Thanks to a watchful OTC reader, I can let you know that a pre-order site for Esquire’s new 2009 Big Black Book, Spring edition, is up and running.
As you may recall, in my review of the annual 2008 edition, I mentioned that Esquire was going to franchise the Big Black Book brand and start seasonal versions. Well, that time has come.
So, if you just can’t wait to pick up your copy from the local news stand, go HERE…
Also, you may have noticed that my posts have been a tad sparse recently – though hopefully as witty and interesting as ever. Things have been very busy at casa de OTC and my writing time limited. As I make an effort to always provide you with something worth reading (hopefully), I have not been posting filler just so something new is up. That’s just a waste of your time. Interestingly, the numbers have actually remained fairly constant, so thank you all for checking in and prowling the archives!
Behind the scenes, OTC has not been idle and there are a number of great features in the pipeline, including a series of posts documenting my first fully custom suit, by way of VM Clothiers.
Proprietor Vishal Mirpuri is a young guy on the move who is changing the face of custom tailoring in buttoned up Washington. Based in D.C. but with a dedicated workshop in Hong Kong, you get the best of both worlds; a fresh, modern take on tailored clothing and the quality, efficiency and value of family with 40 years in the tailoring business. We’ll be tracking the suit from first measurements to final fitting.
With the global economy continuing its free fall, OTC will also be examining the options for defining your personal brand, how best to choose and care for your wardrobe and what to look for in accessories and other personal investments.
Yes, I said investments. Now more than ever, you need to think about what image you want to present to the world; who are you and what do you value? These are long-term decisions and need to be well though-out ones too. Therefore, as we move into another volatile year, OTC is going to be focusing on important issues like value, quality, purpose and staying power. More than catchy terms, these are decisions which hit you directly in the wallet.
Which brands have what you need? What products and services make sense when money is tight? How can you assemble a top-notch wardrobe that blends timeless classics with modern sensibilities? These are the kinds of questions I’m hearing more and more and they are very good questions to be asking.
Quite often I have built articles directly from reader requests and they usually become some of the most read. This makes sense of course – because they are the issues on your mind right now. Moving forward, OTC will be here to help answer them.
So, if you ever have a problem or a question,ask; because chances are you aren’t the only thinking about it. You can always reach OTC at OffTheCuffDC@comcast.net.