J Kent Erickson | J. Kent Ltd.

TV Hosts Showcase Signature Styles

May 20 2014

Several of today’s top TV hosts have developed their own signature styles. In an industry long dominated by clothing chosen by companies offering “promotional” clothing, we’re happy to see TV personalities expressing their own style sensibilities. Here are a few notable examples: Jimmy Fallon is out to prove that you can dance, jump, and be as cool as a pop star—all in a well-tailored suit. Andy Cohen is never at a loss for style; his clothing attracts attention without going overboard. Matt Lauer keeps his style choices understated, strong, and masculine. Carson Daly has developed a solid, reliable style that is neither fussy nor sloppy. Nick Cannon combines showy colors with excellent detailing, perfect for a performer. Whether their style is conservative or flamboyant, these entertainers use their clothing as a visual expression....

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

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Image & Lifestyle

Formal Events in Casual Settings

May 06 2014

Formal events usually call for the formal black (or white) of a tuxedo—but deciding what to wear to formal events in casual settings can be a challenge. Whether you’re attending an outdoor wedding, a charity event at a golf course, a dinner cruise, or another dressy occasion held outdoors or before dark, you can be stylishly (and appropriately) dressed by following a few simple guidelines: Lighten the color palette. Black formal attire is usually too stark for an outdoor wedding, so move to a cream or light tan suit. A crisp white shirt with French cuffs works well with a lightweight suit. Simplify the details. Dressy occasions call for clean lines and few accouterments, no matter the hour or location. Choose sophisticated textures. The refined fabrics available for fine suits and shirts use a wide variety of weaving techniques, giving you a multitude of refined options for your custom summer wardrobe....

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

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Defining Different Types of Coats

Apr 20 2014

I received this question from a reader: What’s the difference between a blazer, sport coat, and my suit coat? This is what I shared with them:To define the different types of coats, it's easiest to look at their traditional usage. A blazer comes from navy traditions. It typically has patch pockets on the outside and metallic buttons, both on the front and on the coat sleeves. Dark colors are common, with navy blue predominating. A sport coat comes from country living in England (particularly hunting), and is often made of twilled cotton or tweed. Sport coats tend to include rustic shades of brown, but may include a variety of colors. A suit coat is made of wool and is more formal than the other two. Although naturally it matches your suit’s trousers, many suit coats can also be coordinated with other dressy trousers. Suit coats come in a variety of colors; traditional choices are...

And the Real 2014 Academy Awards Winners are…

Apr 06 2014

The Academy Awards celebrate the movies—and all the professions that contribute to the industry’s glamour. Award recipients often consider winning an Oscar to be a highlight of their professional life—and yet, many of the world’s most celebrated cinematic professionals dress for the night of their lives in an ensemble that puts them on the “Worst Dressed” lists that proliferate after (and even during) the awards night. Perhaps the real 2014 Academy Awards winners are those who exhibit style and exquisite taste as they create their look for the world’s most-watched sartorial extravaganza. Having the taste and judgment to select an outfit that beautifully highlights one’s best features while minimizing one’s imperfections is clearly a talent, especially when we consider the constant, public demand to create a look that’s bold, fresh, and new. According to Oscar.go.com, the crowd favorite from the 2014 Academy Awards night was Sandra Bullock’s classic sweetheart dress with black satin...

Pitti Uomo Spring 2014 Lineup

Mar 24 2014

We took a sneak peek at the reports from the Pitti Uomo trade show’s Spring 2014 lineup in Florence, Italy, and found a few trends that deserve a look. Spring themes are nostalgic this year, with multiple references to turn-of-the-century (19th century, that is) ideas of outdoor adventure, including classic items reminiscent of African safari-wear. Fabric choices are mixing, with linens being paired with more casual fabrics for an air of comfortable elegance. Seasonal colors to watch are those based on natural—but brilliant—hues this season, including lush, verdant greens and deep-water blues with fiery red accents....

