A Custom Suit from Indochino - Part 2
Its been a long time coming but Part 2 of our series on ordering a custom suit from Indochino is finally here. Watch the video to see what I thought about the fit, construction and quality of my new suit.
If you've ordered from Indochino, let us know about your experience in the comments section!
A Custom Suit from Indochino
by Nathan Tan
When it comes to tailored clothing, everyone knows its all about fit.
Yet the truth is most of us struggle finding tailored clothing that fits off the rack. Off the rack clothes are designed to fit everyone, which ironically means they don't fit anyone. Using an alterations tailor is an option but aren't you sick of spending time and money to end up with something that fits better but never perfectly? Going custom would be ideal but, if you're like me, you probably always thought it was out of reach financially.
Enter Indochino. They offer a wide range of fully custom suits starting at just $349. Sure, you have to measure yourself and you won't get the benefit of an in-person fitting before the suit is finished, but they have very good tutorial videos to guide one through the measurement process and will pay for up to $75 of alterations on the back end. And if alterations aren't enough, they'll even remake the entire suit with updated measurements for free!
I decided to put Indochino to the test. Follow along in the video below to see me order a suit and enter the world of custom tailoring!
Stay tuned for Part 2 where I'll take a look at the construction, quality and fit once the finished suit arrives.
3 Small Acts of Heroism
by Brett Nicol
In light of the scandals surrounding Congressman Anthony Weiner, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominque Strauss-Kahn, let’s instead share three unheralded stories of famous, wealthy and powerful men using their celebrity for the better this week.
Cinderella For A Night
The Bears' rookie linebacker J.T. Thomas is a superhero - certainly in the eyes of Joslyn Levell and many of the people who heard his story from last weekend.
Thomas' 7-year-old brother rides a Morgantown, W.Va., school bus with Joslyn, an 8th grader with spina bifida who uses a wheelchair. Joslyn, a Bears fan, got to know Thomas, and told him of her rough week - all the boys she'd asked to the end-of-year dance turned her down. Thomas consoled Joslyn, giving her a hug and telling her everything would work out. He saw to that. After Thomas' stepmother got permission from the school, he asked her to the dance, she accepted.
Thomas explained, "I was nervous that by the time I reached out, she might have had a date and would have to turn me down." He then acted like the most chivalrous of gentlemen. He rented a black Chrysler, bought her flowers and a corsage, matched his tie to her dress and escorted her to the ball through a crowd of her awestruck classmates. "This was Joslyn's night," Thomas said. "It wasn't about me."
Joslyn later called it the best night of her life. They made a connection. "She's not just my friend for that one night," Thomas said.
The All-Star
Connor Echols, an Ohio teenager, didn’t expect anything to happen when he tweeted one of his favorite baseball players an invite to his recent little league game. Little did he know that he was going to get the surprise of a lifetime when Cincinnati Reds’ all-star second basemen Brandon Phillips actually showed up!
Phillips, a prolific tweeter, happened to have an off day and was dining at a new restaurant nearby. Echols’ game was at 6:15. Phillips explained, “When I got finished eating, it was like 6:10 and I thought, well shoot, I'm going to go to his game. Let me go out and support the little man.”
The second basemen made it to the game at the top of the second inning. The visiting team was at bat and Echols was sitting in the dugout. It was Echols’ parents who noticed the baseball star first. Once Echols was back at his third base position he saw Phillips and did everything he could to contain himself. “I don’t really get nervous a lot, but that’s the most I ever had butterflies in my stomach in my life. I just didn’t want to embarrass myself,” Echols said.
Fortunately, Echols had nothing to worry about. At his next turn at bat, Echols hit a double. In between signing autographs for fans and interacting with parents and players, Phillips kept a close eye on Echols and tweeted updates to his followers. “I went out there and he had a great game. I met all his teammates. I met everybody in the park. It was fun. I had a great time," Phillips told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
"Never in a thousand years did I think he would come," Echols told the paper. "It meant a lot to me. I've always been a big fan of Brandon. I have always wanted to see him in person. He's been one of my big idols." Echols did not disappoint in front of his idol, finishing the game 3-5.
The Rock Star
San Francisco Giants World Champion pitcher Brian Wilson and outfielder Cody Ross know how to have fun. So does Keenan Cahill, the lip-syncing YouTube sensation who suffers from a rare genetic disorder known as Maroteaux Lamy Syndrome. Together they’ve teamed up to perform “Dynamite” to raise money to fight the disorder that causes sufferers to develop a dwarf-like appearance that grows more severe with age. In addition to the video that debuted last month, the Giants also hosted “Cody and Keenan” night at the Ballpark last night to raise money and awareness.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwYZ3LHHERI&w=560&h=349]
Gentlemanly Lessons From This Year's Sweet 16
By Brett Nicol
North Carolina – Southern Style
Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams has taken his teams to seven Final Fours, and he’s done it in style. Coach Williams has an exclusive relationship with Julian’s, a local Chapel Hill haberdashery for all his clothing needs. Their tagline: “Purveyors to Carolina Royalty since 1942.”
