Let’s say you’ve decided you need to upgrade your wardrobe. You realize this may be costly, but no one wants to break the bank. You’re ready to make some smart purchases and not overspend, but where do you begin? As with most things, the most informed are the best prepared. This is where spending money on understanding how to accomplish your goals, will save you money when it’s time to execute.

What I mean is think back to when you started shopping for clothes. When did you learn what to look for? Know what’s a good deal? How to understand your fit? How fabrics perform? Who taught you to know when your clothing needs to be altered? Do you know what the limitations and possibilities are on altering a shirt, jeans, pants, let alone suit?

If you can clearly remember, and know the answer to these questions. Congratulations, you don’t need to invest in a clothing coach and be sure to send thank you cards right away to the mentor who gave you this knowledge. Odds are, neither dad nor grandpas mailbox is filling up with grateful notes. We start off with clothing being bought for us, and never learn how to shop when the time comes to shop on our own. Which is why most men hate shopping, and are dressed by someone who doesn’t mind doing it. And, is that really a solution?

Too many men are walking around unsure, uncomfortable and unaware of how to fix it. It’s not that they really don’t want to, or don’t care, it’s that they don’t know how. You obviously need to get dressed, so you’re going to spend somewhere and chances are you’ve wasted countless hours and dollars on the wrong stuff, and as best you can your dealing with it. So, stop. You can no longer afford to not invest in a clothing coach, and understand how to save time and money. Learn how to only make effective and useful purchases, and don’t be fooled by deceptive marketing.

Talk to someone who can teach you the answer to those questions. It’s constantly hiring someone to do it for you that can be costly. Value can vary due to needs, budget and circumstance, but learning how to dress to your potential pays off in more ways than one. Knowing how to assess value in a purchase, and what you need mindful of your body and goals is priceless. And will save you time and dollars.

The main purpose behind understanding your personal style is not about being fashionable or keeping trendy. It’s about your comfort. And when I say comfort, I’m not talking about the stretchy soft kind. I’m talking the type of comfort that creates confidence. You won’t need reassurance from others when you feel comfortable in your own skin –and threads. You’re happy with what you see in the mirror when you know everything fits in the style most complimentary to you. We all know you feel good when you look good, I like to say being comfortable with your personal presentation, gives you the confidence to take on life.

• Step 1: Take a moment to reflect and truly define your personal and professional goals. Most of what you’re communicating to the outside world is non-verbal. Understand what your look is saying as it generally speaks for you before you get the opportunity to speak with your mouth. Understanding this will you help you assess the importance of your style as it relates to those goals.

• Step 2: Understand your fit. We often may like a style we’ve see online or on TV, but realize this is never a one size fits all strategy. What fits great on some, may not be as flattering on others. While this also goes for things like color selection, part of true comfort in clothing is not by buying baggy, soft or leisure clothes but by understanding your perfect fit. Things like the pant rise, and where your pants/jeans generally sit on your waist can make a huge difference.

• Step 3: Invest in yourself. Understand the value of your personal style, and also the value in what you’re buying. Through understanding what it is you’re looking for, it won’t feel like you’re needlessly spending but rather making a smart investment that will yield positive gains. Of course there’s nothing like partnering with a clothing coach to help you understand your fit, and how to get it within your budget. Along with understanding the possibilities and limitations of tailoring or customized clothing, this knowledge will last a lifetime. Once gained you will understand how to truly get what you want and need.

One of the main reasons The Clothing Coach came to life as a service, was due to the huge lack in understanding of value. When it comes to buying clothing, very few really know what’s a good deal. Commonly fixating on price or primarily getting a bargain or “sale” can be accomplishing the exact opposite of what you set out to do. If the goal is to save money, understanding what it is your buying, actual market value, longevity, how and where it’s made are crucial to factor in. And if you’re not tying these in relation to your personal or professional goals, then what are you spending on anyway? What purpose is it serving? Do you care or realize what it’s communicating? When is it worth paying a premium?

Fabric is among the most important of features to understand when assessing the value of a purchase. It goes way beyond suiting, and actually down to the bare start. Undergarments and socks are where comfort really starts when it comes to your wardrobe. If you’re not factoring in breathability, ease of movement or how long your days are, chances are you’re not buying the best products for you. Especially if you’re spending a premium on brand names. As companies’ business goals and environment change so do their fabric compositions, sources or factories. Even if you’ve found the perfect fit, what happens when the brand changes manufacturers, gets bought out or goes out of business. Do you know what you’re looking for to be able to find it elsewhere?

