J Kent Erickson | J. Kent Ltd.

Fall Flair—2018 Fashion Trends

Oct 01 2018

The cooling weather of autumn is accompanied by an explosion of rich colors as designers turn to some of nature’s most spectacular hues. Expect to see a splash of orange this fall, from pumpkin to autumn maple leaf colors. Designers are also dabbling in deep reds, such as plum and scarlet. Many clothing lines will emphasize low-contrast stripes and checks that create subtle visual interest, along with weaves that incorporate micro designs such as squares, diamonds, and diagonals. Several clothing designers are designing fall pieces using fabrics woven from yarns of different thicknesses, which results in a rich textural sensation. Diagonal weaves will be prominent this fall, which also create an appealing texture. Let’s chat about incorporating your favorite fall colors into your custom wardrobe. Call today for your exclusive appointment....

J Kent Erickson

Patterns & Textures

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Garments & Clothing

Corduroy: Traditional yet Modern

Sep 15 2018

Corduroy fabric began as the English gentleman’s country attire. It had a similar feel as velvet, but was traditionally made of cotton or cotton blends instead of the silk that went into velvet. It’s a durable, long-lasting fabric, rich with history, that’s still useful today. When you’re looking for a fresh piece in your wardrobe that still feels and looks traditional, try a custom corduroy jacket or trousers. We will ensure that they fit as comfortably as your custom suits, and you can enjoy them on occasions that don’t call for a suit. Corduroy is a great option for cooler weather and your seasonal wardrobe. Most corduroys are made in tan colors, but don’t overlook the fresh look of gray or a rich chocolate brown corduroy. Scarlet, green, or plum corduroys can make beautiful accent pieces. Typically choose fabrics with closer-set wales (ridges) for jackets and farther-set wales for trousers. Corduroy sport coats...

J Kent Erickson

Garments & Clothing

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Ask Kent

What’s the best thing to carry my work things around?

Sep 01 2018

I received this question from a reader: I’ve always used a backpack, but I want to up my game a bit. What’s the best thing to carry my work things around? This is what I shared with them: When you are ready to move beyond the backpack, you’ve got several good options for a classy carry-all. The traditional leather briefcase is all-business and makes an elegant statement about your professionalism. If you want a slimmer profile, try a portfolio case that safely zips your most important items inside. For hands-free comfort, go with a sturdy cross-body satchel bag, made of either leather or canvas. Whichever carry-all you choose, make sure it’s ruggedly built, including the hardware, for long-lasting durability....

J Kent Erickson

Ask Kent

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

Custom Guidance from Your Custom Clothier

Aug 15 2018

Each gentleman has his own circumstances, goals, and individual style. Our aim, as a custom clothier, is to enable each of our clients to create a wardrobe that will work hard to help him meet his goals and express his unique taste. To accomplish that, we work hard during your consultations to ensure you consider several important factors. Throughout our conversations we will help you to discover whether you prefer Italian, English, or American style sensibilities, as that will usually inform your tailoring choices. We’ll also discuss which custom items are your current priority. For some gentlemen, it could be suits, while others need to focus on trousers, coats, shirts, or a focal point item, such as an “odd vest.” When you set your budget, we can help you consider how long each type of custom clothing tends to last, as well as how many of that item category you’ll need. We are...

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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J. Kent Ltd. Experience

CUSTOM CLOTHING: A BESPOKE EXPERIENCE

Aug 01 2018

When you purchase off-the-rack clothing, you have to search almost endlessly for each piece that will work in your wardrobe. With custom clothing, your private appointment with your personal clothier lets you design just the look you want, for a wide range of items. We can design your jackets, trousers, shirts, ties, pocket squares, and more-all in one exclusive appointment. Enjoy our undivided attention and personalized advice while perusing the latest exquisite fabrics. Our goal is to make the experience of designing your wardrobe just as pleasant and comfortable as wearing custom-tailored clothing is....

