custom suits Archives - Page 2 of 3 - BALANI Custom Clothiers

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.

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.

The Go-To Suit

September 10, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File No comments

It’s the one suit every man has in his wardrobe. No, I’m not talking about your “birthday suit.” What I am referring to is more refined and perhaps a lot less hairy. The fit is impeccable; easily making it the one suit you can’t live without. It’s your “go-to” suit, and you feel great anywhere you sport it.

Like the mighty chameleon, the “go-to” suit effortlessly blends into all environments, thereby instilling you with the confidence to wear it for any occasion. Whether attending a fall wedding or spending a night out on the town, this suit seamlessly transitions from one event to the other.

So, what separates this suit from all the rest? For one, the “go-to” suit is single-handedly the most versatile piece of clothing in your closet. Day or night, spring or fall, this suit is easily transformed through basic accessory modifications.
More specifically, this includes your shirt, tie, shoes, pocket-square, and accessories.

A distinguishing feature of the “go-to” suit is its ability to transition seamlessly into various scenarios. The simpler the pattern and color, the better it is. A medium grade charcoal is the most versatile color of all, because it can be paired with black, brown and chile colored shoes. Whether a sharkskin or gabardine, the “go-to” suit is understated enough to allow the elements accompanying it to speak for the entire ensemble.

For example, let’s say you have a business meeting in the afternoon and then dinner with the wife at night? No problem. Swap out your classic white button down for an open collar gingham plaid with French cuffs, and suddenly, you are rocking a whole new look.

Versatility is the key to keeping your “go-to” suit feeling fresh each time you wear it. Rock it with confidence, because with this suit, anything goes.

The Full Press

July 8, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File

There is one thing that is never in style: wrinkles.
With the exception of linen, this is the rule. So if you’re wearing a suit be sure to make an effort to keep it pressed. While wearing a suit all day won’t leave the garment flawless in appearance, there are certain steps you can take to help.

Sure, the obvious response is to take the suit to the cleaners and have it dry cleaned after every wear. It’ll look great… for a little while. Unlike normal washing, dry cleaning uses an aggressive chemical solvent to clean the fabric. It can wear down the fabric, causing the colors to bleed and fade if the temperature is too hot, with the fabric certainly losing it’s luster. Cleaning a suit more than a few times a year is overkill.

Instead, take your suit the cleaners and ask them to “Steam Press.” It’ll give the garment a fresh feel, without the chemical harshness. The clothing is draped across a professional pressing machine (standard to almost all dry cleaners) where bursts of steam are pulled through the fabric.

The high heat will remove wrinkles, small spots, and any odors the suit has picked up over time. This is all done without compromising the softness or color of the fabric. Just be weary of suits that are glued together, as most off-the-rack suits are. The glue has a tendency to melt (this is true even when dry cleaning), shortening the life span of the suit. As long as the suit is a full canvas construction, the Balani standard, you’ll be pressed and ready to dress.

The Summer Suit

June 2, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide

“Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!” These are words uttered by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s infamous character the “Great” Jay Gatsby. While he isn’t referring to fashions or styles of the moment, it certainly fits. This mysterious main character had a penchant for dressing well and exemplified the East coast aesthetic. Between expensive cars and lavish parties, he also donned a near forgotten look that could soon be making a comeback: The Summer Suit.

In a time when air conditioning was in it’s infancy, gentleman had to consider the fashion as well as the functionality of their clothing. That meant flannels were worn in the winter, with the spring and summer saved for lighter weight fabrics. Tropical wools, linens and cottons are certainly cooler, however only the wools provided the formality necessary for the office and most social occasions. Yet, the lightweight wools of yesteryear pale in comparison to the hand and character of today’s.

Summerweight wools from the likes of Holland & Sherry are weighing in at a mere 7.5 ounces. They embody the color palette and finesse of the standard weights between 8.5-9.5 ounces. That means that not only will it be more comfortable to wear, but it can be dressier. A dark suit made of a lightweight fabric is necessary for the office, but something in a lighter tone is a little more traditional and practical.

This leads to the penultimate summer suit: a tan or khaki pinstripe. When paired this way it becomes a quintessential summer style. It’s perfect with pastels for a country club wedding. Or wear it with saddles shoes for the Kentucky Derby. However you wear it, the tan summer suit is a nod to the days of when men dressed thoughtfully. Surely Mr. Gatsby would agree.

