Accessories For Mesn Custom Clothing

You know the importance of a great wardrobe, and you take extra care to make sure you have an adequate amount of shirts, sweaters and pants to take you through every season with just the right touch of style. And shoes... you have learned the value of the right pair, especially when women make it known that you've got the shoes to make "it" happen.
But there are other items available for men that can make the difference between super style and super-sizing your style. This is not the kind of accessorizing women advocate; I'm not talking about the importance of a purse for every outfit and jewelry to make you look like royalty. I am referring to items that most men take for granted, such as a belt, cufflinks, a signature pen, and more.
These accessories can add that touch of class you need whether you're at work or out on the town, and serve to put the "pow" in power.




The Neck Tie
So you have more than 20 ties, but that doesn't mean you have the tie, the one that makes or breaks your ensemble by completely altering a shirt. If you're tempted to spend a bit more on a designer tie, whose slickness cannot compare to a lesser-known brand, take the plunge only if there is a noticeable difference. As well, keep in mind that less can be more, and while stripes (especially diagonal ones) or polka dots do liven up a suit or dress shirt, a slick and simple tie like a satin black or gray one should not be underestimated -- especially if you've got a whole tone-on-tone thing going on.


Cufflinks and/or Tie Clip
Cufflinks are considered men's jewelry, so enjoy the effect they can have on a dress shirt. From sterling silver cufflinks like the ones featured here and monogrammed ones, to a pair of unique, antique cufflinks adorned with a precious stone like mother of pearl, there are a variety of options available to suit you and link you to any style you want. As for a tie clip, although they are usually associated with "stuffy" professions, a silver or gold tie clip can add a subtle touch to the perfect tie.


The Money clip
Speaking of clips, a money clip helps you get rid of the bulge in your back pocket caused by your wallet, not to mention that it looks slick when you need to access your cash and plastic. If you prefer a wallet, just make sure it's leather (preferably black) and makes you look as though you have a lot in your bank account, no matter how much you're packing. Both stainless steel and black leather money clips will do the trick, especially the Montblanc one to the right.


A Belt
You score two points for knowing that your belt should match your shoes. Now you need to know that a stylish belt is a necessity for strapping style. If you're in the market for one, your best bet is a black leather belt with a silver buckle (regular or plaque buckle). Add other belts to your collection like brown, canvas, or suede as extra luxuries. The right black leather belt is a must for dress pants, suits and more.


A Bag
Get over the emasculating feeling of carrying around a bag; you're only allowed to feel that way when your woman relegates you to holding her bag when you're shopping together. A black or brown, rich, leather portfolio case or clutch is not only practical for carrying around important documents and essential belongings like keys, money and a cell phone, but it also makes you look like the VIP you are. A nylon bag or money belt just doesn't have the same effect as this Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, especially when you're decked out in your nicest gear.




A Business Card Case
It's one thing to have the right business card, but it's quite another to keep it in the right place. The power of a presentable business card is multiplied when you take it out of a case rather than your pocket. By storing your cards in a case, you're ensuring that they remain in good condition while making sure associates and clients take notice. Doesn't your personal advertisement deserve proper treatment?


A Pen
Imagine running into a former classmate and writing a note on your business card (see above). While you might use your PDA's stylus more than an actual ballpoint, you should always have a sophisticated pen handy for when you need to sign a check, jot down directions, or take note of an important phone number (you never know, right?). The perfect pen, such as this Tateossian pen can even be considered a piece of jewelry, and is an accessory every businessman must carry around.


Your Watch
Speaking of jewelry, a watch is a must for any and every man. If you are to wear any jewelry, this is the one piece to wear -- there are no excuses. Treat yourself to a watch that points to power, elegance, sophistication, and well, time. The style you choose should be a reflection of you; so if a Rolex or Breitling is "you," but you can't afford it, there are plenty of other watches that can do the trick until you gradually work your way up to the top. Once you get the right watch, you'll need it to make it to all the hot dates that are sure to come your way.


An Umbrella
If you use public transportation, then I don't need to list off the advantages of an umbrella, but by the looks of what some men out there use, it seems that I do need to explain the importance of a nice, high-quality one. It's one of those things we take for granted; if it's nice, no one notices, but if it looks like something you purchased at the dollar store, everyone will pay attention, and that's not the kind of attention you want to attract. So it doesn't hurt to pay a bit more for a nice umbrella (unless you tend to lose them). No need to go all-out and buy a designer one, but there is a need to purchase a dark-colored one like this black one, which looks strong enough for a man. There's nothing wrong with using a corporate umbrella to advertise your place of employment, as long as the company logo is subtle and tasteful. And if it's big enough for two, I don't even need to explain the additional advantage...


A Scarf and black leather gloves
In the same vein, a scarf is an accessory you absolutely cannot neglect; if you need to bear chilly conditions on the way to work or even while going downtown to hit the scene, make sure you have a scarf that wraps you with style and comfort. I recommend a black, charcoal or even camel one, and bonus points for cashmere or an equally rich-looking wool (this cashmere one is by Glen Heath). If you tend to care for your items and seldom lose things, splurge on a Burberry scarf or at least one that looks like high quality. As well, black leather gloves go a long way and add a level of sophistication that most men wish they could achieve.


A Lighter
If you smoke the occasional cigar, then a cool silver or black lighter can serve as a great ice breaker or conversation piece. This is more appropriate for a night out, as this accessory will come in handy when that beautiful lady across the bar needs a light.

Knowing how to dress and which trends suit you best is important, but knowing which accessories can add that extra "oomph" to any outfit is also key if you want to take your class and level of coolness to the highest of heights.

We Remain with Best Regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

Halach Compliant Non Shatnez Custom Clothing

Certain things go together naturally, like peas and carrots. And certain things don't, like toothpaste and orange juice.

The Torah teaches about the power of combinations and warns against mixing the wrong things together. One of these is the prohibition against wearing a mixture of wool and linen in the same piece of clothing, as it is written, "You shall not wear combined fibers, wool and linen together" (Deut. 22:11).

In Hebrew, this forbidden mixture is called "shatnez" (pronounced shot-nezz).

Shatnez is an acronym for "combed, spun and woven," which describes the stages in processing fabric: combing the raw fiber, spinning fibers into a thread, and weaving the threads into cloth.

The mitzvah of shatnez still applies today. We observe the mitzvah by checking manufacturer labels on the clothes we buy, and by sending suspicious items (like wool suits and coats) to a "shatnez laboratory" for checking.

Clothes are a unique part of being human; only people wear clothes. Shatnez is a constant reminder that all our actions must be "kosher."

Interestingly, "holy garments" are exempt from the prohibition of shatnez. For example, the special garments worn by a Kohen while serving in the Holy Temple contained both wool and linen. Similarly, it is theoretically permitted to wear tzitzit that has shatnez (though there are technical factors which don't allow this today). The explanation may be that these garments are already inherently "kosher."

WHAT'S THE REASON?
The Torah does not explain the reason for shatnez, and it is categorized as a chok -- a law whose logic is not evident. The Torah has many such laws; we do not know why pork is forbidden, for example. And the prohibition of shatnez is equally strong.

Why did God make a chok in the first place? What's the purpose of a commandment whose reason we have no inkling of?

The power of a chock is as follows: If the reasons for all the mitzvot were as obvious as "don't murder" or "don't steal," then a person could go through life without developing a relationship with God. How so? Just as there are many fine, upstanding people who don't murder -- not because they believe in God, but simply because they understand that it's wrong -- we might likewise observe mitzvot simply because they "make sense."

Leaving God out of the picture would be missing the point entirely. That would be humanism, not Judaism.

Having said all this, God still wants us to use our intellect to understand the mitzvot to the best of our ability. Thus the commentators suggest different "explanations" for shatnez.

One idea is that he mixing wool and linen upsets the environmental and/or metaphysical fabric of the universe. God created different species that work together in the symphony of creation. Our job is to respect and appreciate this diversity and help maintain this special orderliness.

The Midrash suggests that the reason stems from the story of Cain and Abel, as recorded in Genesis chapter 4. Cain brought God an offering of flax (the source of linen) and Abel brought a sheep (wool). The incident resulted in Cain killing Abel, and it was thus decreed that never again shall the two substances mix.

This is perhaps hinted to by the Torah juxtaposing the prohibition of shatnez with the imperative to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18-19). Each person must cherish his own uniqueness and not feel threatened by others. Cain did not understand that he and his brother had different tasks in life, different roles in creation.

PRACTICAL LAWS OF SHATNEZ

Shatnez is forbidden when it is worn as a normal garment -- i.e. to protect from the cold, rain and heat.

