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Accessories & Jewelry

Tie Quality

Jun 04 2012

Ties add more than a splash of color to your work attire - the quality of your tie contributes to your image as well. The next time you're selecting new ties for your wardrobe, make sure they are of long lasting, high-quality workmanship. When measuring tie quality the first consideration is the "hand" or feel of the tie. Check that the fabric feels pleasant to the touch. A scratchy or stiff tie is likely to be of lower-quality fabric than one that simply feels luxuriant. This "touch test" applies equally well to thick and thin fabrics. Next, check the manufacture's tag to see what type of fabric you're holding. Silk or wool ties are generally preferable to synthetics. The natural elasticity of these fibers will stretch better around the neck, leading to a longer useful life in your wardrobe. Once you've approved the feel and fabric of the tie, check the details. Finer...

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J Kent Erickson
Accessories & Jewelry
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Seasonal Attire

Blazer in Blue: Fall 2011

Oct 11 2011

Get more mileage out of your wardrobe with a perfectly tailored blazer in blue. As the economy looks up and colors lighten across the fashion industry, traditional navy blazers are joined by brighter shades of blue, giving a modern twist to a timeless classic. Look for tones ranging from inky, saturated blues to more subtle gray-blues in this versatile jacket. The season’s fresh colors still retain the mix-and-match appeal that makes a blue blazer a wardrobe staple for the well-dressed gentleman. Blue will coordinate easily with almost any trouser color, from cream to brown and from khaki to gray. The neutral blazer also allows a myriad of shoe color options. Consider rich browns and deep burgundies for your leather shoes to add warmth to your ensemble. You can take advantage of the blazer’s ability to support almost any colors by pairing it with a variety of stylish combinations of high-quality shirts and...

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J Kent Erickson
Seasonal Attire
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Shirts, Vests, & Blouses

The Versatile Vest

Oct 04 2011

Vests can be excellent mix-and-match wardrobe pieces. Rather than limiting their use to the three-piece suit, use versatile vests as coordinating pieces for sport coats and trousers. Consider having vests personalized to your taste—lapels, pockets, fabric, and fit can all be custom-crafted to create timeless pieces that will give you extra options with your existing shirts, trousers, and coats. Traditionally, vests are made of the same fabric as a jacket or trousers. They can also draw on contrasting colors, or simply use a base color from the jacket or trousers. When creating combinations, keep fabric choices (tweed, silk, cotton, wool) similar enough to avoid an awkward pairing....

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J Kent Erickson
Shirts, Vests, & Blouses
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Casual Attire

After-Hours: Casual Wear Style

Aug 31 2011

Looking your best doesn’t end with Friday rush-hour traffic. Even when you’re not working, your clothing choices reflect the same sense of personal style and confidence that makes your business attire remarkable. Whether you’re enjoying a dinner party or a night out with the guys, your casual wear wardrobe sets the tone. Dress for the venue—A downtown hotspot requires a little more glam than video night at your best friend’s place. Avoid baggy or too-tight items—Your clothing should fit well, and offer just enough room to move comfortably. Choose dark blue jeans (not light or black)—Avoid extraneous embellishment or faded areas. Step it up from tees—A well-tailored shirt shows off your unique style. Shoes still matter—Scuffed, faded shoes take away from any look. Limit your ensemble to two or three colors—Any more than that looks garish. When in doubt, go black and white—Nothing beats that timeless contrast. When your business clothing is supplemented with stylish mix-and-match casual wear,...

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J Kent Erickson
Casual Attire
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Ask Kent

Shirts: Choosing the Right Color

Aug 26 2011

I received this question from a reader: How do I choose a shirt color? This is what I shared with them: Choosing a shirt is not as simple as picking your favorite color; colors communicate different things to those around you. Let’s start with the basics. Crisp, clean white shirts convey the most power and authority. Blue shirts come next, and work well with almost any suit color. Other solid colors are appropriate for all but the most formal occasions, while stripes and checks work well in most day-to-day situations. “Warm” colors such as red or yellow are more casual than “cool” colors....

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J Kent Erickson
Ask Kent
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Image & Lifestyle

Colors to Complement Your Skin Tone

Jul 28 2011

Choosing clothes that complement your skin coloring doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes a small investment of time and energy. You can start making great color combinations by using just a few simple steps to make educated choices. Whenever possible, view potential clothing purchases in natural light, usually through a window. The fluorescent lighting in most offices can distort a fabric’s true color. Gather shirt swatches in several shades of the same color. Hold them up under your chin while you look at yourself in a mirror. When a shirt makes you look either worn out or discolored, set that item aside. If you’re not sure how a color makes your skin look, listen to your instinct about whether you like or dislike the color. We tend to like tones that look good on us. When you find several selections that make your skin look healthy and robust, group them together. Once...

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J Kent Erickson
Image & Lifestyle
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Patterns & Textures

Checkered, Checked, Checks (& Balances)

Aug 26 2010

Many businessmen hesitate to choose checked shirts, keeping to the more traditional solids and stripes. However, with foresight, there is no need to avoid this wardrobe-extending choice. When choosing a checked shirt, the choice of tie pattern can be critical. The tie's print, whether solid, striped, or patterned, should complement the shirt print by offering a visual change of pace. Pairing similar patterns, whether both are large or both small, in tie and shirt can create a feeling of heaviness. Instead, try out combinations with alternating patterns. Tightly-checked shirts require a larger tie pattern, while large checks can support a small, busier print. Colors can be similarly brought into balance. Rather than limiting your choices to single shades of colors, harmonize the tones. The "seasonal" color scheme may help you decide if a certain red or blue is compatible with your shirt and suit tones, as fall or summer colors naturally complement...

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J Kent Erickson
Patterns & Textures
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Contact J. Kent Ltd.
Phone: 208-908-8119
Fax: 208-247-3096
Email: kent@jkentltd.com
Address:
3128 S. Millbrook Way
Boise, ID 83716
Testimonials

"I have been ordering custom tailored sport jackets and suits for over 30 years and have been a client of Kent Erickson’s for the last 10. I have found Mr. Erickson’s suits to be of the highest caliber due, not in small part, to Mr. Erickson’s(...)

Harry M. Lane, Attorney
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