Camo pocket square, a must for every dapper commando

In keeping with the new camo-everything trend, we have made our very first camouflage print pocket square with hand rolled edges. Made in house today by our very own Rosanna. Come on in and grab one before they disappear (literally... I can't find it anymore!)

Valentino Tailors Featured in The Daily Nutmeg!

Click here to read article... Strong Suit/Daily Nutmeg

A great big thanks to Cara McDonough and the rest of the folks at The Daily Nutmeg for this cool article on their website.  It's nice to get a pat on the back from the community once in a while and it's also a nice reminder of how far we have come as a family. Also, a great big thanks to all of our customers who keep us doing what we do!

So you're getting married...

One if the biggest decisions you'll make in this life, aside from who you'll marry, is what you'll wear when you're marrying them. I speak to many brides and grooms at the shop and most ask for my opinion. Aside from telling them what my wife and I wore for our wedding (BTW, we looked awesome) and aside from telling them what is popular among the masses, I usually advise the betrothed to do some research of their own. There's tons of info out there, in all forms: magazines, websites, blogs, books, mother-in-laws, etc.  Well, now there's an app for it too. Check out this iphone app I stumbled across last night, it's called Weddinggawker.  The point is, there are so many looks and ideas out there and it's your wedding so you should dress how you want.  Get some good ideas, put your own spin on it.  Tell your tailor exactly what you want.  And guys, if you don't decide what you want to wear then she'll decide for you, and we all know how that can end up.  Now that that's settled, you can get on to the third most important thing, writing your vows!

The New Color Trend for Men...Are You Ready?

Most people have never heard the word peahen.  (it's a female peafowl) Most people have never even heard the word peafowl (a species of bird in the pheasant family).  Want to know why?  No one talks about the peahen because their feathers are typically grey and/or brown and most people don't remember stuff that is grey and/or bown.  Why?  Because grey and brown are boring.  The word "peacock", however, is very well recognized.  Most people will immediately associate the bright blue and green colors and the elaborate eye spotted tail and with the peacock.  There are two take-aways here people...#1: the brightly colored peacock is the male of the species and #2: he is very memorable.

Sorry for the long setup there, but all of that was a lead in to one of the newest trends in menswear...if you guessed color then give yourself a pat on the back.  This summer saw men's chinos and jeans offered in every color of the rainbow.  Last month's Mrket show in Manhattan showed the trend continuing into next Summer, and expanded into colorful blazers as well as a few other new places. 

If you feel overwhelmed by all these bright colors, or feel that you can't pull it off, do not fret.  Start with something in a muted shade like a good old pair of faded Nantucket reds.  Before you know it, you'll be ditching your boring khakis for bright red and wearing them with a sport jacket and loafers!

A word of caution:  Be careful with the colors.  There is such a thing as too much color and there are occasions where this current trend should not be applied.  If you're gonna wear brightly colored pants, tone it down with a softer neutral colored shirt or jacket - no need to go all Christmas tree on us. Also, if you're interviewing for an accounting position with a conservative firm: WEAR A BORING GRAY SUIT!

Summertime Inspiration & Our Summer Hours Of Operation

Summer is finally here! We've put together a fine collection of inspiration and all things we are loving right now for this season. Check it out on our Pinterest page! 


Also, for our loyal customers, and those soon to be, please review our new schedule of Summer hours and closures from July Through Labor Day.  


VALENTINO TAILORS WILL BE CLOSED:
*Wednesday, July 4th- Independence Day Holiday


*The week of Saturday, July 14th- Saturday, July 21st*
-We will be open our regular hours on Friday, July 13th 
-We will re-open after vacation for our regular hours on Tuesday, July 24th 


*Saturday, August 18th


*Saturday, September 1st* - Labor Day Holiday


*Always Closed On Sundays and Mondays*


VALENTINO TAILORS WILL OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SUMMER HOURS OF OPERATION:
*Beginning Saturday, July 7th Through Saturday, August 25th:
-Sundays and Mondays- Always Closed
-Tuesday - Friday - Regular Hours of 9:30AM- 6:00PM
NEW: Saturdays - 9:00AM - 3:00PM


We thank you for your business and wish everyone a wonderful Summer 2012! 

Gentleman, Keep Your Collars Up!

Tom Ford with perfectly upstanding collars 

My occasions to wear neck ties are getting fewer and fewer but I like to wear a sport jacket practically every day. For years I struggled with the embarrassment of limp shirt collars that would slide down and hide under my jacket lapel. Sure, I would use plastic collar stays, but it seemed like I was constantly adjusting the collars and they never looked quite as good as Tom Ford's do (see above)...Until one day, a customer, and fellow clothing aficionado, introduced me to the "Wurkin Stiffs Power Stays". This product is so simple and works so well that once you've tried it, it will compel you to share it with others. The idea is simple; just slip the metal collar stays into your collar, then place the small magnet inside the shirt , locking it onto the collar stay. Voila! Your collars stand up firm and crisp! 

