What Makes Custom...Well, Custom Part 3
Previously, we shined some light on the fit that custom clothing provides as well as the options offered with custom shirting specifically. Now we shift to suiting.
Our clients get excited when they get to start truly customizing their suits. It is, afterall, the most fun part of the process. So what makes a Loring & Co. Bespoke suit so different? We always begin with the perfect fit, and then customize the suit to your taste and style.
A Loring & Co. coat begins with choosing from over 400 fabric patterns. They range from fall and winter wools to all-season lightweight fabrics. They can be traditional British country style, or made to impress even the biggest Wall Street bigwig.
Beginning with a notch or peak lapel, we then select the proper width-whether you want a skinny or wide silhouette. We can even select a custom thread color for the lapel button hole! One of the best lapel options to select a fun color for the felt underneath the collar. With about 20 colors to choose from, this is a fun detail that can be seen upon close examination.
One simple option that sets any coat apart is a surgeon’s cuff, otherwise known as functional buttonholes. No more dangling cheap buttons on your coat cuff. For extra style, leave the last button open to show off the details of your coat.
Pockets allow more customization from the number of pockets to the style and even their angle. An angled ticket pocket creates a slenderizing effect.
A coat can have a single vent, or the British-style double vent. Shoulder pleats can add distinction to the coat as well. The last details come down to button color, and the pattern for a coats lining. The lining is a place to add your own flare and really have fun. It won’t be seen when you are wearing the coat, but noticeable hanging on the back of your chair at dinner.
It seems like a lot, and we have suiting specialists ready to walk you through each step of the custom process. Fair warning though, custom clothes can be known to be addictive!
Loring & Co. Shirts
Loring & Co. Shirts featuring custom thread-color pic stitch, spread collar, and custom button colors
What Makes Custom...Well, Custom Part 2
Yesterday, we focused on the perfect fit and what it can accomplish for your look. Beyond the perfect fit however, are a myriad of options we can apply to your custom shirt, coat, suit, or tuxedo.
This is really what makes custom fun. Let's start with shirts. Custom shirts from Loring & Co. are all the same price. It is up to you just how much you want to embellish and customize the shirt. There is no additional charge for doing so. There are literally 30 options just for the collar on one of our custom shirts. There are spread collars (also including the British and even Italian styles, which are very wide), and traditional. You can chose the length of the collar, and whether or not it has buttons. Like to show some cuff? Maybe you want a french cuff so you can wear distinct cufflinks? You can add to that a mitre cuff, multiple button holes, or change the angle of the button hole stitching to accent the cuff.
One of our favorite shirt options is the pic stitch by hand. You can select a custom thread color whether it matches or contrasts the shirt fabric. This can enhance other options such as collar, placket, and cuff. We can even choose a custom button color to coordinate with or contrast with the shirt and stitching.
These details are what make a shirt uniquely yours. Often people will compliment your clothing-whether they can put their finger on what details set it apart, or not. Either way, they recognize you are dressed above and beyond.
What Makes Custom..Well, Custom?
Yesterday we featured a glimpse of bespoke clothing and what kind of look it can create. Besides looking your best, why would you want to create custom clothing?
The number one reason is fit. Today’s clothing manufacturers use a fit model to create sizing, and then generate thousands of copies of sizing to that model. Ironically, they are selling to humans of which no two are the same size. Just because two people have a size 38 chest doesn’t mean their waist or shoulders are the same. With our Loring & Co. label, we have successfully fit gentlemen of all sizes because we measure every inch. Biceps, inseams, outseams, hips, waist (even for a coat). The point is, when you try on your custom garment, it fits as it should.
It is not uncommon for one of our clients to try on their first custom shirt and say, “I look really in shape in this.” A common misperception is that “custom” or “fitted” are synonymous with “too small” and “too tight.” The fact is that proper fit accentuates your body. Even guys that aren’t in their, shall we say “high school shape,” find that custom clothing has a slimming effect.
Beyond fit, are the options custom offers for your clothing….More on that tomorrow!
Handmade (bespoke)
Loring & Co. Director of Marketing Nicky C, wearing Loring & Co.bespoke houndstooth blazer, cambray shirt, hand made wool tie and handmade knit lapel boutonniere. The art of bespoke!
The Big Reveal
Earlier we dished about having our good friend Otis James in to be fitted for a suit. The shop was buzzing when Otis came back today to see the suit for the first time. He selected a stunning navy wool in just the perfect weight. It fit like a glove.
We are proud to have Otis wearing our Loring & Co. line, and even more proud to call such a talented artisan a friend. After trying the suit on for a final fitting, all that was left was to pick out the perfect shirt.
We hope to bring you news of a collaboration with Otis in the near future!
Local artist David Arms was also picking up a suit while Otis was here. Otis got to wear the new threads while picking out the perfect shirt fabric.
This Is For Real...
No, your eyes do not deceive you. For the second time in as many weeks, we have had a canine friend visit us to be fitted for a winter coat.
