Men’s Fall Trends Offer Personality with Structure

Last week, we dissected the top themes for women’s fashion from the 2011 Fall Runways and today, not to be outdone, the men will get their turn with an eclectic mix of options from lived-in to luxury, and even somewhere in between.

Fabrics:
As one would guess as the temps cool down, the makings of Fall clothing dial up the substance, showing tweed as a heavy front runner, with shearling, fur and various forms of suede following close behind. Leather also makes a frequent appearance in everything from jackets, coats, belts, and accents in sweaters, shirts and pants.

Ermenegildo Zegna  2011/Image by Dan Lecca

With texture as the main goal, even traditional pieces like trousers should be worn crinkled, and sweaters display dimension in various stitching patterns.

Colors and Patterns:
Sticking with Autumnal cues, a rich range of olive greens, steel greys, navies, chocolates and caramels mixes up the season, providing a base for blazers, cords, pea coats and sweaters. For the daring gentleman, color blocking is also an option, but unlike the bold contrast of the ladies’ looks, these pairings compliment each other in shades of varying reds, blues, browns, and greys.

Prada 2011/Image by Dan Lecca

Michael Kors 2011/Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images



Taking another cue from the women (or vice versa!), Western style also infiltrates the male runways with buffalo plaid appearing on heavy shirts. With rich hues and contrasting shades, be certain to follow the care label directions to the letter and refer to quality fabricare specialists with any questions.

Styling the Key Pieces:
Find any of the following investment pieces—a structured blazer, a coat with shearling accents, a cardigan (choose your style—Grandpa, Nordic or shawl), fitted trousers, a sleek pair of cords, or a go-to coat--and mix and match however your mood sees fit. This Fall is all about layering and combining an unexpected collection of pieces to define looks that feel structured but relaxed; luxurious but understated; constructed but comfortable.

A model turns up his double-breasted suit and wears it as a wrap jacket

Giorgio Armani 2011/Image by Dan Lecca

Layer up for outdoor adventures (selecting shearling, buffalo plaid, and oversized sweaters), or go sleek and top a pair of trousers with a classic cashmere sweater and overcoat and call it a day of sophistication. Whether it is wool ties over plaid shirts, bulky sweaters under leather jackets, rolled-up khakis with shearling coats, or tweed paired with just about anything, this season allows men to pick and choose with just one rule—wear it with confidence. A confidence that comes in part from knowing every detail of your clothing looks impeccably effortless through the proper care and upkeep. Whatever the material of choice, Davis Imperial knows the right way to treat it, a job best left for the professionals.

What are your favorite themes from the Fall fashion runways? We love the mix of cozy layers and fabrics, and think there are going to be a lot of sleek-looking couples roaming the streets of the city this season! Whatever pairing you choose, the Davis Imperial team prepped long before the temperatures dropped to ensure they’re ready for any clothing question or challenge this season brings. They can’t wait to see all your new looks!

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to follow the Davis Imperial team (and get updates on this blog!) on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube.

All images via Esquire's Style Blog

Fall 2011 Runways Offer Extremes for Any Style

Summer in Chicago really only officially got started in July, but the fashion-obsessed have had visions of Fall lookbooks in their heads for months. With the recent arrival of the September magazines, let’s take a look at some of the key themes popping up for Fall 2011.

Colors:
If the runways are any indication, the Autumn lines will offer something for everyone, whether it be geometric color-blocking of rich reds, yellows, blues and oranges; over-dyed tones of blacks for jeans, coats, and dresses; or bold white in fur coats. When caring for a piece in which the key statement is color, look for a quality cleaner that will test the stability of the dyes —you want to keep your statements bold and crisp.

Burberry Prorsum (photo by WWD staff)

Prints:
Checkered tops, coats, and dresses will offer a cozy break from the season’s chill and look as effortless at Sunday brunch as they do at an afternoon business meeting. Ikat and batik prints will be popping up in everything from coats to skirts to house accessories (including plates and throw pillows) while polka dot accents made a decidedly feminine appearance in everything from flowing gowns to sheer overlays on blouses. Especially delicate attention must be paid to sheer pieces like the Stella McCartney number below, and a quality fabricare specialist will ensure every single detail looks as good as the day you bought it by examining the cut, make, and care instructions, then adjusting their process accordingly.

Stella McCartney (photo by WWD staff)

Silhouettes:
Menswear details continue to dominate the Autumn season, with added feminine touches like volume (in the form of elegant wide-legged pants) and delicate details like flowing tie-neck tops and crisp belted shirtdresses. For an even more womanly take on office-wear, the 60’s heavily influenced the season with demure dresses and suit sets in rich jewel tones.