Since my first set was given to me, I have decided to continue to pay it forward: I'll give a pair of Power Stays to anyone who orders a set of three custom shirts or one custom suit during the month of June. To make this deal even sweeter, Wurkin Stiffs will donate % of all orders placed in June to the Zero Cancer Campaign. With this incentive, also consider a gift certificate for a custom shirt from Valentino Tailors along with a pair of Wurkin Stiffs for a great Father's Day gift! Check out their facebook page for more details! Everyone wins, just don't forget to remove them before you send your shirts to the cleaners! 

Valentino Tailors

Custom Shirt Event

June 5th- 9th

Have You Booked Your Appointment?

Join us for our custom shirting event during the week of June 5th to take advantage of special discounts on all of your custom shirt purchases, for both men and women. Choose from hundreds of fabrics, collar styles, fits and patterns.  Our custom shirts are made in America by our partners at Mel Gambert. Click here to view their picture gallery, however your options are endless! Contact us via email or by phone to book your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, however appointments are preferred. 

*Gift Certificates For Custom Shirts Available For Purchase! Makes a GREAT Gift For Father's Day!*

What To Wear For Your Big Day?

Whether you are getting married, going to a prom or attending a special black tie event, you can find your perfect suit or tuxedo at Valentino Tailors! There are a few different options available to our clients. 


In Stock Suits And Tuxedos
For those looking to own, you have a couple of choices. One option is to purchase one of our in-stock tuxedos.  If we don't have your size or preferred style, we can order it for you and tailor to your fit. For this option, you should visit us at least two months before your wear date to ensure availability and leave time for your alterations.  


Custom Suiting
Next, you can choose to have your very own custom tuxedo or suit made. Pick the exact style, fit, fabric, lapel and pants you want for your special day! And, have your own label with your name sewn inside the jacket! Our custom suiting partner is H. Freeman and all garments are made in America. For custom garments, you must allow three months lead time in order to accommodate all steps in the process- from measuring you and confirming your selection, placing your order, producing your garment, and then providing final alterations and finishing touches. Contact us for a custom suiting appointment. 


Tuxedo And Suit Rental
For those looking to rent a suit or tuxedo, you can chose one of the many style options through our partners, Sarno and Sons or Ameritux. During peak prom and wedding season, which is from April through October, we recommend that you begin your selection process with us about 3 months in advance. This lead time ensures that the style you select can be confirmed for availability with the vendor and enables you to notify your wedding party of the chosen style and requirements to provide to our shop for ordering.  The first step should be to look online or in magazines to narrow down to your preferred styles. Next, stop in our shop to complete the necessary paperwork to start your file, look through our fabric swatches and style books, and confirm your selection. For bridal parties that have groomsmen located out of state, we do allow measurements and payment to be taken over the phone. However, it is a requirement that all rental clients are fitted here in our shop before they can take the rental garment.  For bridal parties, all necessary communication pertaining to the rental coordination is up to the groom. Grooms should be aware that they can choose to buy an in-stock or custom tuxedo or suit, and still have a corresponding rental option for their groomsmen.


Visit Or Contact Us!

We look forward to helping you with your garment selection for your special event or big day and providing you with excellent service, vast selection of garment offerings and our expertise in tailoring! Please contact us with any questions. 

Photo Credit:

Special thanks to our friends Kevin and Marcie Daken for sharing these beautiful photos with us from their recent wedding! Kevin is wearing one of our custom suits, and might we say, he is looking GREAT!!  Congratulations Kevin and Marcie!

The Heritage Trend

We were very pleased to read the recent article in MRketplace magazine about our custom suiting partner, H. Freeman, and the trend back to custom clothing and heritage inspired fashion. We have been selling custom clothing options here at Valentino Tailors for many years, but within the past year, we have witnessed our own resurgence of clients seeking out quality garments that are well made, and can be tailored to their desired fit. The options we offer through H. Freeman are endless!  If you haven't learned about your custom options through Valentino Tailors, make your appointment today. 

SAVE THE DATE - Valentino Tailors Custom Suiting Event  with H. Freeman- Monday, June 25, 2012 

More details to come! Be sure you are on our email list so we can send you the invitation and event details! 

Custom Suiting

While we have always offered a selection of fine ready-made men's clothing at Valentino Tailors, I always believed a custom suiting option would be a good fit with the services we provide. In Fall 2010, we introduced the H. Freeman line of custom suits. We chose H. Freeman for their high quality, vast selection and American make.  Custom suiting offers endless options for fabric, color, design details and fit.  This option is perfect for those who have a challenge shopping off the rack or for anyone who wants the freedom and creativity to design their own clothing.  After all, why should the jetsetters and A-listers have all the fun designing their own clothes? 

