Friday, February 27, 2009

The Company you keep

I am almost reluctant to even post this. It seems almost ridiculous that I need to. However, for the sake of the youth that may read this and the adults that at some point should I shall post this blog.
It is very imperative that you be mindful of he company you keep. Didn't your mother ever tell you that "birds of a feather flock together"? Mine did. It took a while for me to understand what that meant. Now as an adult, I really see it. It seems that daily there is some celebrity that shows up in trouble on a news blotter, or scrolling across the bottom of ESPN. Inveribly, it happens at some night club at 2,3,4 am. Why is it that the people with the most money. The people that parents let their children look up to, that people that grown men and women don their jerseys on Saturdays or Sundays; these are the people that seem to get in trouble for the stupidest of reasons. If you're making over $150K/ year, you can afford to hire someone to drive you around for the night to make sure you don't get a dui. Or you would think they would have enough since to not allow yourself to get in trouble at the same places their teammates seem to always get in trouble with. Apparently, in some cases, we are dead wrong.
Now you probably ask, what this has to do with you. EVERYTHING! Odds are you are not a highly paid athlete, whose skills are in high demand and whose ability is difficult to replace. The truth is there are probably 100 other people out there just waiting to get your spot. Therefore, it would behoove you to be mindful of the places you go and the company you keep. If you show up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your life as you know it can take a drastic turn for the worst. But then again, what do I know. Until next time...
God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Be Smart- Sound Smart

If you want people to respect your intelligence, you need to sound, I don't know, intelligent. Wow, that was profound, huh.? Apparently,it was!
Many of you can't figure out why people don't respect your intelligence. It could very well be as simple as, YOU DON'T SOUND INTELLIGENT! Now I'm not saying you need to inundate the masses with multi-syllable words, but I am saying, you would do well to learn a few more. I advise my clients to learn a new word everyday. This may be a bit much for some of you, due to your hectic schedule. So learn a new word once a week, and incorporate it in to your daily vocabulary.
Trust me, there is nothing remarkable about sounding like a rapper, or a country western singer. Most of them lack the on-air vernacular (if you don't know what that means-there's your word for the week look it up!) Most of them lack the vernacular to present themselves as a professional. Terms like bling, crunk, reckon, and y'all, may be perfectly fine within the confines of your environment. But they don't transfer as well in Corporate America. And believe me, if you don't fit into Corporate America, your possibilities of success become extremely limited.
Take some time and learn a new word, you'll be amazed how quickly people will begin to treat you differently once you start to sound different.
Remember the old saying, "It's better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it true." Until next time...
God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Getting Dressed For Church Is Too Much Work

Let me begin by saying, this post is geared toward Christians, or any other religious faction. I am a Christian so many of the references will be as such. Feel free to substitute for your equivalent term. For my non-faith readers, come back tomorrow, if you feel this is not for you.
Now that that's out of the way, I was wondering. Why is it so difficult for us to get dressed up for church? I understand the bible says, "Come as you are.", and I know it shouldn't matter what you wear to church, as long as you are in church. But I just don't understand how, as Christians, we can call on God when we need him, ask for his forgiveness, and ask him to bless us with all of our wishes, but it's too much trouble to get dressed up for him. I see people dressed up everyday to go to a job God has blessed you with. I see people get dressed in their team colors for sports events. And let's not even get into the amount of work we put into getting an outfit, especially ladies, for a high profile event. We buy new clothes, and accessories, to please the people in the room. But to get dressed to go to the house of God is too much work. I mean, really?
I understand not everyone has a closet full of suits. But what would you wear to a party at your boss' house? I doubt if you would show up the way I see some people show up for church. Blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts; all of these I see on a regular occasion in churches these days. I applaud the pastors that have accommodated this mindset, because it gets more people the church, which is what really counts. My own pastor preaches in jeans. Quite often, I'm one of few in the congregation in a suit. Not because I sell clothing, but because I feel if I can get dressed for a club, I can get dressed for church.
How can you say it's too much work to get dressed for church, but not to go tailgating, or to a party? When times are tough, do you call on Peyton Manning or Tom Brady? Did you call on Oprah the last time a family member was sick? Can Denzel Washington saved your soul? Of course not, but if we went to an event that all of these guys were going to be at, trust me, you'd dress accordingly.
Some of you dress better to go play golf than you do to go to church, and that's just a shame. I don't see a time that I will ever go to church that casual, but if that's how it has to be to get you in church, so be it. I'm just saddened that we care more for wearing the colors of our favorite sports team than we do, to get dressed for God. Oh well, it is what it is. Until next time...
God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Cuffs are a Must!

