Fashionable You

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR CHEAP SUITS! - Boston Louie

BY DICK SHIPLEY

With over thirty years experience in the clothing business under my belt and being the benefactor of great training in every facet thereof, I’ve learned a few things on the winding road of sartorial splendor. First, while fashion is very cyclical by nature, style is linear; it is a straightline and never ending evolution in refining who we are and how we get there. Second, the desires and motivations of the clothing consuming public have changed immensely over the years. I entered this crazy business - having had a life-altering experience as a customer, myself, looking for a suit that FIT. Then, as I assumed my role on the other side of clothing, met a gentleman who demanded his suit, to not only make him “look and feel the part,” but, also, to last for twenty years - and be in style when he pulled it out of the closet at any time in between. Thus, my career began!

While my clients today care very little, if any, about a suit that would look good in twenty years, they still want the inherent quality and craftsmanship that would allow it to last that long. Further, men of all sectors seek their own unique style, providing them individualism in a homogeneous world. That’s where I, and the aforementioned experience, enter the fray.

Even though I would eschew the engineering degree I went to college to pursue, it trained me to see things in a three-dimensional way, and it has served me well through the years. I developed an affinity to

work with the “tougher fit” clients (being one myself), and quickly understood the advantages of having something made for you, rather than fitted to you. I made myself a student of fit and construction, and the art of blue-pencil patterning. Additionally, I was blessed to be tutored by legends in the clothing business - learning the elements of style, and the style of how to sell it properly.

After years managing the finest men’s specialty clothing store in the south, I started Boston Louie’s Custom Clothing in Atlanta. It began as a Valentine’s present to my wife - a Boston Terrier named Louie - who then became my trusted companion and business inspiration. The marriage didn’t last, but my Boston Louie’s Clothing did.

Today, as always, American made quality, fit, classic, but not boring or stuffy, style, impeccable fabrics, value and concierge service are hallmarks of what I do. I constantly seek the most exclusive fabrics from the world’s finest mills; not because I have to, but because it matters. Your clothing is an extension of who you are, as well as where you are in life. The right suit or sport coat affects how you think and feel; as well as how others think and feel about you. Unfortunately, just as there has been a renaissance in gentlemen’s tailored clothing, there is a dearth of professionals up to the task of truly guiding and giving direction to their clients. While everyone wants to look flattering in their tailored clothing, one size does NOT fit all, so to speak. We are not all built the same, and you can’t betray your body-type. This understanding, along

with my passion and commitment, are what sets me apart from the pack. Nashville is such a great market for me, as we are a spotlight city, and men here are more and more discerning in their attire. That, along with the diminishing number of capable clothiers, is how I’ve created a thriving enterprise and reputation in a short period of time in Nashville.

Personally, what rekindles the flame for me is the gratification derived from making a difference to someone, whether it’s that singular, perfect interview suit that can change a life; or a fresh look for the gentleman with a stable in the closet. I’ve been fortunate to work with people of varying needs, styles, and life-stations: Pro-athletes, team owners and GM’s, businessmen, and every-day gentlemen. Making a difference, one suit at a time. It’s rewarding, and I love it!.

Springtime is the ideal time for the Southern Gentleman to hit the refresh button on his wardrobe. It’s a time for life and renewal...and fun! Easter. Steeplechase. The Derby. Whether it’s that extraordinary fitting suit, or perfect sport coat to dress up or down for all occasions; or a wardrobe makeover with in-home consultation; I’m here for you Nashville, and welcome the opportunity to provide you with my old-school haberdashery skills, and doorto-door service. Because I’ve learned another thing through the years: A good suit is like an old friend!

DICK SHIPLEY

“A good suit is like an old friend.”

- Dick Shipley Boston Louie’s

Your Time, Your Place… Your Style!

New Data Shows 15.8% of Tennessee Residents Binge Drink

So, while we encourage the mantra of Eat, Drink & Be Merry in this issue – remember to drink responsibly and wisely. More than fortymillion Americans (about one in six adults), indulge in binge drinking. The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming four standard drinks in a two-hour span for females and five for males. Binge drinking has been on the rise over the last decade with more than eight-million new binge drinkers since 2010. While binge drinking historically has been about twice as common in men compared to women, new data suggests the gap is narrowing. Between 2014 and 2016, the number of binge drinkers rose by 2.9 million, out of which two thirds were female.

The CDC estimates that excess drinking kills about 88,000 Americans each year from both direct causes, like alcoholic liver disease, and indirect causes, such as chronic hepatitis and oropharyngeal cancer. The national age-adjusted fatality rate from causes directly related to excess drinking has increased by more than 35% since 1999, from 7.1 to 9.6 deaths per 100,000 people. For women, the increase was 66%; and for non-Hispanic white women, fatality rates rose by 103%.

Given the growing prevalence of excessive drinking in the United States, researchers at 360 Quote wanted to explore which locations report the highest rates of binge drinking. Using data from the CDC and the U.S. Census Bureau, they examined binge drinking across America’s largest cities and states. Perhaps most interesting is that adults in locations with high rates of binge drinking also report being healthier overall. This trend could reflect a disparity between individuals’ perception of their own health and reality.

The analysis found that 15.8% of adults in Tennessee binge drink, compared to a national rate of 16.2%. Here are the stats for Tennessee: • Adults who binge drink: 15.8% • 1-year change in binge drinking rate: 10.5% • Adults who report good physical health: 78.7% • Adults who graduated college: 27.5% • Adults in management and business jobs: 35.7%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States: • Adults who binge drink: 16.2% • 1-year change in binge drinking rate: -6.9% • Adults who report good physical health: 82.5% • Adults who graduated college: 32.6% •Adults in management and business jobs: 38.6%

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report here: https://www.carinsurance101. com/cities-with-worst-drinking-problem/.

Binge drinking is most common among the educated, affluent, and middle-aged, with whites having a higher likelihood of drinking than either Hispanics or Blacks. Cities with higher proportions of these demographic groups are more likely to report higher rates of binge drinking. The recent growth in female binge drinking is a trend experts attribute to the normalization of heavy drinking for females, with targeted advertising and products such as the Mad Housewife Mommy’s Little Helper, Skinnygirl Bare Naked Vodka, and Jane Walker. Female binge drinking is especially troubling in light of new studies which show that a single daily drink for females lowers life expectancy and increases the risk of brain atrophy and liver damage.