. One of the biggest mistakes men make, is investing money in a quality pair of shoes and then failing to invest the time it takes to protect them. Sorry guys, it takes a lot more than the occasional shoeshine to keep your kicks in decent condition.

Snow, salt, slush, and sweat are some of shoes most notorious enemies. Each day, these literal arch nemeses lay the smack down on your shoes, American Gladiator style.

Fortunately, there’s an assortment of steps you can take to combat these damaging elements. Larry the shoeshine guy at Chicago’s Altman Shoes, has been in the shoe business for over 40 years, and says the most important step to shoe maintenance is having your shoes shined before the first wear. This provides armor for your shoes and will help prevent damage from the heavily salted sidewalks.

Next, its very important give you shoes time to breathe. That being said, never wear them 2 days in a row. It is best to alternate your shoes throughout the week giving enough time for the moisture to dry out.

Lastly, be sure to use cedar shoetrees anytime you are not wearing your shoes. This will help maintain the structure of your shoes and also help prevent lasting wrinkles from forming in the toes.

All together, these steps will help keep your shoes kicking for longer.

Trendsetter: The Duke of Windsor

January 19, 2011 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

”I was in fact produced as a leader of fashion, with the clothiers as my showmen and the world as my audience.” – Duke of Windsor

Throughout history, notable players have infiltrated the world of men’s fashion and established groundbreaking trends that left an undeniable presence in our culture. These godfather’s of fashion, although few and far between, brought us fitted suits, bold patterns, and even new tie knots.

The Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of England, was one of the world’s greatest fashion icons. Most commonly known for donning the Windsor knot, the Duke of Windsor’s dynamic sense of style influenced fashion across the world.

Standing at 5 feet 5 inches, the Duke vehemently enjoyed breaking the rules of fashion. In an era dominated by structure and formality, the Duke was considered an innovator. Gravitating towards comfort and mobility, the Duke referred to his style as “dress soft.”

A fan of bold fabric patterns, the Duke tweaked many of his measurements to give the impression of being tall. He achieved this by having all of his jacket waists cut higher to elongate his silhouette. No stranger to perfectionism, the Duke wore girdles underneath his suits and even had the pockets on the left side of his trousers cut wider to provide him with more room for his cigarette case.

With expectations of longevity, the Duke had no qualms about investing in the world’s finest fabrics. With help from his tailor, Scholte of Savile Row, and his unchanging waistline, the Duke’s wardrobe managed to span over 60 years.

Even today, the Duke is considered as one of the most influential people in fashion history. His innovative approach to design and style has truly made him a godfather of fashion.

What to Wear on New Years Eve?

December 22, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File No comments

New Years Eve; it sneaks up on us every year, and every year you fight the ongoing internal battle of what to wear. Questioning why style matters at all? (Let’s face it, New Year’s Eve is basically a typical Saturday night on steroids)

Whether you’re attending a black tie event or spending the night sprawled out on the sofa watching sports, (Suitjamas, anyone?) proper attire is as essential to yielding a successful New Year’s Eve as deciding where to go.

Say you are going to a local watering hole with friends. Despite the casual environment, it’s still New Years Eve and you should dress accordingly. Amp-up your everyday attire by adding a casual sport coat to your favorite pair of dark jeans.

Going to a catered party at a friend’s place? Dress down a bold suit by going tieless. This allows you to be comfortable without being underdressed.

Attending a black tie gala? A tuxedo is a must. Whether you rock a traditional solid black or a modern midnight blue, your tux should be paired with a vest, French cuff shirt and sleek shoes. Leave the cummerbund in the closet where it belongs.

Escaping the cold for a stellar New Year’s Eve in South Beach? First off all, we are all jealous. Secondly, be sure to capture the vibe by rocking a white linen suit with a brightly colored button-down shirt and pineapple mojito.

No matter where you decide to ring in the New Year, be sure to dress for the occasion. After all, New Year’s Eve only comes around once a year.

Tails to Tux

December 22, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

For centuries, tailcoats were considered the quintessential style for both formal and day-to-day attire.

Tailcoats, also referred to simply as tails, originated in the 18^th Century to make horseback ridding more practical. Designed so the front of the jacket is waist length, while the back has two long tails reaching to the knees, tails can either be single or double-breasted, and worn either open or closed. Often made of wool or linen, tails were cut so that even when closed, a strip of the waistcoat could be seen beneath the jacket.

