Kuhl Premier Performance Clothing

Kuhl is the premier maker of casual and performance mountain clothing for the most active lifestyles. Check out their fleece pullovers, softshells, hiking pants and more. Their organic grown cotton and merino wool clothing make the finest sportswear and travel apparel available. At Kuhl, they innovate their own technical fabrics including Alfpaca fleece. Kuhl also creates ergonomically designed pants, jackets, and tops with the original Kuhl thumb loops. Quickly becoming a popular line with Chelsea customers. Come check it out yourself.

The shawl lapel, roll collar, or shawl collar is a continuous curve. Originally seen on the Victorian smoking jacket, it is now most common on the tuxedo. This style began as informal evening wear, and was then made in both more and less formal versions, depending on the situation in which it was to be used.

Peaked Lapel

The peaked lapel is the most formal, most commonly used on a dinner jacket. In the late 1920s and 1930s, the single breasted peaked lapel jacket was considered a very stylish design, but it's not as common or popular today.

Notched Lapel

The notched lapel is sewn to the collar at an angle, creating a step effect. This is the standard on single breasted suits, and is used on nearly all suit jackets, blazers, and sports jackets. The size of the notch can vary, and a small notch is called fishmouth. This was the first type of lapel.

Let's Talk Lapels

Lapels are the folded flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat, and are most commonly found on formal clothing and suit jackets. Usually they are formed by folding over the front edges of the jacket or coat and sewing them to the collar, an extra piece of fabric around the back of the neck. There are three basic forms of lapels: notched, peaked and shawl. Notched lapels, the most common, are usually seen on business suits. Peaked lapels are more formal, and nearly always used on double breasted jackets or coats. Shawl lapels are usually carried by dinner jackets.

Performance Boxer Briefs from Saxx

One of the most exciting developments in underwear - EVER! You won't want to wear anything else.

Available in a lot of great prints and colors.

Street Fair

Exciting times! Wyandotte Street Art Fair. Deals and bargains inside and out. Come see our great selection of Tommy Bahama and Made in Detroit.

Deceptive Pricing Lawsuits

This morning on The Today Show, there was a story that caught my attention. Kohl's and Penny's are being sued in a class action lawsuit that alleges a deliberate attempt to deceive the public about the prices they charge. It's going to be an interesting story to watch. Penny's just retreated from a valiant effort to move away from the stupid practice pf claiming something to be priced higher, available now for a "reduced price". Penny's was saying enough of this, let's just charge a fair price and be done with it. The public HATED it. That's right, they reacted VERY badly, stopped shopping there, caused Penny's to abandon the effort to STOP deceiving. Penny's said (for example) this sweater is a great value at $80. The public liked it better when Penny's said "this $175 sweater is available now for you at $89". They gave up. The public is so completely dependent on believing whatever the merchant tells them, that all logic is ignored, and when the perceived savings comparison is removed, they are too often unable to apply their own sense of value. Joesph A Bank does it all the time: Take a suit that may be worth about $200, CLAIM it to be worth $1199, and then tell us that if we buy one, they'll give us 3 free. Great deal? For four crappy suits that would have cost $800 total, that we paid $1199 for? Yet they do very well with this strategy. The lawsuit calls attention to the issue, and it will be fun to see what happens. Again, Penny's tried to get away from it and had to retract. We'll just have to see what happens when the law is applied. For our part, we're just not good liars. Chelsea and Willow Tree charge fair prices (compare brand-to-brand pricing any time, anywhere, and you'll find us to be within a few dollars, often lower), and we add on the level of service and product knowledge one just can't get at places such as are mentioned. Macy's is also listed as a retailer to watch as well in this lawsuit, although they are not a part of the lawsuit. Stay Tuned!

Does Anyone Wear a White Dinner Jacket Anymore?

A traditional white dinner jacket is the same style as a black dinner jacket -- in white! The thing to remember is that it should only be worn between Memorial and Labor Day. It's also not appropriate for all occasions. It great to take along on a cruise but not so good for a business meeting. Feels nostalgic, doesn't it?