Duke – A Father’s Legacy
National Player of the Year candidate Nolan Smith has both a high school and a college National Championship to his name, but he’s admitted that despite his success, he still feels unfulfilled. This National Honor Society member lost his father, former NBA standout Derek Smith, in 1996 to a massive heart attack while on a cruise ship. In the 2010 run to the National Championship, Nolan wore his father’s 1980 championship ring from Louisville as a source of inspiration.
BYU – Personal Faith
The national spotlight is shining brightly on the country’s leading scorer, BYU senior Jimmer Fredette. His long range shooting has become a YouTube sensation, but it’s his role as “the greatest Mormon missionary” that is especially intriguing as he constantly answers probing questions about his faith honestly. No matter what your religious beliefs are, a man who is a humble servant to his beliefs should be respected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qsPLN6pTPA&feature=related
Kansas – Family
In a three week span in January, Kansas forward Thomas Robinson tragically lost his grandmother, grandfather and mother. Thomas and his 9-year-old sister were left without a family or any financial resources. With the permission of the NCAA, Kansas flew the entire Jayhawks team back to Washington, D.C. for the funeral and set up a scholarship fund for Jayla. Without a place to live, Jayla is now living in Kansas with her brother. The mother of Jayhawks twins Marcus and Markieff Morris is taking care of Jayla during the day, cooking her dinner, taking her to and from school, and providing clothing.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/ncaa/01/27/kansas.funeral.a
San Diego State - Persistence
Steve Fisher coached Michigan to the 1989 National Championship in his first season as a head coach. He then led the “Fab Five” to consecutive National Championship games in 1991 and 1992. His star was bright. But then off court scandal took Fisher to a coaching abyss. Now, nineteen years later, he has re-emerged to bring San Diego State to its first ever Sweet 16.
Connecticut – Rhythm
All-American junior guard Kemba Walker’s only talent isn’t basketball. Growing up in the Bronx, Walker was also an accomplished dancer and has performed three times at the Apollo Theater for the TV show Showtime at the Apollo. When you watch Walker’s quick first step this weekend, you’ll see why.
Florida State – Military Service
A high school dropout at 16, Bernard James got a GED so he could enlist in the Air Force. He spent six years serving our country, including three overseas tours in the Middle East – Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. Meanwhile, he kept growing, eventually reaching 6’10 and 245 lbs. While he considered re-enlisting, he instead chose to pursue his dream of playing basketball. Now as a 26 year old shot-blocking force, he’s led Florida State to their first Sweet 16 in nearly two decades.
Butler – Early bird catches the worm
A coaching prodigy, Butler’s Brad Stevens was the youngest coach to reach an NCAA championship game in 2010. He starts practices at 6am every day so basketball doesn’t conflict with his players’ coursework. He is a teacher who commands respect without profanity or demonstrative actions that call attention to himself.
Arizona – Burn the midnight oil
Pac-10 Player of the Year Derrick Williams honed his game sneaking into his high school basketball gym in the middle of the night. His trick? Wedging a bottle cap in the doorjamb. A future top-5 NBA lottery pick, Williams is leading Arizona’s revival this season.
Wisconsin – A different philosophy
Two weeks ago, Wisconsin scored a record low 33 points in a Big Ten tournament game against Penn State. Now they are two wins away from the Final Four. How does that happen? Wisconsin plays a defensive-minded style of play that is often boring to watch, but produces winning results.
Marquette – Focus
When asked at a press conference last weekend after eliminating Syracuse to describe his career journey, coach Buzz Williams launched into a fascinating ten minute response that referenced Robert Frost and Albert Einstein. As a young coach climbing the collegiate ranks, he at times lived out of a U-Haul trailer. View the 1500 word transcript here:
http://hoopthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/03/buzz-williams-path-to-marquette.html
Virginia Commonwealth – Feel the Music
The VCU pep band leader is legendary for his shirt-shedding performances. He gets so caught up in the moment that he dances, jumps, and, yes, even strips during basketball game performances. Check out this YouTube video to see someone really passionate about music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGBLfoBsUP8
Florida – Power Clothes
The highest paid college coach, Florida’s Billy Donovan looks more like a Wall Street banker than a coach who has won back to back NCAA championships. His sharp, professional wardrobe demands attention.
Kentucky – Pedigree
The winningest program in the history of college basketball, Kentucky has been to a record 51 NCAA tournaments and has won 7 national championships. History is on their side. The only question the “Big Blue Nation” is afraid to ask itself is whether Coach John Calipari is building this team legally. Every previous stop in his coaching career has left a school decimated by NCAA sanctions. Is Kentucky next?
Ohio State – Money Talks, and so does Miley
The operating budget of Ohio State's Athletic Department is over $80 million. With great resources available to coaches and players, Ohio State attracts many “one and done” basketball players like Greg Oden and Mike Conley. This year’s example is freshman and player of the year candidate Jared Sullinger, who has also had over 500,000 youtube hits for singing Karaoke to Miley Cyrus’s Party in the USA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6du8UQZJAhI
Richmond – Jack of All Trades
After graduating from Princeton in 1994, Chris Mooney worked as a law clerk, a high school English teacher and a wedding planner. Coaching basketball was a side job. As head coach, he’s guided Richmond to the best record in its 96-year history.
