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!

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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