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- Is "Made To Measure" right for you?
- Boost yourself with color.
- The Perfect Coat. The "what" and the "where".
- Telescoping works when times get tough.
MANY CLIENTS ASK ME about “made to measure” (M-to-M) clothing. Is it practical? Is it a good investment? Is it better than buying off the
rack? The answers to these questions are....well...it depends. M-to-M and Bespoke are the gold standard when it comes to fine clothing. Not
only will your shirts, suits and trousers fit you beautifully, you will have a say in virtually every aspect of the creation; from cuffs to collars, it will
truly be a reflection of who you are.
In reality M- to-M can be a most costly endeavor, particularly when the clothing is produced here in the US or in Italy. In NYC, the cost of an M-to-
M shirt will start at around $140 dollars per shirt for basic colors, and can run upwards of $500 dollars if you simply can’t live without your shirts
being made by Brioni. Suiting begins at around $1500 dollars and can run in excess of $5000 dollars, depending on fabrics, thread count, and
designers. So again I ask you, is made to measure right for you?
For many of my re-dress™ clients the answer is a resounding yes if we’re talking dress shirts. Dress shirts are the most reasonably priced
pieces in the M-to-M world, and are actually comparable to the off the rack dress shirt.
If we were to do a pro and con list for M-to-M, it would go as follows:
My one CON is turnaround time. M-to-M shirts can take anywhere from 3 weeks to as much as 12 weeks to complete, so planning is
essential. Even with all these things to consider, I’m still convinced that finding a M-to-M shirt program that works for you is the way to go.
Let’s talk suiting. Made to Measure or off the rack… that is the question! No suit will fit you better than an M-to-M suit. M-to-M suiting is
fantastic, beautiful, and expensive. Having your suits made for you is the height of luxury. The only thing better than having an M-to-M suit is to
have complete Bespoke, but that is another discussion for another day.
When I advise my clients about M-to-M suiting, the one thing I stress is, “know your style.” There is too much time and money involved to
experiment. When dealing at this level of fine clothing it is imperative that you have a great sense of your own style and know how you want
your style and image projected to your client, colleagues and the world. M-to-M suiting is not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet.
The key for me and my clients is to find a great tailor. Finding a great tailor is akin to finding a great doctor. Once you found them, NEVER let
them go! Like a doctor your tailor will know every inch of you; every curve and contour of your body. It is a very personal and intimate
relationship you will develop, so just be open and honest and you’ll have a good result. Once you’ve found your tailor (or least you think you
have) don’t go in guns blazing. Remember that this is a process. You are building a wardrobe, so start off with something small and
manageable like a dress shirt or a pair of trousers. See how it goes. Are the collar, cuff and overall fit to your liking? How is the stitching? Did
the tailor get it right the first, second...eighth time? It’s far better to spend $200 dollars than $2000 dollars.
Finally make sure you get the best advice possible from someone who knows you, your style and what your goals are (like myself or another
style professional) before entering the world of Made to Measure.
rack? The answers to these questions are....well...it depends. M-to-M and Bespoke are the gold standard when it comes to fine clothing. Not
only will your shirts, suits and trousers fit you beautifully, you will have a say in virtually every aspect of the creation; from cuffs to collars, it will
truly be a reflection of who you are.
In reality M- to-M can be a most costly endeavor, particularly when the clothing is produced here in the US or in Italy. In NYC, the cost of an M-to-
M shirt will start at around $140 dollars per shirt for basic colors, and can run upwards of $500 dollars if you simply can’t live without your shirts
being made by Brioni. Suiting begins at around $1500 dollars and can run in excess of $5000 dollars, depending on fabrics, thread count, and
designers. So again I ask you, is made to measure right for you?
For many of my re-dress™ clients the answer is a resounding yes if we’re talking dress shirts. Dress shirts are the most reasonably priced
pieces in the M-to-M world, and are actually comparable to the off the rack dress shirt.
If we were to do a pro and con list for M-to-M, it would go as follows:
- PRO: Hugo Boss, for example, dress shirts will cost around $125 dollars and go as high as $225 dollars for the Pema cotton Selection
shirt. Don’t forget the alteration costs which puts these dress shirts right in the same ball park as M-to-M.
