Sorry to say it but Fall will be here before you know it! The good news is that Haberdash has the low down on ready to wear fashion for dudes. Think Gar-animals for grown ups. We’ve taken the guess work out of outfitting yourself for Fall and have assembled a collection that is totally comfortable, cohesive and easy to wear. Don’t forget cool - damn cool! Everything we’ve bought is designed to work together pretty much, so there’s very little room for error. As guys we’re always looking for fool proof and simple – aren’t you?

In the meantime, check out a preview of what’s hot (and cool) for Fall…

Plaids and Patterns – look for rich plaids and vibrant tartans and interesting patterns like fair isle (a traditional style of knitting from a remote Scottish island)

Sweaters – warm, chunky, with v-neck and shawl collars in great earthy colors like charcoal, brown, green, navy, black and more

Hunting and Workwear Inspiration – check out our coats and outerwear - originally designed for form and function - they are all about style now.

Authentic Old School Brands – throw back to American Heritage from way back when. Remember Gant, Woolrich, Gitman and Red Wing – they’re retooled but uber-cool in a retro way. They’re back baby!

That said we’re stocked and ready when you are. So stop by and let us help you pull your fall look together. But for now, chill out – relax and enjoy the weekend.

Every season seems to bring a little something new…color wise, fit, etc. We’re happy to report that you actually can relax because everything old is new again. All of your favorite old school brands from way back when are cool and current. They scream quality and timeless style. Think Gitman, Woolrich, Gant, Wolverine and Red Wing just to name a few. And, we’ll be re-introducing those tried and true brands in our store on an ongoing basis.

This trend has been easing its way onto the fashion scene for a bit. We love it so much that we’re making it a part of our model – singling out those great brands rich in tradition and known for timeless style. So, we’re proud to introduce you to Haberdash Authentics, a new outlet for us to present legacy brands that have reestablished themselves for the now.

Our launch line is a partnership with Gitman. Gitman is a time-honored, heritage brand, meaning its American born and well-crafted. Established in 1948, Gitman has specialized in shirts and neckwear and has since revived its brand paying tribute to its favorite vintage fabrics and methods. Haberdash is carrying an exclusive line of Gitman dress shirts designed just for us in addition to its sought after Gitman Blue line featuring great plaids in vibrant colors for fall.

To celebrate the creation of Haberdash Authentic, we’re offering all the new Gitman shirts both Gitman for Haberdash and Gitman Blue lines at a special price of $119.99 through the weekend.

So come check out new the offerings and take comfort in the old faithfuls.

Gearing up for a long holiday weekend…

Weather is cooperating, all is good. Should be a fun weekend of great food, great drinks, great hanging.

You’ve made your plans, assembled your entourage and you’re good to go. The last thing on your list, and certainly the last thing on your mind is what are you gonna throw on? Clearly we’re talking uber-casual clothing BUT you guys still need pull it together. Don’t look like a dork or dirt bag for that matter. Look over these quick tips and you’ll be perfectly well-done.

Be Comfortable But Be Put Together

Going casual isn’t an invitation to look like you just rolled out of bed. You owe it to yourself to put your best foot forward at all times. You can look cool and be comfortable, just requires a little thought.

Socks-N-Sandals

Don’t even think about it. If you’re cold – put on a closed toed shoe for god sakes. It’s simply a bad look and a big time fashion faux pas

Don’t Over Do the Label

Don’t play the name game and don’t be a walking advertisement for your favorite brand. Always want to err on the side of being understated. Wear an item because its’ got a rock solid design, great fit and you feel good in it. That’s it!

No Running Shoes if You Are Not Running

Not only does it signal that you’ve ‘given up’ when it come to fashion, but it’s gross.  Those sweaty shoes you’re wearing for your workouts should be just for that.  Cross-over is not okay here.  Luckily this season especially is ideal for casual shoes such as boat shoes and canvas sneakers.

That’ll do it – we’ve given you our two cents.  And, speaking of cents, we’re having a great sale to get you looking rockin’ for your favorite BBQ.  Happy 4^th – enjoy the weekend.

You know it, you love it. It is clearly a staple in your summer repertoire. Blue, brown, striped, solid – there is nothing like a classic polo style shirt.

However, no shirt would be called a “polo shirt” weren’t for the ‘pulu’ an ancient name for a wooden ball. The Persians invented a new game in the 7^th century, a game that incorporated the ‘pulu’. Men on horses hit the ‘pulu’ using sticks. Sounds a lot like the game of polo, right? And so, the polo game was born, initially gaining popularity in India, then onto England.

