Invest in You

In times like these how do you know what to invest in? In my opinion an investment you can always count on is an investment in yourself. While it is true that most people are only spending money on necessities, it is also true that investing money in yourself and your future is always a good decision.

A nice suit of clothes is a tool if you will to increase a man’s self confidence, open doors and establish themselves in just the right way in the eyes of those with whom he does business. Tough times require more resolve, more effort, more sales calls, and every advantage a man can find. Any opportunity to stack the deck in our own favor must be considered. Having new clothes makes a man feel better, even if just a few new ways to wear what he already has. It takes a man from “same old - same old”, to fresh new and interesting. New clothes bring compliments, and compliments add to self confidence. Other than additional education, what better way to invest in oneself than to buy a new suit of clothes?

By Alan M. Vinson

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: