Happy New Year! Celebrate Safely.

Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos will close early on New Years Eve and remain closed all day on January 1st so that we can enjoy the holiday with our family and friends. We'll see you on January 2nd!

Shop Small. Shop Local. Help Your Local Economy

Did you know that each dollar you spend at your local corner store, boutique or pizzeria can help make an impact on your community? By participating in "Buy Local" initiatives, consumers have helped local businesses more than double their average revenue.* By supporting small business you're not only supporting the local economy, you're helping provide more jobs for your neighbors.** Let's Shop Small all year and help our communities grow even stronger.

Small Business Saturday is This Weekend!

Shake Up Black Friday at Chelsea

The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays. Plaid Friday brings back the nostalgic times when shopping for friends and family was a pleasurable leisurely activity. Help us celebrate by wearing plaid while shopping at Chelsea on Plaid Friday, November 23rd. Come in and enjoy some refreshments and good old fashioned hospitality!

Join Us in Painting the Town Pink

A campaign to educate women on the importance of prevention, early detection, screenings and mammograms; to celebrate those women that have beaten this terrible disease; and to remember those loved ones we've lost. Check out the facebook page at www.facebook.com/tatas.taskforce to follow the miriad of events that are taking place all month!

Closed Lace Dress Shoes

Closed-laced dress shoes are the more formal of the two types of lace up shoes. This option is recommended with worsted fabric suits. Sometimes, these dress shoes can double as formal shoes. Traditional formal shoes are patent leather, but you’ll find those times when your other black dress shoes will work as well. If you could only have one pair of dress shoes, they should be closed-laced with some brogueing or decoration. The shoes should be black.

Open Lace Shoes

Open-laced shoes are a fantastic choice for many occasions. They go with wool suits (tweeds, for example) and business casual environments. Some men find them to be more comfortable than closed-lace shoes because the lacing allows more expansion. Open-laced dress shoes are less formal than closed-laced dress shoes, but have their place in your closet and on your feet.

Anatomy of a Dress Shoe

Let's talk about lace-up dress shoes and two important shoe terms, Vamp and Quarter. The vamp is part of the upper that covers your toes and instep. The quarter meets the vamp, mid-foot and wraps around the heel. And, since we're talking about lace ups, lets discuss the difference between open and closed lace-up shoes: open-laced shoes have the quarters sewn on top of the vamp, and closed-laced shoes have the vamp sewn on top of the quarters. The photo shows the difference.

Kroon

In today's more relaxed business environments, a man can't have too many dress-casual options. Come check out the great options currently available at Chelsea from Kroon!

Casual Friday -- Good Thing or Bad Thing?

On casual Fridays, employees may wear clothing that is classified as “business casual,” meaning that it still adheres to certain professional standards. Clothing must be clean and in good repair, with no stains or discolorations. Men are generally allowed to wear slacks and blazers, and in some offices, they may be allowed to wear button down shirts, polo shirts, with or without a tie. As a general rule, clothing like jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops are not allowed. Employees are still expected to look professional, out of respect to their clients and office policies. Since some clients prefer a more formal look, many employers ask that employees keep dressy coats and ties in their offices in case they need to meet with a client. Many people feel that a relaxed dress code is good for morale. Others feel that business casual dress devalues the workplace by taking a some of the formality, professionalism and respect away. Approaches to these days vary and change, depending on the industry and the nation. The technology industry, for example, is well known for casual dress, while major financial companies tend to frown on business casual. What do you think?

Bugatchi Uomo Shirts

Exclusive designs that challenge the boundaries on both the course and in the clubhouse. Bugatchi Uomo shirts are Italian-inspired shirts made from the finest European fabrics. Great colors and patterns. Great contrasting cuff and collar details.

It's That Time of Year Again - Street Fair!

Please join us from July 11 - 14 for this annual EXTRAVAGANZA of shopping, art, food, music, drink and FUN! Downtown Wyandotte is the place to be for this mega-event. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Don't miss it!