This French Bulldog Bogie is showing off a classic Barbour hunting jacket with the trademark corduroy collar. In case you were wondering, he was very well-behaved during his fitting. He sat proudly on the fitting stand, and patiently waited for Jeff to pin his coat to fit just right. We can’t wait to see him again for the final fitting.
Bring your pup by if he or she needs their winter wear to fit just right- we are happy to help.
Wesley Knight Bespoke
We are blessed in Nashville to be surrounded by incredible talented artisans. Wesley Knight is no exception, having mastered the art of handcrafting bespoke eyewear from the horn of water buffalo.
Several weeks ago we measured Wesley for a Loring & Co. custom tuxedo. We were all excited (especially Wesley) when we got to reveal the finished product. His artful taste created a classic tux with simple, lines. Complete with a stunning red lining, the tux looked incredible on him!
As tailoring and bespoke suiting is an art form all on its own, we have a great respect for Wesley’s work. In fact, Jeff wears a pair of Wesley’s bespoke glasses nearly everyday while fitting and measuring clients at Stitch-It & Co. We hope it was rewarding for Wesley to see his creation at work as Jeff worked through the final fitting.
If you have not had the opportunity to see Wesley’s hand-made eyewear, we encourage you to visit his website at wesley-knight.com and view his work. It is also worth taking a few minutes to read from his journal. Having been featured in the last issue of Garden & Gun Magazine, we are confident that Wesley will enjoy a fruitful and successful career! Thanks, Wesley!
-N
New Year's Resolutions
What is it that makes New Year’s resolutions so difficult? It seems as if we shrug off our goals for the incumbent twelve months as all but lost before we even commit to them.
“I want to lose 10 pounds.”
“I want to exercise three times per week.”
“I want to travel more.”
What’s wrong with these longings for greatness? Simple. They aren’t resolutions at all. A phrase that begins with “I want…” is a mere pipe dream that will fade to the background of life, and eventually disappear altogether. The most successful people in the world are goal-oriented. Pick resolutions that are goals you can achieve even if challenging, and commit. Fully commit. Make your goals specific, measurable, and attainable.
“In 2014, I will work out at the YMCA Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8am-9am.”
“By March, I will weigh no more than 162 pounds.”
“In July, I will travel to San Francisco, and in December, we will visit New York City. I will save $150 per paycheck to pay for the trips.”
What a difference. These goals illustrate a road map for your path to success. Take a few minutes each day specifically for your goals, and inch towards them. Evaluate and benchmark your progress each week or month.
We wish you a happy, prosperous, and resolution-fulfilling 2014!
-N
The Christmas Story
Let us turn now to the story. A child is born in an obscure village. He is brought up in another obscure village. He works in a carpenter shop until he is thirty, and then for three brief years is an itinerant preacher, proclaiming a message and living a life. He never writes a book. He never holds an office. He never raises an army. He never has a family of his own. He never owns a home. He never goes to college. He never travels two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He gathers a little group of friends about him and teaches them his way of life. While still a young man, the tide of popular feeling turns against him. One denies him; another betrays him. He is turned over to his enemies. He goes through the mockery of a trial; he is nailed to a cross between two thieves, and when dead is laid in a borrowed grave by the kindness of a friend.
Those are the facts of his human life. He rises from the dead. Today we look back across nineteen hundred years and ask, What kind of trail has he left across the centuries? When we try to sum up his influence, all the armies that ever marched, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned are absolutely picayune in their influence on mankind compared with that of this one solitary life…
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace”. Isaiah 9:6It is with humble and grateful hearts Cindy and I and all of the Stitch-It family thank you for your love and support. May the joys of this season of love and hope fill your hearts and your homes.
“ No man is a failure who had friends" Clarence
Otis James Custom Suit
Owner Jeff Loring measures Otis James for his new custom suit
Tie-Maker Extroadinaire
Last week, our good friend Otis James stopped by the shop to be fitted for a new custom suit. If you are not familiar with Otis, he is the king of the necktie. From humble beginnings in his first Nashville apartment, Otis now has a remarkable studio located in the Marathon Motor Works factory.
As with all of our made-to-measure customers, owner Jeff Loring took measurements for a new suit. Neck, chest, shoulders, arms, legs, you name it. Otis selected a beautiful fabric, and we can’t wait to show him the Loring & Co. suit when it is ready.
We encourage you to stop by and see the Otis James studio at 1200 Clinton St. when you have the chance. Otis makes finely crafted long ties, bow ties, lady’s ties, ascots, and handkerchiefs. He is a true artisan in an industry of mass-produced obscurity.
Thanks for stopping by, Otis!
The Stitch-It Family
Good Eats!
There are eight days left until Christmas. It’s really here! Do you need a last minute stocking stuffer or gift? We have just the solution. In stock for the holidays, we have gourmet peanuts that make a thoughtful gift for friends, family, clients, or co-workers.
