No real surprises here, as Brand has long championed the skinny-fit, dishevelled look. But the most surprising thing about his ensemble was when he took his coat off and was in a formal setting, wearing a vest.

For those who prefer men dressed up all neat and in suits, it wasn’t exactly a good look. Brand came across as totally authentic a message that a bland suit and a boring tie rarely manages to convey. However you don’t need to be quite so dramatic to stand out from the crowd. Why not choose a high fashion  suit and pair it with a bright coloured shirt or tie. The choices are endless you just need a little imagination and a great store like The Suit & Tux Warehouse to help you!

All you have to do is “Like” & “Share” the post on our Facebook page to be entered into the draw this month.

Remember The Suit & Tux Warehouse are local and we can provide you with everything you need to look your best for the biggest party night of your life!

“Like” and “share” our Facebook post to win your tuxedo for the night!

Draw will take place 18th April. The winner can choose which store they would like to collect suit from.

*Trinity Student ID cards required for special offer.

This red carpet event is your one stop shop for all your Debs needs. If you’re having your Debs this year then this event is not to be missed!

Entry is FREE and there will be free tea/coffee available.

You will be able to book and purchase your tuxedo or suit on the night. A small deposit will secure your items. Arrive early to avoid disappointment!

For more information see our Facebook page

You may argue that fashion changes, but style lasts, and tailoring is the pinnacle of classic men’s style. At The Suit & Tux Warehouse we have set out to revive the well-dressed gent whilst dispelling the myth that quality comes at a heavy price. Our modus operandi: quality fabrics and tailoring that is accessible for all.

The modern man is a busy man, so making the process as easy as possible is vital. Operating from two intimate Dublin premises in South Anne’s Lane, and Balbriggan Business Park it is possible to drop in for consultation at a time that suits the customer.

Far from being a laborious or intimidating process, it is the most fun a man can have, quite literally, with his clothes on. It is a one-on-one shopping experience without the tube lighting or nauseating music, and advice is on hand for those oh so important questions; peaked or notched lapel? Two or three button jacket? Single or double vented?

Even in the face of recession men still have the desire to stand out from the crowd and play the game, and we at The Suit & Tux Warehouse give him the tools and the means to do so.

With the help of The Suit & Tux Warehouse, you’ll be turning heads in no time!

The most expensive month of year to get married is June with costs averaging €22,200. The least expensive month is Jan with an average cost of €19,780.
With all these figures being bandied about it’s not hard to see why people are looking at ways to cut costs whilst still getting value for money. At The Suit & Tux Warehouse we have suits and prices to fit everyone. We offer you the option of hiring or buying your wedding attire as well as the option to pay in installents. Why not call into one of our stores, check out our website www.thesuitandtuxwarehouse.ie or call (01) 6799285 to make an appointment with one of our sales advisors.

We have been nominated again for Groomswear Supplier of the Year. Last year we were in the top 4, this year with your help we’d like to take 1st place.

Please take a minute to give us your vote, voting closes Dec 9th!

http://www.weddingsonline.ie/awards/vote/

Let us know if any of you are nominated also so we can return the favour.

Thanks in advance

• Lipstick / Gloss (to top up after your first kiss as man & wife)
• Blush / powder (to fix any make-up smudges)
• Extra pair of stockings
• Hair clips / comb / hair spray (in case the weather isn’t kind to your hair)
• Safety pins
• Clear nail polish
• Tissues (for overwhelming moments)
• Needle & thread (white)
• Aspirin & band aids
• Toothpaste & brush / dental floss / breath mints (not chewing gum ~ you don’t want photos of  you with gum in your mouth)

*Groom’s Emergency Kit

• Safety pins (in case any buttons / zippers burst)
• Comb or hair gel (to keep your do looking well)
• Pair of socks
• Tissues (in case you are overwhelmed by the sight of your new bride)
• Aspirin & band aids (in case the body is still recovering from the night before)
• Toothpaste & brush / dental floss / breath mints
• Spare cufflinks
• Camera

Finally it’s here, the day you have dreamed about and planned for a long time. Below are our last few tips for you to make your transition from singleton to married man/woman as smooth as possible.

