Suit: Hart Shaffner Marx- Made to Measure | Shirt: Eton | Tie: Ferragamo | Shoes: Magnanni | Pocket Square: The Tie Bar | Watch: Burberry | Belt: Trafalgar
Name:
Blake Charles
Occupation:
Nordstrom Michigan Avenue- Men’s Clothing Designer Lead
Describe your personal style:
I’m a sartorial dresser at heart. I’m most comfortable when I’m wearing a suit. They are easy to wear and when it fits properly they are appropriate for almost any occasion. When wearing clothes I’m a big believer in keeping things simple. Excessive pattern mixing has never been my thing. I let my third piece make a statement and keep it basic with a white or blue shirt and an understated tie. When I do dress casually I only wear dark unwashed denim sometimes with t-shirts or polo’s but most of the time I’ll be wearing a third piece of some kind.
Most importantly, I like to look polished. It doesn’t matter if its shorts and a t-shirt or a suit and tie.
What’s the most cherished article of clothing in your closet?:
It would have to be my Burberry t rench coat. It is a classic but has an updated cut. It is three quarter length so I can wear it with literally anything in my wardrobe. It only has the classic Burberry plaid on the lining so it doesn’t draw too much attention. Chicago weather doesn’t allow me to wear it year round so I get excited when spring and fall come around. It’s the perfect seasonal coat.
What shops do you visit regularly?:
I have worked for Nordstrom for the past two years. Naturally, almost everything in my wardrobe is from there. I have found that it’s a lot easier to show a customer a look when they can see what the finished product looks like in front of them.
What music keeps you going?
Honestly, anything that is upbeat. It doesn’t matter if its country, hip-hop, or the blues.
Currently reading:
Right now I’m not reading anything and it will most likely remain that way for the rest of the summer. I have been working and going to school full-time for the past two years and I feel like I have read enough to last a lifetime.
One piece of advice:
It has been said that your clothes and style should represent your personality. However, that doesn’t always have to be true. My personal style suggests that I am consistently calm, cool, and collected. In reality, I’m unorganized and at times a little neurotic. My style reflects the way I want to be and the way I want to be perceived as by other people. My main point is there are no absolute truths in style. You make it what you want it to be. Personally, as I have changed as a person my style has changed with me.
SHOP THE LOOK
Location: Michigan Ave / Chicago
Photography: Max Sawa