What About Patterns?

Patterns are another way to personalize your look. It's recommended that you limit them to tone-on-tone or a simple two-color design with one color being black.

Can You Personalize Your Tux?

Color is the simplest way to customize. The recommendation is that you use only use only one color surrounded by black. In other words, limit the color to vests, cummberbunds, pocket squares and ties and don't mix colors.

One Button Tuxedo Jacket

The single-breasted model remains the most popular type of tuxedo jacket and its classic one-button interpretation is still the most formal.

Time To Talk Jacket Styles

There are many different styles of tuxedo jackets to choose from. It's good to choose one that works best with your body type. For example a shorter person probably wouldn't want to wear a long coat style. Or, a man with a larger build in the chest or stomach might do best avoiding a style with a lot of buttons. The classic two button style is usually a good choice for anyone because as it fits all body types.

Black Tie

Black tie formal wear is considered semi-formal evening attire. It is appropriate for many social events. Consisting of a dinner jacket in any of a number of colors along with a white, cream or black shirt. Black tie attire can be worn in a variety of ways when it come to the accessories. The wearer can choose to wear either a vest or cummerbund in the color they choose and whatever type of tie they prefer which usually matches the vest or cummerbund.

White Tie

White tie is the most formal attire. Meant for such events as the opera, formal balls or galas, and formal dinners that take place after six o´clock. Men's white tie formal wear consists of a dress coat, waistcoat or vest, and white tie.

Morning Dress

Old fashioned and traditional daytime men's formal wear attire consisting of a tailcoat or cutaway jacket, waistcoat/vest, and striped trousers, typically worn with an ascot. It's really the least common type of tuxedo but still a valid option for late morning or early afternoon wedding. Probably not something we'll see a lot of in Wyandotte...

Tell Me About Tuxes

Men's formal wear is attire for occasions like proms, weddings, black tie events, commodores balls, dinners, etc. Here you see three "basic types" of men's formal wear -- Morning Dress, Black Tie & White Tie. Over the next posts, we'll get to know more about them all.

Jeans or Dress Pants? What's Best to Wear on Your Night Out?

If your venue is casual, stylish jeans like those from Agave, 34 Heritage or Tommy Bahama might be appropriate. In less casual circumstances, flat-front pants like those from Ballin seem the safest. Sometimes jeans will be too casual, but pants are rarely too formal. Jeans, when worn with a great Bugatchi shirt and sport coat look fantastic. Jeans with a sweatshirt tell a whole different story!

Do You Know What Shoes to Wear?

A man's shoes set him apart from the crowd. Shoes allow you to express your character better than any other article of clothing. For starters, never wear athletic sneakers. Some casual establishments will allow you to get away with trendier sneakers or nice driving mocs like those by Allen Edmonds and Tommy Bahama, but good-looking shoes that seem too casual for a wedding are usually your safest bet. Which feet look better to you?

Do You Know How to Dress for a Night Out?

There are many ways to stand out in a social setting -- not all of them good. Dressing properly and stylishly for a night out can sometimes be challenging. You want to stand out from others for your impeccable style, not because of inappropriate attire. By following a few simple guidelines, you can avoid embarrassment and draw the right kind of attention to yourself. The first bit of advice is to know the atmosphere of your destination. Different establishments have different general atmospheres. You can get away with a T-shirt at Dotte Pub, but is a T-shirt appropriate attire for dinner at Michelangelos or Portofino? Probably not.

From their headquarters in Honolulu, Tori Richard is a resort lifestyle company. Founded in 1956, Tori Richard, Ltd. is still a family business driven by an appreciation of unique fabrications and globally inspired prints. The artwork that informs their textiles is their passion. In each piece of exquisite fabric you'll find a thread with the balance of Kyoto, the mystery of Marrakech, the serenity of Hanalei and the sophistication of St. Tropez. Crafted of such fabrics is their proprietary Cotton Lawn, Silk, custom Jacquards, and flowing Chiffon. These exquisite items feature printed art that is often applied in as many as 18 distinct colors to capture brilliant hues and intricate design. A Tori Richard garment is like no other. It is their legacy and honor to create each exclusive new edition to be a delight to the eye, a pleasure to the skin, and a joy to the spirit. For an "original" Hawaiian print look to Tori Richard - available at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos in Wyandotte.