I've seen a growing epidemic of another fashion fopah. Men not wearing cuffs in their pants. Understand, this is not nearly as bad as wearing button down collars with a tie, but it's still wrong. Gentlemen, if you want to be fashionable, you must wear cuffs in your pants. There is one exception, when you're wearing a tuxedo or blue jeans.
I know the rules of dress make it acceptable to NOT wear cuffs in your pants, but really, haven't you realized just how out of place and silly you look when you walk around with your cuffless pants. You look like one of those old guys in Florida with the polyester plaid pants, white patent leather shoes (and matching belt), that hang out at "the home" and play shuffleboard. You don't want to be that guy! Unless of course, you want to be walking proof that you have no sense of fashion, or style.
Cuffs are traditionally worn at 1 1/2". Personally, I like a little extra flair to my style, so I mix it up from time to time. But my usual preference tends to be 2". I have been know to wear a 1/2" and a 3"cuff; just to be different. However, the 3" cuff didn't go over so well. I'm not tall enough. A person should be around 6'5" to wear a 3" cuff. But man does it look good!
Play around with your cuff size, go big or go small. In any case, you should never be sen without a cuff. That is, of course, if you want to be a man of style. Until next time...
God Bless and dress well.
William the Clothier

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

Well today is the international holiday of the ladies. Valentine's Day. I'm curious. What's the male equivelent. I mean come on, none of you are naive enough to think that Valentine's Day has anything to do with men do you? You do? ARE YOU SERIOUS? Have you been watching television over the last, I don't know, 50 YEARS? Every V-Day commercial is about something the man can buy, use, or give to a woman. What about us? What about the fellas? What is our day? Where's the commercial where you come home with a 8 hp, 3 speed, compound mitre saw? Or the one where we sit on our butts while you pander to our every whim with chips, gummi bears, burgers and beer? (or lemonade-for those of us who don't drink). Where the heck is our holiday? I'll tell you where. No where! We get Father's Day, you get Mother's Day. We get "bring your son to work day", you get "bring your daughter to work day" everything is reciprical except this. This one is all for you.
Where is the love for the men out there? Dad teaches the kid how to play football. Dad teaches the kid to knock the crap out of your opponent. Dad goes to every game. And dad brags to his buddies about how his son is the stud on the football team. Meanwhile, mom is trying to figure out a way to not let him play, and is always trying to get him to play something "safer". But when the kid makes it to the big time, what's he say? "Hi Mom" WHAT THE HECK? Where's the daddy love?
I'm usually hard on the fellas because I think we need to step our game up. I think as men, we are failing miserably, and it's evident in the weak, pathetic, undisciplined, disrespectful kids , and neglected, unappreciated, unhappy, and (dare I say) undersexed wives and girlfriends I see everyday. Kids that think they are entitled to have everything done for them. Mommies don't even say, "Wait til you father gets home" anymore, because Dad's a wimp, and let's Mommy make all the decisions. Women that never praise their men, they just bash them, because they don't give them anything to brag about.
Well step up fellas. Be men. Take charge. Get your house in order! Walk in the house, don't say a word, look your woman in the eye, throw her over your shoulder, take her to the bedroom, throw her on the bed and show her what a man is. And after you leave her laying in the afrterglow of long forgotten ecstasy, walk into the living room, put a foot in your kids butt. Lay down the law. Tell 'em there's a new sherriff in town. From now on Daddy makes the rules, and if things don't change, there will be hell to pay. Then, get a babysitter, put on a nice suit, (preferably purchased from me :-)) and take her to a nice restaurant. One with cloth napkins and reservations. Then take her dancing. For those of us who don't have kids, forget the kid part and do everything else.
If you do this. You will have a lot more male Valentine's Days. Who knows? Maybe some of those things you've been trying to get her to do, she'll finally do. Try it. What do you have to lose anyway? Until next time...

