THE STAPLE: Peal & Co. White Buck wingtips

These classic summertime essentials are a staple to the preppy culture. The above pair, made by Peal & Co, are designed exclusively for Brooks Brothers. Pair these with Madras shorts(slim cut and ABOVE the knee)and a slim-fit white oxford to achieve the perfect balance between minimalist and preppy style. If you opt for seersucker, i would suggest wearing one piece at a time (either the jacket or the pants). You want to avoid looking like Colonel Sanders or the sheriff from Sparta, Mississippi.

The Basics: Made to Measure Versus Bespoke

As men become more in tune with their inner sartorialist,grasping certain basics are increasingly necessary and relevant. One of the biggest misconceptions in fashion, is that the terms, made to measure and bespoke are interchangeable. Not many people(even those who consider themselves amongst the sartorial elite) really know the difference between the two. In this post, I will explain the fundamental differences between made to measure and bespoke.

Made to measure suits and shirts originate from pre-existing factory fabrics, patterns, and templates. The products are then adjusted according to a person's size specifications and varying design techniques of the tailor. Afterwards, the product is sent back to the factory, where the shirt or suit is processed the way "Ready to wear" products are made; except instead of size averages, an individuals specific measurements are used.

Bespoke is a British term which means "made to individual order". Unlike made to measure, bespoke shirts and suits are made from scratch(no pre-existing pattern) and sewn entirely by the tailor based upon a persons specific measurements. The collar and cuff can be made EXACTLY to your specifications. In Americana fashion, the term "Custom made" is often used to describe bespoke garments.

As for whether to choose made to measure or bespoke, there are two things one must consider; time and money. Bespoke garments have a longer preparation time and can require between 3 and 6 fittings before completion. Because of such time consumption and preparation, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for an entry level suit, and anywhere from $200 to $600 for a shirt.
Made to measure shirts and suits have a considerable shorter process for completion. After the measurements are sent to the factory by the tailor, it takes a couple of weeks to create what is very close to, if not perfect fit with a considerably smaller price tag. One can attain a made to measure suit for under a $1,000 in some instances; and in most cases, made to measure shirts range between $100 and $200.

Recess is over!!

There's is recent evidence that the economy has indeed bottomed out and the recession is easing. That is promising news for us all, but we are still a long way from economic recovery. I think many, if not most middle class workers were humbled by this devastating recession because many if not most were ill prepared. This post will give insight on how to manage your money through a recession and how to make sure you are never ambushed by the effects of one again.

HOW TO START AN EMERGENCY FUND
1.Determine an amount needed.
2. Calculate your monthly expense
3. Build a budget worksheet
4. Open an account (but leave the money accessible. Its an emergency fund, so liquidity is key. Look for an account that offers a decent interest rate as well)
5.Determine how much you can afford to save
6. Save it!
7. Set up Auto deposit

FIND WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SAVINGS EFFORTS
1. Set up auto draft (very useful approach. It's easier to save if you don't see the money)
2. Hang on to your change (You would be surprised how quickly change adds up. Utilize coin stars and or coin wrappers.)
3. Save your rebates
4. Bank your raise (Don't view your raise as more to spend, view it as more to save)
5. Hide your money (CD's and savings and bonds are great because a portion of your money isn't readily accessible)

GET OUTTA DEBT
1.Assess your debt
2. Create a budget
3.Cut your spending
4. Start Saving
5. Attack your debt

With a little bit of concerted effort, we all can not only survive this recession; we can beat this recession. This is food for thought, you do the dishes...

BRITISH STYLE

While American fashion designers are best known for sartorial ease and effortlessness, the British are known for their precise tailoring and attention to detail. One of my favorite websites, www.gqstyle.com, recently listed their take on Britain's top 10 best dressed men. I must say, I agree with every name on this list. Here is the list, and kudos to Mark Ronson, who is not only the gq's best dressed bloke, but In my opinion, one of the best dressed men in the world. The post above is a slideshow with the names of those to make the list. Notice the common knack for impeccable tailoring.

The essentials: The Spring Coat

The New Sartorial