Ask The Geek
Want to know what to wear to a your sister's wedding in Sicily? Or, you have a problem getting the yellow armpit stains out of your favourite white t-shirt? If there is any style or grooming dilemma that isn't answered elsewhere on the site then send TheChicGeek a quick e-mail and we'll do our best to answer in the most relevant fashion.
A Suit That Fits!
Hi Geek,
I have a problem when I'm buying suits. I'm fairly short and find everything needs altering. Not only is it a hassle, it bumps up the price considerably. Is there anywhere you know that may help?
Cheers,
Dan
Hi Dan,
Portuguese retailers, Sacoor Brothers, have arrived on our shores and they offer a complimentary alteration in-store. Regardless of how much work is involved you just pay the hanger price. The tailor is permanently in-store so can fit it there and then. They currently have 2 stores, Westfield White City and Westfield Stratford and offer a full range of suits at reasonable prices.
Hope this helps,
The Geek
Student to Office?
Hi Geek,
I am having daily style dilemmas and wondered if such a savvy gent as yourself might be able to offer some insight.
I have just started my first real-life office job, and the question on my mind every morning as I rush from shower to breakfast table is "what the hell should I wear?" and as I rush out the door clad in my best attempt at cool and understated, doubt creeps in. By lunchtime, i.e. now, I'm more often than not thoroughly unhappy with my chosen duds.
I'd like to point out that the office I find myself in is a very stylish, image-conscious place, so I feel as though a standard shirt, tie and black school trousers combo won't cut it. And I'm just about the only man in the whole place, so there's a dearth of male rolemodels to emulate. And to top it all, the pay is a pittance so I find myself unable to give myself a complete wardrobe makeover.
My question to you is this - what, for you, epitomises good stylish office menswear? And how would you go about tweaking a wardrobe to help ease the transition from student bum to office monkey?
Yours, in sartorial crisis,
Rob
Hi Rob,
This can be hard transition to make with a small budget. My initial reaction would be to go smart preppy. Things like smart, slim-cut chinos with a shirt and then a crew neck knit over the top. You say it's a stylish office so I'm guessing you don't have to wear a tie. I would go to Uniqlo and stock up on knitwear and then a couple of pairs of chinos from the high-street. Spend the money on a nice pair of brogues, maybe Grenson, but whatever you do don't try and do flashy or look at me. You want to be tasteful, understated and comfortable. Add a bit of personality with nice coloured or patterned socks.
Hope this helps,
The Geek
Uniqlo - Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck - £29.90
Decent Slim Fit Suit?
Hello The Geek! Where do I get a decent slim fit suit from. First I tried budget, so looked at TopMan and the Limited Collection suits at M&S. I struggled to find much at TopMan, even Oxford Circus, although they have a couple on their website, I am not buying a suit online though! M&S limited collection slim fit have great jackets, you can get a nice short fit, even if you are 6ft 2 like I am! The trousers are unlined rubbish though, I have 10 year old hankies with more thread in them!
So then onto French Connection/Banana Republic/Zara. Struggling. They all have decent straight/slim fit trousers but when they make a suit they seem to think we want what I would regard as flares! I have one style at FC called Benjamin End to look at, but need to go to Regent Street to do that, maybe this weekend!
Getting desperate I am now looking at Paul Smith/Burberry type of prices, so will soon be forming an orderly queue outside a tailors in Savile Row!
Any other ideas? I am fairly normal shape, 40" chest, 34" waist, 6ft 2" tall.
Cheers Steve
Hi Steve,
Seems like you've been up and down the high street. Try Ben Sherman either at their own shops, they have a great new one on Carnaby Street or Debenhams stock them. They are a good price and are in the slim mod shape.
If the budget is bigger you could try Spencer Hart's new shop opposite Claridges, he always does a slim silhouette and now has more ready-to-wear available. Let me know how you get on.
The Geek
Ben Sherman - Jacket - £145
How Do You Wear a Tie as a Belt?
How do you wear a tie as a belt? How does it get tied?
The simply answer is you don't - a tie-belt is a belt which looks like a tie. If you used a real neck-tie it would be hard to fasten and look scruffy plus it would stretch, so not good if you're a lover of expensive silk ties.
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate how they work, it's just a simple D shaped buckle you pull the material through tight. These are usually made for the Summer season and I've had a look on the internet and can't find any examples for sale ATM. Preppy stores like Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger usually have them in silk or canvas in school or military stripes. Just one note - If you're wearing a tie-belt don't wear a neck-tie as well, too much.
Hope this explains it,
The Geek
