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

Can you wear Jeans as Business Casual

No!

Well okay, Maybe!

While jeans have become very stylish and dressy, it is often asked: can you wear jeans as business casual? And the answers is: it depends! The etiquette and proper answer is that there is not a real definition of "business casual." And, if an event calls for business casual, it never calls for jeans to be worn in the given setting. However, Americans often choose to go against the grain for one reason or another so it is important to be aware of what to do in this situation.

To answer this question further I will offer a few things to consider and scenarios that could call for business casual attire. By considering these things when dressing business casual will allow you to always be appropriately dressed.

1. Know your industry. If you're in an industry that calls for you to wear a suit & tie more often than not, jeans are a No. 
2. If jeans are apart of your profession such as denim design or fabric manufacturing, jeans may be Okay.
3. If the business casual event is held in an office or meeting space, jeans are a No.
4. If the business casual event is held in lounge or bar, jeans may be Okay.
5. If the business casual event is held  in hotel lobby or space, jeans are a No.
6. If the business casual event is at a someone's home, jeans may be Okay.
7. If your business casual event is held in a golf club house or private club jeans are a No. 
8. If the person your are attending with or who invited you is not wearing jeans, then No.
9. If you choose to wear jeans as business casual, always wear dark jeans with little or no washes. Darker than traditional blue jeans would be considered dark denim.
10. If you do choose to wear jeans as business casual, also wear a blazer and dress shoes so not to be considered casual.

The next time you or someone you know considers wearing jeans as business casual, consider the 10 tips above first and choose accordingly. Appropriate attire is much more valuable than stylish attire. 

"Life...With Style"

Yours Truly,

Michael Ferrera

The Look

First Date Tips: 6 Steps to a Successful First Date

Ferrera Fresh Hint: GENTS The First dates the most important date, period!

Ahhh, yes the first date is always exciting for the simple fact that it is just New! However, the first date is your opportunity to display the gentleman that you are as well as observe and learn about the lady you are interested in.  Listening and good conversation will make this date successful without a doubt but remember dates are to be fun and not feel like an "interview." Here are 6 tips that will avoid date disasters and will make your first dates successful!

• Make sure to plan this date! It shows her that you take time and that she is important. There is no excuse not to plan the first date, period!
• Know a little about the weather for your date and a little bit about the things she likes and does not like as it pertains to food, fun and entertainment.
• There is no need for too much touching or being close on a first date. If it does happen let her initiate it.  She may continually and subtly invite you to be closer to her with small touches, and other flirtatious signs. Just take note and keep your cool. 
• The first date should be a place where you can actually talk! Movies, operas or plays just don’t work since you have to be silent in these places. Having dinner, a glass of wine, visit a café or a lounge is more appropriate since you can interact in conversation.
• Be very alert on the first date! Listen, respond, remember, take mental notes and know that all communication skills apply. Her body language and conversation will tell you whether this is the only date or if there will be other dates to follow.
• Keep your cool and do not be too romantic on the first date! This might even make her want you more because it gives the impression that you are polite enough to respect her space which she will be attracted to! But, let her initiate romantic interaction and you respond as you desire...

One more tip for good measure which you regular readers know from other post which is, always dress your best! Put your skills in to play from the gentleman’s style blogs and carry on your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

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

 

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

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