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Stylish Dinosaur
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2009
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Howdy y'all!
Background:
Before delving into the deets, I guess I ought to go into a little backstory. I came upon SF when I was around twenty years old. On that day, I had gone out to the local men’s retailer and purchased a Hart Schaffner Marx Gold Trumpeter navy sportcoat. When I purchased that jacket, I thought I had hit the big times. It was a very large purchase for me. Being the inquisitive person that I am, I wanted to know more about it. Well, the reviews took me to SF. And for the past, gosh, six years of my life, there have been few days where I have not at least glanced at the forum. I have learned an immeasurable amount. People like Voxsartoria, Manton, Foo, Matt, RJ, Will, Greg, and the like, have taught me so much. I developed an interest in “MC,” which led to my interest in watches, which led me back to the “MC” side of things. As soon as I found out about “bespoke” tailoring, close to six years ago, well, it has always been a dream of mine. I pushed the dream back, because, well, I live in the American South, and the logistical difficulties have been more than enough to dissuade me.
Well, in December 2014, I found my opportunity. I recently visited Chicago, and decided to pay a visit to Chris Despos, who spends his time between Chicago and Dallas. I live around 5 hours from Dallas, and spend a lot of time in Houston, so I figured… maybe it was time to take the plunge. Special thanks to @Patrick R, who pushed me over the edge.
I have decided to post about my experience. This forum has taught me so much, and brought me so much joy over the years. Of everything I have read, I think my favorite posts have been some like the following:
http://www.styleforum.net/t/301187/maomao-x-gaz-italian-sartorial-adventure-2012
Well, I don't think I can even attempt to accomplish something as great as that thread. But I would love to share my experience.
For those who are a TL;DR types--this may not be the thread for you. Personally, I love reading long accounts, so, that is why I am going to do.
Chicago:
Well, prior to Christmas, I took a quick vacation to Chicago. I am a big fan of visiting colder climes during the winter months. First day of vacation, decided to take a morning run, and took what I thought was a pretty solid picture of the city:
It was cold.
After bundling up, I was ready to hit the streets.
After bombing around for the day, it was time for some drink and food! Per the suggestion of @FrankCowperwood, we first got a drink at Gibson's. It was a really cool environment, and I went back later for some less fancy drinks. Negroni for me, Old Fashioned for my brother.
We then had reservations at Grace. My brother is the foodie, and we go to one "fancy" restaurant whenever we have a trip. I usually do not post food pr0n, but, well, when in Rome:
A few courses were missed, but you get the gist.
The "Meat":
So now that I am done with the frou-frou stuff, time to talk about my initial meeting with Chris. He called me early on a Saturday morning, and confirmed our appointment. He was kind enough to meet with me on a Saturday, which I greatly appreciated. I showed up a good deal earlier than our appointment--I hate being tardy. The shop (studio?) is in a great location--it is on the third floor of a nice building, and is situated adjacent to Prada. So I walk in, and I figured I would take the elevator. Well, I am sharing the elevator with a younger lady, who apparently works on the second floor. Since I am far, far too early, the elevator could not access the third floor, where Chris' studio is located. So the young lady told me I could hop off with her on the second floor, and take the back stairs. Well, the doors open up, and there are about ten young women waiting--judging by the gaggle of girls, and the stark white decor, it is apparently a bridal salon. The lady who works there takes me to the back, and I pass about three bridal parties in various states of moderate undress. Worse yet, when the back door is locked, I am led back to the elevator. I caught my reflection in the mirror, and I was beet red! I am still laughing to this day. This thing can only happen to me.
When the elevator reaches the bottom, I see Chris walking in the door. I recognized him from, well, the copious amount of articles I had already read about him online. I was relieved to see him. We took the elevator up to the third floor, and I saw the same studio I had seen several times online. Tastefully decorated, clean, comfortable, and filled with beautiful clothes. After poking around, and eating far too many Dove chocolates, Chris led me to what I will call the "fabric room."
...