It is therefore permitted to try on a new outfit for size, even though it may contain shatnez.

Even the smallest amount of shatnez is forbidden. For example, if you have a wool suit and the buttons are sewn with linen thread, it is forbidden to wear the suit until the linen thread is removed.

Someone who discovers they are wearing shatnez is required to remove the garment immediately.

It is likewise forbidden for a Jew to manufacture or sell shatnez clothing, unless he can be certain that only non-Jews will purchase it.

Getting Clothes Checked
Clothes that list wool or linen on the label should be taken to a certified shatnez laboratory, where they will be checked under a microscope. Checking a suit usually costs around $10.


Even though only one of the two forbidden fibers is listed, the odds of finding shatnez is greatly increased. Manufacturers are not required by law to reveal every element in their clothing. Even if a garment says 100 percent wool, it may legally still contain linen threads. For example, linen neckties often have a wool lining.

Garments are usually safe from shatnez if neither linen nor wool are mentioned on the label. Though men's suits and winter coats should be checked for shatnez regardless of the listed materials.

Also be aware of clothes containing reprocessed materials or unknown fibers, frequently listed on garment tags as O.F. (other fibers).

In many cases, the shatnez can be easily removed because the wool and linen are not combined in the basic fabric of the garment. Once the shatnez is removed, it becomes permitted to wear the garment.
For example, shatnez is commonly found in men's suits which are made of wool or wool blends. To retain the shape of the collar area, a canvas stiffener is generally sewn into the collar, and linen is the fabric considered by the clothing industry as being the best material for this purpose. The more expensive the suit, the greater the likelihood that linen is used. If linen is found in a collar canvas, it can easily be removed and replaced with a non-linen canvas.

ONE GARMENT WORN OVER ANOTHER

There are a few more details about shatnez that are important to know.

It is permitted to wear a linen garment over a wool garment, or vice versa, since they are not attached to each other. For example, it is permitted to wear a linen jacket and wool pants, or a linen scarf wrapped around a wool dress, or a linen tie under a wool jacket.

Buttoning a wool and linen garment together -- even on a permanent basis -- is not considered an attachment because the garments can be easily unfastened. It is therefore permitted to wear a wool coat together with an inner lining of linen, if they are buttoned (but not sewn) together. The same applies with snaps or Velcro, since they can be easily detached.

There is one restriction, however, in wearing wool and linen garments on top of each other: One needs to determine if the inner garment can somehow be removed without completely removing the outer garment. If not, then the garments are considered attached to one another. Therefore, wearing wool pants over linen underwear is considered shatnez. So when wearing one garment of wool and one of linen -- like coats, sweaters, jackets, dresses and blouses -- one must determine if the garments underneath can be removed without removing the top one first.

NON-GARMENTS
One final issue:

While the Torah prohibits wearing shatnez ("shatnez on the body"), "shatnez beneath the body" (e.g. upholstery and carpets) is forbidden by rabbinical prohibition. Therefore, sitting, lying, or walking on shatnez is prohibited when there is the concern that the shatnez material may come off and cling to the body.

This prohibition largely depends on the softness of materials used. For example, if the shatnez material used in the seat of a chair is soft or plush, it is forbidden to sit on the chair.

Wool carpets can also be a problem, as linen is sometimes used as a backing. Walking barefoot or sitting on a shatnez carpet would be prohibited where there is direct body contact. If the carpet is tightly woven, and loose threads are unlikely to come off, the carpet would not be a problem.

If there is doubt about the fabric content of upholstery and carpets, you should arrange to have them checked by a shatnez laboratory.

There is a story about the "Steipler," a great 20th century rabbi. He arranged for a date with a young woman in a distant town, which necessitated taking a train to get there. The night before the train ride, he stayed up all night learning Torah, thinking that he could make up his lost sleep on the train. But upon entering the train, he suspected that the seat cushions contained shatnez -- and wound up standing throughout the entire journey, continuing to study.

When the Steipler arrived and met the young woman (actually the sister of the Chazon Ish) for their "first date," he proceeded to fall asleep right away. The woman was riled, but upon checking into the matter she discovered what had happened -- and was so impressed that she insisted they be married!

For further reading, see the book, "A Guide to Shatnez," by Rabbi Dovid Loebenstein.


We Remain with Best Regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com