Custom Made Gift Guide

It's true, you can unwrap a shirt or suit on christmas day but be unsure its going to fit right. Imagine how great it would be to get a shirt, suit, bracelet and even a pair of shoes made specifically for you. At Alton Lane you'll find a great space to chill while choosing fabrics and cuts of your next favorite suit. Marcella offers custom shirts and even custom polos! In my backyard, El Vagabundo Brooklyn will make every bracelet by hand and to your exact measurements. And don't get me started on shoes. They can be very tricky but at the Left Shoe Company their technology guarantees the right fit and you'll have a wide selection of styles. I think it's worth considering these custom made items and now for sure that they'll fit and look great.

3-Ways To Wear Monkstraps

Let's talk about the classic and dapper monkstrap. This style is not only for going to work. Here are three different ways to wear them and get the most out of them. These particular monkstraps are very special, you see, these were especially made for me. True story. The Left Shoe Company, is a made to measure shoe company. I had the pleasure of meeting with them and going through the experience. You first put on a yellow and green pair of socks with a grid on them, step on to their special imaging machine and it takes care of the rest. In a few minutes they have all your details and go over what styles are best suited for your feet. I chose the monkstraps and they fit amazingly! With the holidays just around the corner you should put this on your wish list.

What you don't see are the no-show socks from Mack Weldon. Don't be a hero, wear socks.

Sweater- J.Crew | Pants- Club Monaco | Bracelet- Ted Baker

Monk straps are always appropriate for work. Note the floral tie from QP Collections.

Give them a more rugged edge and wear them with jeans.
Shirt- Uniqlo | Vest- Asos | Jeans- Jacob Davis | Watch- Timex

And by all means wear fun socks! Socks- Richer Poorer

photos: Phillip Van Nostrand

The Alton Lane Sartorial Experience

NYC Showroom

No matter your level of sartorial knowledge Alton Lane is the place to go not just for your suiting needs but also for shirts, ties and even pocket squares. I had the chance to visit their New York City location and see for myself the location and all that it has to offer. One of it's crown jewels is the 3D body scanner. I had them scan me, you know, to get the full experience. The scan is quick and reminded me of the fountains at the Bellagio (you'll have to try it out to find out why) which provides all the measurements needed to make the best fitting suit/shirt. Once your measurements are recorded you can go on to choose the fabrics from some of the best mills in Europe. There are a variety of samples of the styles on hand to choose for your future suit and shirt so you know exactly what you're getting and might see something new to try out. 

DC Showroom

Their mission at Alton Lane is to create a space where men can feel comfortable to hangout and shop. With a flat screen TV, bar and even a not-so-secret poker room (at the NYC location) you'll have a great time while getting an awesome suit. Don't worry, they have locations all over the US and are planning on opening a few more in the very near future.

Chicago Showroom