- PRO: Finding a specific shirt size can be challenging to say the least. You may fall into one of two categories - 1) your shirt size, neck
and sleeve length, are so common that stores run out of it in the basic colors you need as soon as they come in. 2) your shirt size is
so uncommon, 15 ½ neck with 36/37 sleeve length, that the store either doesn’t carry it, or they get so few pieces that you have to camp
out the night before the shipment arrives just to get the basics you require. M-to-M solves those problems.
- PRO: Once you’ve found the right tailor (and or company) to produce your new shirts, have had all the measurements taken collars and
cuffs etc., the next time you need new shirts they’re just a phone call or email away.
My one CON is turnaround time. M-to-M shirts can take anywhere from 3 weeks to as much as 12 weeks to complete, so planning is
essential. Even with all these things to consider, I’m still convinced that finding a M-to-M shirt program that works for you is the way to go.
Let’s talk suiting. Made to Measure or off the rack… that is the question! No suit will fit you better than an M-to-M suit. M-to-M suiting is
fantastic, beautiful, and expensive. Having your suits made for you is the height of luxury. The only thing better than having an M-to-M suit is to
have complete Bespoke, but that is another discussion for another day.
When I advise my clients about M-to-M suiting, the one thing I stress is, “know your style.” There is too much time and money involved to
experiment. When dealing at this level of fine clothing it is imperative that you have a great sense of your own style and know how you want
your style and image projected to your client, colleagues and the world. M-to-M suiting is not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet.
The key for me and my clients is to find a great tailor. Finding a great tailor is akin to finding a great doctor. Once you found them, NEVER let
them go! Like a doctor your tailor will know every inch of you; every curve and contour of your body. It is a very personal and intimate
relationship you will develop, so just be open and honest and you’ll have a good result. Once you’ve found your tailor (or least you think you
have) don’t go in guns blazing. Remember that this is a process. You are building a wardrobe, so start off with something small and
manageable like a dress shirt or a pair of trousers. See how it goes. Are the collar, cuff and overall fit to your liking? How is the stitching? Did
the tailor get it right the first, second...eighth time? It’s far better to spend $200 dollars than $2000 dollars.
Finally make sure you get the best advice possible from someone who knows you, your style and what your goals are (like myself or another
style professional) before entering the world of Made to Measure.
| Is "Made to Measure" right for you? By Ben Wolff |
THE ABILITY TO FUNCTION in the business world is accomplished utilizing fifty percent business acumen, and fifty percent intuition. We are
attentive to making sure that the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed, the lists are complete, phone calls have been made, and the game
plan has been laid out. But what about the mental checklists? Are you in a positive place mentally, emotionally, perspective; I mean, “spirit” at
the most basic level. Have you had the “I can do this!” pep talk; told yourself that you deserve the success that you are working so hard to
achieve? Of course you have…who doesn’t do this? And how do you reinforce the success-mantra that you whisper to yourself before you go to
meet that client? If you could have a physical representation of that mantra, wouldn’t you use it? Of course you would.
As a Reiki practitioner, I have become accustomed to “feeling” what I’m wearing. The use of color and its vibrational properties has slowly
become a large part of the way I dress, in relation to what I hope to accomplish. Yes, I know it sounds a little wacky…but keep in mind that a
great deal of research has been devoted to the human energy field and its influence; from shifts in attitude to major health care concerns.
By focusing a little attention on color combinations as you’re preparing for your day, you just might give yourself an advantage that you didn’t even
know was available to you. The right splash of color can come in the form of a scarf; a piece of jewelry, your dress shirt or blouse…but its effect
on your mood and attitude can be significant.
The energy centers in the body (charkas) correlate not only to specific colors and parts of the body, but to specific mental, emotional, and
spiritual concerns. By giving a little attention to the colors associated with those energy centers, you can empower yourself to accomplish your
goals!
Red is associated with career goals, finances, home, possessions (the acquisition and retention of), and survival.
Orange relates to overall health, and attention to your physical appearance.
Yellow relates to power, control, and your desires.
Green relates to relationships and attachments (current and the ones you hope to have and nourish), intuition, and forgiveness.