The Summer of Independents campaign celebrates shopping at independent businesses all summer long. Come in this summer and let the professionals at Chelsea cater to your every need! Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business like Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos, rather than a nationally owned businesses (like Mens Warehouse), significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and professionals -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. We are such strong supporters of the Think Local, Local First and Shift Your Shopping campaigns. Ask us why!

Shop Local and Independent

Want to keep 3 times more of your purchasing dollars circulating within your local economy? With a local and independent purchasing decision vs. a purchase at a national chain or on the internet, you'll do exactly that and much more. When you see the posters and stickers that will be popping up in Downtown Wyandotte in the not too distant future, try to think about the impact of your decisions about where to get what you want. Most of the people that see these images will already be here, supporting local businesses, but many of those very same people will also buy something on-line later that day. And everyone has influence over others' decisions, too! Preserving the unique community character of the Downriver area by promoting locally-owned businesses is one critically important aspect of what a push for supporting Local and Independent businesses is all about. Of course we advocate for our own survival and prosperity. But by participating in what leads to that prosperity, residents themselves put constant upward pressure on property values in the business districts as well as on home values throughout the city. By helping to ensure a vital and vibrant downtown, we all play an engaged role in charting the course of our great city.

It doesn't happen by accident. It takes thousands of decisions about where to shop over a long, sustained period of time. Every dollar counts, every decision moves us towards a better Downriver or away from it. We retailers and service providers are not allowed to cry and whine. He have WORK to do. We have to earn support, and provide better alternatives to shopping or eating at national chains or on-line. We have to be GOOD. But if we do and if we are, and if you know that spending here is better for you and the economy you surely want to see improve, we come to a win-win scenario: We stick around, you get what you want and need, and you get to take credit for being a part of a very good thing. YOU will make a difference on this front!

Tommy Bahama's Garden of Hope & Courage - A Story Worth Sharing

After 14 years of planning and fundraising, Richard D’Amico and lifetime friend Bob Emfield, along with co-founders of Tommy Bahama, Tony Margolis and Lucio Dalla Gasperina, officially introduced the GARDEN OF HOPE and COURAGE to the Naples Community at the Naples Music Festival on April 4th, 2004. “The GARDEN is the dream of Bob’s late wife Jan, who died from Breast Cancer in 1994, and is the fulfillment of our promise to her and our gift to those who’s lives have been touched by this horrific disease,” says D’Amico. Jan Emfield was diagnosed with cancer in 1990. She underwent a treatment regime typical in the 90’s including radiation, chemotherapy, lumpectomy and mastectomy. Jan’s idea for the garden came while sitting in her English style backyard garden on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. She would regularly meet in her garden with fellow cancer patients. They called her garden the garden of courage and it was in that garden that she would jot down notes and ideas for the garden she began to envision – both how it might look but also how it might be used. Jan had been in remission for almost three years when the doctors determined that the cancer had metastasized to her bones. As Jan’s condition worsened, Richard D’Amico would bring dinner over to her regularly from his restaurants in Minneapolis. Once he asked what else he could do for her and her response was, “well since you’re asking me, here’s what you can do for me. You can see that the Garden of Hope and Courage becomes a reality.” They kept their promise. With the water, plants, sculpture and the natural topography of the earth, the garden has become a therapeutic retreat and offers patients a chance to reduce their negative emotions and stress. Its purpose is to inspire hope and courage; two necessary ingredients in the fight against cancer and all illness. To this day, Tommy Bahama raises funds for this project. We at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos love this story and thought you might, too!

New Twist on an Old Favorite

The essential solid two button blazer of the season with signature Robert Graham style and quality. Notch collar. Lined in a wild and wacky multi-color paisley print. Single chest and flap hand pockets. Signature RG buttons. 100% Wool. In stock at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos right now!

