Haberdashery News – January 2023

Keeping Up with the Times

Here are some points to remember as you start assembling your wardrobe for 2023:

• The old adage of “dress for success” still applies. Dressing like a slob will do nothing for your confidence, nor your station in life.
• A jacket can work wonders on any outfit.
• Suits are not dead. We can show you how to wear a suit without a tie.
• We can also give you pointers on when to tuck or untuck your shirt.
• Ties are still required for situations and events where you need to show respect.
• Fabrics with stretch should be dry cleaned as infrequently as possible.
• 5-pocket trousers are still king, and you can take them to the next level by pairing them with dress loafers
• Mixing active sportswear with dress clothing doesn’t always work. A golf polo is for golf, a dress polo is for business, and a sport polo is for going out. Let us show you.
• In hot weather you can wear a polo or crew with a jacket to add elegance for business or an elevated casual look.
• Colored shirt buttons are a stylish way to demonstrate attention to detail, but they don’t replace a tie if the occasion calls for one.
• White bottom shoe soles are still a thing, for now.
• Being told your outfit looks good never gets old.

Valentine’s Day Is a Month Away

Your haberdashers will soon be receiving early spring items for this special date coming up! Plus, we always have creative gift ideas for your loved ones.

Let us know when you are ready for us to help you find a Valentine’s Day gift for that someone special!

Covid and the Flu

Overall, I’ve been pretty fortunate with my health. Yes, I often get seasonal allergies, or the occasional cold, and I had Covid early on but I got through it easily. So I guess I was about due for something more significant to happen.

At the beginning of this month I was diagnosed with both Covid and the flu. Even if I wanted to come back to the shop, I couldn’t. This one has knocked me on my butt, just like Apollo Creed did to Rocky in the first movie. Every time I get up, or feel like I can, I fall back on the mat. These illnesses have wrecked my ability to focus on tasks, and have caused sinusitis, headaches, and stomach issues. The combination of symptoms is not for the faint of heart. I am on day ten, and still trying to get back to the activities I love.

I am lucky because I have been healthy most of my life. I imagine all the souls who do not have great overall health – what Covid must do to them, both physically and mentally. Even when you are feeling fine and don’t have the virus, the possibility of it is always lingering there. All of us have been affected in some way or another.

Even though this is my second round with Covid, it’s only this time around that I’m fully understanding how drastically it can disrupt even the most basic aspects of daily life. I have so much empathy for those who have “long Covid” or other lingering issues due to the virus. In addition to the physical toll, there’s also the social and psychological impact of being forced back into isolation, unable to interact with family and friends. It’s like reliving the trauma of 2020 all over again.

As a human, parent, friend, and employer, I have so much more perspective now on what we have all gone through in this pandemic, and especially the impact to our collective mental health.

I am sending prayers to all because we are all trying to heal in one way or another.

I am also sending deep gratitude to my Ken’s team, who have worked continuously to keep everything running smoothly while I have been out. I am blessed to have such a supportive work family.

Stay healthy and mentally strong,

– Kory