• Have a good breakfast; you will need your energy and will be on the go for a long time before you sit down to your wedding meal.

• Ensure that all relevant parties are present for the hair and makeup artist.

• Give your maid of honour or your best man an emergency kit.* (What this kit should contain shall follow in a later blog)

• Nominate a family/party member to ensure that the photographer, videographer and transport are all running on time.

• Nominate a reliable person to ensure that no items are left behind at the ceremony or reception venues.

• Now the last piece of advice . . . Enjoy your very special day!

• Stay calm and relaxed (easier said than done but getting stressed out is the last thing you need  now).

• Have a nice manicure and pedicure or massage. This will help you relax and ensure your nails are looking their best for your big day.

• Give ushers the guest list for seating arrangements at the ceremony.

• Check your wedding dress is out of its holder and leave it hanging up to prevent creases. Maybe even try it on one last time just to ensure you haven’t any problems with the fit.

• If staying at the reception venue on the night of your wedding, pack a suitcase with a change of clothes, toiletries etc.

• Try to have an early night. A good sleep, while hard to get, will stand to you on your Big Day.

• Start honeymoon packing (you don’t want to be panicking  about swimwear etc in the days before the wedding )

• Organise all beauty treatments, waxing, facial etc

• Wrap all relevant gifts for bridesmaids, attendants’ etc

• Organise an evening with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to go through their attire, hair and makeup, and time schedule

• Wedding rehearsal

• Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved

1 month before your Wedding Day

• Confirm your list of music to be played with your chosen Wedding band.

• Do up a table plan for your wedding guests.

• Organise gifts for parents of the bride and groom. The norm is usually flowers for the mums and cufflinks for the dads. You may want to choose something a little more personal for that special added touch.

2 weeks before your Wedding Day

• Arrange a hair trial; don’t forget to bring your headdress or tiara and veil if applicable. Have some photos of styles you want to try out. They may look completely differrent on you than they do in the photos.

• Confirm hair appointment for day of wedding or arrange times if being done at your home.

• Do up schedule for the big day and discuss with all relevant suppliers, hair, makeup, photographer etc.

• Final check on bridal party clothing.

• Have a final meeting with the reception venue with any last minute changes, not forgetting guests with special dietary needs.

• Book wedding rehearsal

• Finalise bridal gown, bridesmaids fittings and collection dates. Ensure all alterations are completed to everyone’s satisfaction.
• Organise your bridal make-up trial. Remember it may take a few goes to get the look you want for your Big Day.
• Organise your hair trial with your hairdresser; don’t forget to bring your headdress or veil if applicable. Have photos/pictures ready of any styles you’d like to try.
• Confirm music choices and arrangements with your ceremony singer.
• Give finalised details of your ceremony to the Priest, Clergyman, Officiate or Registrar.
• Gifts will start to arrive, keep a gift list for when you are sending thank you notes if you wish to acknowledge each gift. This is a nice touch and makes guests feel their gift was truly appreciated.
• Select bridesmaids and groomsmen’s gifts. They do not have to be too extravagant, just a keepsake or momento to thank them for their help and remind them of your special day. Most couples tend to give their groomsmen the gift of their wedding suit if they choose to buy rather than hire.
• Book your guests favours or momentos. A little keepsake relevant to your personalities or the time of year work well e.g. a Christmas bauble if its a winter wedding.
• Post your Wedding invitations and include accommodation options and directions for those who have to travel.
• Choose wedding bands. You or your groom may have already looked at wedding bands when choosing your engagement ring.
• Finalise your party’s wedding suits and agree collection dates. Ensure all alterations are completed to everyone’s satisfaction.