This covers all categories of clothing. The lining on your suit or slacks is another “under-feature” that can have a lot to do with your comfort and clothing’s recovery and durability. Consider what it’s made of before you move on to the actual fabric of the suit. Keeping in mind your goals helps you understand what you need from your clothing. Understanding how fabric performs helps you understand what to expect from your clothing, and how to best care for it. This is no different for T-shirts, polos, jeans, pants, sport-shirts, sweaters, active wear, etc. You understand the value of your meal by the ingredients and how its been prepared, can you say you have the same understanding for your clothing?

Taking the time to understand all of this may be too tall a task to take on your own. This is where a clothing coach differs from a stylist or personal shopper. Get educated on what it is your buying, what to look for, how to get it, take care of it etc. Learn how your wardrobe impacts your lifestyle changes. And save not only money, and countless hours wasted but the peace of mind knowing the value of what it is your buying.  

It’s no secret that it takes a bit of marketing to bring a product to consumers. In regards to fashion many clothing companies spend more money convincing you to buy their product, vs. what they spend making the actual product. Bespoke is one of those terms that’s almost lost value due to being overused inaccurately and misunderstood. Companies or “tailors” who claim to offer bespoke garments most often do not, especially when it’s a part of a bargain or a package.

Most commonly what is offered as custom suiting are variations of Made to Measure programs. All clothing is made starting with a pattern design similar to a blue print. In a MTM program, they have multiple pre-designed patterns of the components of the suit. Then they are put together based on your fitted measurements. On average only 1-2 fittings are necessary. In some cases they have pre-made sample garments, that are simply pre-adjusted based on your supplied measurements. This often is not much different than buying an off the rack suit, and taking it to a tailor to be fitted and altered.

A true Bespoke garment will cost a premium and exudes quality at the highest level. This is true customization as the patterns of the garment are created to your exact measurements. You are the blueprint. This often requires a minimum of 4 fittings and typically more as it is being assembled. This process can only be constructed by a qualified and trained Master Tailor. For this level of detail only the finest, fabrics, lining, threading and suit components will do. It cannot be rushed. The suit’s chest piece will be a full canvas quality and assembled by hand, paying attention to the slightest detail. Quality is truly the top priority and trumps any concerns over cost.

MTM can work great for most and is more cost effective. Pricing can typically be a huge indicator as to the level of quality, but some basic questions can help you determine the value of what you are getting. To start, what mills do the fabrics used come from? How and where are the suits assembled? What is the chest piece composed of? Depending on the program, fabrics and manufacturer, there can be a high level of quality, customization and attention to detail. But that is not bespoke.  

Bargain packages and low prices are often an indication of an assembly line or mechanized manufacturing process involving low skill workers. But that is not always the case. This is where the value of a clothing coach increases. Guiding you through the process helping you understand value in what you are purchasing, and what’s worth spending your hard-earned dollars on.

You ever wonder what it’s like to walk around feeling like everything will go your way? No challenge is too big, rather you embrace challenges as an opportunity to exercise and expand your skills and ability. No one likes a know it all, but everyone appreciates a well-rounded man. This well-rounded man we speak of may be tall, he may be short, blonde, bald, fit or heavy set, he may or may not be many things. But what he most certainly is first and foremost is confident.

Confidence is one of those easy to spot traits because of how it feels. It cannot be contained, its soars right out of you. It’s a reflection of how you speak, your walk, or for some just simply walking into a room is enough, without uttering a single word. There is a reason why others are drawn to this. It is perhaps among the most wanted of traits, and even those who lack confidence can spot those who own it. While there is not one single source for mastering the art of confidence, one of the easiest ones to have an immediate impact is your personal presentation.

Substance matters. Practice and hone your skills. Be passionate about what you do. Those are all parts and pieces to the puzzle of confidence but maximized by utilizing the power of your personal presentation. Understand your style, what looks flattering on you. That’s how you attain true comfort, not by wearing baggy or oversized clothing. The right fit, for the right lifestyle. That doesn’t just mean to go suit up, it means figuring out a wardrobe that compliments you and your daily activities.