Blue relates to truth, asking for what you want, and saying what needs to be said.
Violet is related to hearing, being open and attentive to what is being said to you; to open communication.
Indigo relates to the future (the one you’re working so hard to create), what is in your past that will affect your future, intuition, and your belief
systems.
Purple relates to trust, divine guidance, and again – intuition.
So as you prepare for that client meeting, add that indigo-hued scarf, that amethyst bracelet, or that yellow handkerchief to your business attire.
Take a moment to meditate on what those colors mean, and most important…commit to the belief that it will work for you. Remind yourself
“thinking makes it so.” Harness the energy that’s always been out there, bouncing around, just waiting for you to harness it and use it to make
your life what it should be: happy, fulfilled and successful.
Namaste
Maggie Ryan
Advanced Level Reiki Practitioner
Zero7414@hotmail.com
attentive to making sure that the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed, the lists are complete, phone calls have been made, and the game
plan has been laid out. But what about the mental checklists? Are you in a positive place mentally, emotionally, perspective; I mean, “spirit” at
the most basic level. Have you had the “I can do this!” pep talk; told yourself that you deserve the success that you are working so hard to
achieve? Of course you have…who doesn’t do this? And how do you reinforce the success-mantra that you whisper to yourself before you go to
meet that client? If you could have a physical representation of that mantra, wouldn’t you use it? Of course you would.
As a Reiki practitioner, I have become accustomed to “feeling” what I’m wearing. The use of color and its vibrational properties has slowly
become a large part of the way I dress, in relation to what I hope to accomplish. Yes, I know it sounds a little wacky…but keep in mind that a
great deal of research has been devoted to the human energy field and its influence; from shifts in attitude to major health care concerns.
By focusing a little attention on color combinations as you’re preparing for your day, you just might give yourself an advantage that you didn’t even
know was available to you. The right splash of color can come in the form of a scarf; a piece of jewelry, your dress shirt or blouse…but its effect
on your mood and attitude can be significant.
The energy centers in the body (charkas) correlate not only to specific colors and parts of the body, but to specific mental, emotional, and
spiritual concerns. By giving a little attention to the colors associated with those energy centers, you can empower yourself to accomplish your
goals!
Red is associated with career goals, finances, home, possessions (the acquisition and retention of), and survival.
Orange relates to overall health, and attention to your physical appearance.
Yellow relates to power, control, and your desires.
Green relates to relationships and attachments (current and the ones you hope to have and nourish), intuition, and forgiveness.
Blue relates to truth, asking for what you want, and saying what needs to be said.
Violet is related to hearing, being open and attentive to what is being said to you; to open communication.
Indigo relates to the future (the one you’re working so hard to create), what is in your past that will affect your future, intuition, and your belief
systems.
Purple relates to trust, divine guidance, and again – intuition.
So as you prepare for that client meeting, add that indigo-hued scarf, that amethyst bracelet, or that yellow handkerchief to your business attire.
Take a moment to meditate on what those colors mean, and most important…commit to the belief that it will work for you. Remind yourself
“thinking makes it so.” Harness the energy that’s always been out there, bouncing around, just waiting for you to harness it and use it to make
your life what it should be: happy, fulfilled and successful.
Namaste
Maggie Ryan
Advanced Level Reiki Practitioner
Zero7414@hotmail.com
| Boost Yourself With Color! By Maggie Ryan Advanced Level Reiki Practitioner |
| The Perfect Winter Coat: The "what" and the "where" by Ben Wolff |
I BOUGHT MY DONNA KARAN coat at Loehmanns. I feel it's the perfect coat and It was a steel. So what is the "Perfect Coat?" One that is
timeless, stylish and fits you and your life to perfection. The purchase of a coat is not the time to skimp on fabrics and style. This is one piece of
clothing that you want to last for many, many seasons so it should be understood that you will have to spend the cash. Go for Cashmere,
Blacks and navy's are more traditional in the Winter months and for good reason; dirt being less visible on darker colors. Don't be afraid to be
creative; Tweeds, Houndstooth and various patterns can help define your image. Grays, Browns and deep tones can become your signature
color(s) for the season.