For all this and more please follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook

5 months before your Wedding Day

* Finalise your guest lists i.e. who’s invited to whole day or who’s for reception only invites. This will depend on your budget and the type of wedding ceremony you want. If you want an intimate ceremony with a big party afterwards then only invite family and close friends for the whole day.
* Order your invitations & wedding stationery.
* Plan your reception menu with the hotel/caterers. This will include both of you sampling the dishes available and choosing which you think would be most popular with your guests.
* Book your florist and floral arrangements. Remember the flowers you want may not be in season for your wedding so its important to have discussions early on with your florist about this.
* Book formal wear for Groom and groom’s party. Make an appointment for you both to go look at and try on suits before getting the groomsmen involved.
* Finalise menus for reception.
* Finalise details of reception with venue i.e. table set up, deciding whether to provide wine for tables, free toast drink, finger food for later guests, cutting and serving of cake etc.
* Select and book any equipment you are renting i.e. chair covers, backdrops, pillars, etc.
* Book your church music. Discuss the type of music/songs you would like played.

6 Months before your Wedding Day

• If you are having a gift list, register with your preferred shop.
• Select bridesmaids if you haven’t already done so.
• Start looking at honeymoon destinations and decide if you want to go straight after the wedding or have time with family and friends as a married couple before jetting off to somewhere exotic.
• Check what travel documents and vaccinations (if any) are required and renew/book where necessary.
• If you are having a marquee or private venue, begin selection of a Caterer.
• Shop for and order dresses for bridesmaids after deciding on the colour and shape that suits all.
• Book your wedding cake, taking into consideration the different types of fillings you may want as well as the decoration of the cake. Do you want something unusual? Do you want it to tie in with your colour scheme?
• Book and confirm your style of transportation for the bridal party to the ceremony & reception venues.
• Book your makeup artist. Remember to pencil in trial runs also so that you are both sure of the look you want to achieve on the Big Day.

For more see our blog at www.thesuitandtuxwarehouse.ie

Choose a date for your Wedding Day.
Make an appointment with your Priest, Clergyman, Registrar or Officiate.
It is always useful if a little research is done on costs beforehand.
Agree on a budget and be realistic.
Do up your guest list.
Book times and venues for your ceremony and Wedding reception.
Check special room rates for wedding guests.
Book a Professional Photographer and/or Videographer.
Start looking around for your Wedding dress and keep in mind that fittings will be required.
Get Wedding reception band and DJ costs; book services if possible.

Athough the number of Black Tie weddings taking place seems to have fallen this year, due to the current economic climate, we still get a number of enquiries from people who are either hosting or attending a black tie wedding.

More often than not the main questions we are asked are:

1) Should I hire or buy a tuxedo?

2) Do I really need to wear a tux or will a regular suit suffice?

3) What type of shirt should I wear?

The answer to these questions are quite simple really. If you have more, or think you may in the near future, have more than one black tie event to attend then buying a tux is probably the best option for you. With rental prices averaging €75 if you wear your tuxedo twice then it has paid for itself. You also have the comfort of knowing your tux hasn’t been worn by numerous other people before you.

If you really don’t want to wear or cannot afford a tuxedo then you could opt for a regular black suit. The main differences between a regular suit and a tux is that the tux will have satin on the pockets and lapels, the buttons will be satin covered and there will be some sort of satin stripe down the side of the trousers. If you are opting for a regular black suit, which can be worn again more often than a tux, then it is vital you choose a fancy dress shirt and bowtie to give your suit that formal wear look.

Dress shirts come in a range of colours and styles. They can be white, ivory or black. They can have a marcella front, a pleated front, be completely plain, the choice is yours. There is also a variety of collars available from wing tip, victorian and standard drop collars.

The list of possibilites and options can seem endless and confusing for many men which is why our staff at The Suit & Tux Warehouse are fully trained to help you choose the complete outfit that looks and feels right for you. Call into us at 28 South Anne’s Lane, Dublin 2 or Unit 3 Balbriggan Business Park, Co Dublin to find the suit that suits you!

Tip 1 – Biro Ink: Soak a piece of cotton in alcohol. Rub gently.

With Brian O’Driscoll due to get married in the coming weeks we decided to give all would-be grooms some tips for the big day.

In the days leading up to the wedding it is important that the groom takes steps to ensure that he’s looking his best on the big day. For the Bride, preparation may take weeks, the groom need not spend this long so here are some simple tips to help make you look fabulous in your suit for the special occasion.

