What does "Dressed to the Nines" mean?

We all have heard the term "dressed to the nines" which refers to someone that is immaculately dressed. Well, this is actually a very old phrase which comes from the 1800's military era.

When suits were made for military men, master tailors would use more than enough fabric to create a top notch suit. Although a gentleman's suit could easily be made with 5-6 yards of fabric, the tailors would use a full  "9 yards" of fabric to get a rich finished look. This is where we get the phrase "dressed to the nines." Over time, the phrase began to be used when referring to someone that is dress extremely well, even if their attire is not made with a complete nine yards of fabric.

Ferrera Fresh Tip: In a Life with Style, always dress to the nines! And now you know why...

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera
www.michaelferrera.com

Light Gray is The Gray

After Returning from the MAGIC fashion this season, visiting seminars, booths and textile companies, there a few colors that are going to make a big impact the the upcoming 2011 Spring and seasons to come. One of those colors is Light Gray! Different from what we have seen in the past few seasons, of the darker charcoal color gray, the gray we now see from the major textile manufactures and style houses has a blast of white in it making it very light. Take a look at some of the shades of gray we will see in the up coming seasons.

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Button Collar Shirts: In Style or Not

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Style is a personal preference that should make you feel good!

With all the feedback & questions on the post "How to Choose a Collar Spread," I believe now the button down collar shirt deserves it's own mention! Before we go in to style tips, lets make it clear that there is no right or wrong in regards to button down collar shirts. The button down collar is a personal preference. If you like it wear it; if you don't, then don't.

When deciding on a button collar shirt or not, here are a few things to remember:

• The purpose of button down collar shirts are to hold your collar in place. 
• When you are wearing a jacket, the lapel of the jacket should hold your shirt collar in place anyway.
• Button collar shirts are better fit for casual business attire and when you are not wearing a tie.
• Collar dress shirts without a button do give off a cleaner and more crisp image. Buttons distract from your stylish tie.
• If your concern is that your collar slides under your jacket lapel, try using very heavy or even metal collar stays. If your shirt does not have collar stay pockets, you can have them added in by your cleaners.
• Rumor: Button down shirts are better for guys with large necks. Not true, the bulk of the button just makes the neck look larger.
• Rumor: Button down collar shirts are for old guys. Not true, a button down shirt serves a purpose and can be use by either gent when appropriate.
• Finally, if you do wear a button collar shirt always button the buttons! You just look sloppy if they are undone.

Form the mind of yours truly Michael Ferrera, I feel that a NO button collar is the better option when wearing a suit & tie. In a more casual environment the button collar shirt is more appropriate. Keep in mind gentlemen, & ladies who dress them, a variety of collar styles are nice to have in your wardrobe as you complete your Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

 

Classic Button Down Collar

 

Hidden Button Down Collar

 Stylish Button Down Collar

Michael Ferrera Wins Project Style Top Trendsetter

 

As head PR representative a Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing, I'm am not surprised that Mr. Ferrera is the champion of the Project Style competition at Victoria Gardens!

This past Friday October 29, 2010 The Victoria Gardens Mall hosted the final round of their style competition. Earlier this year through the months of June and September contestants styled off head-to-head to create the most stylish outfit and users of @Shoptopia voted for the winners. Designer & stylist Michael Ferrera won the 2nd round that placed him in the finals with five other contestants who also won their rounds with unique style.

When talking to Michael Ferrera about his style idea for the finals he said, "...I really wanted something that would make my outfit stand out drastically, since I know the other contestants have nice style!...The rules were that I had to incorporate my style, add a current trend, and stay within the budget allowed so I thought in my mind about the outfit before I even started shopping. I really wanted to stay true to my style and not just go for the win with a bunch of trends...and (While nodding his head) I definitely feel like I did that in what I call an "Elegant Swaggeristic" outfit! (Michael chuckles)

Congrats to Mr. Ferrera and check out Victoria Gardens Project Style! Thank you all for the continued support, blog views, and comments! It is always a pleasure to blog about the exciting things happening in fashion & style.

