Suiting the Man: Walker’s Story

Written By: Lisa Bruckner, TC Expert

When I first met Walker, he was a bit unsure how the Trunk Club could really help him.  He is a former linebacker who made the switch from knocking teeth out, to taking care of them (he is a successful dentist).  While Walker’s outward physique changed (he dropped a considerable amount of weight after leaving the football field), in his mind he was still a LARGE man.

Walker likes nice clothing and unlike many men, doesn’t mind shopping; it’s just a matter of time and availability.  When we first met, much of his clothing didn’t fit well; in part because it was difficult for him to select the correct size and fit since losing his extra linebacker weight.

Walker is a muscular, 6′ 5″ with long arms, a barrel chest and narrow waist.  Add to this challenge; Walker has good taste and appreciates details and style.  He says he is picky. I say he is selective.  He knows what he likes and has a good ownership of his personal style. 

While it took us a couple boxes to figure out what size Walker really was, he was patient, and very fun to work with.  Trunk Club pays for all standard shipping so all he had to do was try on the clothing with me and share a few laughs as we figured out what sizes and brands fit him best.  I adore his girlfriend Angelina who made regular appearances during our consultations and we even did a mini Trunk Club for women consult when she asked for advice on what kind of shoes to wear with her fabulous BCBG dress (the lavender one she is wearing above). 

In addition to outfitting Walker for his upcoming formal events, we also found him some great Joes Jeans, an awesome Canterbury polo and some great shorts from French Connection (a plaid pair and a pinstriped pair) to enhance his existing wardrobe.

When I received this photo from Walker last night, I spontaneously gasped out loud and grinned ear to ear.  He looked amazing.  While I wish I had a full length photo to show you, at least you can get an idea of how great he looked in his navy, two-button, windowpane suit.  The crisp, white, dress shirt by Ike Behar and the uber chic windowpane, silk tie (it’s a luxurious honey-gold with accents of khaki, navy and sky blue) were perfect coordinates with his suit. Many men are unsure how to wear more than one pattern at a time.  Walker’s look above is a great example of how to balance patterns and colors well.  He looks like a stylish gentleman. 

They have another wedding to go to soon and they promised me a full length photo so you can see his entire look (including his new shoes which are very cool!). 

When I asked him if he received any compliments, Angelina quipped in that many people told him how nice he looked.  I commented that it’s rare for a man in his situation to hear any compliments because they generally tend to go to the woman he is with.  Angelina didn’t mind sharing the limelight (as I am sure she had her fair share!).  I think they both look fabulous and I can’t wait to see more photos!

Thank you Walker and Angelina for sharing your story and for being such wonderful people to work with!

How to Care for Your Clothes: How Often Do I Need to Wash My Clothes?

Written By: Lisa Bruckner, TC Expert

Common questions I regularly hear as a Trunk Club Expert are “how should I wash this?” …”does this need to be dry cleaned?”…”how can I prevent wrinkles?” and “will this shrink a lot?”  This week, I will offer my best answers to these questions and recommendations to help your clothing look it’s best.

How often do I need to wash my clothing?

Washing, and especially drying in a dryer are probably the most damaging wear and tear your daily clothing receives.  The less you wash and dry them (in a dryer), the longer they last, and the better they will look and feel. 

For clothing you love; for nicer pieces you own, if it says it’s machine washable, the best bet is to launder it it in the machine in cold water and then hang it to dry.  If you don’t like ironing, you can take it to a professional dry cleaner and ask them to press it for you (or dry clean it for you). 

Regardless, just because you wore it, doesn’t mean you have to wash it.  For items you wear close to your skin all day, especially where you perspire, please wash them after each use (namely underwear, undershirts, and socks). 

However, for jeans, shorts, pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets and the like that are worn over an undershirt or underwear; you can prolong the life of these items by hanging them back up in your closet after you wear them.  If you are a sloppy eater, have a muddy dog, or sticky child, this probably isn’t going to work well for you.  For the rest of you, go home after work and change out of your nicer clothing (before sticky child attacks).  If it looks and smells fine at the end of the day, hang it back up and wear it again before you wash it.