Performance and Style - Redesigned

Ballin was founded in 1946 by Charles (Chic) Balinsky. It's still a family owned and operated business. We like that. The original building has been expanded several times, but it is still home to Ballin's main Canadian production facility. Chic left a legacy of integrity that is still in every pair of Ballin pants today. Many of the team of key executives were trained by and worked directly with him. Chic's son Joseph ran the business through its major expansions including expanding into the U.S. market. It was during that expansion that the business shifted to a higher end product with the introduction of new technologies and a focus on the highest quality. Joseph is still active in the business, and his son Ronald runs much of the company today. The Ballin Classic pant is perfect for the office or those fancier nights on the town. In both traditional and new look designs. The finest European woolens, uncompromising quality and Ballin's ComfortEZE technology combine for a trouser that looks sharp and feels like heaven.

Want to Create an Immediate Impression?

Bugatchi Uomo is a name relatively unknown to the public at large; however, this Boca Raton based designer label has been causing a stir in the fashion world lately. Through the use of bold vivid colors, meticulously sourced fabrics of the finest quality, and most importantly, patterns unlike anything ever seen before, Bugatchi has made quite a name for themselves. The thing about Bugatchi, especially their designer men's shirts, is that they create an immediate impression. Bugatchi shirts are not like anything else available on the market today. The attention to detail, from button to collar and cuff design is simply remarkable.

Exceptional Craftsmanship, Clean Lines, Fine Quality and Classic Design

The idea for Southern Tide was born not on the coast of South Carolina where founder, Allen Stephenson spent his summers, but on a trip to Italy where inspiration was at every turn. From historical architecture and couture clothing to high-performance sports cars, he noticed common threads - exceptional craftsmanship, clean lines, fine quality, and classic design. These elements combined with Allen's heritage became Southern Tide. Their first product, the Skipjack Polo set a new standard in comfort and fit. We engineered the yarn, fabric, fit, and finish to create a modern version of this classic shirt. Since then, Southern Tide has evolved into an entire collection built on the same high standards as the Skipjack Polo. From their original woven sport shirts, to shorts and plaid shirts, they are meticulous when it comes to detail and quality. Their way may not be the most conventional, and may take a little longer, but they want their clothing to make you look and feel your best. Superior fit, classic design and comfort are key elements of our effortless style.

As an independent brick and mortar Michigan business, we are required to charge sales tax and pass that money on to the Michigan Treasury. There's nothing to complain about - - - in part, it's how our state funds all the services it provides. Little things like roads and parks and state cops and EVERYTHING else our state government provides. We don't exactly LIKE it, but it's how things work. Opponents of internet taxation cite the impossibility of managing the countless tax districts throughout the nation, calling that an unfair burden that hurts their ability to run their businesses. They justify the advantage they have over the likes of Chelsea, indifferent to the unfairness that exists to enable THEM. This inappropriate government-granted exemption is a part of their business model, and I submit that it needs to be challenged. But my bigger question is "Why is there no public outcry about the siphoning off of Michigan capital to out-of-state companies that refuse to help us have a prosperous state?" Why is our government not calling for an additional tariff, even, to put the advantage on the side of the businesses that ALSO employ Michigan residents, pay Michigan real estate taxes, utilize the services of countless tiers of Michigan businesses that ALSO employ Michigan residents and so on and so on? Very seriously, it appears to me that far too few are connecting the dots. We're hollowing out the "tree" of Michigan's economy, sending our capital elsewhere, depriving our state of operating funds, and hurting Michigan businesses. All the while, complaining that the economy around here is not so good. When I talk about this, I'm careful to stress that I'm not tasking about supporting Chelsea, per se. I patronize local restaurants wherever I go. I get more satisfaction out of shopping local. I know that my choices are helping each local economy that I spend my money in. It's not a theory, it's not an abstract concept - - - it's VERY real, and it applies each and every time I make a buying choice. Look at this chart, focusing on restaurants and draw your own conclusions. Money spent at independents makes more of a positive impact on the health of Michigan, PERIOD. Better than at any chain store or restaurant, and infinitely better than internet choices. Think about it! More information at www.amiba.net and www.independentwestand.com.