Finally, as you know, you are welcome to ask Michael Ferrera questions on Twitter or Ask@MichaelFerrera.com for any style tips that will enhance you "Life...With Style!"

Stay Fresh,
PR for
Michael Ferrera

 

How to Choose A Collar Spread

Dress shirt Fashion & dress shirt Style are not one in the same. You may have seen in a recent Ferrera Fresh Tip: Fashion is what you wear, Style is how you wear it!

I've recently been getting a ton of emails on shirt styles. What type to wear? What collar styles to choose? Whats "in"? Among others.

This timeless question will always remain but the most important thing when choosing shirts off-the-rack or custom made is a good fit. Find a brand that fits your body type and stick with it. The new hot brand won't work for you if it doesn't design to your body type. Remember that just as your suits can be tailored to your body, so can your dress shirts. Take your over sized, box shaped dress shirts to a good tailor that can have them cut and shaped to your body. The shirt will feel better and not look like you're just wearing a puffy pillow case with a collar on it. Try tailoring your shirts, it works!

When choosing collar styles for men's dress shirts, rather than going with whats "in", use the collar to compliment the shape of your face and body type. The wider spread collar has recently become more popular at the time of this print, but it doesn't work for every guy. For slim gentleman it may be better to go with a wider spread collar. This allows your shoulders and face to look a bit broader, giving a nice even appearance to your slim body. Just the opposite, for larger gentleman a medium spread or more narrow spread collar may be a better fit. It allows for a more narrow sharp image in round shoulders and facial features. When in doubt on what to choose its best to ask a professional for tips or go with a medium spread collar which is about 3'' apart from point-to-point. (See image to the right)

As for style of shirt such as french cuffs, plaids or stripes we'll save that for another post. But choose your fit and collar styles wisely to compliment your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

For specific questions send them to ask@MichaelFerrera.com
or connect on Twitter @MichaelFerrera

some images from www.raresplendors.com

MENSWEAR FALL FASHION TRENDS 2010

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Just because it's "in style" doesn't mean it's your style! Stay true to your style by picking and choosing which fashion trends to wear this season...

It's in! After the season's showings at MAGIC, MRket and a tons of other fashion shows this Summer in Las Vegas we now know the items and trends that will be in the stores and boutiques for Autumn/Winter 2010. To save you time on looking into countless magazines, watching senseless sitcoms & movies to find the latest fashion trends, just stay close to "Life...With Style" by Michael Ferrera and we'll keep you covered.

Recently GQ online posted over 200 snapshots of the top trends in male fashion for the upcoming 2010 Fall season. Many of which were seen at MAGIC, Project, Pool, and MRket trade shows in August '10 by yours truly. A full view of the shots are below for you to look at, grab ideas, or take tips when you're ready but here's the "Ferrera Fresh" rundown of the notable trends to consider or not consider

1. For your suits gents, the slimmer suit lapel is still holding its ground as one of the looks to go for when choosing your suits.

2. The plaid neckties are still in as well. Not really the coolest thing to be wearing now since everyone is doing it, but nonetheless it's still a popular trend. Try not to wear this look more than twice a month.

3. Surprisingly the boat shoe that we talked about (in this post here) is continuing to be worn in the fall! Now it is like a mid-high boot style boat shoe in navy, green or tan that's worn dressed casual with tailored jeans and a blazer. A very cool look try it!

 
4. Flannel! Oooh, yes, I like! From full over coats, to simple blazers, ties, socks and other accessories, flannel is definitely a Fall trend 2010 to be used in your wardrobe this Fall gents.

5. Lace-up boots are another notable mention and I'm not complete with this look. It's cool for some gents but it looks very ol'-school-vintage-military. Not the coolest look if a girl will think you're leaving for the military next week.

6. The toggle coat is in and is Certified "Ferrera Fresh!" Although we may not get that cold on the west coast, it is for sure a piece for east coast gents to have and others to travel with.

7. Whoaaa! Graphic knit sweaters are in? Didn't see too much of this coming for the season. It looks kind of 'kid-ish' for a grown man to be wearing in 2010 but if you do wear this just wear confidence. I may try a few out and let you all know the response from the ladies.