In preparation for our upcoming custom suiting event, we did a Q&A with our partner from H. Freeman, Miguel Pena.  I certainly share in his enthusiasm for this wonderful product and service. Read on, and if you aren't already on our email list, be sure to get in touch with us!

__________________________________________________________

Why should men and women consider custom suiting?

"First and foremost, I believe it has a lot to do with getting a garment made to your specifications, at the same price as what you can buy off the rack.   How would you like to have 400 fabrics cut for you, to your specifications, versus the few that might be available off the rack?

Once you go custom, you don’t go back."

Where are H. Freeman Suits manufactured?

"Our factory is located in Westminster, Maryland.  We have 278 employees who are skilled at sewing, cutting, and custom fits. They are all skilled craftsmen and women."

Why is it important that H. Freeman’s suits are made in America?

It’s important that we as consumers continue to support businesses that are located here in America employing American workers.  The company was founded in America, and it's nice to see that tradition continue here."

  

How many options are available through custom suiting?

"There are over 400 seasonal fabric choices and over 200 permanent choices, totaling over 600 options to choose from. The options are endless for collar and lapel widths, coat lengths, pant and skirt styles, button holes. Tell me what you want, and we can work with you.

We are a classic house with a contemporary twist. We can fit anyone from a dapper dan, to a plus size man or woman. We have sufficient styles that will fit all preferences."

What do you love most about your job?

"The ability to take a flat surface fabric and create this three dimensional garment that will now fit you- how you want it. Also the value of customer service and customer satisfaction."

What are the trends?

"Trends are tough. I think presently in suiting, you will find that a trim, well fit garment is at high demand. I do see where flat fronts have taken over the market, where a pleated trouser, whether single or double, with a trim knee and bottom will come.   Fortunately, through H. Freeman custom suiting, you are not limited to the current trends. What you want now, you can get now. You are not limited to what you find in the store."

Email us to learn more...

The Midnight Blue Tux

Last night, Hollywood once again proved that the Midnight Blue Tuxedo is one option that should not be over looked by any well dressed man.


While black is the conventional "go to" for most black tie affairs, this very classy, sophisticated tux is a subtle way to set yourself apart from the herd. Such a tux, however, is not just for any man. The man who chooses this option is one who is a bit more of a risk taker, is not afraid to be looked at by beautiful foreign women, and to some degree lives his life in the spirit of James Bond.

You can certainly drop a few Hollywood dollars to purchase this coveted item. Or, you can visit with me at Valentino Tailors to review your options to either rent this featured tux from our vendor Sarno & Sons, or to be fitted for your very own custom tuxedo through our partners at H. Freeman. Either of my options will still leave you with some extra cash to attend a few of your own red carpet events this year!

What do Italians know about fashion?

My wife and I had the fortune of traveling to Italy this summer. The sights, smells and sounds were exactly what you might expect of Italy, as were the fashions. As a Tailor, I took notice of  the fitted looks and bold use of color found on many men and women. The Italians seem to follow their own rules when it comes to fashion.  The term the Italians use for their nonchalant careless elegance is called "sprezzatura".  I also noticed that they don't seem to let anything influence their "look". They dress elegantly whether they are riding their scooters to work, walking across cobblestone streets, or just sipping coffee at a bar on a rainy day.   I was able to capture some great candid photos of stylish Italians in action. Below are some of my favorites.  If nothing else, it will serve as a testament for us non-europeans - that dressing with style each day will certainly get you noticed, and maybe even photographed!

the trifecta: pop of color, fitted jacket and scooter!

Car-pooling, Italian Style.

a pop of bright blue...

cool shades and slim lines

more pop of color

Don't look now...

There's an old saying...If you look around the office (or room) and you can't spot the poorly dressed shlub, then it's probably you.  Most people don't notice the small details that separate the best dressed people from the average (and horribly) dressed guys out there.  Once your eyes are opened, you'll never be the same again.  Sure, this photo depicts two very exaggerated examples, but you get the point, your clothing should compliment your shape, not bury it or make a joke of it.  If you're looking around the room and you've just realized that you need help, don't panic, just call me. We'll get started right away.

Nailing Your Office Style

If you're wondering how to kick up your personal style in the office then look no further, the boys at GQ have put together this 10 step guide to help you put it all together. Check it out, and if you need any help in the clothing department, you know where to find us!