By the mid-1800s, British polo teams began wearing knitted shirts (jerseys) simply because they were more comfortable and less restrictive. By the late 1800’s an entrepreneur took notice of the jerseys, redesigned them and sold them as ‘polo shirts.’

The shirt evolves and spans a number of sports and organized team play including polo, tennis and soccer. The comfortable design featuring a ribbed collar and short sleeves captured the attention of the public. Those active in sports also appreciated the extra long tail of the polo shirt. Even executives felt ready to ditch their starchy shirts on weekends, and relax while wearing a polo shirt.

So now you know where it all began, without having to commit to an hour in front of the History Channel. And, as much as things change the more they say the same - a polo is still the classic do what you want to do item. Ever so versatile, be it sports, a super dressed down day at the office or a casual weekend, you can’t go wrong in the tried and true polo.

Boating is not just for lifestyles of the rich and famous anymore…

Here’s a great way to get in touch with that boating lifestyle without having to own the yacht – pick up a pair of docksiders (some call them topsides - same thing - for purposes of this post we will call them ‘boat shoes’).

They are the hottest shoes going and a great way to get the cool without compromising the comfort. Just like your dad’s boat shoes – only spiffed up a bit. Swab the decks, pull the jib and hoist the sail – NOT. This is a great way to ‘get the look’ without having to succumb to a bad case of nausea.

With great styles from tried and true companies such as Sperry and Sebago – you can throw em’ on with khakis, shorts or your favorite pair of blues – no problem. Good colors, rock solid construction, easy to wear. They’re not too hipster or too conservative – they’re alright in our book.

Whether you’re a ‘boater’ wanna be or an average man about town – anyone can pull off this look. So amp up your spring wardrobe and see what it feels like to walk in another man’s shoes. Ahoy Matey!

Like filing your taxes, shopping for a guy’s “monkey suit” has got a bad rap. But, we’re swooping in to tell it like it is – man style. So, here’s the low down on procuring a man’s signature fashion item - the suit.

Shopping for a suit doesn’t have to be a bad experience – really! Shopping at a smaller specialty store may provide you a higher level of service and an appropriately edited collection of the best of the best.

You don’t have to spend an arm and leg – seriously! The quality, selection and styling is streamlined and has come down in price.

Tailored to perfection – you can just buy a great suit off the rack, but make sure the alterations are all about you. A skilled tailor can make all the difference. A well-tailored suit should fit like it was created exclusively for you.

Don’t wear your dad’s old suit. Get with the times. Suiting today is more modern with contemporary, slimmed down lines. Color-wise understated stripes, plaids, solids, rich traditional shades and beautiful shades of tan and grey for spring are all acceptable. Suits can be dressed up or dressed down – customizable based on occasion.

The best news, however, is that Haberdash offers all the above and is now offering a sweet deal on suits - 30% off on all suits all the time.

Can’t do any better than that - Period!

Finally guys we’re seeing some signs of spring, ‘bout time right? Before you know it, you’ll be catching a ball game, grabbing a brew outdoors and exploring Chi-town by foot.

So as the new season is around the corner – it’s time to dust off your favorite spring clothes and infuse your wardrobe with a few new must haves. In our quest to educate the evolved modern man – here’s a quick style summary for this ‘in between’ period.

Outerwear

 So hard to find the right jacket for the job – don’t you think? It’s either too casual too formal; too stiff. So, let’s dumb it down to three essentials. One, the sport coat – and no it’s not your dad’s navy blazer. It’s way more current, lightweight, playful – subtle patterns, prints and plaids –really easy to just throw on. Dress it up for a day at the office or pair it with denim for a fun night out. Two, for a ‘wet’ day, try an updated trench, light weight with a modern fit and construction. Three, for the super-relaxed, the baseball jacket - updated and totally in the now.

Down Low

 Pants – Lightweight, great colors (stone, light-blue, tan, green). Patterns including plaids and checks are emerging this season, either in classic chinos for a slightly dressed -up look or five-pocket styles for a more dressed down look.

Shorts – so cool and so fun – solids, plaids, even reversible – totally utilitarian! Cool hues and great soft cotton fabrics!

Up Top

 As we’ve discussed in an earlier blog post entitled Be Buttoned Up on 3/2/10, the woven shirt is the way to go, fun and wrinkly for spring. However, nothing can replace the relationship between a man and his polo shirt. This season, polos are done in the most incredible, rich rainbow of colors – pure bright as well as understated subtle tones.

There you have it…our take on spring. So pull yourself together and head outdoors. Cheers!

Nothing says relaxed more than a perfectly worn pair of jeans – it’s sacred, right? It’s a delicate balance between wash, distress, fit – when you put them on, you just know. So in the name of ultimate comfort (and yes, ultimate style) here’s our guide to denim this Spring.