8. The plaid suit or what GQ calls: shadow plaid....(Whatever) It's cool, try it! I have a nice amount of these styles in the Michael Ferrera Collection this season as well. It's Hot!

Other notables are wide knit scarves, beanies, leather gloves and oh leather wristbands on watches rather than metal links among the other usual accessories for the Fall season. Take a look at the picture and choose what looks you like and remember just because it's 'in' doesn't mean you have to do it. That's a "Life...With Style"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Check the article HERE

HINT: If you click the print button on the slide show you can see all the pics by scrolling down 

rather than clicking the next button hundreds of time!

Here's the Looks!

Beauty Come Forth feat. Michael Ferrera

On the October issue of Beauty Come Forth magazine marking the magazine's one year anniversary, designer Michael Ferrera was selected as the wardrobe consultant for the magazines front cover!

After learning more about the magazine and meeting with Myra Wallace the Beauty Come Forth magazine Founder/Publisher/CEO, Mr. Ferrera had the perfect idea for the wardrobe that would make the anniversary issue complete! When talking with Mr. Ferrera about his styling ideas for the October issue he said,  

"...The first thing that I thought of when asked to consult for the cover was, we had to make Myra the star of the issue!...I mean it's a valuable magazine, that she created, and she is worthy of the shine on the anniversary issue...So I considered colors in the male suits that would of course fit the fall season (October) and used some bright iridescent colors in the neckties for the gents to accent Myra's dress in celebration of the magazine's anniversary...I had a great time working with the BCF team and look forward to working with them again in the future."

After getting past the excitement of the anniversary issue and the handsome men on the cover in Michael Ferrera custom clothing, I did have a chance to read the issue by clicking on the page links above, to the right and left of the cover and found some very insightful information. Some topics on fashion & style, fitness & health, finance, and relationship are a few that stood out, which you may enjoy as well!

So when you have a moment take a look at Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing on the cover of the October anniversary issue of Beauty Come Forth magazine, as it is sure to fit your "Life...With Style!"

PR for
Michael Ferrera

Photography by Davide Stennett

Ferrera Fresh Answers

Ferrera Fresh Tip: When you don't know, not sure, or just want a second opinion, ask an expert...

Quiet often question come into the inbox at ask@michaelferrera.com, Facebook, & Twitter for answers to quick fashion & style questions. Ferrera Fresh Tips with the ladies, date ideas, nice restaurants to visit, among others. Which means, if one person is asking then there are others out there too with the same questions. Here are a few of this weeks top questions, use as you wish and share with others.

Questioner: When traditionally is it best to wear a two button suit versus a three button suit? -Gentleman | Oakland, CA

Ferrera Fresh Answer: There is no "traditionally" best. The number of buttons on a suit are completely for style, so you can choose based on personal preference! The 3 button is the classic-cant-really-go-wrong, but currently the 2 button is a little more fresh since it's lighter, simple, chic and professional all in one...

Questioner: What color shirt would you recommend with a white linen suit for a wedding? Very casual, I'm wearing sandals. - Gentleman | Santa Monica, CA

Ferrera Fresh Answer: Color shirt! Something bright like teal, bright pink, or royal blue dress shirt. If the sandals have brown in it, a shirt with tan or brown is fresh too.

Questioner: What is "corporate casual?" -Gentleman | Rancho, CA

Ferrera Fresh Answer: "Technically" there's no such thing! This was started as a way to just dress casual, but it depends on the event. Polo's, slacks or slacks, shirt and a blazer often work. The main thing is you can ditch the neck tie.

Remain fresh you all and live Life with Style!

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

Dress Like Your Age

Ferrera Fresh Tip: All the information you receive may not always be directly intended for you, but for you to share with other people! Always share good information with other people...

Wow, in doing research and always advancing knowledge on style, fashion, etiquette, chivalry or just simple greatness, I stumble upon a great article at AskMen.com titled: Dress Your Age 30s! After a short chuckle the article was read and in fact there is some good information for the gentleman that is at the crossroads of "Am I still cool or now a corporate professional?"