Art and Apparel

Wyandotte Rotary meets each week at the James DeSana Center for the Arts in Wyandotte. At yesterday's meeting, the featured speaker was Dr. Noel Jackson of Trenton, there to speak about the phenomenal organization he established some 14 years ago in Trenton called DYPAC. Mary Zalewski (one of DYPAC's driving forces) was there with him,and together they explained what DYPAC was all about. DYPAC is AWESOME - - I strongly urge support and appreciation for the efforts of this amazing group of people. But he was wearing a Pangborn necktie. Dominic Pangborn is known in the Downriver area in part because of the ties he creates from his art, and that CHELSEA sells (I am pleased that this relationship with Dominic has spanned nearly 25 years). Noel pointed out that of all the ties he wears, nothing generates comment and compliment more than his Pangborn ties. Indeed, they are iconic, instantly recognizable, and beautiful. Noel wore the tie yesterday to emphasize a point: The bar is raised when ART is a bigger part of our lives. The artistic aspects of apparel for men is the issue here, and Noel demonstrated the effortlessness of integrating it into the every day aspects of life. Everyone notices and appreciates the beauty and coolness of a Pangborn tie, but art is applied (or not) through the clothes we wear every single day. Our clothes are an outward representation of how we look at life, what we think of ourselves, how we feel we integrate into the world around us. Dressing like it doesn't matter communicates a LOT, and it's a sad communication. Dressing well communicates pride in one's self, and if you think about it.... those that do so are the real conrtibutors to the community in which we live and work! Art is Life. Enjoy it! Wear it!

Here for a Reason

It happens every day. Or, too many days; close enough - - - In this case, a man from Wyandotte,who says he has been here for 20 years, came in and bought some Tommy Bahama stuff from us. He had never been in the store. Regardless of what business you're in, revelations like this never go without remark. "What the heck? How could this be possible?" In this case, the man also told us that he was glad - - - he liked it that he now had a place he could try on and see in person, because he bought all his Tommy Bahama on-line. Of course we're SO grateful that this one man has now found us, and we him. Yet we are stunned by the lack of connection that led to this one man buying on-line, completely unaware that we are here. The responsibility lies not with our new customer and all the others that go elsewhere. CHELSEA needs to learn how to reach more people, more consistently. Or we won't be here. What we hope for, too, though, is that the reverse is true - - - "I've got to support these local guys or they won't be here". Stores like ours are not anachronistic relics. We provide a service that goes far beyond selling clothes. Chelsea (and Willow Tree) exist for the relationships we cherish and hope are cherished by others. We don't sell things to people they don't want, we never mislead. We are trustworthy, reliable, honest resources in our specialty, and we TALK to people. We LIKE people. We like to shake hands, share jokes and anecdotes, and simply BE the integral part of our community that we are. As long as WE still value that connection, we'll be here, doing our thing. For ourselves, sure, but for the people we really care about and that rely on us, too. We know so many people, marvel at the network of who knows who and who is related to whom. A community is an awesome thing. We hope that people feel this same sense of connection, not just with us, but with ALL of the businesses and people in the community we call home. Whether it's Wyandotte or Downriver, it is powerful stuff, friends. We're here for a reason, indeed. Check out our other business, a new business called Love Wyandotte. This new venture was formed specifically to strengthen our community, by calling attention to this issue and more. www.LoveWyandotte.com and/or www.facebook.com/lovewyandotteIBA.

Oil Based Tie Stain? Try This.

Sprinkle baby powder on an oil-based stain. Allow it to set for a couple of hours, then brush the spot. The talc in the powder will absorb the grease to prevent it from setting in the fabric permanently.