This is where a clothing coach holds most value. In a world dominated by images we both know the kind of impact your look can have on any given situation.  Sharpness and paying attention to detail results in positive perceptions and interactions creating a building pattern of confidence. Confidence comes from within, but how brave are you to realize you need to make a change? Until you realize it’s only an enhancement.

You’ve probably heard of a life or a fitness coach, but what is a clothing coach? You’re probably thinking, I could use financial or health advice but I don’t need help shopping for clothes, right? We can’t all afford the luxury of a personal shopper, but a clothing coach is much more than that. Can you afford to keep neglecting your personal presentation?

Sure you can shop for sales and deals online, seek help at a dept. store, go around trying stuff on, or join a company that’ll basically send you an outfit in a box. I’m willing to bet you haven’t found much success with any of these strategies. All of those can be a frustrating experience without the proper guidance. A clothing coach can show you what services or avenues are best for you and how to best access and execute. Among the many reasons to seek counsel regarding your personal presentation, here are 2 main factors.

Understanding Value

Did you know that many clothing and shoe companies spend more on their marketing than they do making the actual product? With today’s deceptive marketing practices and inflated pricing, it’s extremely difficult to know when something is a good deal. Through sales and coupons companies inflate their price knowing it will be discounted, often at multiple price points over short periods of time. Factor in growing new and changing developments in fabrics and how it’s being made and treated and you start to realize there’s a lot to navigate. Clothing is made all over the world for several reasons, but as we’ve been conditioned to look for sales and shop by price our standards of quality have become skewed.

Developing Your Personal Style

The last thing you ever want to do is present yourself as something you are not. Substance must be your follow up act as you crush any first impression through the power of your personal presentation. Which is why the goal is to allow your personality and ability to show through as the first thing on display. This can’t be copied or faked. And sure isn’t a one size fits all strategy. While there may be some general rules and guidelines to know and follow, you need to understand what style, fit and make is best for you and your budget. A style to not just compliment but enhance your daily goals and mission. This is what self-esteem and confidence consists of. The ability to brand yourself through your actions while representing yourself to your best ability, -maximizing your opportunities. All through the power of presentation.

Get a head start, and contact your clothing coach today.

As consumer spending continues to grow online, it’s rapidly becoming the preferred method to buy clothing. It’s only speeding up the already dying mall and shopping centered retail industry. Data has shown the U.S. far outpaces any other country when it comes to retail sq. feet per person. At nearly 24, no one comes close as 2^nd place Canada is barely at 16 square feet of retail space per person. This may high-light that a lot of retail space was eventually destined to close. But it’s no surprise the real reason is the shift to online shopping.

These changes may seem irrelevant to you. Your able to access everything you want at the click of a button. Why does it even matter? They say everything that succeeds today is providing more of an experience vs. just a product. And we all know the mall hasn’t been much of one for a long time. Anchored with large, cluttered and understaffed department stores. Or tacky strip malls full of the same tired o’l chains ran by clerks who often can’t wait for the day to be over. For a long time, people have only been going to the mall when they have to and now, they -don’t have to.

So again, if your job isn’t dependent on this dying model, this shift may not seem like much of a concern. Nearly half of all products sold online are through Amazon and Walmart alone. As Amazon works on same day drone delivery and just recently passed the incredible task of becoming bigger than Walmart. They’ve recently been making huge pushes in the fashion industry. They of course already sell tons of cheap clothing, but they’ve just recently filed for a patent for an on-demand clothing manufacturing system. Complete with cameras to analyze your sizing and fitting and all, to robot manufacturers on conveyor belts. Operating completely without humans.

Here’s why you should care. Maintaining the integrity of a product is no longer a companies top priority. As publicly traded companies drive the market, it’s already rare to have businesses ran by management pursuing their passion or product related expertise. Gone are the days of a company being founded and ran by someone pursuing greatness in bringing you a product or service. What they are run by is folks who are talented at increasing the bottom-line. And as markets dictate their challenges, one of the few controlled ways of increasing profits is by cutting costs. Most companies are willing to cut corners often at the expense of sacrificing their quality. This is pushing ahead full steam especially as price becomes the driving concern behind shopping for clothes online.  And this trend will only increase the likelihood of decreasing quality in your clothing and fabrics.