• You could shave in the morning, this gives your skin time to heal and recover.
• Get haircut in advance of the wedding and make sure to trim those nose hairs and anything else necessary.
• Ensure you have plenty of deodorant and aftershave, you don’t want to run out on the big day.
• For those grooms who will be socialising the night before, remember that it’s important to look fresh the next day and that there will be plenty of time for celebrations the next night.
• Get a good nights sleep.
• Finally wake up refreshed and get ready to put on that suit and enjoy your big day.

It’s that time of year again when all of Ireland’s 17/18 yr olds feel the pressure of the last few years school work bearing down on them. That’s right people the Leaving Cert 2010 has begun!
For the next few weeks all your son/daughter will be able to think about is their exams and their futures.
As soon as all the exams are completed the next most important event in their lives will not be the filling out of the CAO form but their Debs Ball.
The boys will want to look like James Bond and the girls a princess, so the pressure is on parents to finance the outfits for this, perhaps the most special night in their adolescents life.
So in order to make your son look like a dashing 007 at a price that’s right for you why not visit The Suit & Tux Warehouse, Dublin where you can buy him his very own suit or tuxedo for little more than the cost of renting.
An investment like this means the man in question will not only look but feel amazing in a brand new, unworn suit which he shall have for his college grad, interviews or any other special occasions in the near future.

With a fabulous new range of tuxedos, suits, shirts and accessories for you to choose from, The Suit & Tux Warehouse is your one stop shop for the Debs this year. Don’t miss our fabulous student package deals, for more details please visit www.thesuitandtuxwarehouse.ie

If you want to look really sharp and not like Harry Hill there’s a few things you need to know. Whether its for the office or a night out there are rules for wearing shirts. From the collar to the cuffs, getting the right shirt isn’t as simple as you’d imagine.

As obvious as it may sound it is important to get the perfect fitting shirt for you. You don’t want to squeeze into a tight fitting shirt that leaves little to the imagination or has a collar that chokes you.

A good rule of thumb is that when the collar is buttoned you should be able to slip your finger in between the collar and your neck with ease. Remember an ill-fitting shirt will wear quicker than a well fitted one.

There are three main types of collar to consider:

• Small – suitable for a narrow tie knot and slim fitting suit. It gives a neat yet casual look.
• Spread – a wider point distance suitable for a larger tie knot.
• Tall – a deeper collar stand usually with 2 buttons that suits a tie-less look.

To get a proper sleeve length measure a slightly bent arm from where your neck meets your shoulder to where your forearm meets the palm of your hand. This allows for fluid arm movement that isn’t hindered by the cuff. Under a suit jacket about half an inch of cuff should be visible.

For more useful advice and to find the right shirt for you visit us at The Suit & Tux Warehouse. Discover where to find us at www.thesuitandtuxwarehouse.ie

At The Suit & Tux Warehouse we have a lovely range of suits for your son’s special day. Choose from black or grey pinstripe, stone, plain grey or black self-stripe. With prices from as little as €99 for a three piece, you’d be mad not to take a look.

The ability to stand out in any setting is the key to being known as a man with a strong sense of style. Standing out because you’re inappropriately dressed for an occasion, however, will make you seem ridiculous. If you show up dressed to the nines when everyone else is dressed casually, you’ll seem eccentric, or stuck up, while arriving to a fancy affair under dressed will be seen as rude.

If you’re attending a formal event or your invitation reads “black tie,” it means you’ll be needing a tuxedo. On the other hand, if the invitation reads “formal,” a suit with a tie will do just fine.

Regardless of what type of event you’re attending, putting some thought in beforehand as to the impression you’re hoping to make will go a long way toward helping you dress for the occasion. Whether you’re attending an ultra-formal function or a beach barbecue, there are always ways of altering your outfit to achieve looks ranging from polished and put together to seriously cool.

The biggest challenge most men face when it comes to dressing for an occasion revolves around the what, where and how of tuxedos. The answers to very good questions, including whether you should rent or buy, depend on individual needs and tastes. Generally speaking, a single-breasted model will be appropriate for most black tie events, unless you want to appear more conservative. Trousers should never be cuffed and should preferably have a black satin stripe or braid running down the outside seam. When it comes to dress shirts, those with a wing-tip collar are most commonly seen with tuxedos.