GQ - 10 Step Guide to Nailing Office Style

USA's Smooth Lawyer Drama "SUITS"

Kudos to USA for this season's hit show "Suits".  Lucky for us it's not another CSI show or reality show about singing contests.  The show is about a couple of hot shot lawyers, who, to the non suit wearing world are known as, yes, you guessed it..."suits".  The nice thing about this show is that the wardrobe people actually dress the characters in some really well fitting clothes.  Check out the details on some of these suits: wide peak lapels, pick stitching, roped shoulders, ticket pockets.  It's nice to see them pay such attention to these details, and it's even nicer to see people(albeit fictional) wearing really nice suits to work, instead of just wearing a suit because it's expected of them.  If you like what you see and want one for yourself, then come on in and we'll build one together!

An interesting label...

I see a lot of manufacturer labels and some of them just make me laugh... This label claims the garment will automatically provide each purchaser with a custom fit, without any tailoring.

Is it magic, or sorcery, or maybe some new microchip technology embedded deep in side the suit? They must be marketing this garment to a person who doesn't know how it should fit, but is willing to trust haggar's marketing agency to tell them that it fits perfectly just the way it is! Fortunately, the owner of this suit brought it in to us anyway.

For those of you without a magic label, rest assured you can still bring your suit in to us for alterations, we'll be happy to make it fit the way you want!

Our suit featured in a Brides.com photo shoot!

From time to time we have the great fortune of collaborating on photo-shoots with some other really cool local businesses. We thank The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton for inviting us to participate in this photo shoot featured on Brides.com! Enjoy these pictures and check out the suit we provided for this vintage garden style wedding party. It was a gray, wool, two button, notch lapel suit by Sartoria Tosi.

Photograph by Carla Ten Eyck

Click this link for the photos:
R0mantic Vintage Style Wedding - Brides.com

I like the cut of the Tosi suits. They are slim without being too trendy and they look great on just about everybody who puts one on. I liked it so much I had to get one for myself! Here's a pic taken of my wife and I during our engagement photo shoot. Not too shabby... I have a feeling that in twenty years (and thirty pounds from now) I'll be looking back and remarking on how thin I was!








Photograph by Take Aim Photgraphy

Honing Your Personal Style

My favorite customers are always the ones who know what they want before they come in, but what if you don't know exactly what you want? I'm always happy to offer my opinion, but do I really know what you want? Choosing and honing your style is not easy, but it doesn't have to be difficult either. Here's a few ideas to make it as easy as possible:

1. Pick up a magazine and read up on the basics, look at the pictures, maybe even learn what looks are best for your body type. A year's subscription is really inexpensive these days, and it will keep you up to date and on top of the trends.
2. Look for a role model you can emulate. Maybe it's your boss, or a character from your favorite TV show, perhaps even a sports celebrity explaining his recent indiscretions at a press conference. Whomever it is, pick someone and study their look. Pay attention to the details and verbalize why you like their particular style so you can then repeat what you want to your clothing salesperson or tailor.
3. Go to a store and try stuff on. Grab something you may not normally wear and see how it looks on you. You might find something you like.
4. Hire an image consultant. They have already read all the magazines and done the research for you. They aren't as expensive as you might think and they'll save you money by preventing you from buying the wrong stuff.
5. Be conscious of the image you are portraying to other people. How do you want to be perceived by people who don't know you?

If none of that helps, then just come in and ask me. I'll be glad to tell you what you want!

Why do they call them "sport jackets?"

If you're worried about looking uncomfortable in a jacket at your next interview or important meeting, it's probably because you don't wear one often enough. Anyone can wear the clothes, the trick is looking cool when the heat is on. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect" and it applies to looking cool too. "How can I do this?" you ask... It's easy, just start wearing sport jackets everyday, no matter what you're doing. Grocery shopping? sport jacket. Cutting the grass? sport jacket. Riding a bike? That's right...sport jacket. You will be utterly amazed at how much stuff you can hide in the inside chest pockets. It's kinda like cargo shorts, but more grown-up. You'll also be amazed at how much attention you'll garner from the ladies. You may not notice her new hair style but trust me, she will notice your jacket. Remember it's not hard to be the best dressed guy in the room, even if you're riding a bike.

Tips From Your Tailor

Zippers:
Always button your pants before pulling up the zipper! Closing the zipper first could place pressure on the teeth and easily damage them. If your zipper is stuck, don't force it! Forcing it will most likely damage the key or teeth. Remove the garment carefully without forcing the zipper and bring it in.

Suits:
Suit jackets should only be dry cleaned when absolutely necessary. In general, as little as possible. Air out your garment to remove odors before storing it in your closet adn buy a fabric brush to remove lint or light dirt.

Prevent Moth Holes:
make sure wool clothing is clean before storing for the season as moths are attracted to food and perspiration stains. Use natural moth detterents like aromotic cedar as they are less offensive to humans than moth balls (yuck).