God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Friday, February 13, 2009

Time to Communicate

Your image is affected by a mulitiude of factors. Depending on your intended audience, your private image may have different requirements than you professional one.
I'm drawing my inspiration for today's blog from a law student named Mia Lindquist. Like most attractive women out their, Mia has a boyfriend. He sounds like a good guy. Good for him. But in speaking to her, I'm reminded of the many women I meet during the week who aren't so happy in their relationships. And the reasons tend to always be the same. Communication. It's always communication.
I'm no psychologist, and I don't play one on tv. I'm a behavioralist. I study the way people communicate both verbally and non-verbally. And fellas, it's time to step your game up. Everyday I see women that are desparate for affection and attention. Many of you are just a few compliements and some attention from being single. You aren't showing your woman nearly enough attention. She should never forget that you think she's beautiful. She should never have to leave the house to feel desired or to be told she's hot. She should never wish she heard the things from you that she hears from other people. Show her you care. Show her you still desire her. (and not just when you feel the urge in your pants to "connect" with her). Call your woman and just tell her you were thinking about her. Tell her she's beautiful. Get off your butt, put on some nice clothing, and take her out on the town. I don't know, pretend she's as important as your fantasy team. Act like her affection is as valuable as the points spread. Make believe her beauty is as special as the paint job on your car. It can go a long way.
Ladies, I'm not letting you off the hook either. Stop complaining to your friends about your man! It only makes you look silly when you put up with him. Stop confiding in your girlfriend and speak to your boyfriend. Let him know how you feel about him. Tell him he looks nice in a suit. Heck, by him something nice to wear. Take him out sometimes. Do your part! If he doesn't step up, dump him. Period! Why be miserable day after day with the same person. If you go to a restaurant and they don't give you what you want, do you keep going back? Of course not. Then why do it in your relationship. Men are like bras. Get a new one if the one you have doesn't give you the support you need. Otherwise, it's just leaves you droopy. Until next time....

God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Thursday, February 12, 2009

How Stupid Do They Think You Are

Just how stupid does Joseph A. Banks think you are? Or better yet, how stupid are you? Every week they have a different "sale" on, telling you that you are saving so much money. What they really should say is, "Guess how close you're getting to paying a fair price this week?" Their latest takes the cake.
They're advertising, you can save $1200 on 3 suits. The "sale" is on there suits starting at $550. The first is $250, the second is $150, the third is $50. Do the math! That's 3 suits for $150 each. Let's not forget, a month ago they had a sale, buy 1 get 2 free. THIS IS BETTER THAN THAT!!!! That sale was for suits priced $550 and above as well. But as buy 1 get 2 free, the suits cost $183.30 each. Now they are $150. Either way, they are making a profit
Why in God's green Earth are they pricing suits at $550, or $183 for that matter, if they can make money selling them at $150? I'll tell you why.
They think you are so stupid. They know you wouldn't buy a suit priced at $185, so they raise the price then give you a phony sale. I sell the same quality suits for $125-$150 everyday of the week, and I don't even have sales! Wake up people and smell the coffee. Start doing the math and find out where the real money is saved. With the economy being the way it is, it's more important than ever that we spend our money wisely. If you need some tips on saving money and dressing on a budget, shoot me an email at william@2winc.com. Until next time...
God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Image is Everything

If you don't think everything you do affects your image, you are wrong! And there is no statute of limitations on it either. Think I'm wrong, just ask Chris Brown, Alex Rodriguez, and Michael Phelps.
Let hit them individually, shall we?


Chris Brown is one of the hottest performers on the R&B scene. He has it all; good looks, lots of money, a beautiful girlfriend (Rhianna), and his dream job. He even has (sorry HAD) an endorsement deal with Wrigley's Gum. Nut guess what, due to an alleged, domestic violence charge, his squeaky clean image has been tarnished, Wrigley's has "suspended" his deal, and if found guilty, millions of potential dollars and years of building a reputation will have been shot. What a waste.


Michael Phelps was on top of the world. He is one of the most recognizable figures in the world. A feat unto itself, considering swimming translates 3 levels lower than soccer in the US culture. But on the weekend of November 8th, the same weekend Arkansas played the Gamecocks, I remember seeing Michael Phelps at the game. Though I thought it was odd, I didn't think far beyond it. Well here we are 3 months later, an image from that weekend has emerged. And our beloved Mr. Phelps has been found out to be a pothead. Add that to the DUI he got not so long ago, and the golden one is starting to tarnish. 3 months later.


Then we have Mr. Rodriguez. He admitted he took steroids 5 YEARS AGO. FIVE YEARS!! He's gotten MVPs and tons of other awards since then. He's made about $125 million, gotten divorced, and thousands of high school juniors have now graduated COLLEGE since then. This can cost him most of all. This could cost him his place in the Hall of Fame.
You see, everything you do affects your image. And the more people that know you, the more you have to beware. I'm just starting to gain fame in my field. People are starting to know, and recognize me now. My reputation is starting to preceed me. I have to watch everything I do, now more than ever. Who knows the name of who Chris Brown allegedly assaulted, but his name is in the paper. Who gave Michael Phelps the "Buddha"? Don't know, but Michael is paying the price. Who shot A-Rod in the butt with steroids? Who knows, but I'm sure he's no Hall of Famer. Get the point. No one notices the little guy. The press wants the big fish, be careful which hooks you bite. Until next time...
God Bless and dress well,
William the Cothier

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

My Appearance at The National Business Association

Yesterday's event was great! I had a wonderful time and would like to thank the National Business Association for Sports for inviting me to speak. I think everyone had a great time and it was very inclusive. Everyone got involved, which was a miracle considering it was during lunch. If you've ever given a speech while people are eating, you know what I'm talking about. Believe me, getting people to put down their knives and forks and listen to some guy ramble about image is no easy feat. But the attendees were very gracious.
A couple of them even came up for me to do an impromptu image appraisal of them on-site. I agreed to do this the day before, but I must admit. I was a bit apprehensive when the time came to do it. Not because of my ability, but because it was in front of their peers. It's never comfortable to critiqued in front of your peers. These individuals were there to network and potentially gain new business. A critique could change the way people looked at them. How would it look for me to have a negative affect on their image while giving a speech on image? I'm sure some people would have done it and called it a way to "verify their credentials". I don't need to verify me credentials at others' expense. I would like to thank those brave individuals that got up and faced the music. It took a lot of guts.
First was Kevin Acoveno, owner of Computer Doc. If you need work done on your computer be an honest person, and genuinely nice guy call Kevin at 704-563-8031 or check out his website at www.computerdocnc.com.
The second brave soul was Joseph (Jack) Santaniello, of Shumaker, Loop, nad Kendrick, LLP, a top notch attorney. I apologize but I'm not sure what type of law he practices, but he's a sharp individual. He can be contacted at 704-945-2141, or chect them out at www.slk-law.com.
Well that's all for now. I will be posting another blog today on A-Rod, Chris Brown, and how your image can go from the penthouse to the outhouse, in less than a minute. Until next time!

God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier

Monday, February 9, 2009

Don't Wear a Tie With a Button-Down Collar!

I know, I know. Before you tell me about all of the men in your office that do it, STOP! Button down collars were NEVER meant to be worn with a tie. They are sports shirts. They are meant to be casual. You can wear them with a sportscoat, but not a tie.
Let me give you a little history about the button down collar. Long ago in England, the polo players used to place buttons on their collars so they wouldn't flap when they were on the horses. The Brooks Brothers saw this and incorporated it into one of their shirts. It became a hit, and the rest is history.
Not to get to technical, but here is another reason you don't wear ties with button down collars. The band in the collar is not as stiff as the ones in regular shirts. That's why they don't look as good. Ever notice the way there are such big gaps in the area where the collar buttons? HELLOOO!! How many more hints do you need? I know, you see people everywhere do it. Of course you do. I see kids walk around with their pants hanging off their butts and big discs in their earlobes, but that doesn't make it right.
Listen, there are rules to dressing well. Not everyone follows them. Most people get by with it because they are surrounded by people who don't know. However, when you get around people who do know about dressing well. They will know, and you will look the fool. DO what you wish. You're a grown man. But don't say I didn't tell you so.
Until next time,
God Bless and dress well
William "the Clothier"

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Why do I have to be a Metrosexual?

I don't get it. Will someone please explain to me why a man that takes time to pay attention to the details in his appearance has to be labeled? I'm a country boy from Arkansas. I was raised that a man took care of himself. When he left the house he looked decent. His hair was combed. His teeth were brushed. His pants FIT! What in the world went wrong? I'll tell you what went wrong. Men stopped acting like men. Men, by definition, have changed.
Somehow, it became manly for a guy to leave his home, looking like he just got out of bed; pants too big, clothes not fitting properly; just a hot mess. It's pothetic! I didn't mispell it POthetic! Poor taste+ pathetic= Pothetic. It's so bad that, when a man takes real time to show care about his image and appearance, he's got to be given a label. He's a metrosexual. When I was a kid, it was just called being a man, now it's a metrosexual.
Fellas, ask you lady whether or not she prefers your nails to be groomed. OF COURSE SHE DOES! Who are we to expect our women to take the time to look beautiful, while we do less than the bare minimum? We should be ashamed of ourselves for being such poor mates. They go out and get fake boobs, manicures, pedicures, hair styled, facials, and everything else. Why? To look good for us. And we can't take time 15 minutes to actually pay attention to whether or not our clothes match, to manicure our nails, and to get a decent haircut. No wonder your woman doesn't look at you the same, you lazy, low expectations, bare minimum giving, waste of a penis! No wonder you're always worried about her leaving you. Give her something to be proud of. Take some time and pay attention to your image. You spend hours a week thinking about fantasy football, or the big game. Give your woman a fantasy. Try to look like the men she's going gaga over on television. Pay attention to your fitness. Get a manicure. Get a haircut. Buy some decent clothes. Stop trying to impress your boys by "being a man", and impress your woman. I guarantee you, you'll get a much better return on your investment from your woman, than from your boys.
As for me, if taking the time to look good when I leave the house, spending time on proper grooming, and taking a little extra time get it right makes me a metrosexual. Then fine. I'M A METROSEXUAL! Guilty as charged!
Me enjoying my manicure.

