How To | Get Shot by the Sartorialist!

I just found this and found it very amusing (click to enlarge image):

[Link - also includes larger image]

How To | Tie a Bow Tie

I'm not a perfect person and have never claimed to be. Sometimes my memory fails me. Sometimes I'm just plain forgetful. And maybe sometimes when I don't wear a bow tie for a really long time, I forget how to tie them.

So what do I do in such a situation? I go straight to Youtube for a how-to video. One that I recently discovered (and rather enjoyed) was by Chet Cannon of "Chet Chat". Aside from being humorous, the video is well done and quite helpful when you're in need of a refresher.

How To | Artful Dishevelment

The gentlemen of Modern Dignified have been exploring subtle sprezzatura techniques in the last few posts of their blog. Definitely worth a read.

• Tie Clips
• Bracelets
• Color
• Socks

How To | Wear A Scarf (Part II)

"Think of a scarf as a necktie for your outerwear - it's that one accessory that people are going to notice." - GQ

Diagram 1: Slipknot

Diagram 2: Simple Tie Knot

Diagram 3: Once Around

Diagrams 1, 2, and 3 courtesy of GQ.com.

If the three techniques above don't do it for you, be sure to check out "How to Tie A Scarf: 9 Tying Techniques" at Kinowear.com. Yes, there are nine different options - think of all the possibilities!

As if that isn't enough, I've also included a nice how-to video courtesy of Details.com. And yes, I know you aren't retarded... I'm just covering all the bases. Enjoy!

How To | Save Money On Damaged Items

As a financially minded individual, I view slightly damaged merchandise as an opportunity to save a few bucks. Missing or loose buttons, pulled thread, scratches, poor stitching, missing tags and so on. These are all defects that qualify for the "damage discount" many retailers offer. In my experience, I've found that this discount is typically 10-15%. But beware, this also means final sale.

If a retailer doesn't offer a damage discount, think of it as an opportunity to negotiate at the check-out counter. After all, the price tag is more of a suggestion than anything else - or at least that's how I view it.

How does this process of obtaining a discount work?

It's pretty simple. The first order of business is locating a defect on the item in question. Inspect it closely. Check all the buttons. Scan over the stitching. Look for marks and stains. Check problem areas such as the crotch of pants, pockets, belt loops, collars and so on. As far as you are concerned, the item should be perfect. That's what you're paying for, right? A brand new, one of a kind, unworn piece of clothing.

The fact of the matter is this is almost never the case. We live in an imperfect world full of imperfect goods, even in retail. There isn't much you can trust anymore with clothing being mass produced on assembly lines in China. Not to mention lenient return policies. And when you shop at "high fashion low cost" shops like H&M, UNIQLO, Topman, Urban Outfitters and GAP it is apparent that these shops focus more on quantity rather than quality in production. So, chances are you'll find something you can complain about.

Once you've located a defect, approach the nearest sales associate with a warm smile and plead your case. If you know the store has a damage discount policy, this will be as simple as pointing out the defect. If not, it can become a little bit more complicated. In my experience, I've found that it's easiest when you have in hand the last of a particular item. In this case, you can use the defense "But this is the last one, sir, and I really want it." The level of kindness of the associate (or how bad of a day they're having) will determine how much boo-hooing you'll have to do.

Why would I want to buy something less than perfect if I don't have to? you may be asking yourself. I'll suggest three reasons: 1) the defect doesn't compromise function, 2) the defect is hardly noticeable, or 3) you can easily repair the item yourself at no cost.

Thanks for reading.

-DW

How To | Wear a Scarf

Like many people, I'm a big fan of the Sartorialist, Scott Schuman's fashion blog. You likely know this already because I frequently rip photos off his blog and post them here (never neglecting to give him a proper shout out of course). Over the last few months, he has posted many photos of men in scarves. Browsing his blog this week, I found that almost every possible way to wear a scarf was covered in one or another of his photos. Was he aware of this? Probably not. It's not much of a coincidence as it is the winter season, and people do normally wear scarves when it's cold. Nonetheless, I thought this discovery to be worth sharing.

Below I've included some of these photos. Hopefully you find them inspiring like I did and perhaps consider wearing your scarf in a new way. If you follow the Sartorialist, you've probably seen these before so forgive me, but I thought having them here together in one place would be helpful.

[All photos via The Sartorialist]

How To | Treat Suede Shoes

Pictured: Clarks Original Desert Boot

With the increased popularity of the suede desert boot recently, I see gentlemen sporting suede footwear everywhere I turn. When I purchased a pair last season, I was told by a friend never to wear them in the rain. Well, one day I decided to wear them on a seemingly sunny day, and then, out of nowhere, it began to drizzle later in the afternoon. Afterward, I tried to treat them with a rag but there is still some discoloration. I have yet to treat them properly, and was pleased to finally find an explanation online yesterday.

If you've ever wondered how to treat suede, here is a nice how-to video brought to you by the gentlemen of DressWithStyle.com.