How To Write Your Valentine's Day Card
Valentine’s Day usually strikes a jolt of fear through men. Big expectations. Commercialization. Excessive talking about feelings and love. But don’t be intimidated - Forgetful Gentleman will make it easier for you to be a gentleman this Valentine’s Day and help you avoid the traps of an over-priced and over-hyped experience.
The most important thing you need to do on Valentine’s Day is express how you truly feel about your significant other. There’s no better way to do this than through a thoughtful, handwritten note. A note is tangible, tactile and classy. Your Valentine will hold it in her hands, and savor it. Don’t be surprised if she re-reads it multiple times in the ensuing weeks, and saves it for years in a desk drawer.
This article offers an easy three step solution to bring out your inner romantic: picking out a card, writing the message, and delivering the note.
Step 1: Choose the Right Card
The first mistake men make is to run into the local stationery store and quickly pick out a mass-produced card. Usually these cards have hearts all over them, and some sappy or funny message. These cards work well if you want to be like the other millions of men who are giving their Valentine the same card. And in many ways, you are feeding the beast of over-commercializing Valentine’s Day.
Instead, pick out a card that’s original and unique, that is not mass produced. We recommend using a letterpress card. Due to the technique of letterpress printing, cards cannot be mass produced in high quantities. Letterpress is part craftsmanship and part art. Look for soft, thick cotton paper with a simple design and message that is pressed into the paper.
In addition to the scarcity of letterpress cards, men will also appreciate the craftsmanship. Letterpress is the same printing technique that Gutenberg invented in the mid-15th century. If you remember from your history class, Gutenberg’s printing press could, for the first time, publish books and spread learning to the masses. The letterpress printing technique, which uses a metal or wood block that is physically pressed into the paper, played a key role in the development of the Renaissance, Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.
Choose a card that is simple, classy and sophisticated.
Step 2: Write like Shakespeare
Most men have good intentions when trying to express their feelings to a woman. It’s the execution that they struggle with. That’s why you should give yourself time to thoughtfully craft a sincere note that expresses your feelings.
Here are a few excerpts from A Forgetful Gentleman’s Guide to Articulate Writing to bring to life your inner Shakespeare:
For Serious Relationship
When I look back on all the special moments we’ve shared through the years, I can’t help but fall in love with you all over again. Happy Valentine’s Day to my best friend and the love of my life.
****
Happy Valentine’s Day to the most beautiful girl in the world. I’m so lucky to be with you. You brighten all of my days.
****
You are beautiful, intelligent, funny and loving. I’m so grateful for having you in my life. My heart belongs to you on Valentine’s Day and always.
For Casual Relatonships
The last three months of dating you have had some of the most enjoyable moments I can remember. Thank you for making me laugh, bringing excitement and joy each day. I look forward to spending Valentine’s Day with someone as special as you.
****
You are beautiful. Happy Valentine’s Day.
****
I appreciate how you think of me when you are in line at Taco Bell. I like how you always look to dance with me whenever Katie Perry comes on (though I don’t know why.) And I especially like when you text me funny stories across the day. Will you be my Valentine?
For Mom
While I know I haven’t always been the easiest son to raise, you’ve been constant in your love for me. I truly appreciate always knowing that you love me, and are looking out for me. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you.
****
Did you know Valentine’s Day was established in 500 AD by the Romans to celebrate love and affection? For over 1500 years people have been expressing their feelings to one another on February 14. I’m lucky because I never have to wait a year to feel love from you. I am so thankful for having you in my life, and growing into the man that you had hoped I would become. I love you very much, and wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day.
Step 3: Deliver the Note
You’ve picked out a special card and have written a touching message. The final step is delivering the card in a unique and impactful way.
You have two options for delivering the note - you can do it in-person or as a surprise. The advantage of delivering a note in-person is that you can see their reaction, and re-enforce your message through verbal or physical gestures. However, a surprise note can often take a woman’s breath away. She’ll have more time to savor the note, reading each word again and again, studying each pen stroke.
If you choose to deliver the note by suprise, here are a few suggestions:
○ If you leave for work before she awakes in the morning, leave it taped to the bathroom mirror
○ If she is bringing her laptop to work that day, slide the note inside the laptop the night before. That way when she arrives at work on Valentine’s day, she’ll have the note surprise her at work. Her co-workers will be gushing about you.
If you choose to deliver the note in person, here are a few suggestions:
○ Surprise her with breakfast in the morning. When you serve her the meal, have the note sitting on the tray.
○ At the end of dinner when you are finishing dessert, give her the note from across the table. Better yet, have the waiter deliver the note to her.
○ Attach the note to flowers or a Valentine’s day gift
We at Forgetful Gentleman hope to make it easier for you to be a gentleman this Valentine’s Day. We provide gift suggestions by clicking here. Now that you have a plan in place, there are no more excuses! Make her heart melt!
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