Another Dry Cleaning Tip

When you bring your dry cleaning home, it's best to remove the garment from the plastic bag. The plastic could eventually break down or create discoloring. It also traps in moisture and can damage the fabric. If you use a garment bag at all, choose one made of cloth. It will keep it clean and also allow air to circulate even when hung in a closet.

It's Important to Air Out Your Suit

In between cleanings, let your suit air out on a sturdy wooden hanger. Do this after each wearing to allow the fabric to recover and allow the wrinkles to fall out. Remove belts and empty the pockets to avoid creasing or stretching the cloth.

How Often Should You Dry Clean Your Wool Clothing?

There is really no exact answer, here. There are a couple of factors to consider when making the decision though. For example, an architect that wears his sports jacket to a job site in New Orleans just might perspire a bit more than a physician wearing the same jacket in his office in Wyandotte. A good recommendation is that when brushing, spot cleaning, and airing out no longer do the trick, it's time to take your wool clothing to a quality cleaner. In other words, dry clean when you must, not on a set schedule that will strip and weaken the wool fibers and damage their ability to crimp, thus unnecessarily aging the garment.

Dry Cleaning Basics

Most men dry clean their suits and jackets way too much. Simply brushing your jacket and hanging it in a well ventilated area will eliminate odors caused by smoke or food. If you have a stain from a spill, just spot clean it by gently blotting the fabric with clean water. Stains that require more attention (like red wine or mustard), should be taken to the cleaners as soon as possible. Avoid home remedies such as club soda and salt and never rub a stain or put water on a fabric that can’t be washed in water.

The Difference Between Pressing and Ironing

Did you know there was a difference? When you iron you SLIDE your iron back and forth on the fabric with pressure. When you press, you place the iron down on the fabric, then lift it back up in quick intervals. The biggest difference between the two, is that ironing can stretch and change the grain line of the fabric, which is why you should avoid ironing your wool trousers. Check out our Facebook page to watch a video on how to PRESS your pants!

Saxx Underwear * Revolutionary New Patent Makes All Other Underwear Obsolete

Saxx Underwear Company was founded because there was a need to make men's underwear more comfortable. The idea was born on a fishing trip off the coast of Alaska. The fisherman experienced extreme irritation while wearing a survival suit to withstand harsh weather. He realized there had to be a better way to design men's underwear to avoid discomfort. After returning home, he began working with a fashion designer and developed the prototype for Saxx. The focus was centered around an ergonomic comfort pouch: a boxer brief with two parallel polyester/spandex mesh panels that offer a barrier between a man's "package" and inner thigh. After 14 prototypes, input from professional athletes, other designers and months of testing, Saxx underwear was born. Today Saxx continues to expand on that simple inspiration. Through innovative design and unsurpassed fabric quality, Saxx Underwear Company will have you comfortably covered for all activities.

Part of what makes Allen Edmonds shoes so unique is the extensive range of sizes and widths offered that make achieving a perfect fit much simpler. Wearing the wrong size shoe can cause not only short-term discomfort but also long-term foot, back and joint ailments that could affect you the rest of your life. Doctors often specifically recommend Allen Edmonds shoes to their patients who suffer from such ailments because of our breadth of available sizes. If you are a first-time Allen Edmonds customer, it is vitally important that you are fit professionally who is familiar with the sizing and fit of Allen Edmonds shoes. By doing so, you will greatly increase the chances of being fit correctly the first time. Lucky for you that Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos has Master Fitters on staff 7 days a week to help you. Allen Edmonds shoes come in lengths from 6-16. Each half size increases by approximately one-sixth of an inch and each full size increases by one-third of an inch. The widths of Allen Edmonds shoes range from AAA, the narrowest width, to EEE, the widest width, with a D width considered medium. Technically speaking, each width increases by approximately three-sixteenths of an inch in total girth. Another benefit of choosing Allen Edmonds shoes is the wide variety of lasts used. Lasts are foot-shaped forms that provide shoemakers with the basis for building a shoe. By selecting shoes manufactured on the last that most resembles the contours of your feet, you will achieve a superior fit, only enhancing the comfort of your shoes. Come in and let us tell you more.