The Modern Glen Plaid

May 5, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File

Anyone can work the Mad Men look: black suit, white shirt, skinny tie. Then there’s the somewhat edgier pinstripe in the repertoire. But beyond the basics, what else is there? Perhaps it’s time to move into something more advanced: The Modern Glen Plaid.
Let’s start off by thinking about the glen plaid. Conceptualized in Scotland before the advent of text messaging (sometime during the 1800’s), it’s essentially a check-over-check design that finds a houndstooth pattern where their paths cross. The classic is best known for it’s black & white pattern, but it’s just that: classic glen plaid. How can it be made modern?

Color, that’s how. Maintain the same pattern, but re-imagine the color. Start slowly by integrating blue into the design, something as simple as a windowpane. Think purples if you want to move quicker. A heightened sense of color and pattern will not only make this piece contemporary, but tosses in a bit of versatility to the mix.

Used most often as a sport coat, it’s best kept lean. Pair it with a charcoal pant for casual Friday. Consider it with a bluer blue pant for a more dapper look. Dress it down denim. Whatever the situation calls for, the Modern Glen Plaid is sure to add something new to any established wardrobe.

The Babe Said it Best

April 1, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” – Babe Ruth

While the Babe’s advice on teamwork is certainly relevant on the field, it’s not limited to the ballpark. Consider the gentleman’s wardrobe: a closet full of classics is just a closet full of clothes, but learning how to have them work together is the key to building a valuable wardrobe.

While we’re all enamored with All-Star players, we often forget about the consistent players. It’s the players who get on base that win games. The wardrobe is no different. Having a big hitting suit in a bolder color or pattern will certainly be a distinguishable look, but it’s not one that can get up to bat often. The fact that is memorable means it won’t be getting much field time between big games.

Having your well-rounded players that work well together will build your franchise. While there is nothing overtly exciting about a navy, black, or charcoal suit, they’re the ones that get you through the week. Assemble a team of basics, and then begin scouting for more remarkable talent.

Lastly, be sure to know your position well. If you’re uncomfortable in pinstripes, you’re unlikely to wear them often. Understanding your own style is the first step in understanding your wardrobe. Try a few different styles to figure out where you’re most comfortable, and build upon that. Before you know it, you’ll be one of the greats.

Out with the Cold, in with the New

March 3, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File

It’s time for change. No, not the political rhetoric type. We’re talking about wardrobe change. Spring’s around the corner so it’s time to get your seasonable wardrobe in line. By now you should be asking “How do I dress for spring?” We have a simple answer and it involves color and weight.
Start with the obvious approach and think lighter colors. Perk up your shirts with something brighter (think hunter green vs. apple green) and make sure your ties follow suit. When considering pattern, take it a step further and reach for a gingham as opposed to that standard check. By using both color and pattern, you’ll compound the effect and be in with the new.

To be out with the cold, take a committed approach and change fabrics altogether. As opposed to wearing the same suits year round, start opting for lighter-weight fabrics for spring and summer. Standard weights range from 8.5-9.5 ounces, while spring and summer weights will be 8 or less. By going lighter in weight, you can go darker in color without looking like you woke up in the wrong season.

Now that’s change we can believe in. Oops, there’s more of that rhetoric…

The Devil’s in the Details

March 3, 2010 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

Cary Grant’s jacket sleeves were short. Fred Astaire wore his tie as a belt. Jimmy Stewart preferred peak lapels, hacking pockets, and side vents. Although they differed greatly in showmanship, there is a common thread between their personalities: they dressed in the details. Surely their style wasn’t happenstance. So how can today’s man deliberately find his own details?

Consider the traditional navy suit with grey pinstripe. By coordinating the color of the pinstripe to the button hole stitching and button thread, it takes an ordinary suit to extraordinary. The same level of detail can also be applied to shirts and slacks as well, in the event a more subtle approach is necessary.

For style that’s just below the surface, look to the inside of your custom suit or sport coat. Jacket linings can be plain, modest, or overtly ostentatious. Matching their color to a complimentary one within the fabric is one approach. Or continuously using the same lining throughout your collection is another. This detail remains your secret until you choose to expose it.

For the majority, showmanship is not an attribute appreciated in daily dress. Finding subtle details to take ownership of is the first step to personal style; executing those details is the next.

Which begs the question: Where will you find your “Devil in details?”