Our delicious peanuts are available in 18-oz cans, with two flavors: salted and butter toasted. The debate rages on over which is the best. You’ll have to stop by and taste-test for yourself. We have samples on hand! Hurry though, Christmas is fast approaching and supplies will get low!
Nuts about Nuts,
-N
Gift Guide: Nashville
Sometimes a typical gift just won’t do at the holidays. You have someone unique on your list that deserves a gift equally unique. That’s why we have put together a “best gift guide” for you this season. All of these are currently available at Stitch-It & Co.
Yesterday we highlighted our Escentric Molecule 01 and Molecule 02 fragrances. I recommend stopping in and spraying some on your wrist to try it out!
Today, we are spotlighting our collection of vintage handkerchiefs. There are relatively inexpensive at $15 each. We have had people give them as personal gifts, employee thank-you’s, and even as party favors!Our favorite use of these is as a pocket square. With a variety of colors and patterns, you can accent your suit in a classic way that stands out. Ladies also may tie these on to a handbag for a simple and elegant boost of color.
Check back for more gifts to come!
Curated Fragrances
We are excited and proud to announce that we now carry the often-heralded, award-winning Escentric Molecule 01 and Molecule 02 fragrances here in our shop!
Described as the molecular master of scents, Geza Shcoen created Escentric Molecules as the “anti-fragrance.” Utilizing Iso E Super, a fragrance molecule that enhances other scents, both Molecule 01 and Molecule 02 are known for a “your skin, but better” smell.
Both of the elusive scents softly fade only to return later. They can linger in the air for others to notice as well. Don’t be surprised if you get asked, “What are you wearing?” or if you attract the entire room to you!
Stop by and grab a sample or a bottle!
Christmas Windows
What gets you in the Christmas spirit this time of year? Singing your favorite carols? Baking? That awesome Mannheim Steamroller album you used to dance around the house to?
I was lucky enough to experience New York City for the first time this past weekend. While the city is always incredible to take in, I think we saw it at the best time of year. I can’t say that I’ve seen another city get in to the Christmas spirit quite the same way that New York does!
I knew about the tree at Rockefeller Center, but what I did not know about before my visit were the incredible window displays. All down 5th Avenue, Broadway, and Madison, retailers create magical scenes in their shop windows.
From classic to whimsical, they all reach deep in to your heart to make you remember why this time of year is so wondrous. I have included a link ( http://www.essential-new-york-city-guide.com/christmas-windows.html ) that shows off some of the highlights, and I encourage anyone who is able to go see them in person to fully engage yourself in the Christmas spirit.
Cheers,
-N.
Boys of Loring & Co.
Boys of Loring & Co. Gettin at it! “Tis the season” Nick, Herndon, Santa, and of course Cary Grant.
Thankfulness
We love traditions, and for us, Thanksgiving embodies all the richness of what that means.
We hold dear to old traditions with family and friends, but embrace new ones as well.
Cindy and I are blessed and thankful today for all who have sat at our Thanksgiving table and grateful for all who sit at the table today.
We are thankful for family, great friends, and for the support of all of our Stitch-It L&Co. friends.
May your day be blessed with love and rest!
With love
Cindy, Jeff and the Stitch-It family
"That's Interesting..."
To get an earlier appointment, I recently elected to see the nurse practitioner rather than my primary care doctor. After the ceremonial solitary wait in the sterile white room complete with a two year old issue of People Magazine, in walked the nurse.
She greeted me and then sat at her computer to ask me questions. She paused, then turned to look at me again and said, “Do you dress that way for work?”
“Yes, I do.”
“That’s interesting. What is it you do, exactly?” she inquired.
I thought to myself, “THAT’S INTERESTING?!?” Insecurity set in quickly. What did she know? She was wearing a well-used white lab coat- quite the trendsetter.
I explained to her what Stitch-It is, and the incredible Loring & Co. line of custom menswear, and my role in helping with the business.
After I left the doctor’s office, I had my drive to the shop to ponder her comment. I looked myself up and down. Dark denim and boos, check. I typically wear denim on Fridays. Light blue collared shirt, brown blazer, check. Navy tie, and a plaid vest with grey, brown and a hint of blue to tie it all together, check. I felt better.
Then it hit me. The nurse hadn’t meant “That’s interesting” in the way your spouse means it when they say “Is THAT what you’re wearing out tonight?” Rather, she meant, “That’s interesting” because she noticed an array of color and patterns that somehow worked together.
Dapper is what we do every day. The vast majority of men, however, do not dress the way we do at Stitch-It. In fact, I imagine my nurse was fascinated by my outfit because most of the gentlemen she sees in her suburban doctor’s office dress casually. If they do wear a coat and tie, it’s modern and edgy clothing rather than traditional timeless looks.
Take my advice, and don’t let one misinterpreted comment make you second guess your style. If you look good and feel good, go for it. If you mess it up- we’ll let you know!
Cheers,
N.