12 Apr

Thrifting, part 2

Know your brands and remember that big names like Givenchy license their name for low quality mass-market garments. Avoid synthetics in vintage clothing and just skip anything made in the third world. With few exceptions, there’s no reason to buy used clothing that was made to be low cost. Speaking of cost, use your smartphone to check prices on eBay before you invest. And double-check tricky labels, there’s a world of difference between Brioni and Baroni. Happy hunting!...

11 Apr

How to thrift, part 1

Know your fit and know what can be successfully altered. Carpe item. In other words, grab it when you find it. Time your visits to take advantage of thrift store stocking schedules. Look for damage. Hold it up to natural light and check for spots, holes and stains. Then try it on to make triple sure it fits. We can remove musty smells and wrinkles, and fine-tune the fit to make your new find an old favorite....

10 Apr

“A well-tied tie…

is the first serious step in life,” said poet Oscar Wilde, famous for “Living well is the best revenge.” Before your well-tied knot has a chance to help, be sure your tie is spotless. It’s another universal truth that the more expensive the tie, the more prone it is to stains from soup, café au lait, or wine. Our stain experts know how to gently restore your neckware to like-new condition....