The Dapper Man Shop

FreshNeck Co-Founder David Goldberg (center) poses with the founders of Black Lapel, The Collaterals, Everett Clothing, and Pengallan inside The Dapper Man Shop.

FreshNeck Co-Founder David Goldberg (center) poses with the founders of Black Lapel, The Collaterals, Everett Clothing, and Pengallan inside The Dapper Man Shop.

Hope you guys enjoyed your weekend! For those of you who missed it, last week was an exciting time for FreshNeck as we had our first trial with a pop-up shop here in Manhattan. Here is a quick recap of the week’s events and the goals we wanted to accomplish by opening a pop-up shop.

What is The Dapper Man Shop?

From June 4th to June 9th, FreshNeck teamed up with four other online start-up companies, Black Lapel, The Collaterals, Everett, and Pengallan; to open a pop-up shop in SoHo. Inspired by the recent “experience shops” by the likes of Bonobos and Warby Parker, The Dapper Man Shop was a place for the modern man to kick back, enjoy himself, and learn about some kick-ass fashion startups.way to promote our product by giving our customers a traditional shopping experience.  The art-gallery-turned-man-cave featured leather couches, dressers stocked with sick duds, and of course, flowing whiskey.

Although our company has its roots on the internet, we refuse to lose the personal touch and customer engagement.  Face-to-face. Man-to-man. Our members are so important to us, and their feedback is what has helped us build the company.  ,

A little more about the other particpating companies, each doing awesome things in their own right.

Black Lapel – custom shirts and suits for the discerning and fashionable man. I personally own one, and it rocks. And is beyond affordable.

http://www.blacklapel.com/

The Collaterals – luxurious yet practical cufflinks and collar links for the modern man. Wore them to a wedding this past week. They look badass, and are practical, too.

http://www.thecollaterals.com/

Everett Clothing – locally handcrafted neckties, bowties, and pocket squares for men. We carry the line, and are big supporters. Great product, great people behind the company.

http://www.everettclothing.com/

Pengallan, luxury slim-fit boxers and other accessories for the stylized individual. Buy two. Your girlfriend will steal one. Guaranteed.

http://pengallan.com/

Highlights:

It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and you’ve fancied yourself a stroll in SoHo for some summer shopping. As you turn the corner onto Broome Street, your curiosity is peaked when you notice the lemonade stand, along with two rakish gents smoking cigars on the sidewalk.  You are then personally invited, and escorted into, the Dapper Man Shop. Upon entry, a barista offers you a refreshing beverage before you take a seat on a vintage leather sofa to take in the atmosphere. As you do so, you are kindly greeted by an exceptionally well-dressed man, who invites you to explore the worlds of the participating companies. Shopping the way a man wants – while sitting on a leather couch drinking a single-malt.

While the Shop was run as a retail/experience shop by day, the space was turned into an event space by night for some awesome industry parties.  Like Pengallan’s Launch Party (it’s hard to be the best-looking guy in the room when Tyson Beckford stops by). Or Saturday evening’s Dapper Man Shop Main Event, hosted by Stoli.

A Thursday evening meet-and-greet was hosted by Damien Basile, a local blogger and designer of custom bow ties and pocket squares (check out his exclusive collection for FreshNeck). The event was sponsored by Ploonky.com and 320NY.com, and the attendees were treated to complimentary whiskey and a unique elector-swing set put on by Electric Gentleman.  The evening concluded with a bow tie-tying contest, with winners taking home bow ties from Everett.

Now that the week is over, and we have some time to reflect, we couldn’t be happier with the experience. We also wanted to send a special thank you to the founders of the other companies. You helped make the Dapper Man Shop a resounding success.

Stay Fresh.

PS – Check out the gallery below!

Tie DIY

tie-a-tie-infographic

Most guys would argue that tying a tie is a no-brainer…Do not listen to their gibberish! Tying a tie is nothing short of art. It’s time to ditch those clip-ons. Though fear knot (see what we did there), we’re here to teach you the essence of tying ties. There are several ways to perfect a tie’s knot, each of which provides the wearer with a unique style.

The above image shows a variety of knots available, ranging from the classic Windsor to the highly complex Ediety. Wearers must also be mindful in selecting tie bars, tie width, and length measurements. Such variation gives the wearer flexibility and unique personality. Not to mention quite a few tie knot bragging rights! Follow this guide and you are sure to avoid any tie related fashion faux pas.