Dark V. Light

Different washes for different dudes and different moods…it’s all a matter of personal preference. However, as a general rule a darker, less distressed pair is great for going out and dressing up.

Leg Room

Cut is key. Straight and simple is the way to go. Straight leg jeans are the style for now – can be classic or relaxed. Stay away from super baggy and flared boot cuts.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Denim

There are a few great lines that are now offering Raw Denim (Nudie and Rag+Bone) – indigo-dyed and not washed or worn in. The idea here is that you do the work yourself. You’re a man – right? Wear them and wear them and wear them until they are broken in, in all the right places. As they become modeled to your body, they become uniquely yours.

Mr. Clean Jeans

Here’s where it can get a little dicey. For Raw Denim, it is best to wear them as much as possible before washing – 6 months even. For pre-washed denim – wash whenever, it will not effect the appearance as the work has already been done. However, if you prefer to keep the dark rich look you can have them dry cleaned which only removes the dirt but not the dye. Either way, turn your jeans inside out and hang them naturally to dry. When they are damp you can stretch the inseam as much as needed.

A Jean for all Seasons

You should consider having a several solid denim options to get you through a variety of occasions from dressed up to dressed down…from lighter and more relaxed for daytime to darker and more classic for evening and business casual. Denim is in a category all its own – it’s good to have a few good pairs. Not to mention there are some great lines – not too crazy, but super quality such as AG, Kasil, Rag + Bone and Nudie.

Nothing better than good jeans guys – so be true to your blue!

Big week guys – big games, lots of hangin’ – all good. Here’s our official Haberdash round-up featuring our recommendations on all things hoop related.

Where To Catch ‘The Game’

The Fifty/50 - 2047 W. Division St. - Chicago

Watch NCAA basketball games on 18 flat screens while sipping $3 Coors Light bottles and other drink specials.

Market -1113 W. Randolph St. - Chicago

March Madness. $12 Miller Lite and Coors Light buckets, $15 Heineken and Heineken Light buckets, bracket contest

Luxbar - 18 E. Bellevue Place – Chicago

March Madness. $3 Sam Adams and Peak Organic IPA drafts, bracket contest

Old Town Social - 455 West North Avenue – Chicago

Unassuming, timeless neighborhood spot with handcrafted cocktails and knock-out plasmas that drop down from the ceiling and up from the banquettes – really cool.

Where To Get ‘Great’ Bar Food

M Burger – 161 E. Huron St. - Chicago

New Streeterville burger and shake joint created by Lettuce Entertain You. M Burger is a mostly counter service spot where you can grab a hamburger, cheeseburger or chicken sandwich. Extras include fries, shakes (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and a flavor-of-the-month) and a single vegetable sandwich.

Theory - 9 W. Hubbard St. – Chicago

This modern sports-focused lounge is one step above your standard sports bar. Comfy barstools and chairs are fit for extended game-watching, and the casual menu features American/Mexican eats.

Great home theater-like private dining den decked out with three screens is available for private events.

Gaslight - 2426 N. Racine Ave. - Chicago

Familiar neighborhood pub feel is complete with old nautical lights and a dark wood interior. There’s also nine plasma TVs – great for catching games. and DJs on the weekends. Expect popular menu items from the Schoolyard, like the Reuben rolls and skillet cookie, as well as heartier fare like Australian baby lamb chops and steaks.

Where To Get Real Time Scores

www.cbssportsline.com

www.espn.com

Have a great week guy and good luck with your brackets!

So if the suit makes the man, then the shoes round out the look, right? This season’s footwear could not be easier – no fuss, well-priced and uber-simple, yet totally hip with the kids. It’s your big chance to show how stylin’ you can be without heading too far out of your comfort zone.  To sum it up, this season’s footwear is decidedly clean, neutral, comfortable and easy to wear. Check it out…

Style Wise – think classic Americana, seaside chic and college prep. Familiar, like an old pair of shoes - penny loafers, bucks, plimsoles, canvas shoes, topsiders, slip-ons and docksiders, much of what your dad used to wear – only way cooler.

Brand Awareness - the most sought after shoes of the season are the tried and true lines that are making their way back – Seavees, Sperry, Converse and Sebago - all done in fresh, rich, neutral colors such as clay, grey, navy, brandy and brown.

Wear Em’ Out – spring footwear is totally versatile, easily incorporated, very wearable and perfectly paired with khakis, denim, shorts and beachy pants.

*Style tip – ditch the socks this season. Spring footwear is easy and stand alone – everyman and every foot for itself. If you absolutely must – wear a very short (practically invisible) footie – or short sock.

Here’s to spring in Chicago hopefully arriving asap – until then walk like a man!