Christian Dior (photo by Giovanni Giannoni via WWD)

Accents:
Feather details abounded, giving skirts, tops, and dresses a life of their own as they bounced down the runways. Snakeskin was a close second as the detail of choice, appearing on shoes, in dresses, and on skirts. Make sure only a fabricare specialist with the proper tools, technical expertise and experience hand processes your specialty items.

The Davis Imperial team always stays abreast of the latest in fashion news and views in an effort to deliver everything you need to look your best. If you splurge on a one-of-a-kind Fall number, you can be confident that the Davis team will be prepared to properly process your garment while maintaining its gorgeous detail and will answer any question you have regarding the piece. They can’t wait to see the latest fashions come through their door.

What’s your favorite style from the Fall lines?

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to send any questions you have about your favorite clothing to davisimperial@gmail.com. And follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook for weekly tips and updates!

All images via Women's Wear Daily

Q&A With Lynda, Rick, and Jordan: A Fabricare Specialist vs. A Dry Cleaner Round Three

Happy Friday, readers! For the last two weeks, Lynda, Rick, and Jordan have been helpful enough to break down the difference between a fabricare specialist and a dry cleaner. It all started based on the following question:

“In the last year, I have purchased some pricier dresses that I really want to last (considering they cost more than a lot of my other items combined!). After a quick google search, I see two kinds of cleaners—the typical dry cleaner, and “fabricare specialists”. What’s the difference, and why does it matter?” {Lauren, Chicago}

Because this is a question Lynda, Rick, and Jordan receive so often, they’ve broken the answer into three parts. Two weeks ago, they taught us what to look for in a fabricare specialist when it comes to skills, education, and knowledge of the craft. Last week, the family outlined key steps followed by the top fabricare specialists so you know what to ask for when choosing where to take your most valued clothing. This week, they’ll show us the extra effort that the best-of-the-best in fabricare specialists put forth.

Answer:
Our last two weeks have focused on what a quality dry cleaner should be doing--versus what many cleaners do not do. We’ve discussed the process your clothing goes through, the education of the staff, and the details you should be asking about when you choose a cleaner. And while there are many “fine” choices out there, only a select few quality cleaners go the distance in exceeding your expectations every single time. Below, we’ve listed some of the top things you should look for to make the decision process easier. Any fabricare specialist worth your best pieces should…

1. run quality checks conducted by senior managers on a daily basis that measure the results of their work against their standards of excellence, in an effort to continuously strive for perfection.

2. staff a full-service, experienced alterations department for all of your tailoring needs.

3. check every single client’s order to ensure all preferences and special instructions have been met and expectations have been exceeded at all stages of the process. (When you become a client at Davis Imperial, you fill out a full profile detailing your preferences for all of your clothing needs!)

4. run an environmentally responsible business, and be certified as an Environmental Drycleaner and a Four Leaf Green Cleaner by the Green Cleaners Council. (For more on Davis Imperial being a “green” cleaner, check out our post here!)

5. offer to conduct educational seminars for retailers, schools and organizations because they believe in the importance of understanding the difference between an ordinary drycleaner and a fabricare specialist--and how the choice you ultimately make can protect your investment in your wardrobe.

6. stay abreast of the latest fabric and fashion trends, as well as classic couture in order to be best educated on how to care for all garments.

7. give back and be involved in philanthropic and community organizations, understanding the importance of supporting the very individuals, organizations and companies that have been so supportive of them.

8. have unending passion for what they do, never wanting to stop learning and growing in their field of expertise.

9. offer luxe pick up and delivery service to your residence or office by bonded, uniformed and responsible client service representatives you can trust and who recognize that their first responsibility is the security of their client’s valued garments.

10. offer FabricareByMail™ for individuals, retailers, museums, hotels and corporations where a fabricare specialist’s level of services is not available in their area.

Most importantly, a true fabricare specialist will never take your business for granted and will always remember to say thank you for giving them the opportunity to service your fabricare needs. Davis Imperial is so honored that their clients choose them, and we hope this 3-part primer has given you a peek into what you deserve in clothing and garment care—if you’re not getting this type of service, find a quality cleaner who will deliver.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness always…

Thanks Lynda, Rick, and Jordan for this week’s installment!

And readers, don’t forget to submit any questions you have on Facebook or on Twitter @davisimperial, or you can email us at davisimperialblog@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next week!

Event Recap: A Day on the Terrace by The Service Club Of Chicago

Day On The Terrace 10th Annual Fashion Show...

Last Monday, I had the fantastic pleasure of joining Lynda Wood of Davis Imperial at A Day on the Terrace, the annual fashion show and luncheon thrown by The Service Club of Chicago. Not only did the event mark the tenth anniversary of this particular Service Club function, but it also was the tenth anniversary of the Peninsula Chicago—a special occasion on several levels. As a member of the The Service Club Of Chicago, Lynda attends the various fundraisers and galas throughout the year, not only to enjoy the company of other Chicago women whose influence reaches far and wide, but also to allow Davis Imperial to give back to the community that helped make it the business it is today. After all, at the heart of the company is the Wood family, and while the services they offer are among the best in the business—in Chicago and nationwide!—they treat every client as though they’re a dear friend or family member. Events and organizations like these help them honor that commitment.

Interestingly enough, Lynda explained, she also attends these events to get a feel for current fashion trends and potential styling challenges her clients could be facing. While the family tends to steer the conversations away from business during social events, a keen eye is kept on new styles seen within the event, including any noticeable trends that keep popping up (both in the fashion show and in the crowd itself!) as well as possible problems the various garments might present when being cleaned.

For example, at Monday’s event, the styles seen on the guests ran the spectrum, but, as usual, black and white was a frequently seen go-to pairing. What many fashionistas may not realize, however, is that combining dark and light fabrics, embellishments, or trims on the same garment could potentially be problematic as the dark dye might bleed to the lighter color during processing. At Davis Imperial, whenever a piece comes in with similar challenges, they test the material to ensure this will not occur. Likewise, if the fall previews show garments or tailoring that looks more delicate, the Woods will take note of that to determine how to best service those pieces. At events like Day on the Terrace, fashion plays a role in entertainment, but also in continuously raising the standards of excellence by which the Woods run their business.

And what a fashion show it was. With looks from Luca Luca, Neiman Marcus, Intermix, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay and more (see the photo recap below!), there was something to please everyone—from gorgeous high-waisted pants and tie front shirts to chunky necklaces; from a vintage couture gown worn in Mad Men (found at Lulu’s at the Belle Kay!) to chicly sophisticated shorts sets; the show proved Chicago is always a top contender in the fashion world. Guests were also treated to a fabulous lunch with a theme of the Far East, and the men got in on the fun also. Three very gracious Chicago firemen flaunted their stuff on the runway to the delight of everyone in the audience. Members of The Service Club modeled in the show, as well as local celebrities and some of the city’s top tastemakers. All of the proceeds from this event will go to The Service Club Of Chicago that will supplement monetary grants established by government or corporate entities for various worthy organizations around town. All in all, a fabulous afternoon was had by everyone to benefit the city of Chicago.

What is your favorite look from the selections below? Do you have any concerns about caring for the styles or fashions shown here? Davis Imperial prides themselves in being able to address even the most challenging of care problems, so if you have an issue or question, please email us at davisimperial@gmail.com or leave it in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!



Lynda Wood with: top left Hazel Barr, top right Candace Jordan,
bottom left, Sherrill Bodine,  bottom right,  Susanna Negovan



Founder of Day on the Terrace Hazel Barr, show producer Tracey Di Buonco,
Peninsula's Greg Hyder, and fashion show chair Jean Antouniou

Chicago's Media Execs

Members and guests of Day on the Terrace anxiously wait for the show to begin

Fendi 1986 from Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Oscar de le Renta 1970 from Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Marie Clecura wearing Balenciaga 1950

Susanna Negovan, Editor-in-Chief of Michigan Avenue Magazine

Susan Gohl

Vintage Couture (worn on Mad Men!)

Sherrill Bodine, President, The Service Club Of Chicago

Valentino 1980 from Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Chilli Pepper

Windy City Live's Valerie Warner

Laurie Davis, owner of Lulu's at the Belle Kay escorted by Fireman friend

Jean Antoniou, Fashion Show Chair

Dusty Stemer

Candace Jordan for Neiman Marcus Evening

Laurie Davis of Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Mary Ann Childers leads the finale

Candace Jordan with Chicago's Finest

Vonita Reescer

 Simon Garcia, manager of Luca Luca, Lynda Wood, Davis Imperial Cleaners,
with daughters-in-law Stacy and Cyndi

Stacy and Cyndi with the guys!

 The Wood girls--what a wonderful afternoon at Day on the Terrace

Thanks to Steve Starr, Maureen Schulman and Caitlin Saville Collins for sharing their incredible photographs from the show.

Q&A With Lynda, Rick, and Jordan: A Fabricare Specialist vs. A Dry Cleaner Round Two

Happy Friday, readers! Last week we started a series in the Q&A section that helps determine the difference between a fabricare specialist and a dry cleaner. It was submitted by Lauren from Chicago:

“In the last year, I have purchased some pricier dresses that I really want to last (considering they cost more than a lot of my other items combined!). After a quick google search, I see two kinds of cleaners—the typical dry cleaner, and “fabricare specialists”. What’s the difference, and why does it matter?”

Because this is a question Lynda, Rick, and Jordan receive so often, they’ve broken the answer into three parts. Last week, they taught us all about what to look for in a fabricare specialist when it comes to the background of the owners—the skills they have, education they’ve been trained in, and their knowledge of the craft. Today, the family will outline key steps followed by the top fabricare specialists so that you know what to ask for when choosing where to take your most valued clothing.

Answer:

As we established last week, instead of focusing on what the typical dry cleaner does not do, we think it is far more productive to discuss what a quality dry cleaner--a true fabricare expert--should be doing. In particular today, we’ll focus on the services that should be offered from the moment they receive your beloved dress, suit, or blouse. Below are some of the key criteria you should look out for. A fabricare specialist…

1. should have the technical skills to offer hand-cleaning as an option for a fragile garment or textile that (after testing) shows a likelihood of being damaged if utilizing traditional processing methods. Hand-cleaning protects the integrity of the fabric while removing stains and odors.

2. should have an on-site full-service alterations department staffed with both tailors and dressmakers, experienced and trained to perform the highest levels of their craft. They should also be responsible for the removal and replacement of fragile specialty buttons and trims, and perform necessary repairs.

3. should also impeccably maintain their equipment and solutions, consistently submitting their solutions for professional testing so that all clothing is rinsed in pristine crystal clear solutions with no odor. (By the way, if you ever pick up dry cleaning from your cleaner and it smells, run--do not walk!--away from that cleaner. Strong odors usually indicate that their equipment was not properly maintained, since this odor generally comes from bacteria.)

4. should rinse garments in gentle solutions that do not strip fabrics of dyes or damage embellishments and trims.

5. should employ experienced technicians who understand fashion and the importance of detailing a garment with a hand-iron, properly hand-finishing the garment by following the drape and design intended by the fashion designer.

6. employs individuals trained in the art of couture inspecting procedures. They examine each garment applying points of excellence established for couture garments. Should standards fail to be met, the process should be repeated until the garment is perfect.

7. trains packaging experts to assess and determine the packaging requirements for each garment. Recyclable plastic molded hangers that are designed to properly support each garment for short and long-term storage, or alternative packaging when hangers are inappropriate for a garment or textile should be available. Recyclable tissue, oxi-biodegradable poly garment bags for the protection of garments during transport, reusable shopping bags, properly sized shirt, scarf and tie boxes as well as specialty packaging for fine bed, table linens, and comforter bags should minimally make up a fabricare specialists arsenal of luxe and environmentally responsible packaging.

8. should offer luxe pick up and delivery service to your office or residence by client service representatives--individuals that are bonded, uniformed, intelligent, and responsible. Individuals that you can trust and who recognize that their first responsibility is the security of their client’s valued garments.

If you’re not sure if your current cleaner follows these steps, don’t be afraid to ask. If they’re
worth taking your most valued pieces to, they will share any information you need to be
confident in their services. Davis Imperial follows all of these best practices and more. Next
week, we’ll share how we go above and beyond to consistently make our services the best in
the businesses.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness always…

Thanks Lynda, Rick, and Jordan for this week’s installment!

And readers, don’t forget to submit any questions you have on Facebook or on Twitter @davisimperial, or you can email us at davisimperialblog@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next week!

A Day On the Terrace: Davis Imperial's Philanthropic Involvement

When I first became involved with Davis Imperial, my expectations were continuously raised as I learned about their processes, their extraordinary client service, and their continuous pursuit of perfection. But when I began to realize their endless involvement in Chicago’s fashion, wedding, and philanthropy world, the distance between them and any other cleaner became immeasurable.

As I learn more about the world of fabricare specialists, I love being able to share the stories and events that I find extra exciting, and today’s topic definitely tops that list. As members of the Service Club of Chicago, Lynda and the Davis Imperial team impact some of Chicago’s most respected philanthropic events, and the mix of special women involved includes the city’s cultural elite. Founded in 1890 (making it one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in Chicago) every single dollar the Service Club raises goes to charity, and their events allow women to come together and raise money, enjoy each others’ company, and experience fashion and the arts.

The Peninsula Chicago

Today’s event--A Day on the Terrace--is at The Peninsula Chicago, and will feature a luncheon and fashion show of real women and men wearing clothing from Escada, Luca Luca, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, Saks Fifth Avenue, Intermix, Neiman Marcus, Paul Stewart and more. Behind the Seams will allow you a first-person view into this exclusive event. If you would like to learn more about future Service Club events and this amazing organization check out their website.

We can’t wait to share the full recap with you next Monday. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit us again on Friday to learn how your favorite dress is being handled at Davis Imperial versus the dry cleaner down the street. Thanks for reading!

image via peninsula hotel website