Though we’ve covered some of the most frequently encountered scenarios in which you can’t simply throw on any old thing, the truth is that there are plenty of other times when paying a little bit of attention to your attire can pay off immensely.

Knitwear has re-emerged like a phoenix from the ashes and become a staple part of the winter wardrobe. It no longer carries the stigma of being for grandfathers only. However it still takes guts to pull on a cardy for the first time. Keep it simple and avoid cardigans that look like something your nan knitted for you.

Here are a few key tips to wearing knitwear:

• Darker colours have a slimming effect and a heavyweight jumper will look like its swamping you.
• A horizontal stripe will make you look wider so avoid at all costs if you’re on the heavy side.
• If you’re slim choose big chunky knits to add bulk as well as warmth.
• If you have a muscular physique steer clear of bulky fabrics and instead choose a tighter more fitted jumper to emphasise your toned body.
• If you are not the tallest of guys choose a vertical stripe which will give the illusion of height and avoid extra chunky knits that will weigh you down.

As Calvin Klein said recently “There has been a change in men’s attitudes towards clothes. Men are more aware of fashion; they are not afraid of it”.

Male grooming is now as much a part of a man’s day as make-up is to a woman’s. So here’s a quick guide to the essentials because a good outfit won’t hide bad skin.

• Know your skin type - In order to use the right products you must know your skin type. Oily skin requires an oil free moisturiser and sensitive skin requires a product with added sun protection.
• The Eyes Have it- Your eyes reveal a lot about your social life. They will happily reveal that you were out all night. A good eye cream will hide the truth by concealing puffiness and wrinkles.
• Drink lots of water – Water helps maintain healthy looking skin.
• Hair – For a good haircut that suits your face and look ask your barber for advice. The latest fashion may not be the haircut for you.
• Diet – A healthy diet and regular exercise will not only make you feel better but will improve your skin also.
• Close Shave – Shave after a shower and use plenty of hot water with good quality shaving foam and razor. Always shave with the grain and apply a non-alcohol based balm to finish.

Now you’re looking good you can put on the glad rags and away you go.

This is the one item on the “to do” list that the Groom has to be involved in! But is it a decision the groom makes by himself or does the bride have a say also?

Most of the grooms we have dressed for their big day have either consulted or been told by their bride-to-be what type of suit to wear. Is this fair? Does the groom get any say in the bride’s choice of dress? You can bet the majority of brides wouldn’t disclose even the tiniest of details regarding their dress before the big day. They want their groom to be struck by the “wow” factor when they see their wife-to-be coming up the aisle.

So guys if you are going it alone and choosing your own suits here are a few things you might want to consider:

1. Do you want a Tuxedo, Tails or a Smart suit?
2. Do you want the whole party dressed the same?
3. Do you include fathers of the bride & groom in the party?
4. Is there a colour scheme & do you want to incorporate it into the Groomsmen’s outfits?

These questions along with the help of our fabulous sales staff should ensure you look & feel amazing on you big day, with or without the help of your bride in the decision-making process.

*Look out for our promotional staff at The Wedding Journal Show this weekend in The National Show Centre, Swords, Co Dublin.

A pin stripe suit can bring more fun to a business suit. Today’s pin stripe suits are not like the pin stripe suits of the 1920’s gangsters. Today’s suits are not just black and white, they are available in many different colours.

One of the best things to do with a pin stripe suit is to match or use contrasting colours in your shirt and tie. This sets off the stripe in the suit and gives you a splash of colour. For example if you are wearing a navy suit with red pinstripe why not wear a red and white shirt with a red tie. This will bring out the red in the pin stripe perfectly.

If you are wary of wearing a coloured pin stripe choose either a traditional black and white or a more contemporary grey and white stripe suit. With these suits you can choose a coloured shirt that you are comfortable in. With this type of suit you do not particularly have to wear a tie so you can go for a more relaxed look by leaving the first button open.

Remember – never be forced into something that you do not like or feel like you can be yourself in!