With the origin of the tuxedo came the death of the traditional tailcoat. The invention of the tuxedo is credited to a man named Pierre Lorillard, a wealthy tobacco magnate of the 19th century. Lorillard a member of high-society lived outside of New York City in a residential colony called Tuxedo Park.

While in England, Lorillard met with Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co., tailor to England’s Prince of Wales. Inspired by the Prince’s distinctive sense of style, Lorillard enlisted a local tailor to make him a tailless jacket for the Tuxedo Club’s annual Autumn Ball. Traditionally a white tie event, men were expected to dress in tails.

Despite his original intent, Lorillard wavered and decided against wearing the daring jacket to the ball. Ultimately Lorillard’ son, Griswold Lorillard, known for being more rebellious, decided to wear the short jacket to the ball. Griswold’s jacket was instantly admired as a fashion statement and grew enormous popularity among the guests.

In honor of his town, Griswold named the innovative jacket style, the Tuxedo. Since its debut in 1886, the tuxedo has become the standard in men’s formal attire, leaving tails by the wayside.

The Gekko Moment

November 16, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File No comments

There is a pivotal moment in a man’s life, when the culmination of every test he’s taken and every late night he’s spent working, are suddenly validated by a 60-second bout of fleeting elitism.

True, we all have the occasional moment when we think, “I’m so money,” and lets face it, occasionally, you are. Referring to a more particular state of awareness, this is the moment when you realize that all your hard work has paid off and you have finally “arrived.” For some, purchasing a fine timepiece or a killer new ride embodies this moment.

Let’s refer to this as a “Gekko Moment,” shall we? In the landmark 1987 movie Wall Street, Gordon Gekko is the infamously successful character known for coining the phrase “Greed is good.” For Gekko, style of dress and personal power have a direct correlation. Known for his opulence and affection for custom clothing, Gekko views his wardrobe as a reflection of his accomplishments.

In fact, upon meeting protagonist Bud Fox for the first time, Gekko promptly instructs him to “Buy a decent suit. You can’t come in here looking like this.”

Regardless of whether you’re a Wall St. rock star or the office rainmaker, Gekko encourages you to dress the part. So go on, embrace your “Gekko Moment” and be the powerhouse that we all know you are.

50 Years of Fashion

November 16, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide

As you may recall, last month we began exploring the evolution of men’s fashion, starting with the turn of the century up until the late 1950s. With each new decade, a new trend made its way into the forefront. As we divulge into the second half of the century, you will notice new and improved styles and repeating trends.

During the 1960’s, men’s fashion shifted drastically. European fashion replaced the uniformity and conservatism of the previous decade. Suits were very fitted and far more elaborate. Paisley, polka dots and fluorescent colors quickly became the norm.

In the mid 1970’s, the leisure suit made its way to America. Typically made of polyester, the leisure suit consisted of a shirt-like jacket and matching bell-bottom trousers. It gained popularity for its comfort and its ability to transition from the office to the disco.

Leaving the disco era behind, 1980’s embraced bold colors and subtle patterns. The power suit was synonymous with success and wealth. Notoriously donned with shoulder pads, tapered slacks, pinstripes, and a red tie, the power suit was a way for men to show dominance in the work force.

During the early 1990’s, business casual became the social norm. Loose fitting jackets, sweater vests and baggy trousers replaced the lavish power suit style of the 1980s. As the decade progressed, men’s fashion became more eclectic.

Today, men’s fashion is evolving with each new season. Trends are far less apparent and fads shift much more frequently. Whether it’s a navy suit with a classic cut and notch lapel, or a fitted suit with a bold pattern and peak lapel, the men’s fashion industry is embracing all styling options. Now, more than ever, men have a variety of styling options at their fingertips. Long gone are the days where men are forced to choose one style over the other.

Whatever generation you’re from, we can pull and pluck from the best of each era’s fine clothing to define your unique style. Whether a three-piece suit or linen pants, your styling options are endless.

Welcome Elizabeth!

September 10, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Balani Buzz No comments

Balani is pleased to announce our newest clothing consultant, Elizabeth Fasula! Elizabeth’s background in marketing, design, and sales serves to masterfully pinpoint the unique qualities in her individual clients, and blend that style into their everyday attire. We’re very excited to have her as the newest member of the Balani Team!