With the US Open right around the corner, we have compiled a few local places to practice our killer back-hands, ace worthy serves, slicing fore-hands, and torpedo volleys. Even if you don’t rank with the USTA these courts make you feel like a pro.
1. Central park. Nice clay courts. Rules for shoes (smooth-soles)
and reserving courts are strict, but with a permit ($200) reserving is pretty easy, do it a few days in advance. Get there 10 before the hour or they give away your court. You can reserve one court for singles for 1 hour (only one person needs a permit) or one court for doubles for 2 hours (two people need permits). Costs $15 to play. Each person. Courts are open from April to November.
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With a month left of summer, we’re taking or making our last minute travel plans. Maybe it’s your first, maybe you’re still figuring out how to travel seamlessly and efficiently as possible. Every well seasoned traveler always keeps a well stocked dopkit In their closet. For those impromptu business trips, a quick dash out of the city, or a long haul to the Andes. The best thing about a dopkit is you can stash it in your carry on. God forbid if your luggage gets lost at least you can smell great and have the necessities to freshen up.
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 The summer linen shirt epitomizes the season. It’s relaxed, easy to wear, makes you look relaxed and worry free. Don’t let the wrinkles and creases worry you, it’s called casual wear for a reason. Available in every color, pattern imaginable, its easy to transition into for every occasion. Probably not suitable for the office, but if you have a company bbq or outing, by all means throw it with a lightweight jacket or roll up the sleeves for an easy elegant look. Pack it flat and let it hang as soon as you get to your destination. Since cotton linens soak up moisture and debris easily, wash after each wear. Careful with the bbq sauce!
photo courtesy of thelondonlounge.net
The time between Memorial Day and Labor isn’t just about sun and Summer Fridays, the real issue is getting to and enjoying the best BBQ’s around. Should it be lamp chops, baby back ribs, a smoldering sirloin, chicken wings, rib eye, pork loin….whatever your ‘canvas’ is the most important ingredient is the sauce! Everyone knows it’s all in the sauce. Spicy, a bit sweet, or tangy, sour, zesty, peppery. Whatever suits your taste-buds as long as it pleases the crowds. Never give away your secret, keep them guessing and keep them coming back year after year. We decided to break the rules and share our favorite ‘secret’ sauce. Try ours or make it your own. You can’t go wrong.
The AW Tested BBQ Sauce (don’t get it on your shirt)
2 cups white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbl. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbl. lemon juice
1/2 Tbl. salt
1 tsp. finely ground black pepper
1 tsp. finely ground red pepper
3/4 tsp. hot sauce (add more or less to your liking)
1 cup Heinz Ketchup
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 With Father’s Day around the corner, we reflect on the moments that make Dads….. well just Dads. Behind the button up shirts and ties, their panache for turning every moment into a reflection, and best of all having no shame of embarrassing their children. Through laughter, horse-play, teaching us to live and enjoy our lives the best we can. After all, they brought us into the world…well partially.
Fondest Childhood Memory: Ski trips with dad singing Rod Stewart songs while I was stuck on the chair-lift, and finishing the day with Mac and cheese.
Road trips with James Taylor, Seals & Croft, and Abba blasting. Thanks to Dad they’re still our favs.
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 You’ve transitioned your wardrobe months ago to accommodate the warm weather, why not give your hair the same treatment. With summer heat and humidity your hair products and maybe style can under go its own face-lift. We sat down with Rodney Cutler of Cutler Salon, New York for some of practical summer hair tips. Rodney has styled every Joe on the street, to celebrities, artists, ad campaigns, and leading fashion shows season after season. A serious athlete on his personal time, this guy knows how to rough it up and still keep every strand in perfect place. You might have less face time with the boss during the summer months, but that’s no reason to neglect your tresses.
You’re probably spending a lot more time in the pool or on the beach…
Once a week use a detoxing shampoo which will help break down chemicals such as chlorine. If you’re an avid swimmer, dab a bit of conditioner under that swim-cap. This will create a barrier between the chlorine and your hair.
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Summer is officially here! The heat wave brings unwanted sweat stains, reeking city streets, congestion and the list goes on so forth. On the bright side think about all the girls in summer dresses, dynamic bar scenes, summer Fridays, outdoor bars, rooftop bars, beer gardens, summer shares, did we mention the bar scene?