A special note: premium denim can be worn an average of five times in between washings.  Once it’s broken in and knows your shape, it will look great, wear after wear without needing a wash and dry after each use like many lower quality denim jeans do.  However, you must make sure you are buying the right size premium denim to begin with since some brands, like Seven For All Mankind, stretch considerably when you break them in (but won’t necessarily shrink back to original size even with a spin in the dryer).

How often do you need to dry clean?

Suits and jackets usually don’t need to be dry cleaned until they become soiled (by food, mud, etc.) or if they smell bad (smoke, perspiration, etc.).  For you tidy guys, this may mean you only dry clean your suits and sport coats once or twice a year.

Slacks and trousers should be dry cleaned every four or five wearings or when they become soiled. 

ALWAYS dry clean your suit; jacket and suit pants together; even if only one of the pieces needs cleaning.  You want the suit to perfectly match so you must dry clean them together so inevitable fading is done in tandem and unnoticeable.

Tomorrow I will have advice on what needs to be dry cleaned and what doesn’t and ways to save you money at the dry cleaner’s.

A few last tips: 

• A napkin is not a mop to clean up messes; it’s designed to prevent them.  Use it accordingly.

• Re-train the 8 year old inside you to wipe or dry your hands on a towel or tissue; not your pants.  Achoo!…wipe.  You know who you are.

• Smell the floor of your bedroom and bathroom.  If you don’t like the smell, don’t leave your clothes on the floor when you take them off.  If they can be worn again, please hang them up yourself like a man and enjoy the fact you can wear them again with minimal to no ironing. 

• The less frequently you wash your clothing, the longer it lasts.  As an added benefit, you will reduce your carbon footprint and help support a greener world.

Do NOT wear linen while traveling.

While awaiting my connecting flight, I have seen a great effort matched by the inevitable–wrinkles in linen.  Even with my pleads that I will make him famous, he will not agree to be on the TC Flip Video.  I am left to write about him. 

As I stand in line awaiting my needed Starbucks, I see this man.  I naturally like him.  He looks respectable.  Successful.  Someone who I’d like to get to know.  You can tell he has put effort into the way he looks.  Today he is sporting flat front khaki pants, nice brown loafers and an un-tucked, light blue linen shirt.  Then you notice–the wrinkles.  He can’t help it.  Linen naturally wrinkles the first time you move your arm.  I give him credit.  After all, it is summer and you can tell he has style.  However, he and no other man will ever find a linen that doesn’t wrinkle within 3.2 minutes of putting it on.  

My advice: Leave linen for once you’ve arrived at your destination.  If you are traveling in the car, wear a t-shirt and put on the linen shirt once you’ve arrived.  If you are traveling on a plane, wear another, non-linen button up shirt and switch once you arrive.  The key is to sit as little as possible once you’ve put your linen items on (pants included).  Linen is best when at a function that includes a lot of standing: a patio party, a wedding, a summer cocktail party, etc.  

I like this man.  I like that he has style and is sporting linen.  He is grateful he was next to me in the Starbucks line.  He is walking onto his next flight in a short sleeve polo shirt (his linen will look better for his meeting).

A TC Guy at a Formal Event

Written By: Darcy Camden, TC Expert

It so happened last week that a Trunk Club member needed an amazing suit to wear to a formal event. This particular event—the red carpet premiere of a film he poured his heart and soul into for over two years—was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, and he needed to look smashing.
 
It should be noted here that this particular man enjoys a daily “uniform” that consists mostly of comfortable (and very well-worn!) cargo shorts, old t-shirts and sandals. Prior to the movie premiere event, he had no reason to “dress up,” and therefor he didn’t own even a dress shirt, let alone a suit worthy of the red carpet.
 
Thankfully, he consulted me, his The Trunk Club expert  and I helped him prepare for his big event by sharing four style tips. Men, if you have a formal event coming up (perhaps a wedding or a charity function?), please take note!
 
