Mad Men Style

Rather than going with a traditional tux or getting a suit from some place like Nordstrom's I thought I'd go in a different direction, vintage!

A quick Google search for "vintage suits Los Angeles" turned up Jake Vintage over in Hollywood.  Nordstrom's was also having their half yearly men's sale the very same weekend.  We decided to go check out both places on the same day.  When they say "Hollywood" it's at the very borders of Hollywood, much like the Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church.

Jen and I walked in to a very small store with clothing on only one rack along the left hand side.  The proprietor of the place, Jonathan, was in the back with his sports coat, horned rimmed glasses, checkered slacks, playing his electric guitar.  He set down the guitar, turned down the volume on his amp which was hooked up to a stereo from the 60's or so.  He reeked of cigarettes, as that was a constant of that era.

We told him we were looking for a suit for our upcoming nuptials and he immediately asked some questions about color schemes, themes and whether or not I had a specific style and era.  I didn't really have much of a clue as to styles and cuts and everything else.  For me, other than color, the question about suits have revolved around three buttons or two.  (I did own a double breasted suit in the 90s from Dejaiz.)

"I think I'll find a Glenn Plaid suit for you."  I had never heard of that pattern and was picturing the kilts worn by Mel Gibson as we ran across a grassy meadow with a large two handed sword strapped to his back about to mutilate some Englishmen.  "It's a gray suit from a distance with these fine orange and blue lines.  When you look up close, you'll see those colors in the panes, but from a distance, it'll look like a gray suit.  You use a pocket squares to bring out the colors.  If you use an orange pocket square, then the orange lines will jump out more."  He had a sort of clipped manner of speaking, much like someone straight out of a 60's film.

When it came time to take measurements, he eyed me up and down and said, "You look to be between a 38 and 40.  I think 40 short."  He measured me and said under his breath, "knew it."  "Your waist looks to be a 33 and you're about 5'9, and I think your inseam is about 31 inches."  He didn't even have to measure much of anything else.  I was pretty much sold.

Before we left, I turned to Jen and said, "I'm going to buy a suit from this guy."

"Give me a couple of months to clear out the upcoming weddings.  I'll have some options for you in September to choose from."

Jen and I went off to Nordstrom's to check out the half-yearly sale.  The sales person who approached us was nice enough.  He said that I should try some of the 42s they had in stock.  "I'm pretty sure I need a 40."  "You look more like a 42."  He went to the 40s rack and pulled out a nice navy blue suit.  "What do you know?  You're a 40."  At that point, I tuned out.  It could also be the fact that the price tag was a good deal more expensive.

I did get the suit recently and there was virtually no tailoring that was needed.  The search for a matching tie and pocket square consumed more time.  Jonathan provided his feedback on which ties would work best, including the blade width, the color, the thickness, and the type of knot to use.  His recommended pocket square was cotton or linen folded in the executive manner.  Cotton or linen over silk because they can hold a crease.

Two more selling points with going with Jake Vintage?  He consulted for "Mad Men" and was also named one of the best dressed for GQ.  Not everyone is enamored with him, but he's been super helpful and is pretty entertaining to speak to as well.  The selection may seem sparse, but I'm sure the guy can find you something from wherever he finds these gems.