While the mall is no longer much of an experience, I bet you’ll often find neither is shopping online for clothing. Especially when you haven’t tried it on, felt the fabric, figured out your style, the look you’re going for etc. All things you used to be able to answer by simply going to your local clothiers or department store. They would tell you how to wear clothing, what looks good on you, outfits you never thought of because that’s how they kept you coming back.

The new online model is not truly providing the advice of an expert human touch. And this may not matter with everything, but certainly does when building your wardrobe. Someone who can understand your goals and personality, and how to get you comfortable in your skin and new threads. How to let your personality show through your personal presentation.

This more than ever is why you need to enlist the educational services of a clothing coach. Understand what it is your buying again. Service is not just on the decline, but disappearing. It’s more than just understanding your style and fit, learn how to obtain and support quality products and services. While shopping online is much easier in theory and the savings seem passed on to you, getting what you thought you paid for is a challenge that’s on the rise.

“It’s the little things…” is something someone inevitably explained to you at some point in your life. Those minute details depending on the occasion can mean all the difference between a great and an average experience. So if we all know it’s the little things that count, don’t think that stops when it comes to your personal style and wardrobe. Most men often don’t, giving you an easy win if you can manage to pay attention to a few extra details. Depending on your goals in your professional or personal life, it may be wise to find ways of standing out in most situations.

Pocket Squares- This is a touch that speaks volumes in personal presentation. There’s a reason you never see one in the suit pocket of a politician. Barring few professions and settings, it adds a note of luxury to your style, -reflective of your personality. Solid or patterned, how you fold or wear it is totally up to your personal style. Something your clothing coach can help you develop. Casual dates and occasions? It’s a great touch when not wearing a tie. When worn with a tie, you can match it to your square or an often-nicer touch maybe to match your shirt. Always ask for extra fabric when getting a custom shirt made, as it can add unique style when paired with your shirt. A great way to dress up a casual look for dinner is to pop one right in your coat with your untucked shirt and jeans. Never buy a pre-folded or fixed pocket square. Your clothing coach can show you tips on how to stabilize and maintain your square.  For ways to fold them and tips check out #SquareoftheWeek.

Jewelry- The most important theme here is to keep it tasteful. Similar to scents and colognes -this can be easy to overdue, so pay close attention. Understand what you are trying to communicate, and this will help you identify what style you’re going for.  You also want to keep in mind placement, and how to best wear your rings, watch, pocket-watch or bracelet. With a cell phone ringing in everyone’s pocket, we’ve become accustomed to relying on it for everything. But relying on a watch instead to check the time can be a way to show more class while being more respectful in most settings. Whether gold or silver, make sure you are matching your rings and buckles whether that’s your belt or on your shoes. Brown or black leather straps can add a nice subtle matching touch to your ‘fit. Cuff-links and lapel-pins are another great way to make a bold statement in subtle fashion. Tie pins and clips can be great, but leave those more to necessity rather than style. Rings particularly are a way to differentiate styles and personality. It’s not just your ring finger that has symbolic meaning. Worn on an index finger often denotes affiliation, thumbs edgy style, while pinky rings can symbolize wealth and personal flare. This is an area wear quality matters, men do NOT wear costume jewelry. Silver or white-gold are most ideal, but more importantly never fake. If you learn how to best proceed, this is not an area where you need to overspend as you may think.

Socks- You think no one notices, but she does. I often reference the importance of your shoe game relative to your romantic opportunities. If that’s of concern to you, let’s take it a step further and add a killer pair of socks. There’s never been a better time to wear fun/bolder socks. The old rule of having to match your slacks is out and regardless of what style pants you are wearing it’s a smooth enhancement to your overall look. Now this doesn’t just mean you need to get heavy patterns or louder colors, but be mindful of its importance to your outfit. We’re showing your ability to be meticulous, and you want to show coordination is a strong suit for you. With the right fit on your slack or jean bottoms when you take a few steps across the room or take a seat, they can’t help but smile as it catches their eye how you match down to your socks.

Attention to detail is often what separates champions among athletes, leaders from followers and most who lead successful relationships. You work hard and deserve to stay ready for when the right opportunities cross your path.  You’ve prepped with substance, why stop short at your presentation?  Find a clothing coach near you to help take you over the edge and complete your package.