Tip #1:Consider color. Most men associate “formal” with black and white: black suit, white shirt, black tie. While technically classic, this color combination definitely lacks personality. If you desire more unique look, consider wearing a colorful shirt and/or tie. In the summer months, a light color suit, such as tan or off-white, offers a more seasonal (read: cooler!) alternative to basic black and looks just as formal.  
 
Tip #2: If you care about fit, don’t rent!  Most suit rental facilities are not concerned with finding you a suit that fits perfectly; they don’t have a large inventory of styles or the capacity to custom tailor, so their main goal is to put you in something that’s merely “good enough.” However, if your suit does not fit you well, you will look sloppy! Avoid this by purchasing your suit and having it custom tailored to fit your frame. A little nip here and a tuck there will make any suit you look more sophisticated, stylish and successful.
 
Tip #3: Opt for a flat front slack. When selecting a suit, most men settle for a less-than-flattering pant. After all, the pant is provided with the jacket, and the jacket usually covers the top of the pants anyway, right? Wrong. You are investing in both pieces—jacket and pants—and therefore you should love the pants on their own, not just as part of your suit. You’ll double your investment if you get a suit with a flattering flat front slack that you can wear to work or on a date with a button-down shirt sans jacket.
 
Tip #4: Don’t forget your shoes! If you’re investing in a new suit, please do not neglect your feet.. Wearing out-of-style or too-worn dress shoes will distract from your classy suit and can potentially ruin your look. You don’t have to spend a fortune on designer shoes (good styles are available under $100), but you need to pay attention to your shoes in order to achieve head-to-toe style!

What NOT to wear in the Summer….

Written By:  Amy Moore

I love summer time! I think of barbeques, suntans that actually came from the sun, sipping white wine on the patio of my favorite eatery, and extended daylight hours that magically restore my ability to stay up past nine pm.  The warmer months definitely evoke great memories of fashion hits and misses.  The number one “miss” that comes to mind is the quintessential oversized short sleeved Hawaiian inspired shirt.  You know who I’m talking about….you know who I’m talking to. These shirts are often accompanied by white tube socks, German made sandals, and an expression on ones face that screams “I’m a tourist!”!  Gentlemen, may I make a suggestion coming from a sincere place of love?  Try a shirt that fits. If the shoulder seam is falling closer to your elbow than your shoulder, perhaps try a size smaller.  And, I don’t know…what about only wearing Hawaiian prints in an appropriate tropical location? I jest, but really try something new this summer. A cool polo or a great woven short sleeve button up.  Do the world a favor and give us some fodder for new summer fashion memories.

Why does a man join TC

We hear stories each day as to why men want to join TC.  There are so many that make us smile, knowing that we are here for an important reason–to offer men an opportunity to buy clothes in a non-traditional setting.  Read an excerpt from one of these emails: 

From member X

“I just read about your site on a blog and would love to know a bit more about what your service has to offer. I’ve been living and working in Miami for about seven years and have suffered the style consequences. Matching everything, despite the occasion, to a pair of good looking jeans is dogma here, and more often than not, it works well and looks good. But I have more T-shirts than I care to confess that are flimsy enough to be made from rice paper, more flip flops worn at the heel, and more pairs sneakers for the gym than anything else. I’m thinking I need a change. I’m moving to NY soon and I’d like to find clothes (and shoes!) that aren’t in every store, things that look classic, professional, elegant, casual, and distinguished. I’m looking to layer. To look daring, presentable. I’ll be in a totally new and exciting environment and need the wardrobe to match. Quality of material is most important to me, so I’m excited to see what you have to offer. If you’ll have me.”

Thank you, Member X.  We would love to have you as a part of the Club. 

Buying cologne reminds me of being a teenager

While perusing a department store this weekend (yes, without TC for women I still have to shop in the traditional manner), I witnessed something like an everyday bystander.  