J Kent Erickson

J. Kent Ltd. Experience

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Wardrobe Basics

EIGHT GREAT MUST-HAVES

Jul 15 2018

With a closet stocked with well-chosen staples, dressing is nearly effortless. That's why we've compiled this list of basics, to make sure you're stylish from head to toe. Loafers. Get a pair each in black and brown leather and you'll have shoes that coordinate with just about any outfit. Custom suit. If you currently plan on only one custom suit, a dark color will give you the most mix-and-match possibilities. A v-neck sweater. This layering option ensures you'll be comfortable as temperatures change. Dark blue jeans. Ensure your jeans look as elegant as possible by choosing those with a dark, uniform "wash." Custom dress shirts. A fantastic, custom-fit suit deserves several excellent custom shirts. Start with white or blue shirts, and then add in other solid colors and stripes to your taste. A blazer. Traditional navy is always a great option for your custom blazer, but depending on your preferences...

Where Do The Best Fabrics Come From?

Jul 01 2018

I received this question from a reader: Where do the best fabrics come from? This is what I shared with them: Traditionally, the fabrics made in Italy are known for their quality in raw materials and workmanship. We carry many of these select Italian fabrics. We also carry fabrics made in England and other locations devoted to quality textile construction—each has been chosen to join our fabric selection based on quality of threads, dyes, and weave. High-quality fabrics last longer and wear better than those made to lower standards. Off-the-rack clothing is often designed to be worn for a year or two at most, so quality isn’t always paramount to the makers. We insist on first-class fabrics to ensure your custom clothing is wearable for years to come....

The Possibilities of Sport Jackets

Jun 15 2018

Sport jackets provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your personal style. When you’re designing your next custom sport coat, take time to consider a wide range of stylistic options, and you’ll create a sport coat that you love. Custom clothing should be a joy to wear. It not only will fit perfectly but also can give you an emotional lift each time you wear it. For your next sport coat, consider light colors and bold patterns as well as the typical tans and blues. Brightening up your clothing can easily brighten up your mood. Selecting a pastel plaid fabric for the jacket makes an eye-catching statement, especially if you choose one with several colors in the plaid. Keep to colors in the same color family if you’re looking to tone down the visual effect. Sport jackets are great for weekends and events that call for style without the formality of a full suit....

Spring and Summer Trends for 2018

Jun 01 2018

Many designers of ready-to-wear are focusing on “street style” rather than the need for professionalism in menswear. While many of their fashion choices will be inappropriate for business attire, there are several spring and summer trends for 2018 that you can enjoy without sacrificing true style: Hawaiian prints: Great for a tie or pocket square. Roomier trousers: Skinny-cut suit trousers are becoming less prolific. Squared-off shoulders: Suit coats are creating a more rectangular frame. Earth tones: Several can be combined for a subtle, calm look. White-based outfits: The starkness can be toned down with a little brown or navy. Solid colors: Prints and patterns are taking a backseat to solids this season. Two-color stripes: Simple and bold stripes are trending over thinner or multi-colored options. Ready to discuss how to incorporate these warm-season trends with accent pieces? Call us today for a private consultation. ...

Help Your Wardrobe Tell Your Story

May 15 2018

Your appearance tells a story. We’re here to help it tell the right story for you. The three most important aspects of your story are: What social or hierarchal group you belong to Where you fit within that group What your individuality is As your custom clothier, we work with you to ensure that your story to others (and yourself) is that you belong to the “group” we might call high-level business professionals, that your place in that group is at the top, and that your individuality is confident and capable. When you tell that story effectively, others sense intuitively that you have discipline, power, self-respect, and confidence. Your clothing shapes people’s views of where you stand on social ladders, your power—even your intelligence. When you’re well-dressed, people are more likely to assume you’re competent, in charge, and an authority, because you project that image. Dressing well shapes how people think about you—for the...

J Kent Erickson

Image & Lifestyle

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