Bar scenes take on a whole new face-lift once the thermometer hits ‘outdoor.’ We took the liberty to round up some of our favorites. Favorite bar for first dates, to pick up chics… Oops meant ladies, best bar to de-stress, best for everything. If you have a few favorites, share your comments with us.
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NAME: Jack Yeaton
-Occupation: Entertainment Publicist
-Where you’re from: Boston, Massachusetts
-Current city of residence: New York City (Greatest City In The World)
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You know that old saying “Behind every great man, is a greater woman.”
At Alexander West, we’d like to think “Behind every great shirt, is an intriguing man.” While there may be popular best seller shirts, no customer is alike. From careers, style, personal interest, and hobbies, each client is unique as a Zebra’s stripes. AW kicks off the summer with its “personal and inquisitive” client profile. Profiling a different client each week and sharing with our audience the intrigue behind the AW clientele.
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Women in their Fifth Avenue best and men slick as the Chrysler building all convened promptly at Sotheby’s on York Avenue. Like NYC’s Fashion Week, the crowds are intimidating but the aura a bit more refined with whispers of Jeff Koons, Frank Stella, Sam Francis, Warhol, and Lichtenstein penetrated the air. Dealers, curators, collectors alike dutifully took their seats with tickets and catalog in hand. A large flat screen shows the auctioneers desk at the third floor viewing room, while the main floor cautiously sets up for the first lot to be sold.
The Contemporary Art evening began with Rudolf Stingel, Untitled 1956 and made its way through 60 featuring notable works of art by Cindy Sherman, William DeKooning, Frank Stella, and Jean-Michel Basquiat to list a few. An impressive bid of $16million dollars for Jeff Koons Pink Panther sculpture, while Warhol racks in a not too shabby $18 million for his Sixteen Jackies on silkscreen. The room was well mannered with breaks of controlled laughter from the auctioneers modest comments as he waved his arms like a conductor orchestrating a tight ensemble. Dignitaries and aficionados from around the world kept their eyes on fellow bidders while their eyes moved around like a wall clock with large cat eyes. Even if you’re not a collector, this is one NY experience to encounter. A combination of high fashion, high art, controlled humor and the only thing that’s loose is the sound of dollars fluctuating across the room.
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It’s difficult to find a venue or a restaurant where one can ease into the evening without feeling rushed. Pay the check, hail a cab, who’s got the tickets, is there time for dessert, will there be a bar… common questions busy city dwellers ask when you plan an evening involving a show. Luckily we stumbled upon City Winery edging at the border of Tribeca. City Winery is founded by Michael Dorf, the mastermind behind The Knitting Factory. Infusing his passion for wines and music this venue certainly hits the right notes on many levels.
Set prominently on the corner of Varick Street, this spacious yet rustic venue boasts a cross between a rustic farm and an earthy urban loft. With 21,000 square feet, they certainly take advantage of every space. From private events, to concerts, one can even own their own barrel and bottle your own wine. Have no fear, classes and instructions are facilitated by their expert wine makers who will guide you from grape varietals to fermentation catered to your own schedule.
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As soon as spring hits, we begin to worry about beach agenda’s and summer shares. As taxing as the traffic getting to and from the beach, nothing is more taxing than showing off your hard worked beach body. Which swimtrunk will look flattering? How short or how long should the length be, how tight, what colors, how convenient… these are a few of the questions one ponders when selecting the appropriate beach wear. If you have Michael Phelps credentials by all means wear anything! But since we’re not all genetically blessed, a universally flattering silhouette will enhance or down play your assets and flaws. A pair of swim-trunks we found flattering is from Vilebrequin. A company with 40 years under their belt, or drawstrings for that matter answered each of our concerns. Quick drying to take you from the surfboard to the boardwalk, over 70 prints and colors to suit one’s personality, and not too short so your fellow beach goers will not wonder if you’re a transplant from Rio. Whether your summer plans include the Hamptons, or a month in Belize suit up properly and don’t forget the sunscreen.
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Levi Strauss & Co. has been around since the late 1800’s. The distinctive red tab generations of people are familiar with, continues to reach people of varied age groups and personal style. The Original 501’s remain their best seller thanks to its timeless fit. This is the jean your dad wore growing up, it’s reliable, durable and will surely out live your iphone.
Button fly, straight through the seat, thigh and leg, this jean becomes a closet staple. One can’t go wrong with a classic straight leg. The 501 is suitable for casual Friday’s. Modest, but never frumpy, not too skinny so no one will mistake you for an intern. This is the reliable jean to pack for any trip, to wine and dine friends, to running weekend errands while cruising all over town. It’s classic proportions pairs well with oxfords, sweaters, t-shirts, and throw on a sports jacket, and you’re well on your way to meet the parents.