This article at AskMen.com gives some good insight on simple ways for the gentleman advancing in his life and career to also advance his style. This is for the gent that doesn't need to bar hop every weekend with the boys, is probably someones boss in the office and reads a good book every so often. Although all of us may not need the tips, grab some of them and share the information with someone else in a subtle way. You can do this by posting a link on your own Facebook wall or ReTweeting it to your Twitter followers, you might be helping someone, try it.

Nonetheless, check the article and as said before in a Ferrera Fresh Tip: ...never compromise your cool for the corporate world, combine the two and keep it "corporate-cool," that's Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Michael Ferrera Featured

Michael Ferrera was recently featured on Sonic Eclectic in an article titled The Next Fashion Giant! 

Sonic Eclectic is an online column with international interest in fashion, music festivals, television and film production. 

In an interview with Ay Rushing, Michael Ferrera shares a bit of his fashion style, the beginnings of Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing, and the expansion we are now seeing with the company!

The article is a nice inspirational read that will give you a bit more insight about Michael Ferrera that will make you say "I didn't know that," yet still leave you with a pleasing smile when you are finished!

Take a look at the article by Ay Rushing at Sonic Eclectic and as always, in the words of Michael Ferrera: "Stay Fresh!"

Yours truly,

PR for 

Michael Ferrera 

A Florist for A Gentleman!

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS Shhh, but you should have a business relationship with a few florist so that can help you and show you love throughout the year for your lady...or ladies...

Gentleman, there are almost two or three different occasions throughout the year that we for sure need to grab a beautiful bouquet of flowers for that special lady in your life. Among those days are Valentines Day, a birthday and anniversaries if you're lucky enough to be married. Not to mention, that you can send flowers for no reason at all, which ladies absolutely love! So when these days begin to come close there is no need for you to be running around, searching the Internet, and calling multiple stores looking for a some flowers. It is much more beneficial and convenient to find one or two florist that you know personally that also know you. Yes, cost is a factor but in the long run a "relationship" with a local florist will be more cost effect by getting favors and discounts because you're a regularly customer. In addition, when you call, pick up or have your flowers delivered you have the confidence of knowing your flowers are going to look good for that special lady! (or ladies if you're single, just kidding...but not really)

Remember, ladies (plural), does not have to mean a lady you're dating! We all may have mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, clients or friends that are deserving of an occasional flower arrangement. There also may be occasions, good and not so good, throughout the year that flowers are appropriate. Such occasions are sending a "Get Well" bouquet for someone that is ill, a bouquet for a friend after a passing in their family, or a generous "Thank You" bouquet as a kind gesture. All these yearly events will allow you build a positive relationship with your local florist which will be handsomely rewarding to you as a gentleman in many different ways! ;o)

That's Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Here are some flicks to add to your repertoire of "Girly Movies"

You dont have to like them, just know they exist and there's some flower shops scenes in them to grab some tips from too.

How to Wash Dress Shirts: Cleaners or Laundry

Ferrera Fresh Tip: You invest in your dress shirts, so invest in taking care of them as well...

Since we all have busy schedules, many of us love the convenience of dropping clothes off at the local cleaners to be washed, dried and pressed! Then we pick them up or have them delivered in a day, or even a few hours. Convenient for gentlemen and ladies a like!

A client asked, after receiving his first order of Michael Ferrera custom shirts, "How should I wash and take care on my shirts?" That question prompted a blog! As a wardrobe consultant and fabric connoisseur, as you've read in the post Care for my Sheep,  I will share one of the best ways that will make your dress shirts, last longer & look better!

I start by saying that taking your shirts to the cleaners is not completely wrong. In fact, the convenience of having someone do your laundry for you is almost priceless! However, when washing dress shirts, try to wash & dry them at home and then take them to the cleaners just to be professionally pressed. The advantages of doing this are:

1. You control the chemicals or detergent that goes on your dress shirts! The chemicals and washes that the cleaners uses are extremely powerful and can be more harmful to cotton. By washing dress shirts at home will allow your dress shirts to last longer because of using a more delicate detergent.