Picture this:  a man standing at the “mens” cologne counter, amidst the Lancome, Clinique and Keihls counter which were filled with drones of women.  You could tell, he definitely felt like the noticeable, black sheep.  This man is trying to make a decision on how to smell and he is surrounded by high pitched voices looking for the right shade.  

I immediately went back to my days as a young teenager having to buy feminine products from the grocery store.  I felt the exact same way as this man at the “mens” cologne counter–out of place, not sure exactly what I was doing, and hoping to buy something and dart out of there before anyone could get a long look at me.  As a teen, I was certain that they should have a “special/secret” part of the store devoted to these types of products and so did the man standing at the cologne counter.  

There are certain intimate products that we never feel comfortable buying in public, cologne and feminine products should not be in this category.  I was able to grow out of my shyness when buying those products at the store, however, for men and cologne it is not a matter of growing up.  It is a matter of feeling comfortable in your surroundings, which will never happen in a sea full of women looking for the right shade.  Lets do men a favor, move the cologne counter out of the cosmetics department and into it’s own department. 

Men, you are not alone in the search for a comfortable setting to buy your next scent.

Men’s Shorts: Recommendations For Summer 2009

Written By: Lisa Bruckner, TC Expert

Here are a few shorts I recommend; and don’t recommend, for the everyman’s man this summer season:

Every man should have a pair of white, flat front shorts in his closet. This example is from Bonobos and it comes in Regular or Long to custom fit different height and leg lengths.  White shorts are a classic, summer staple and can easily be dressed up or down.

Here are two, timelessly, classic examples.  On the right is a linen, flat front short from Joseph Abboud; a very elegant look. 

On the left is a traditional, flat front houndstooth short by Theory.  

While I don’t recommend shorts for the business workplace, these shorts would be appropriate for an elegant, outdoor picnic on a hot, summer day.  The edgier crew could have fun wearing these in a formal meets casually hip combination.

I like these plaid shorts for their clean lines and modern, playful look.  They would be versatile options to dress up with a dress shirt or polo; or dress down with a T-shirt.  Please wear a belt with them if you are tucking your shirt in (which I recommend for a mature and polished look).  These three examples are from Canterbury of New Zealand, Original Penguin and Ben Sherman respectively.

Here are three more patterned options I like.  The first is a casually polished plaid by 7 For All Mankind.  The second is a pinstriped short from Lacoste (I know it looks like a solid from afar, but that is the magic of pinstripe!).  The third is a fun plaid that has a playfully European look to it and a very nice shape.  It’s a “washed canvas short” by Penguin.  Very Sherlock Holmes.

Yes, collared shirts are required on the golf course, however pleated pants are not.  These pleats date your look, and age you unnecessarily.  They can also give you a saggy rear and pear shaped hips. Need I say more?  I recommend you replace your pleated shorts with some of the aforementioned flat front options.

Darling, these are not shorts, they are called capris.  Unless you are going for the capris look, I suggest you pack up these cargo-capris and buy some shorts, man.

Another example of cargo shorts (which I am not a fan of unless you really need six or more pockets on your pants).  Many designer shorts this season have drawstrings at the hem.  I am not a fan of this look because it breaks the visual line (which runs from your neck to your toes) and in my opinion, looks goofy (unless you are playing flag football).

I feel a bit incomplete because I didn’t recommended seersucker short.  However, I haven’t found a pair I love this season. Let me know if you have a good suggestion.

Welcome to the Trunk Club

It is with great pleasure that I, the founder of TC, introduce the nation-wide launch of the Trunk Club.  Today is a day we will mark in TC history and a day that is making years of dreams come true.  

To all of you that have served as beta members, thank you for helping us learn how to serve you best.  To all of you who have offered feedback and thoughts of growth, I want to express SO much gratitude.  We would not be here today without all of you.  

The Trunk Club is proud to announce it’s Club membership to men around the country.  We are excited to be the new way for men to buy clothing.  We look forward to making sure that men never step foot into a traditional retail store again or spend hours perusing the web for clothing they need.  Welcome to the way that successful men buy clothing.