Father Knows Best

 

like-father-like-son-classy-suits-boy

Father’s Day is about more than giving gifts, but also about appreciating the values that the Old Man has passed down.   We may not have realized it at the time, but here’s what we learned from our fathers…

1.  Invest wisely.

Screen Shot 2013-06-03 at 11.26.15 AMMy dad taught me that clothing doesn’t have to be expensive, but should be of high-quality, and that the two don’t always come together. I remember him leaving at crazy hours on Black Friday to go shopping and questioned why he would do that.  But after he came home with a Gucci blazer for $200, I stopped doubting his bargain-hunting abilities (and stole that blazer a few years later).

2.  Make a subtle statement.

Screen Shot 2013-06-03 at 10.59.01 AM

 {While this bow tie, shirt and jacket could serve as statement pieces on their own, when put together they are visually distracting.}

polka dot

{A bold piece like this bow tie completes this polished look.}

Find one bold accessory to transform something classic into something unique.  When picking out your outfit, avoid mixing too many patterns and prints, as it tends to come off as trying too hard.  Instead, utilize one “statement piece” to to center your outfit around.

3. Confidence is key.

tumblr_mnjcr2vBfk1ryp639o1_1280Dad used to say, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”.  You never know who you will come across at any time in life, and you want to be prepared.  Our clothes are the first impression we give to onlookers.  Choose clothes that build a positive self-image for the person you aspire to be.  Clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes.


Although Dad’s style choices at the time may have seemed questionable, he was trying to show me how to express myself through what I wear.  Whether that’s purchasing a designer suit or casual pants, it’s important to dress with confidence and showcase your style.

Father’s Day is the time to show your Pop appreciation for all he’s done for you.  Give him the gift of style with a monthly subscription to FreshNeck.

 Tell us a funny story about your dad’s closet….

 

 

 

Dapper Derby Recap

http://vimeo.com/channels/488746/66769431

On May 4th, for the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, FreshNeck came together with other awesome companies to throw a Dapper Derby party.  The who’s who of the NYC social scene came out to the Dream Hotel’s Ava Lounge, dressed to the nines in seersucker, pastel-colored suits, frilly dresses, and of course, crazy hats! Together, they turned “the most exciting two minutes in sports” into an all-day affair, dancing to Electric Gentlemen’s electro-swing mix and drinking the custom cocktail, “Electric Julep.”

Highlighting the high-profile event was none other than Caesar the Horse holding down the red carpet.  CaesarTheHorseSpecial thanks to Dapper Derby participants and sponsors, including Everett Clothing, Electric Gentlemen, and Suspender Boys.

dapperderby1 dapperderby2 dapperderby3 dapperderby4 dapperderby5 dapperderby6 dapperderby8 dapperderby9 dapperderby10 dapperderby11

 

FreshNeck sponsors Running Late with Scott Rogowsky

Running Late With Scott Rogowsky

Running Late With Scott Rogowsky

FreshNeck is proud to be a sponsor for late night talk show “Running Late with Scott Rogowsky.” FreshNeck joins Alabaster & Chess in providing the clothing for Scott and the show.

For those unfamiliar with RLWSR, it is a traditional Late Night talk show hosted bi-monthly at the Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo (that’s in Brooklyn).

Join FreshNeck, and the entire RLWSR crew tomorrow night, when guests will include Shark Tank’s Daymond John, comedian Gilbert Gottfried, Fat Jew, and internet-rapper Awkwafina. Tickets available here.

RLWSR_MAY9_LORES_v2-662x1024

Designer of the Month – Daniel Bruce of DiBi Ties

DIBI - Casual Neckwear for a Cause

DiBi – Casual Neckwear for a Cause

Many of our readers and FreshNeck members are already familiar with DiBi ties from our collection.  We carry 43 unique DiBi items, including ties, bow ties, and tie bars, all of which can be found here.

Most are crafted using non-silk fabrics, including cotton, seersucker, velvet, and chambray.  Given this, as well as the slim width (ranging from 2-2.75″), DiBi ties are ideal for that #NewCasual look, perfectly suitable for a date or a night out with the boys.

But what many don’t know is that DIBI runs its own foundation (www.dibifoundation.com), which seeks to strengthen and expand educational services and supplies in rural communities throughout the world. A portion of every purchase goes towards providing teaching kits.  FreshNeck is proud to participate in such a worth cause.

Daniel Bruce, founder of DiBi and the DiBi Foundation, describes the brand as representing “the fashion conscious shopper who enjoys plenty of selection at competitive prices.  On the men’s fashion industry, Bruce says “it is growing at a rapid rate, especially accessories. I can only imagine the industry expanding and continuing at this pace.” As a longstanding partner of FreshNeck, Daniel says of the unique “Netflix for Ties” business model “it’s a unique way to offer accessibility to fashion for those who are in need of ties on a daily basis.”