J Kent Erickson

Seasonal Attire

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Accessories & Jewelry

Folding Silk Pocket Squares: 3 Simple (& Debonair) Methods

Mar 17 2014

Pocket squares offer a quick, inexpensive way to add flair and color to your suit. For the best effect, learn these easy (and non-fussy) folding methods and you’ll get even more mileage out of that small square of color. Flat Fold Lay your pocket square flat. Fold it in half from left to right, then fold it in half from bottom to top, leaving the bottom edge just short of the top. Tuck in your pocket with a slight angle that points to your shoulder. The Puff Lay your pocket square flat. Pick up the center and let the corners hang down. Flatten as many of the creases as possible so it will lay more smoothly in your pocket. Grasp it around the middle with the opposite hand and gently tuck into your pocket. Single Point Lay your square flat with one corner pointing up. Pull the bottom corner up to meet the top corner. Now...

J Kent Erickson

Accessories & Jewelry

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Shoe Sole Material: Rubber vs. Leather

Mar 10 2014

I received this question from a reader:When I’m shopping for shoes, are rubber or leather soles better? This is what I shared with them: Both leather and rubber soles have their advantages. Many gentlemen prefer the classic visual appeal of leather soles. This traditional choice offers an elegance unmatched by man-made materials. However, rubber soles are usually longer lasting, especially when worn in humid or rainy climates. When deciding which type of shoe sole material best meets your needs, you may find that neither is the clear winner. Instead, you may choose to own a pair or two of each, giving you options for different occasions and environments. Wear the leather soles in dressier occasions, and the rubber soles when you’ll be spending a larger portion of your time outside or traveling....

J Kent Erickson

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

Professional Clothiers = Consistent Results

Mar 03 2014

In today’s fast-paced business world: Successful companies develop products and services tailored to customers’ needs. Companies must deliver reliable results with every transaction. The level of customization available is increasing steadily. Professional clothiers are keeping pace with these business trends, rising above the limited options in mass-market apparel to deliver a myriad of quality clothing choices with superior fit and style. Choosing custom tailored clothing helps you get a perfect fit time and again. Our personal in-home or in-office consultations help you to create your signature look without an excessive time investment in endless shopping trips. This eliminates the guessing game involved with different brands’ sizing and cuts. Each piece of your custom wardrobe fits you like it was made just for you—because it was. Whether you require a trim fit or a traditional cut, you can order your new clothes with perfect confidence that they’ll deliver consistent results in fit and style. In today’s ever-changing...

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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Footwear & Hosiery

Fiber Choices for Socks

Feb 24 2014

The type of fibers in the socks you wear can have a big difference in how comfortable you feel. The scoop on several popular fiber choices for socks: COTTON is affordable and easy to find in a wide variety of colors. Although cotton does not wick moisture away like wool or linen, it is comfortable and cushiony. Socks woven from Sea-island cotton, with its long-staple fiber, offer a soft, silky feel. WOOL is available in a variety of thicknesses, including heavier socks for warmth during cooler weather. Modern wools are itch-free and smooth, while still providing the insulation and breathability that make wool a timeless favorite. CASHMERE delivers the ultimate in sock luxury. The lightweight fibers warm without adding bulk, giving you a good fit and unsurpassed comfort. BLENDS combine the attributes of two types of fibers. Supplementing natural fibers with small amounts of spandex often gives socks better elasticity without sacrificing breathability....

Building Your Power Suit

Feb 17 2014

Looking for those essential suit details that create a strong, professional impression? Here’s how to build the basics of a power suit. Combine these components when you want a suit that creates an image of strength every time you wear it. Start with dark, traditional fabric in navy or gray. Add chalk stripes or pinstripes to the weave. For a personalized touch, consider peak lapels over notched lapels, and make sure the shoulders are strong and perfectly placed. Many power suits successfully use two-button or three-button coats, but you may want to consider a double-breasted coat. A vest also reinforces the strength of the image. A double-breasted coat with a vest underneath may not be appropriate for every occasion, but the combination is undeniable in its impact. Once you’ve chosen the basics, turn your attention to the cut of the suit. The fit is of utmost importance—no one looks powerful in poorly fitting...

J Kent Erickson

Suits

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