How to Customize Your Wardrobe « Sharp – Canada's Magazine for Men

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May 2013

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How to Customize Your Wardrobe

Personalization

<b>Small Leather Goods:</b> <a href="http://www.smythson.com/">Smythson</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Every man should invest in quality small leather goods. Throw away that cheap wallet and opt for something with class and built to last. Nothing says luxury leather like a wallet or case with your name on it. Literally.
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<b>Price:</b> $130 - $4,600

<b>Writing Accessories:</b> <a href="http://www.cartier.us/">Cartier</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Put your Bic pens away, gentlemen. While it may not improve your penmanship, no one will notice when they see you writing with this piece of handcrafted art. Try your hand at this one from the house of Cartier and wow your buddies with your great taste. Sophistication lies in the finer details, and what's more fine than a luxury pen?
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<b>Price:</b> $230 - $42,500
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<b>Accessories:</b> <a href="http://www.gilesandbrother.com/collections/mens-classic/products/railroad-spike-cuff#.UQl0X2DgIy4">Giles & Brother</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> For the rugged man looking to expand his personal wares, look no further than Giles & Brother. Their signature railroad spike cuff is as manly as you can get when it comes to jewelry, and, like all other things on this list, can be customized with an inscription of your choosing. Don't feel obligated to engrave your name either. Get creative and put down your favourite word, number or nickname. It makes a fine gift to give to your bromantic buddy.
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<b>Price:</b> $88
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<b>Slippers:</b> <a href="http://www.deltoroshoes.com/shop/men/custom.html">Del Toro</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Slippers have made a remarkable comeback in fashion and are a solid addition to any refined gentleman’s wardrobe. Del Toro offers the option to custom monogram their slippers to your liking, rounding out a luxury look that'll give Hugh Hefner a run for his money. The customization process also allows you to choose your own image if monogramming isn't your style, as well as other basic details like the colour of the heel.
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<b>Price:</b> $455 - $525

<b>Cufflinks:</b> <a href="http://www.tiffany.ca/ChooseYourLanguage.aspx">Tiffany & Co.</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Cufflinks are one of the more popular items that men often have monogrammed. This option for personalization is quaint and classic, making for a subtle look that keeps to itself. Consider investing in some beautiful cufflinks like these ones from Tiffany & Co. to further the experience. Nothing says luxury quite like a luxury product that's been customized just for you.
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<b>Price:</b> $175 - $4850

<b>Glassware:</b> <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/">Williams Sonoma</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Party hosts always enjoy showing off their expensive alcohol. Why not take it a step further by creating your very own custom glassware to go with it? Drinking a <a href="http://sharpformen.com/fooddrink/the-worlds-most-exclusive-drinks/">226-year old wine</a> will only taste that much better when done from a glass with your own initials on it.
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<b>Price:</b> $30 - $220
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<b>Pajamas:</b> <a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/frontdoor/index.jsp?omniturecode">Ralph Lauren</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Just because your brain's off the clock, doesn't mean your sartorial game has to be too. Bringing together comfort and style, these Ralph Lauren pyjamas ooze class with tranquil colours and traditional piping. Get the look right with your very own personal monogram on the chest.
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<b>Price:</b> $95

<b>Dress Shirts:</b> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp">J. Crew</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b>: For those of you who want to stand out, J. Crew gives you a few options to play around with. Class up your look with a custom monogram on either your cuff or breast pocket, and then proceed with the font type and thread colour of your choosing. The combinations are endless, so you'll have plenty of options to fill your closet up with a range of completely unique items.
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<b>Price:</b> $65 - $196
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<b>Stationary:</b> <a href="http://terrapinstationers.com/">Terrapin Stationers</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Nothing says "Very Important Person" quite like a customized piece of paper. Whether you're jotting down important memos or just scribbling away to pass the time, you'll look like a baller either way. Terrapin Stationers provides the basics, but also offers services such as adding your name to engraved cards in a variety of different inks and stocks.
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If you have a particular vision for a paper-based product, contact the company and a specialist may be able to help you bring your vision to life.
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<b>Price:</b> $5 - $225
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Made-to-Measure & Bespoke

<b>Trench Coats:</b> <a href="http://us.burberry.com/store/">Burberry</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> A true testament to classic style, the trench coat has moved beyond the practical implications it had in World War I and has become a classic item that every man should have in his closet. Burberry, known for their iconic trenches, offers made-to-measure pieces where you can select your own fabric, colour, embellishments, lengths and more (there's even a studded option for your sleeves.) Top off the look with a monogram in the lining and you've got a recipe for success. If you're going to invest in a classic, why not make it your own?
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To further the experience, there's also a bespoke service that offers you the option of having a coat made precisely to your measurements. You’ll have to visit the London flagship for this luxury, however.
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<b>Price:</b> Starting from $2,300
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<b>Fragrance:</b> <a href="http://www.millerharris.com/">Miller Harris</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> They say that smell is the strongest of the senses, so it's only logical that you'd create your very own, right? Some companies like Miller Harris offer a bespoke fragrance service that involves sitting down with a specialist to combine various top, middle and base notes to create a scent that is uniquely your own. That way, your girl will always remember you just from breathing in.
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<b>Price:</b> Prices by consultation.

<b>Ties:</b> <a href="http://www.drakes-london.com/">Drake's London</a><br></br>
<b>The Gist:</b> Ties are to men as oxygen is to humans; essential. But shopping for ties can often be an arduous task for even the most advanced of style enthusiasts. Is it too wide? Is it too skinny? What's with this print? Can I pull it off? Solve all your problems with the help of bespoke tie connoisseurs, Drake's London. They'll help you find the perfect tie so you'll always have your style game locked down.
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<b>Price:</b> $245

<b>Shoes:</b> <a href="http://www.johnlobb.com/">John Lobb</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Shoes can be incredibly difficult to shop for, especially if you are looking for a particular style or a specific size that is not always offered under the umbrella of mass production. To our benefit, made-to-measure options from shoe companies like John Lobb offer the ability to customize shoes to our liking. Pick your favourite style, colour, skin, sole and specify the shoe’s width.
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In addition to made-to-measure kicks, there's also the option of getting a pair of bespoke ones as well. Bespoke shoes are literally made for your feet, providing that perfect fit that molds around every curve and arch for superior comfort. Invest in a classic pair that'll stick by your side whenever you need them.
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<b>Price:</b> Prices by consultation.

<b>Suits:</b> <a href="http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/uk-en/shop/">Paul Smith</a>
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<b>The Gist:</b> For the ultimate experience in suiting, nothing is as remarkable as bespoke tailoring. Many men aren't even aware of the importance of fit, let alone the sartorial excellence of wearing a garment that is perfectly tailored for your body.
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Paul Smith offers bespoke services for both suiting and shirts. During the process, you'll decide the fabric you’d like your garment to be made of, and then add on any extras, like a embroidered details and colourful linings.
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It shouldn’t be surprising that the process of creating a bespoke suit takes some time. After all, perfection demands patience. The customer is asked to come in for two fittings before the garment is completed, a necessary requirement to ensure that it fits perfectly at varying stages of its completion. All together, the process takes about six to eight weeks, but the final product is well worth the wait.
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<b>Price:</b> $3,800

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