By the way, before one of you tries to validate your lazy lack of hygiene and concern for your image by questioning my manhood, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I'm 6', 225lbs, I spent 81/2 years in the U.S.Navy (7 1/2 as part of a covert special operations unit), I shoot expert with 7 different weapons (lef t and right handed), and have 5 black belts in 3 systems-not to mention multiple degrees including a Masters in Economics. So, "Don't let the smooth taste fool you". I don't need to dress and act like a neanderthal to prove my manhood. I know who I am.
If this post doesn't apply to you, then don't worry about it, but if it does, stop gripoing and suck it up. Don't complain to me. Check with your woman. Ask her if she could do a makeover on you, what would she change. You'll be surprised by her answer. And believe me, she has an answer. So until next time...

God Bless and dress well,

William "the Clothier"

Thursday, February 5, 2009

My Biggest Event Thus Far

I am glad be blogging on the biggest event yet for William Wilson Clothing.
I attended the SuperLX Super Bowl parties at the GLC Complex in Ybor City. That's great. But what's really cool is the man of the hour, former NFL linbacker Michael Barber, was wearing my clothes on the red carpet. When Michael decided to host the Diamonds and Pearl Gala, and the T-Pain 3-Ring Circus, he asked me to handle his clothing. It was a hit. Michael looked great, escorted by his lovely fiance' Kim, as he entertained the attendees with his winning smile, and "never-met-a stranger" charm.


Michael wore a black, 3- piece suit, with a white shirt and silver tie, adorned with black stripes for the gala. For the T-Pain event, he wore an amazing blue 3 button suit with a lilac shirt and lilac tie with purple stripes. Michael was definitely the best dressed man in the building. (sometimes I have to take a back seat and let my clients shine :-))
There were tons of celebrities there, including Dallas Cowboy superstar Felix Jones, Washington Redskin QB Jason Campbell, and actor Jeffery Wright.
This was indeed a huge event for me, and and helps solidify my position as Charlotte's hottest men's clothing provider.
We also made some new friends including one that's sure to become a huge name in the food community. Tampa area housewife and food connoisseur Leslie Green, better known as The Hungry Housewife is an up and coming food celebrity and was a huge hit at the Clubhouse. Her banana-nut , and red velvet muffins, and huge (like 1/4lb huge) chocolate cookies were a hit. Check out this rising star at http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her.
Well that's it for now. God Bless and dress well!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Why are men's clothes so expensive?

Every time I meet a new client, I laugh when they tell me how shocked they are by the prices of my clothing. When I show them one of my $175 suits, they almost always say the same thing. I would expect to pay at least $500 for this suit. They normally would have to; especially since I meet my clients at their home or office to sell the clothes to them.
When I started my company, I traced the suit from the field to the body, meaning I tracked it from the sheep the wool comes from, to the person who purchases it. I realized, after the suit is manufactured, you are just paying for people to touch it. Everyone that touches that suit like shipping, storing, inventory, and sales is increasing the price of that suit. And once it gets to the store, it really increases! You are paying for the store overhead, the advertising, the sales staff, and the rent of the store, and oh yea- the profit the store has to make. In fact, the bigger the store, the more you are being overcharged.
Now, I live in Charlotte, NC. My clients know that the only people that touch my clothing is the manufacturer, me and the them. Therefore, my prices are exponentially lower than ANYTHING on any rack. In fact my most expensive custom suit is only $1500. I can't service everyone in America, (though I'm working on an avenue to try) so you need to find a guy that sells direct clothing. It will save you hundreds of dollars. If you can't find one, let me know. If you can arrange at least 10 people that need my service, I will fly to you to provide the service. Or let me know what you are looking for and I can quote you a price and ship it to you. In the meantime, be on the lookout for my online store coming soon!

God Bless and dress well,
William the Clothier