Hart Schaffner Marx - Custom Made in the USA Suits That Fit to a T

The Hart Schaffner Marx story is an American story. In 1887, two immigrant brothers by the names of Harry and Max Hart scraped together just enough money to open up a men’s clothier in downtown Chicago. Through their tireless work, savvy innovation (the first to introduce suits tailored for different body types, zippered trousers and tropical weight wool suits) and an unwavering commitment to dressing men in high-quality clothing produced right here in the USA, the brothers grew their company into one of the largest men’s suit manufacturers in the world. HSM continues in that tradition today, giving well-dressed men of conviction the style and grace they demand in the American-made choice they deserve. Every man deserves to move with grace, class and style, and that requires having a suit that fits to a T. It might take a superlative level of craftsmanship to tailor a perfect fit, so gathering the proper measurements is important and pretty simple....when working with Peter, Gary, Nick or Rhonda at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedo in Wyandotte. They'll see to it that the proper measurements are taken so your suit can be made perfectly for you. The Hart Schaffner Marx Rep will be AT Chelsea TODAY between 5 and 9 p.m. to help you select your fabrics and models from their extensive custom selections.

Measure Up Made-to-Measure Custom Shirts

Measure Up Made-to-Measure custom shirts are the finest in the industry - for over 20 years now. Each shirt is hand-crafted, one and a time, by skilled artisans in their Tennessee factory. That's right. Made in the USA! Available at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos in Wyandotte! The fabric line includes everything from a basic pinpoint to the most fashionable colors and patterns, from the best mills in the world. From hand-stitched detailing to true mother of pearl buttons, their shirts are truly unique. The 14+ measurement ensure a fabulous custom fit. Combine America's finest construction, fabrics from the world's most exclusive mills, numerous styling options and the expertise and exceptional customer service at Chelsea - and you have the ultimate shirt!

Allen Edmonds Shoes - Part of the All American Trunk Show THIS TUESDAY, April 16, 2013 from 5-9 p.m.

Allen Edmonds creates shoes with the highest standards of craftsmanship and style to give you the best experience possible. Their commitment to excellence starts with ensuring you have the right shoes for your personal needs and sizing. The professionals and master fitters at Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos in Wyandotte will help ensure that accurate measurements are taken to get the proper fit with your shoes. Come in during our All American Trunk Show on Tuesday to experience the dozens of Allen Edmonds shoes available.

There IS a Way to Fold Your Suit

To pack your suit jacket, turn it inside out with the sleeves on the inside. The inner lining, now on the outside, will protect it from wrinkles. Fold the jacket in on itself along the center of its back, then once more, until you've folded it into quarters. Lay the suit at the bottom of the suitcase at full width. This will ensure that, with other items on top of it, it won't move around and crease. It works!

Do You Know How to Pack?

No matter what size suitcase you're toting, here's how to split the difference between organization and disaster. For Small Suitcases- Save space and your tie by rolling it up and placing it inside your shoe; Store your gadgets in an old Dopp kit to protect them and keep them in one place;

Taking a Trip? Want to Make the Most of Your Suitcase Space?

For Medium-Sized Bags, roll underwear and t-shirts into tight rolls. Use a slim and shallow Dopp kit. Remember to pack travel sized items (not full-sized toiletries). Wear your heavy shoes and pack the lighter ones on the bottom of the bag.

Bold color is perfect in a dress shirt. Chalky colors are so popular today and really look fantastic. We see it in the magazines and on the runways, but understand that many guys are not ready for solid hot pink shirts. A great alternative is to wear bright stripes - like the ones we have by Bugatchi. They're perfect with your new pale gray suit OR your black one. Striped shirts are sensational and look great with solid ties, striped ties, or ties with patterns including paisleys that accentuate (not argue with) the stripes in the shirt. Come in and let our experts help you put together the perfect look for your occasion. That's what we're here for!

Loafers? Absolutely!

What is the shoe of the season? It's loafers! Once thought to be strictly casual, they're now appropriate for work, too! Come see our options from Alan Edmonds or Tommy Bahama.