clients that style and fashion doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Loehmann's, Filene's Basement, Department and Outlet stores are your
friends. Take advantage of the fact that right now retailers are having difficulty moving their merchandise. It rally IS a buyers market. Now is the
time to pounce on a good deal.
timeless, stylish and fits you and your life to perfection. The purchase of a coat is not the time to skimp on fabrics and style. This is one piece of
clothing that you want to last for many, many seasons so it should be understood that you will have to spend the cash. Go for Cashmere,
Blacks and navy's are more traditional in the Winter months and for good reason; dirt being less visible on darker colors. Don't be afraid to be
creative; Tweeds, Houndstooth and various patterns can help define your image. Grays, Browns and deep tones can become your signature
color(s) for the season.
clients that style and fashion doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Loehmann's, Filene's Basement, Department and Outlet stores are your
friends. Take advantage of the fact that right now retailers are having difficulty moving their merchandise. It rally IS a buyers market. Now is the
time to pounce on a good deal.
| Telescoping works when times get tough. By Paul and Sarah Edwards |
WHEN TIMES ARE GOOD and money is flowing, specialize; when times are not so good and money is tight, telescope. Telescoping is our
marketing rule of thumb for extending or adding to the range of services you provide to existing customers without undoing your reputation in the
business specialty you have developed. It means observing and listening for things your clients need that you could offer to do for them more
economically than they could do for themselves or by turning to other specialists.
Some people telescope instinctively, but at times finding ways to telescope what you offer to the particular need of your customers may require
some thought. Here's how it works.
If you're a contractor doing work at a home or office and overhear or notice your customer needs to cut energy costs, ask if you might retrofit the
windows or adapt the roof so it can be turned into a roof garden that will provide greater insulation. Similarly, you can offer to help homeowners
seeking to cut rising food bills by building a greenhouse or cold frames.
If you're a home inspector and notice your client is concerned about energy costs, you might suggest and energy audit. Energy auditors go by
several names - energy raters, building analysts, home performance specialists - but whatever the service is called, it's an effective way for
people to get the information they need to cut back on soaring electricity, natural gas, propane or heating-oil bills.
If you're a real estate agent and your potential clients are concerned about whether their home will sell, you can offer to stage the home so it's
presented in the way that's most attractive to buyers. Staging usually results in a quicker sake and a higher price.
If you're a travel agent helping a bride and groom with travel arrangements for a destination wedding out of the country, you can offer to
coordinate with the wedding organizer in the distant locale.
If you're tax preparer and you notice a client is downsizing the bookkeeping staff, you might offer an outside service
Telescoping enables you to either expand what you offer or contract back to your unique niche, depending on the demands of the economy.
This article courtesy of Costco Connections.
marketing rule of thumb for extending or adding to the range of services you provide to existing customers without undoing your reputation in the
business specialty you have developed. It means observing and listening for things your clients need that you could offer to do for them more
economically than they could do for themselves or by turning to other specialists.
Some people telescope instinctively, but at times finding ways to telescope what you offer to the particular need of your customers may require
some thought. Here's how it works.
If you're a contractor doing work at a home or office and overhear or notice your customer needs to cut energy costs, ask if you might retrofit the
windows or adapt the roof so it can be turned into a roof garden that will provide greater insulation. Similarly, you can offer to help homeowners
seeking to cut rising food bills by building a greenhouse or cold frames.
If you're a home inspector and notice your client is concerned about energy costs, you might suggest and energy audit. Energy auditors go by
several names - energy raters, building analysts, home performance specialists - but whatever the service is called, it's an effective way for
people to get the information they need to cut back on soaring electricity, natural gas, propane or heating-oil bills.
If you're a real estate agent and your potential clients are concerned about whether their home will sell, you can offer to stage the home so it's
presented in the way that's most attractive to buyers. Staging usually results in a quicker sake and a higher price.
If you're a travel agent helping a bride and groom with travel arrangements for a destination wedding out of the country, you can offer to
coordinate with the wedding organizer in the distant locale.
If you're tax preparer and you notice a client is downsizing the bookkeeping staff, you might offer an outside service
Telescoping enables you to either expand what you offer or contract back to your unique niche, depending on the demands of the economy.
This article courtesy of Costco Connections.
