20 MARCH 2020

LIFESTYLE

Fashionable You

- Boston Louie

BY DICK SHIPLEY

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 21

Your Time, Your Place…Your Style!

“A good suitis like an

old friend.”- Dick Shipley

Boston Louie’s

w w w . B o s t o n L o u i e s . c o m | 4 0 4 . 7 3 1 . 5 3 4 2

DICK SHIPLEYOWNER OF BOSTON LOUIE’S

To get more tips on gentlemen’s fashion,

He can also be reached by email at dickshipley@gmail.com.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 21

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 straight-line and never ending evolution in re�ning who we are, and how we get there. Second, the desires and motivations of the clothing consuming public have changed immensely over the years. When I entered this crazy business (having a life-altering experience as a customer myself looking for a suit that �t), a gentleman demanded his suit to not only make him “look and feel the part”; but, also to last for 20 years - and be in style when he pulled it out of the closet at any time in between.

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 craftsman-ship 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. �at’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, andit has served me well through the years. I developed an a�nity to work with the “tougher �t” clients (being one myself ), and quickly understood

the advantages of having something made for you, instead of �tted to you. I made myself a student of �t 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 �nest 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. �e

marriage didn’t last, but my Boston Louie’s Clothing did.

Today, as always, American made quality, �t, classic (but not boringor stu�y) style, impeccable fabrics, value and concierge service are hallmarks of what I do. I constantly seek the most exclusive fabrics from the world’s �nest 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. �e right suit or sport coat a�ects 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 �attering in their tailored clothing, one size does not �t all, so to speak. We are not all built the same, and you can’t betray your body-type. �is 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. �at, 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 �ame for meis the grati�cation derived from makinga di�erence to someone, whether it’s that singular, perfect interview suit that can change a life; or a fresh look for the gentleman witha 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 di�erence, 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. �e Derby. Whether it’s that extraordinary �tting suit, or perfect sport coat to dress up or down for all occasions; or a wardrobe makeover with in-home consul-tation; I’m here for you Nashville, and welcome the opportunity to provide you with my old-school haberdashery skills, and door- to-door service. Because I’ve learned another thing through the years: A good suit is like an old friend!