2. You control 'how' your clothes are washed! In your machine at home you can choose a normal or delicate cycle and adjust accordingly to your liking. Most of the time a normal cycle is fine for home machines, but at the cleaners only uses one cycle for all clothes washed at the same time, which can be harmful to your fancy cotton dress shirts.

3. You control the drying as well! Just as when washing, drying at the cleaners is done in bunches. At home you control how your clothes are dried and can even choose to air dry which will also cause less shrinkage over time.

4. Your clothes don't have that awkward cleaners smell! You know what I'm taking about. The smell that doesn't really smell like laundry. Yes, your clothes look clean but imagine the types of chemicals they used to get them that way, which gives off that awkward cleaners smell.

5. You could save time! If your cleaners does all work on site, which is a good thing, the longest part is the washing and drying. When your shirts are already washed and dry you can sometimes drop in with your shirts and simply wait for 10 or so minutes at a local shopping center while your shirts a being professionally pressed!

Now that you've considered these things on how to wash dress shirts, apply the tips and see if you like. Your dress shirts will look better, smell better, feel softer, and last longer, which so appropriate when living your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Cheap Dates: Inexpensive Ideas that are Rich in Quality

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS The same things that helped you get your lady interested are the same things you should continue to do in the relationship to keep her…

After receiving at least a handful of personal emails, Facebook messages and tweets in the last week about how how more men should use the fresh tips. I’m encouraged to simply nudge us gentleman to always keep it fresh in relationships with the ladies!

I’m no relationship coach but because of the fresh tips I’ve received messages from different ladies that the men they have dated don’t take time to “plan” a nice date. That men minimize the quality of dates over time, or that men get too comfortable now that they are in the relationship by not doing the things they used to do.

Many times ladies don’t always need to have the expensive, luxurious dates but they do want to know that a man took time to plan, set aside time, and shows that he genuinely cares. We all know that dinners and movies are classic dates but think about how many dinners and movies she have experienced. (chuckle)

So think outside the box gents and always keep your dates fresh! A Ferrera Fresh Tip to remember that will liven up your dates and minimizes the cost of the date is, “think like a child, but make sure your actions are mature!” Meaning: have fun while dating these wonderful ladies, gents! Dating should not be a "chore" but an enjoyable experience for you and her. Be creative and you might even save some money and have more dates! Until next time ladies and gents, I’ll leave you with 10 fresh date ideas that the ladies will love!

1. Cook dinner together! Find a few recipes from the food network and mix it up together in the kitchen. It’s a great time to flirt with her and enjoy a meal in an intimate setting.

2. Race car driving! Not the kiddy go-karts, but there are some race centers that have adult size karts that you both can race and play! It makes for great future “remember when we…” conversations!

3. Picnic at the beach! Not only do you get to check her out in a swimsuit, but it’s a nice “planned” hangout. Not to mention you can show off your fitness if you’ve read the fitness post!

4. Wine tasting! Sounds expensive but it’s not! With just a little planning you can find a tour and wine tasting for two at very minimal or no cost!

5. Miniature Golfing! Remember when you did this as kids? She does too, which is why she’ll like it! Again great time to flirt and to friendly compete with her.

6. Art Walk! If she likes art, visit a local museum and just walk around, wink, and flirt with her as you pretend to look at art! It may not be the coolest thing for you to do, but it could get the girl! ;o)

7. “Weekday dates!” Meet her for a short lunch, happy hour after work, meet up for appetizers, or meet her for  a glass of wine at a roof top location. All of these things shows you’ve planned.

8. Go bowling! A classic date and another friendly competitive hangout.

9. Go sightseeing! Chances are if you’ve lived in an area for a while there are a ton of historic places that you both haven’t explored. Do some light Google research and go see them.

10. Read a cook book, a lifestyle magazine or a blog together and do an activity you find interesting! Hint: “Life with Style” by Michael Ferrera is a good place to start.