Well, at this point, I think I am done for the first post. More to come tomorrow.
Background:
Before delving into the deets, I guess I ought to go into a little backstory. I came upon SF when I was around twenty years old. On that day, I had gone out to the local men’s retailer and purchased a Hart Schaffner Marx Gold Trumpeter navy sportcoat. When I purchased that jacket, I thought I had hit the big times. It was a very large purchase for me. Being the inquisitive person that I am, I wanted to know more about it. Well, the reviews took me to SF. And for the past, gosh, six years of my life, there have been few days where I have not at least glanced at the forum. I have learned an immeasurable amount. People like Voxsartoria, Manton, Foo, Matt, RJ, Will, Greg, and the like, have taught me so much. I developed an interest in “MC,” which led to my interest in watches, which led me back to the “MC” side of things. As soon as I found out about “bespoke” tailoring, close to six years ago, well, it has always been a dream of mine. I pushed the dream back, because, well, I live in the American South, and the logistical difficulties have been more than enough to dissuade me.
Well, in December 2014, I found my opportunity. I recently visited Chicago, and decided to pay a visit to Chris Despos, who spends his time between Chicago and Dallas. I live around 5 hours from Dallas, and spend a lot of time in Houston, so I figured… maybe it was time to take the plunge. Special thanks to @Patrick R, who pushed me over the edge.
I have decided to post about my experience. This forum has taught me so much, and brought me so much joy over the years. Of everything I have read, I think my favorite posts have been some like the following:
http://www.styleforum.net/t/301187/maomao-x-gaz-italian-sartorial-adventure-2012
Well, I don't think I can even attempt to accomplish something as great as that thread. But I would love to share my experience.
For those who are a TL;DR types--this may not be the thread for you. Personally, I love reading long accounts, so, that is why I am going to do.
Chicago:
Well, prior to Christmas, I took a quick vacation to Chicago. I am a big fan of visiting colder climes during the winter months. First day of vacation, decided to take a morning run, and took what I thought was a pretty solid picture of the city:
It was cold.
After bundling up, I was ready to hit the streets.
After bombing around for the day, it was time for some drink and food! Per the suggestion of @FrankCowperwood, we first got a drink at Gibson's. It was a really cool environment, and I went back later for some less fancy drinks. Negroni for me, Old Fashioned for my brother.
We then had reservations at Grace. My brother is the foodie, and we go to one "fancy" restaurant whenever we have a trip. I usually do not post food pr0n, but, well, when in Rome:
A few courses were missed, but you get the gist.
The "Meat":
So now that I am done with the frou-frou stuff, time to talk about my initial meeting with Chris. He called me early on a Saturday morning, and confirmed our appointment. He was kind enough to meet with me on a Saturday, which I greatly appreciated. I showed up a good deal earlier than our appointment--I hate being tardy. The shop (studio?) is in a great location--it is on the third floor of a nice building, and is situated adjacent to Prada. So I walk in, and I figured I would take the elevator. Well, I am sharing the elevator with a younger lady, who apparently works on the second floor. Since I am far, far too early, the elevator could not access the third floor, where Chris' studio is located. So the young lady told me I could hop off with her on the second floor, and take the back stairs. Well, the doors open up, and there are about ten young women waiting--judging by the gaggle of girls, and the stark white decor, it is apparently a bridal salon. The lady who works there takes me to the back, and I pass about three bridal parties in various states of moderate undress. Worse yet, when the back door is locked, I am led back to the elevator. I caught my reflection in the mirror, and I was beet red! I am still laughing to this day. This thing can only happen to me.
When the elevator reaches the bottom, I see Chris walking in the door. I recognized him from, well, the copious amount of articles I had already read about him online. I was relieved to see him. We took the elevator up to the third floor, and I saw the same studio I had seen several times online. Tastefully decorated, clean, comfortable, and filled with beautiful clothes. After poking around, and eating far too many Dove chocolates, Chris led me to what I will call the "fabric room."
...
Well, at this point, I think I am done for the first post. More to come tomorrow.