If your ambitious or have any goals in your personal or professional life, you’re always looking for an edge. Knowledge to help you succeed. Understanding the power of perspective is a key tool in your daily interactions that can impact a situation without you saying a single word. While we shouldn’t give equal importance to how others perceive us vs how we perceive the world, we shouldn’t be quick to totally dismiss it. Especially when some of those people or interactions may be impacting your professional, financial or romantic opportunities.

It’s sort of like a double-edged sword. On one side your choosing to find the positive, any lessons or opportunities through controlling your own perspective. While on the other end, choosing to be perceived more favorably through controlling your presentation and attitude. Once fully understood, this will give you an edge equivalent to any diploma or certification in most situations.

We’ve all heard of karma, ‘what goes around comes around’ ‘you reap what you sew’ etc. Nothing rings truer than treating someone how you wish to be treated. Always treat others with respect and maintain a positive attitude and you will attract it all back to you. Through patience and awareness in our interactions we often have much to gain. You may find opportunities in places you least expect if you’re always looking. And the best part about this end of the sword, is it’s completely FREE. -Although I will concede it still tends to be the harder of the 2.

Now on the other end, before you even talk you may have already spoken. Eyes do the listening in an artificial world. With the emphasis placed on images throughout our lives and culture, we all know looks matter. Your look is saying something about you, and in some life situations you may actually be concerned about that. Why else do you dress up for a date or a job interview? Now the goal shouldn’t be to conform, but to stand out through discovering your own personal style. This allows the real you to be the first thing on display. We know the importance of 1^st impressions in some situations, but we aren’t always prepared. Part of incorporating your personal style and hygiene as routine, is simply a controlled measurable in your preparation for success -since you can’t control the timing of opportunities. As some might call it luck, others call it being prepared for the moment.

It’s time to take action. Get in touch with a clothing coach today and let your personality shine through. Personalizing the experience of enhancing your wardrobe is a sure way to understand your style, and what best compliments you. This is never a one size fits all strategy. For tips and advice, reach out by following and tagging the #PerspectiveisAweapon social media campaign. Nothing gives you more confidence then knowing your best features are on display, making it much easier to remain positive and smile. You often feel your best when you also look your best, attracting the best of what life has in store for you. There’s no reason to sell yourself short, invest in yourself today!

Originality is a trait rarely found these days, yet it will always be among the most attractive of characteristics. This doesn’t mean to just do things differently, but to more importantly let your true personality show through in everything that you do.  We ultimately have few opportunities in our day to day interactions to truly accomplish this, but whether you like it or not, your look is communicating something to someone every day. And whether you care or not, some of these opinions may be impacting your financial, romantic or even housing opportunities. Why not seize the moment as an opportunity to take charge of the situation? Here’s 3 quick subtle ways to make big statements.

Hair Grooming

An easy way to stay on top of your game, is staying on top of your haircuts and maintenance of your facial hair. Whether your clean shaven or fully bearded keeping this well maintained is a quick indication of your commitment to excellence and efficiency. Not to say that scraggly bearded guys can’t be excellent or efficient, but too bad those darn first impressions can get in the way of knowing that about you.

Wear a Tie  

Here’s a quick way to stand out and in many ways, show you care. Ties have become worn only when mandatory, -giving you an easy way to demonstrate you go the extra mile. We’re not talking full blown suiting or even slacks necessarily. With todays relaxed dress codes it’s a nice touch with jeans and a vest. And you don’t always have to wear it the entire time, but think of showing up to work an event or even dinner with a loved one with a tie once in a while. You become more important by making them feel more important.

Smelling Good

This is a simple task that can get tricky, only because not every fragrance translates the same way on every person, and can be easy to overdo. Few men have this figured out, giving you another chance to stand out. This is a part of being original in your style and figuring out the best scents and fragrances for you. Don’t rely on any aftershaves, body washes or lotions for scent. Those products are often best unscented, and I hope you’ve figured out by now that cheap deodorants and body sprays are the worst route to take. Simply remaining clean will do the trick, but a reasonable investment here can make interacting with you a memorable experience for many. There are tester bottles for a reason, but this still may be a trial and error process. You’ll know when you’ve found the right fit, but again, don’t over-do it!

While developing these tasks into a routine sounds simple, finding out how to find the right scent, best hair style and complimentary ties may be a bit more challenging. This is why a professional clothing coach can help you understand your style, and how to let your best features and qualities be the first thing on display. No matter what it is you do, there is an area in your life that this kind of investment in yourself will pay off.