NEUMOK - MEN'S UNLINED WINGTIP LACE-UP OXFORD CASUAL SHOES BY ALLEN EDMONDS

The Neumok is a six-eyelet balmoral with classic Allen Edmonds brogueing from heel to toe, all achieved on an unlined upper in your choice of three distinctive distressed leathers or two fashionable varieties of suede. Whichever leather you choose, each is extremely malleable, promising to give you a personal fit and that sought-after lived-in look from the first day you lace up the Neumok. A perfect contrast to the supple body of the shoe, the double leather butyl sole with a stylish split-reverse welt provides a strong profile that is further enhanced by its handsome toasted edge. For those looking for a fresh take on the wingtip that goes with today’s unconstructed look, don’t muck around with anything else!

The Four-in-Hand Knot

The four-in-hand knot is also known as a simple knot or schoolboy knot. It's believed to be the most popular method of tying ties due to its simplicity and style. The knot produced by this method is on the narrow side, slightly asymmetric, and appropriate for most occasions. Come see us at Chelsea if you need a lesson.

The Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot is the knot for special occasions. Typically English, it owes its name to the Duke of Windsor who made it popular. Because the finished knot has considerable volume, it is preferable to restrict its use to spread or cut away collars. This knot is complicated to tie and the knot takes up a lot of the tie, so typically, Windsor knots are used with printed neckwear as opposed to woven neckwear.

So Many Ways to Tie a Tie!

Come in and talk with the professionals at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos to find out which one is right for you! Also watch our blog over the next day or two to learn more!

Bow Tie

The bow tie is a type of men's necktie that dates back to the 17th century. It consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied bow ties are available, in which the distinctive bow is sewn into shape and the band around the neck incorporates a clip. The traditional bow tie, consisting of a strip of cloth which the wearer has to tie by hand, may be known as a "self-tie," "tie-it-yourself," or "freestyle" bow tie to distinguish it from these. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics.

Bow tie wearing can be a notable characteristic for an individual. Men's clothier Jack Freedman told The New York Times that wearing a bow tie "is a statement maker" that identifies a person as an individual because "it's not generally in fashion". The Wall Street Journal quoted statistics from the Neckwear Association of America showing that bow ties represent 3 percent of the 100 million ties sold each year in the United States, most of them part of formal wear, such as a tuxedo. Outside of the formal wear industry, bow ties are rather "cult like" right now, appealing only to the fastest in the "in crowd", but watch for it to gain popularity over the next few years....and get yours at Chelsea!

ILSR: Institute for Local Self Reliance.

Visit their web site and learn more. Over the last 25 years, a handful of giant retailers have grown to dominate the U.S. economy. ILSR challenges the wisdom of this market concentration. Through research and analysis, we have built a compelling case that places that are home to numerous locally owned businesses are more prosperous, sustainable, and resilient than those in which much of the retail sector is controlled by a few big chains. For more than a decade, ILSR has worked with elected officials, community organizations, and business groups to implement policies that constrain the market power of larger retailers, eliminate tax loopholes and public subsidies that give them an unfair advantage, revitalize neighborhood commercial districts, and strengthen and rebuild independent businesses. Today, there are encouraging signs that local retail may be making a comeback, including an increase in the number of neighborhood grocers and independent bookstores. Grassroots initiatives to restore local economic systems have taken root in hundreds of communities, inspired in part by ILSR’s work.

Made in USA and Canada

According to a great HBO documentary called Rags to Riches: Schmatta, the scope of change in the United States apparel industry is devastating. In 1965, 95% of all apparel BOUGHT in this country was MADE here as well. Through law and policy change over the next 40 years, that percentage moved steadily downward, settling in at just 5% in 2000.
If you ever see it advertised, watch it. It shows a vital, thriving and bustling industry drying up, and nearly dying on the vine.

The industry is not gone, and CHELSEA tries to support manufacturers that make clothing and shoes here in the states. When we added itr all up, we spurpised ourselves at the extent. We don't buy American just because it is, but when it's good product, that detail matters. Because of the similoarities in our economies and work force pay rates, we consider Canada to be almost as good for our North American economy, and we apply the same measure there.

These products are not the low-cost providers, but they are the high quality and high return on investment! We don't need to say it, but it fells good anyway: Buy American and Canadian when you can, and check CHELSEA if this matters to you!