Your Image
Why hire an Image Consultant?
In the past, a personal valet would be at your beck and call, arranging the day's or night's clothing and giving advice on etiquette and other such things of a gentleman's day that otherwise might lead to unwise decisions in behavior or dress. Today it is rare to have full time staff to perform such tasks. Nevertheless, what to buy, what to wear, when to wear it, how to wear it, and how to care for it is, for many men, a challenge in itself.
We offer such services and will give advice through this website and our newsletter.
Many occasions within both business and leisure are out of the ordinary: gala nights at the opera, fundraising charity bbq's or special sporting events are not day to day functions. It's surprising how much attention is paid to the style package that you present to both your colleagues and new clients.
Since you are unlikely to have a valet to check for you, a quick phone call or e-mail to us can save you from an embarrassing situation.
Etiquette
In the "olden days", using proper etiquette in everyday life and special occasions seemed like more of a social must than a matter of personal choice. It's pretty safe to say that your grandmother wouldn't dare answer her cell phone (if there were such a thing) at the dinner table or ignore a party invitation if she knew she couldn't attend. But, it seems times have changed. Just as chivalry isn't dead, proper etiquette isn't either. If you're already employing these etiquette tips in your life, congratulations – Mr. Manners would be proud. If you're slacking on your socially savvy abilities, a little refresher course never hurt anyone.
Basic Dressing 101
Take a look at our Dressing for Success - 5 Part Video for more tips.
Suits and Sports Jackets
Purchasing a suit or a sports jacket can be a daunting task, but when you prepare for the day or occasion and your reflection shows that your style and grooming are successful, it will have been time well spent. Looking after these precious items is as important as the decision to buy them. Careful hanging on hangers with enough width to support the shoulders and a round, solid trouser bar that prevents creases forming are ideal. Do not cram your suits into the wardrobe. Leave enough space for the suit to breath. It's imperative to keep the lines of your new suit or jacket looking good as new. If your garments get dirty, dry cleaning is the best choice, but only dry clean your garments once or twice a year. This will maintain the life of the garment and will not break down the fibers. A gentle brushing of your garments every couple of months will keep them fresh and new.
Shirts
Shirts come with different collars and cuffs but the basic rules apply when maintaining a shirt. When possible launder shirts and iron them; this will prolong the life of your shirts.
When time is a factor, as it is for many of us, take them to a reputable cleaner. Some Laundromats now offer wash, iron and fold services. Dry cleaning, although fast and easy, can be expensive and will ruin you're carefully hand picked shirts, often shrinking your collar and damaging the buttons.
Ties
Ties are the jewelry of the suit. They can make or break your look. When buying a tie remember to look for silk and ensure that the lining should extend well into the body of the tie. A well constructed tie will be hand sewn and include hand-stitched bars inside to hold the fabric in place, a soft interlining, and enough ease in the sewing of the tie to allow stretch when being tied. When untying a tie, always untie the knot. Never pull the small end of the tie through the knot. This will cause the tie to stretch and break.
Shoes
Shoes are the tell tale sign of a well dressed gentleman. The quality of a great pair of shoes is craftsmanship allied with practicality. Cheap shoes cause pain and have little longevity, costing you more in the long run.
Polishing shoes both maintains and protects, along with communicating the impression of a man who takes time, trouble, and pride in his appearance. A properly stocked shoe cleaning box is part of well turned out gentleman's equipment. It should contain a range of polishes and brushes, some soft cloths for buffing shoes to a shine.
Shoes should be stored with the toes stuffed or preferably Cedar shoe trees inserted. If your shoes get wet remember to stuff them with newspaper while they dry.
Green Clean™ Program
Recycling is part of our culture, and what better way to give back to the environment than to recycle your gently used clothing.
With our Green Clean™ program*, we look after the recycling of your old clothing and you gain credits towards your next image service.
*A 25% service charge will apply for handling clothing account.
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Lou Holtz
