Feature Friday – Socks & Soles

Today’s Feature Friday spotlights one of our retail partners in Tennessee: Socks & Soles. Socks & Soles is located in the CoolSprings Galleria in Franklin. Phil Krause opened the shop on Black Friday of last year. The store carries a wide variety of socks and insoles for men, women, and children – from outdoor socks to fine dress socks.

Franklin is located approximately 20 miles south of Nashville. The city is named after Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is home to numerous celebrities, including many famous musicians.

Introductions: Our Technician

If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. If it is broke, by all means, fix it! Today we’re excited to introduce the man who keeps a close eye on our knitting machines, Steve Owens – Our Technician.

Steve started working at the third-generation mill that knits Dapper Classics socks right out of school. Dapper Classics is a direct beneficiary of his technical expertise. Steve’s experience helps him catch potential problems before they become serious concerns. And if a complication does arise, he is quick to resolve the issue so quality is not compromised. Steve also monitors production of new samples and makes the necessary adjustments to the machines to ensure the socks are knitted with the quality you’ve come to expect from Dapper Classics.

When he’s not at the mill, Steve enjoys fishing and hunting.

New Dapper Classics Neckties

We’re excited to introduce three new styles of Dapper Classics handcrafted Made in USA neckties: Solid Luxe, Houndstooth, and Windowpane. Our Solid Luxe ties, available in blue and gray, are made with a silk and linen blend woven in England. Our Houndstooth ties, available in tan, blue, and brick, are made with a silk and cotton blend woven in England. Our Windowpane ties, available in blue and cafe brown, are made with a silk and linen blend woven in England. All Dapper Classics neckties are handmade in New York using a detailed process involving seven different artisans.

2015 Memorial Day Sale

Feature Friday – Kannon’s

Today’s Feature Friday spotlights one of our retail partners in North Carolina: Kannon’s. The store was founded in 1916 by immigrant Isaac George Kannon. Kannon’s dream was to immigrate to America, work hard, and provide his family with better opportunities; he did just that. Today Kannon’s Clothing is owned and operated by four of his grandchildren. Kannon’s has two locations: a men’s store in Raleigh and a women’s store in Wendell. Kannon’s was recently recognized as the “Best in the Triangle” for customer service.

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina. Raleigh is nicknamed “City of the Oaks” because of its many oak trees. The city is part of “The Triangle” – along with Durham and Chapel Hill. Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University and Shaw University – the first historically black university in the South. Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, was born in Raleigh. (photo credit: Southern City Love)

 

Introductions: Our Graphic Designer

You can’t make a sale if you don’t pique the shopper’s interest. Today we’re excited to introduce the person who helps turn shoppers into customers for Dapper Classics – Jon Merkling, our Graphic Designer.

Jon, a graphic designer for a college in the Charleston area, has worked on projects for Dapper Classics since 2013. He designs promotional materials for our website, social media, mailing list, and men’s shows.

Jon’s philosophy is to create classic, simple designs that are also modern and innovative – which makes him the perfect person to help market our timeless American-made products. Jon’s artistic approach is guided by a desire to help people see things clearly while making the world look a little better. You can view part of his impressive portfolio on his website.

When he’s not doing design work, Jon enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Feature Friday – Ron Alexander

Today’s Feature Friday spotlights one of our retail partners Louisiana: Ron Alexander. The store’s slogan is “Knowing how to dress is knowing where to buy.” In Monroe, Ron Alexander Clothiers for Men is the place to buy. The shop has been a staple in its community for more than 25 years. The store offers a wide range of menswear – from relaxed casual to formal. Ron Alexander has two professional tailors on staff to ensure the store’s customers achieve the perfect fit.

Monroe is named after the James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Monroe is one of the two “Twin Cities” of northeast Louisiana – the other being West Monroe. West Monroe was the birthplace of  Bill Russell, one of the best and most decorated professional basketball players in history.

Introductions: Our Bookkeeper

Not knowing what money is coming in and what money is going out is a recipe for disaster in business. Monitoring numbers might not sound glamorous, but it’s vital to a company’s success. Today we’re pleased to introduce the person who keeps an eye on Dapper Classics’s money, Rhonda Smith – Our Bookkeeper.

Rhonda records the day-to-day financial transactions for Dapper Classics. In doing so, she ensures that all transactions–purchases, sales, receipts, payments–are properly accounted for. Prior to keeping books for Dapper Classics, Rhonda worked at a major recreational vehicle and camping supplies company for more than 35 years.

When Rhonda isn’t crunching numbers, she enjoys painting and traveling the country with her husband in their RV.

Feature Friday – Allton’s

Today’s Feature Friday spotlights one of our retail partners in Oklahoma: Allton’s. Allton’s is located in Edmond. Motivated by his passion for people and fine clothing, Steve Allton opened the store in 1995. The shop carries a wide selection of popular fine men’s clothing and accessories, and the store’s experienced staff is committed to outstanding customer service.

Edmond, located just north of Oklahoma City, was recently named one of the “10 Perfect Suburbs” in the United States by CNBC. The city’s motto is “A Great Place to Grow.” Edmond is the hometown of Shannon Miller, America’s most decorated Olympic gymnast.

Gifts for Graduates

Graduation season is almost here. In the coming weeks, people all over the world will be celebrating their accomplishments while preparing to embark on new seasons of their lives. For some, graduation marks a transition from one level of education to the next. For others, graduation means it’s time to enter the so-called “real world” and start their careers. For all, graduation can seem just a little scary because it means you’re entering uncharted territory. Graduation also means that people everywhere will soon be searching for gifts to honor the hard work of their beloved graduates. We wanted to share a few thoughts on why Dapper Classics socks, ties, and trousers are perfect graduation gifts.

1. Graduation can be a wake up call for those who are accustomed to living life in “boy” clothes. A gift from Dapper Classics is a nice way to help these folks start dressing like grown-ups. Whether your graduate is moving from one level of education to the next or entering his career, graduation is a great time for him to start dressing like a man – if he isn’t already doing so.

2. Let’s be honest; most people don’t get a “dream job” right out of college. It’s not uncommon to spend years paying your dues while slowly making the climb up the corporate ladder. “Dress for the job you want” is common advice given to people upon starting their careers. A gift from Dapper Classics is a thoughtful way to help your graduate dress for the job he wants. He might be the “new guy” at the office, but wearing Dapper Classics Made in USA socks, neckties, and dress pants will make him look like he’s ready to run the show.

3. As noted above, graduation can often produce anxiety. How am I going to succeed at the university? Am I going to get a job? Do I have to start paying my own insurance? These questions and many more might be running through your graduate’s mind. You might not be able to ease all your graduate’s fears, but with a gift from Dapper Classics you can help him look good while he’s figuring it all out. Dressing well typically leads to more confidence. Wearing fine menswear from Dapper Classics should help your graduate feel like he can accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.

Shopping for a graduation gift can be a challenge. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong with a gift from Dapper Classics. So relax, enjoy the inspirational speeches and timeless Pomp and Circumstance March, and cherish time spent with your new graduate.