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With more and more people turning to home-made basics, why shouldn’t your coffee be. Give your Starbucks swiping credit card a break and have a cup of Joe in the comforts of your own home. The De’Lonhgi Gran Dama Avant Super Automatic Espresso Machine can sit sleek on any counter top of any bachelor pad or office. Whether you’re a morning coffee drinker, or an afternoon coffee drinker, this espresso machine covers all your caffeine needs: espresso’s, latte’s, macchiato’s, au laits, to cappuccino’s. So unless you have a crush on your barista, the Gran Dama will impress your guests, lady friend/s, or visiting clients. Everyone needs a reliable Joe at every hour.
Go to www.shopdelonghi.com
 This is one Guitar Hero game impossible to beat. The Metropolitan Museum currently displays centuries of quintessential guitars in a dazzling array for any guitar and musical enthusiast to savor and enjoy. From lyre’s, mandolins, to the more modern day contemporaries, this exhibit illustrates the transformation of one of the most celebrated instruments. From intricate inlay wood, combining ivory and mother of pearl, this is one guitar best to “air guitar” to and imagine. Unplug the Playstation, give your band-mates a break, and tune into some history at The Met. This may leave you inspired and maybe you’ll be writing Shakespearean sonnets against a lyre.
Go to www.metmuseum.org
 AW in February 2011 Details Magazine 
Alexander West was named on of the best custom dress shirt companies on the web! Thanks Details!
December 23rd, 2010
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November 18th, 2010
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The third annual ‘Pop-Up’ Flea will take place this year in the Open House Gallery in Nolita. Alexander West will be one of many high-end Menswear designers showcasing their items and setting up shop. We will be there servicing your every custom shirt need!
Stop by to see our special deals! Read more…
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Press, Style Guide Tags: Alexander West, Alexander West Custom Dress Shirt, Alexander West experience, Menswear Designers, New York City, Nolita, Open House Gallery, Pop Up Flea, The Pop Up Flea
We are thrilled to announce director Oliver Stone was caught in an Alexander West custom dress shirt during the Wall Street Movie Premiere right here in New York City. The NYSE invited the entire cast to ring the opening bell on the movie’s opening day. Stay tuned for more Alexander West celebrity sightings to come.
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Alexander West was mentioned in CNN Money.com today as one of the most practical and affordable options for buying a custom dress shirt! We were quoted in stressing the importance of fit most of all when surveying your dress shirt options. You can never go wrong with a custom shirt from AW!
September 7th, 2010
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Color is an important element when choosing the right shirt. According to color theory, every color sends different messages; therefore if you are aiming for a certain message we suggest that you wear a specific color. Colors can also affect your mood and your energy, so it will impact how others view you. Below, you will find meanings behind some popular colors.
Red represents power, passion, and authority. Red is demanding, exciting and energetic; it portrays confidence and control. Firefighters wear red, projecting power and control. If attention is what you seek, red is the color for you. In business, red is best utilized as a tie with a white or blue shirt.
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 Alexander West was highlighted in this month’s Town and Country Magazine as one of the top places to shop in the new Limelight Marketplace. Our Limelight Showroom location has been an enormous success! We hope to bring more top quality custom dress shirts to our new, highly multiplying clientele! Pick up an issue this month to read all about it!
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Happy Father’s Day from Alexander West! Rebel Mom, the blog for “hip” mom life after the reality of children sets in mentioned us in her Father’s Day Gift Guide!
A gift card from Alexander West is a sure way to keep him looking his best! Click here to read all about it.
Face Color Contrast is the degree of color difference between your skin and your hair color. Black hair and white skin have the highest contrast level, while blonde hair and fair skin have the lowest contrast level. To look your best, you want to connect your face contrast level features with the clothes you are wearing. If you are high contrast, high contrasting clothes would suit you best because it creates a cohesive unit between your face and your clothes.
LOW CONTRAST (A)
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Alexander West has made life easier for you when ordering custom shirts. Please visit us at our new “no appointment”, walk-in showroom in the recently renovated Limelight Marketplace. We’re on the 1st floor in the Festival of Shops. USA Today has covered the Limelight in their Lifestyle Section. Click here to see AW in USA Today!
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