When the economy is down, dress up. In a challenging economy, people want to look their best, perform their best, and give themselves every competitive advantage. Dressing up, and dressing well, is akin to keeping one's chin up and maintaining a positive perspective in turbulent times.

Dressing well gives one a sense of confidence and professionalism. Appropriate attire communicates both to the wearer and those with whom we associate, that we are competent, credible and capable. It's that great feeling that comes from putting on a well-tailored suit or even a new shirt and tie.

Recognizing both the need to stand out in the workplace and an overall push in the marketplace to raise the standard by dressing up, package yourself for maximum benefit. We're happy to assist you in presenting yourself in tailored clothes that are dressy and understated.

Elegant suits and jackets with modern silhouettes and styling details are the foundation of today's executive-friendly wardrobes. Classic, not trendy styling is the order of the day. Accessorized with fresh, crisp shirts and ties that provide the perfect professional look without dandyish decoration, and you have boardroom-worthy attire. Call them recession-proof wardrobes.

How many suits should I have?

by Alan Vinson

The answer to this question depends of course on how often a person wears a suit, however there is a pretty good rule of thumb to follow also. Most any professional clothier would suggest that a gentleman have a minimum of a two to three week rotation of suits. What does that mean? That means that during your busiest time of year, you could function as you normally would without having to wear the same suit more than once every two to three weeks - i.e. three days a week in a suit = no less than 6-9 suits at the ready. Keeping a 3 week rotation of suits is no easy task, and is even tougher if one is subject to weight fluctuations since we tend to over-wear the clothes we have that fit best.

What do men wear when they meet with the President??

Jacksonville's Rick Ferrin and Dick Morales with President George W. Bush during his recent visit to JAXPORT.

Both Mr. Ferrin and Mr. Morales are pictured here with, you guessed it, JT Vinson designed custom suits. When the occasion calls for your very best, what else would one wear.

-published with permission from Mr. Ferrin and Mr. Morales. I probably should have checked with the President also.

New - Unconstructed Jackets

The newest tailoring grade - light as air - we call it the "Arietta" is new for Spring '08. Many years in the making this jacket is gorgeous, and feels more like a shirt, yet has the outward appearance of a fully constructed coat. You have to experience the featherweight comfort that is created by combining tropical weight silk/linen/wool blend fabrics with the ultimate in lightweight construction. Light, airy, and perfect for summer suits and sport coats. Try a summer blazer in linen, matched with cotton/microfiber slacks for an ideal casual yet sophisticated look. The coats feature a French "open facing" an unconstructed (no shoulder pad whatsoever) shoulder, book-folded inside seams, and minimal lining. The "Arietta" is the ultimate in lightweight comfort and style. If you naturally sweat a lot, this is the coat you'll never mind wearing even in the heat of summer! I am having my first suit made in this construction, so just ask and I'll show you mine. Or better yet, just order one for yourself.

Live and Dress Well,

Alan V.

On the Great Wall of China

Watch the Video of my walk on the Great Wall of China:

Chamber Leadership trip to China

Mayor John Peyton and myself at the entrance to the Summer Palace in Beijing
(Click on image for closeup)

Last week I was in China with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce for the International Leadership trip. It was extremely positive 10 day trip from March 7th - 17th. We travelled with a 35 person delegation including the Mayor of Jacksonville, and were treated like absolute royalty while we were there!! I especially gained a great deal of knowledge from the trip in as well as some connections there that could prove invaluable to me in the clothing business, not to mention 34 great new friends! China is very impressive with some of the most massive cities I have ever seen. We visited Beijing, where this Summer's Olympics will be held, and climbed the Great Wall of China. We then spent three days in Shanghai where the size and scope of the city boggles the mind. You can buy anything you want in Shanghai, and it is manufactured right there. We then visited Hong Kong for three days and I must say it is the most beautiful and efficient city I have ever seen. I spent some time with a few of the famous Hong Kong Tailors, and learned quite a bit while I was there. Hats off to the Chamber here in Jacksonville for creating one of the most memorable trips I have ever had, and one that promises to pay great dividends for me (and my clients), and an experience I will never forget! - AMV

If you would like to see all my pictures Click Here for Album