Yours Truly,

Michael Ferrera

Top 5 Ferrera Fresh Father's Day Gifts

As Father's day soon approaches, some have procrastinated on gift purchases and wondering what to buy. Yeah, we all know that neckties are the last minute resort and can always work, but think about the countless ties dad has already received as gifts. Here are some good idea to kick your Father's Day gift giving up a notch from the "Ferrera Fresh" mind of Michael Ferrera. Lets start with number 5...

5. Toys! (i.e. Technology) - Why? Because most guys have always loved toys, so as we get older toys don't get lost, they just get a bit more expensive! With the iPad often sold out, the release of the first ever 4G phone in the HTC Evo, and the soon to be released the 4th generation iPhone try to get your hands on one of these gifts and dad will be in for a treat! If not, gift certificates for these gadgets are great ideas as well!

4. Custom Photo and Frame - Why? Because if you're a daddy's girl or one of dad's many boys, father's take great pride in their children, young or old. If you can find a memorable photo of you and dad, try having it blown up and mounted into a custom fame or canvas wrapped. With technology these days you can have it in a few days or even hours and can possibly have names engraved on the frame! Try Aaron Brothers locations for this item.

3. Custom Shirt Gift Certificate - Why? Because if he already wears custom shirts he'll love it, and if he's never had a custom shirt he'll love it! The personal fitting, monogram, and experience of a custom shirt will make dad feel like the important man he is. Of course it would be our pleasure to provide the certificate by visiting MichaelFerrera.com, but if you're outside of California please give us a call and we can direct you to some other fine clothiers.

2. Personalized Jewelry Cuff Links - Why? Because they are just flat out cool! Cuff links hold their our prestige, but when they are personalized with dad's initials, his chest will poke out a little more with swagger. Even if he's over 50 and doesn't know what "swagger" means! Or better yet, think about adding your name on the cuff links if your his daughter. Try Neiman Marcus for these.

1. Customized Ink Pen - Why? Because when dad has on that beautiful tie, power suit, and that sleek watch, it's only appropriate for him to reach in the coat pocket for a personalized pen with his name on it! Try the pen out in store to make sure it writes smoothly and your set. Try Things Remembered for this item.

The main thing you may notice in "Life...With Style" is to make it personal! Dad will feel like you took the time to think of him and that he is important, which he is!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Are Custom Suits Really That Expensive?

Some have fantasized about the day to put on a suit that fits like a dream. The coat lapel lays perfectly on your chest and wraps precisely around your collar. The matching slacks to the suit don't even need a belt because they fit perfectly to your waste and hips. And, to top it off the slacks land perfectly above your shoe line. Sounds amazing right? Yet some still cringe to fit the bill for a suit of this caliber, but why?

Recently, I had a chance to met a gentleman that complimented me on my attire and then asked "what is it that you do, that you dress so dapper?" I shared with him that, "I teach people how to dress to attract more revenue to their business." His response "Ahhh, and how do you do that?" The short response was "...and I design custom made clothes to create individual styles."

The gentleman was at least 60 plus years of age and no longer wears suits often but he began to share with me his great experience he has had with custom clothes. In his wonderful short story he stated "....I remember one particular custom suit I bought in 1987 that I still occasionally put on to this day." (2010) His story put a great smile on my face, even though it was not surprising. It sparked me to share how inexpensive and extremely enjoyable the custom suit experience can be!

Think about, lets say this gentleman bought his suit in 1987 at a mid-range custom suit price, of what some feel is expensive, at ummm... $1,300 (could be more or less). Again relatively mid-ranged price for a very nice European wool, well tailored to his style, you know, all the trimming. Now, knowing that a rich navy blue 2 button suit, for example, never really goes out of "style", this gentleman did not have to invest in a similar suit for more than 23 years!