Interview With A Successful Man at LAX

Written By: Lisa Bruckner, TC Expert

Los Angeles, CA is famous for it’s Hollywood stars, opulent lifestyles and fancy cars.  One would assume that a city based on image and appearances would boast an opulent airport.  However, LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is anything but opulent.  In fact, I would call it snoringly unattractive.  Yet as I walked through the terminal and approached my gate, a man stood out in the sea of blah.  He was a perfect example of polished-casual.  He wasn’t over done; just done well. 

As luck smiled upon me, the only two seats left, were next to him and his beautiful family.  Casual conversation ensued and as small worlds collide, we discovered we lived in the same city, and I have exclusively used his company’s service during the past decade to repair damage to my cars (I promise I am a good driver, I just have bizarre luck!!).

Brent is the Production Manager of Auto Craft and was returning from a sunny escape to LA with his family.  From a distance, I noticed Brent was wearing dark denim jeans, a tailored oxford shirt and nice accessories.  He looked handsome, confident and successful.

Brent is an interesting dichotomy.  On the one hand, he reads InStyle magazine to help him stay up to date in the fashion world, and on the other hand, he reads Car and Driver to fuel his auto world obsession.  Unlike your stereotypical auto dude, Brent loves shopping and his favorite brand is Armani.  Like me, he LOVES shoes, and his favorites are by Gucci, Prada and Santoni.  He says he is in the practical stage of life now, as a father of two, and therefore wears ECCO loafers, Cole Haan and his infamous red Puma driver shoes.

I asked Brent how he developed his style, and taste in clothing.  He said he grew up with style because his parents were very well dressed and had both an eye for cars and an eye for clothing.  He admitted he was picked on in high school, and college especially, as being an “over-dresser.”  He said he was quite arrogant in his twenties but now that he is a father, he’s mellowed because “having children is humbling.” 

Brent said he was a sworn bachelor for years and while he dated a lot of models, he didn’t plan on settling down.  However, in his thirties, the right woman found him!  They married and are the proud parents of a five year old daughter and three year old son. As a father, Brent said there is a bigger purpose behind his style; to be consistently polished and presentable to make his children proud to have him as their father.  Brent’s wife Andrea said “he is always ‘done’ and looks good all the time.”  Brent beams with pride when he hears his daughter say “my dad is always dressed nice.”

The biggest challenge Brent faces with regards to clothing is living in a small town; which is why he loves to travel!  Brent says he wants a timeless look, yet also admits he wants to know what’s in and what’s out to ensure he stays up to date.  While he loves to shop, living in a town with just the “bare essentials” leaves him frustrated since internet shopping is essentially window shopping because he doesn’t want to buy something unless he can touch it first.

The biggest pet peeves he has about men’s clothing in general are loose fitting clothes, especially dress shirts.  He was wearing a tailored shirt he had custom made for him at The Custom Shop in LA.  However, for men with his trim physique (he is a former professional cyclist and still cycles for fitness), he said most shirts are too loose in the torso and arms.  He doesn’t want to wear the Seinfeld puffy shirt but doesn’t have many options where he lives.

Brent is a good example of a man who likes to shop, but due to his location, doesn’t have the clothing options available to meet his needs.  The Trunk Club is a great option for men is this situation because clothing is hand selected and sent directly to him so he can see it, touch it and try it on live (via webcam) with his TC expert.   With an expert at his service, he doesn’t have to worry or spend time trying to make sure his clothing look is up to date.  And, he can buy with confidence knowing he is getting pieces that help him look his best.   While many Trunk Club members join because they hate to shop, TC can also be a huge benefit to men who like to shop, but don’t have the right stores available in their area.

Brent mentioned at the end of his interview that in car racing you “look good, drive good.” This seems to perfectly sum up a man who loves fashion and looking good; and loves cars and living well.

Thank you, to Brent, his wife Andrea and their two beautiful children, for their time and friendship on the way home from LA!