A sampling of some of our favorite DiBi Items available in the FreshNeck Collection:

Pastel Cotton Tie

Pastel Cotton Tie

Gingham Cotton-Blend Bow Tie

Gingham Cotton-Blend Bow Tie

Chambray Skinny Tie

Chambray Skinny Tie

Plaid Cotton Skinny Tie

Plaid Cotton Skinny Tie

Wooden Slim Tie Bar

Wooden Slim Tie Bar

 

 

 

The most exciting 2 minutes in…Fashion

“AND THEY’RE OFF”

Everyone loves the Kentucky Derby. Sporting Event? Check. Flowing Booze (Mint Juleps, anyone?). Check. Gambling. Check.

But as you’ve come to expect from us by now, we like to take things to another level. Sure, you can mosey on down to your local watering hole at 6:22 pm just in time to catch some 70-year-old announcer yell “AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME.” But while the actual race everyone cares about is only 2 minutes long, we prefer to participate in a daylong spectacle of the 3D’s 1) Dancing 2) Drinking, and 3) Dressing Up . Yeah that’s right. No Derby Party is complete without full-on, Derby-Inspired costumes. In fact, FreshNeck has gotten together with of New York City’s hippest and most dapper companies (Everett Clothing, Suspender Boys, Electric Gentlemen, and others) to throw an all day DerbyStyle shindig at the Ava Lounge at the Dream Midtown Hotel. Tickets can be bought here, and include a drink ticket, and automatic entry to a raffle chock full of great prizes.  As if this wasn’t enough, we will also be hosting a cash-prize costume contest, and there will be a real-live horse greeting you at the door.

But we realize many of you won’t be in New York City to attend, and will be going to other Derby-themed parties.  No matter where you’re downing your juleps, we strongly encourage you to do so in style, literally. So we’ve put together some quick tips for the gent looking to get his Southern Charm on. Bonus points for buying as little as possible, and using what you have. Double bonus points for renting your accessories at FreshNeck.com. 

Everett Clothing Seersucker Bow Tie

Everett Clothing Seersucker Bow Tie

Vineyard Vines Seersucker Tie

Vineyard Vines Seersucker Tie

 

1. Seersucker – There is an old saying that “Only rich men can afford such a cheap fabric.” You can go traditional with a full-on seersucker suit or blazer like this Bonobos edition, or go modern with seersucker accessories.

2. Color – The bolder and brighter the better. There’s no wrong place for it: your shirt (think pastel!), pants, socks, bow tie, even your shoe laces.

3. Hats – Leave them for the ladies!

4. Be comfortable! The beauty of #DerbyStyle is you can dress up, and still be cool and comfortable. It’s all about breathable fabrics (seersucker, cotton, linen), whether in the Kentucky sun  or a sweaty NYC bar.

 

Now, if you just can’t get yourself to go all-in on this, and you’re looking to participate in a conservative way, perhaps you can go with a conservative, derby-themed accessory.  Here’s a favorite from our Collection:

Seaward & Stearn Silk Derby-Themed Tie

Seaward & Stearn Silk Derby-Themed Tie

We want to see your Derby Outfits! Post on FreshNeck’s Facebook or Twitter, or hashtag on Instagram with @FreshNeck or #DerbyStyle. We’ll select the best ones and repost, and give away some cool prizes.

Some full-outfit inspiration:

Derby Perfection by Kellan Lutz

Derby Perfection by Kellan Lutz

On point, without being ridiculous

On point, without being ridiculous

When in doubt, follow Heff's lead

When in doubt, follow Heff’s lead

 

Case Study: Kevin (Part 4)

FreshNeck Case Study photo

“Is There Something I Should Know?”
The FreshNeck Blog serves as a resource for the latest in men’s fashion trends.  There are great articles on how to dress for specific events, how to use the site and how celebrities wear ties. By reading through the FreshNeck Blog I learned about a new style of dress called the NewCasual. It incorporates formal men’s accessories into everyday outfits. Once I understood the style, a large percentage of what I chose from FreshNeck was worn casually. I no longer feel that wearing a tie is only needed for special occasions. As a matter of fact I started to post photos on Instagram tagged #NewCasual.  With their wide variety of designers I’m able find a tie for every event, every occasion and every day.

 “New Sensation”
Before FreshNeck dressing for work was something I never looked forward to. With such a limited wardrobe I was simply just trying to not look like I was wearing the same thing everyday. Now with FreshNeck as my resource I look forward to picking out my clothes for work. I frequently try out different patterns and colors that make wearing a tie fun and work appropriate.

 “Glamorous Life“
After I spoke about the ease of FreshNeck, some of my co-workers and friends have started using this service as well. Now when we go out for drinks, we all look stylish and fresh. FreshNeck is not only for the classic man but the modern man as well. They’re certainly helping build a new generation of tie wearers and enthusiasts.