Hmmm, on the contrary others may want the quick fix or addition to the wardrobe of the oh-so-common $300 suit, but will have to replenish the suit sooner because of wear and tear! Lets give this common suit, with regular wear, a life span of 2.5 to 3 years to look good, which at this point a new suit would need to be purchased. (You do the math [cough, cough] $2,700 something) Over that same time period that gent with the "inexpensive" suit would have spent more than the gentleman who invested in the so called "expensive" custom suit. Not to mention the time spent

looking for a suit, going to the tailor and so forth.

Please know that there is nothing wrong with the $300 suit or a suit that is feasible at the current time! As I've said before "you don't need custom clothes to look good, but it sure is an enhancement, a reward, and you're worth it!" In addition, in today's era you sure can find some custom clothing shops that start custom suiting under 500 to 600 dollars. Yes, there are some give and takes you may sacrifice among features, but it's still custom.

So, are custom suits really that expensive? Not in a "Life With Style," but you be the judge...

Yours truly

Michael Ferrera

(Another Wardrobe Article)

(Click Here)

Fashion & Style

Wikipedia defines Fashion as "a general term for the style and custom prevalent at a given time, in its most common usage refers to costume or clothing style." Yet when you seek style via Wikipedia, it links you back to fashion as stated above. Hmmm, not very helpful...but Ill let you be the judge!

Let's keep it Ferrera Fresh and simple!

Fashion: is what you wear.
i.e. A shirt, a tie, a jacket.

Style: is how you wear it!
i.e. White spread collar shirt, with a Windsor knot tie, cashmere coat with the collar turned up.

As you shop off-the-rack or if you choose to go custom. Make sure to create your own style! If you're slim on styling ideas, ask a professional for tips and ideas. Just because your girlfriend or spouse says something is "hot" doesn't mean it's right for you. (Shhh, don't tell her I said that) Nonetheless, as stated before in a previous post, be original! Many gents are wearing similar brands and fashion but how you wear it what makes your style cool!

"Live Life (pause)...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Euro-Fit suit, medium spread collar shirt,
half Windsor knot tie & classic cashmere top coat

Flat front pants, loose collar and loose tie, no coat,
but with vest for the after work "corporate cool"

Three piece with a wide spread long collar,
contrast paisley tie & stripe shirt, with solid silk handkerchief

Tie Care

The male necktie! The daily office jewelry for our neck as men. The necktie is to a man, what the everyday necklace is to a woman...

Neckties come "a dime a dozen" and can be expensive or cheap. Either way, don't you hate when you spill food or something on your necktie? The best way to avoid this is simply eating more carefully not to spill. But if it does happen, does that mean the tie is ruined? Can you clean it? How? All of these questions occur even when the smallest spill gets on the necktie, expensive one or not. So let me share with you a few tips on caring for your ties!

Addressing the most popular question first, can you clean a silk necktie? The answer is, yes! The best thing to do is clean it a soon as possible. Even if you're at the table, take a napkin and whip it off immediately so that it does not set into the silk. The tricks you've heard about using club soda and stuff like that do not work, so don't do it! That may work for cotton but does not work for silk. You will only cause more damage to your tie. The better option is to simply use a little warm water. "Little" meaning a fingertip amount of water, just enough to clean the spot that is on your tie. You will not damage your tie. When done, just let it air dry and you'll be fine.

Here are some other quick "tie tips" that are often over looked, but can be very useful in caring for your ties:

1. Un-make your tie! Rather than just pulling the small end out of the knot when taking off your tie, undo your tie in the reverse motion of which you tied it. This allows for the small threads and silks not to be stressed out or torn fast over time.

2. Roll your ties up! Many of us hang our ties up when done, but it is actually better to roll your ties up until the next time. When your ties hang for a long time, the weight of the tie lining can weigh your tie down, causing it not to look as crisp after hanging for a while. Yes, you can hang your ties, but rolling them is better.

3. Keep ties in the dark! Most ties are kept in the closet which is great so that the silk is not in the direction of the sun or strong light. If you do have a light in your closet, make sure the ties are not near or directly under it. By ties being in dark and cool areas will allow the silk to keep it's rich color and softness.

There you have it gents, and ladies caring for their man! Care for your ties, they are a great complement to your fashionable "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera