Monday, December 28, 2009

How to Layer Like a Pro


Layering is ideal for two main reasons: it enables you to dress comfortably for variable weather conditions, and it lets you display your incredible sense of sartorial style. The primary rule for layering is that every piece you're wearing should be able to stand by itself as well as coordinate with your entire outfit.



Tip: Wear your thinnest garments closer to your body for added warmth and to create a well put-together appearance.


Tip: When layering, don't be afraid to play around and have some fun with your style. It is one of the best way to add a bit of color to your individual look.


Tip: It is always best to dress for comfort. You can always take clothing off and store or carry it.

Monday, December 21, 2009

New Ad in GQ featuring Jordan Farmar!

BE SURE TO PICK UP THE LATEST ISSUE OF GQ TO SEE ASTOR AND BLACK'S NEWEST AD FEATURING JORDAN FARMAR OF THE LA LAKERS. HITS NEWSSTANDS TOMORROW, DECEMBER 22ND!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Astor & Black Announces Christian Boehm as President

Boehm brings nearly 20 years of experience to the custom clothing company.

Columbus, OH (December 17th, 2009)- Astor & Black, the fastest growing men's custom clothier, has just announced Mr. Christian Boehm as Company President. Boehm joins the Columbus-based company on Tuesday, December 15th, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the custom clothing industry.

"Christian's expertise and background in this industry will serve Astor & Black well," says David Schottenstein, founder of A&B. "We pride ourselves on the unmatched quality of our hand-crafted clothing and feel that his knowledge in building an international brand will lend itself to our ever-expanding presence in the world of custom clothing."

Boehm will help strategically align Astor and Black's recruiting, e-commerce, and distribution channels to match their already accelerated growth. Astor & Black boasts business estimated at $20 million annually. Boehm intends to triple that amount in the next two to three years by expanding product categories, developing a new multimedia marketing campaign, as well as adding more brick and mortar locations to accompany A&B's first store which opened in Las Vegas earlier this year.

"Astor & Black is a dynamic brand," says Boehm. "We are going to take the brand to the next level by offering a phenomenal product at an unrivaled value. This, combined with exceptional personal service in the client's home or office, will make Astor & Black the brand to watch in the next five years."

About Astor and Black

Founded in 2004 by, then 21-year old, David Schottenstein, Astor & Black Custom Clothiers specializes in fully canvassed, custom handmade suits, jackets, pants, and shirts. Also available through A&B are bespoke and hand-made, exotic animal belts, custom leather jackets, luxury cashmere, and bench-made shoes. Company representatives can be found in all major U.S. cities and Canada, as well as Europe. They are committed to offering the highest quality for an unprecedented value. Satisfaction is guaranteed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 877.ASTOR.18, or visit www.astorandblack.com.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New Creations by Gai Gohari

Pick stitching.
Patch Pockets.

Elbow Patches.

New Creations by Gai Gohari

Pick stitching on all seams.
Wide Lapels.

Ticket Pocket.

Slanted, kissing buttons w/ grey mother of pearl buttons and contrast buttonhole.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Keeping warm and looking hot!

This beautiful Marzoni Cashmere jacket will keep you warm and stylish when you're out and about on a frosty, winter evening. Large patch pockets, epaulettes, and the zip and button closure keep this jacket casual but classy.




fabric# 048-64/1200

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Best Collar Style for Your Face Shape.

In our experience as custom clothiers when we create our custom suits and shirts, we find that most gentlemen are wearing either a point, spread, or button down collar because traditional retail stores only offer those selections. The problem that arises in this situation is that these collars may not flatter the shape of your face. Below is a simple guide to help you decide which shape is best for you.


Round Face

If you have fuller cheeks with a rounded jaw, a more narrow point collar can help to elongate your natural face shape. Look for collars that counter balance your round facial structures.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collars.

Avoid: Wide Spread collars; they will make your face appear wider and fuller.

Worst Collar: Wide English spreads.


Square Face

If you have a square jawline, classic point collars are best for everyday business. For a sporty look, try a button down approach, and a long point, narrow spread for a formal look.

Best Collars: Standard point, Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collars.

Avoid: Wide spread collars; they will make your face appear wider and fuller.

Worst Collars: Medium to Wide Spreads.


Oval Face

If you have an oval face shape with high cheekbones and a narrow jawline, you should counterbalance by choosing collars with a higher degree of spread. It will make your jawline appear wider and more distinguished.

Best Collars: Medium to Wide English Spreads.

Avoid: Narrow Point collars; they will make your jawline look even thinner.

Worst Collars: Narrow Point with very long points.


No Neck

If you lack neck height, collars cut with normal height in the front and back will make it appear as though you have no neck at all.

Best Collars: Button Downs, Narrow Points, Medium Spreads. They should all be cut with a low front and back.

Avoid: High collars and Wide English spreads; they will make you look heavy and shorter.

Worst: Collars cut with a high front band and English Spreads.


Long Neck

If you have a long neck and you wear collars made with the standard height in front and back, it will only accentuate your neck and make it appear longer.

Best Collars: Button Downs, Medium Spreads, Wide English Spreads. These should be cut with a higher front and back height.

Avoid: Collars made with short point lengths and standard heights. Most ready to wear shirts that you find in department stores are made with a standard height. Your best bet is to have your shirts custom made so you can choose this option.

Worst: Collars cut with little to no band height.







Sunday, November 22, 2009

OchoCinco twitter...


The man, the myth, the legend, OchoCinco will be representing Astor and Black in their new GQ ad campaign. Be sure to follow @OGOchoCinco and @astorandblack on Twitter to keep up with the latest.

Monday, November 16, 2009

A Modern Approach to a Classic



A double-breasted suit has a certain sense of swagger that today's ready-made, two and three-button suits lack. The charm and heredity of the overlapping suit jacket is an iconic style that has been embraced from Hollywood to the boardroom.

Double-breasted suits are hard to come by these days. Due to their dressy cut, most clothing stores shy away from this bold approach to a suit and usually keep with a casual, mass appeal.

HOW TO WEAR A DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT:


The following are some tips to keep in mind when picking the perfect double-breasted suit.

CUT- The best way to cut and wear a double-breasted suit is in the famed 6-to-show, 2-to-button English model.

BODY SHAPE- The double-breasted suit is flattering to any body shape or height, however with this cut especially, it looks best when it is tailored to your torso. Giving the jacket shape at the waistline will create the illusion of more prominent shoulders and will draw the eye up-ward. Even if you are more ample in the torso, the overlapping lapels help to de-emphasize your waistline.

LAPELS- These suits should always have peak lapels. The peak lapels accentuate the long, lean look that the double-breasted suit provides.

VENTS- Side vents are preferred with the 6-to-show, 2-to-button model. This stylish feature also has a functional benefit that the Brits have known about for years; it's easier to access your pockets when you are seated at your desk or in your car!



Do you have any questions regarding fashion/fit, or would like to share a sartorial comment? I invite you to post a question or comment to our blog.

Or for a personal tailor near you, please call 877.ASTOR.18.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Palm Springs, CA- David Schottenstein, CEO of Astor and Black Custom Clothiers, has been named a top finalist for the Ernst and Young EOY Award on the National level. Schottenstein, 26, won the Award for his region at the August awards show in Cincinnati, Ohio. The National Awards results will be announced at the Awards Gala in Palm Springs this Saturday night. Also named as finalists in his category are the founders of both MonaVie Beverage Co and LifeLock inc.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

We would all like to wish David good luck at the Ernst and Young-Entrepreneur of the Year finals in Palm Springs, California!!!

The CEO Files

We have been getting lots of responses from you about our CEO spotlight that we regularly feature! Thank you for keeping up to date with the Astor and Black blog to get all of the latest styles and trends.



Friday, November 6, 2009

What do you think?

Thank you for stopping by the Astor and Black Blog! We always love to hear feedback on anything and everything. Like what you see? Have any questions? Feel free to comment! If there is something you would like to see on the blog, let us know and we will be happy to get it for you. Once again, we want to thank our loyal customers and our amazing sales representatives for our continued success.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Viva Las Vegas!

While your favorite clothier currently employs agents across the US and Canada to service the local markets, we are pleased to announce the opening of our very first "brick and mortar" showroom in the heart of Sin City!


"Our Vegas showroom has been open by private appointment since the beginning of September and the response has been phenomenal. Both our local clients and our visiting clients appreciate a space that allows them to relax and truly enjoy the time-honored custom clothing experience. Tucked away in Las Vegas' most famous neighborhood; we are only minutes from the epicenter of activity and provide the same level of impeccable service our clients are accustomed to when staying in Vegas' finest resorts. We have become a destination for VIP hosts looking to thrill their clients with gifts that speak of luxury, sophistication, and personalization. We also pride ourselves on ensuring our clients enjoy their stay in Vegas and typically use our network of local influences to help upgrade their visit. It's all part of Astor & Black's continued efforts to afford our clients with the very best in service and product." -Sean Dunn, Astor & Black Vegas

To personally contact the brilliant Sean Dunn, please call him at 702.785.2269 or send an email to sean@astorandblack.com.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Let's Hear it for the Red, White, and Blue...

This patriotic piece features one of our new pin-up girl linings. Classy and cool, made with a beautiful dark navy Marzoni fabric. The camera can't do it justice.











5 Working Slant Buttons!


Peak Lapels with Hand-picked Stitching on the Vest




Pin-Up Girl Lining


What's the CEO wearing today?

David is looking on point again with jacket and pants designed by our very own Gai Gohari!























"Kissing Buttons" detail











Overlapping Ticket Pocket
















Added detail to pants including contrast stitching, additional contrast pockets, and embroidered initials on belt loop. Impressive work Gai!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Custom Ladies Leather Jackets!

Ladies, we know the hassle of finding the perfect winter coat. Let A&B custom make one just for you! The fit will be fantastic, and you can customize it however you would like! (And gentleman, don't forget about the holidays. Get that special someone the gift of custom.)













Monday, October 26, 2009

Ocho Cinco Representing the A&B!

Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson was spotted rockin' the A&B T-shirt for the second time. Apparently, OC is a fan.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Show Me the Good Stuff!

David Watkins, A&B rep in North Carolina, has just opened a beautiful showroom in uptown Charlotte. Here you can meet with him for appointments, see a sampling of what Astor and Black has to offer, get fantastic new ideas, and customize that perfect suit you thought only existed in your dreams.













To schedule an appointment with the talented Mr. Watkins or to get more information about the showroom, you can email him directly at davidwatkins@astorandblack.com

If you would like to speak with a representative in your area, call 877.ASTOR.18