At David Wood, we firmly believe in the creed that no task is worth doing if not done with style. For those gentleman not equipped with the delicate hands of a brain surgeon, who may find the task of typing important memos into the ever-shrinking mobile device key pads cumbersome, may we suggest “Field Notes”. A 48-page memo book, high quality paper, convenient 3/16” graph (also available lined) for “To Do” lists, big ideas, poignant quotes and inspired ramblings. The inside cover even has a handy ruler. Fits neatly into most shirt pockets. Does not connect to the internet.

See you soon,

DW

The Chambray Shirt from New England Shirt Co.

Created in Cambrai, Northern France, chambray is a lightweight and tough fabric that was traditionally used for casual workwear. It’s woven with a dyed warp against and unbleached weft. This particular chambray is made in Japan with natural dyes for exceptional color depth. It’s soft and very comfortable.

Ours, just in from New England Shirt Co. (see previous BLOG), is detailed with olive green stitching, a perfect button that I can best describe as beach stone green, and our shorter (and sportier) buttondown collar. The fit is MODERATE TRIM, and is comfortable and looks great on just about everybody. As it is worn and laundered, it gets softer and visually more appealing.

We like things that get better with age.

See you soon,

DW

We just returned from our first visit to what was formerly Fall River Shirts and is now New England Shirt Company.

Long story short: large shirt manufacturer in Fall River Massachusetts falls victim to overseas production and a tough economy. Entrepeneur (and good friend of ours) buys some of the equipment at auction, secures loan, gets space in the same factory and starts making great quality shirts again.

We are delighted because we can hold the reins on details and fit of these shirts to better suit our customers, and because there are no designers or middle men (factory direct, you might say) we offer more value in our sport and dress shirts than ever before. The label we have created for these is “Made In New England.”

Because they are, by forty five previously laid off (and highly skilled) needle workers from Fall River, Massachussets. The first delivery is on the floor and they are going fast.

See you soon,
DW

Easily the best three-nighter bag we have seen yet.  Once again, Michael Toschi comes through with form (style) and function.

The bag makes sense: stiff sides so you can see your packings, all sorts of organizational pockets, and (this is the real genius part) a separate zippered shoe compartment.  A slightly high-tech look that makes the usual duffel look so last century.

Purchase before Valentine’s Day and receive a $50 coupon for Sonny’s or Walter’s.

See you soon,

Bistro Milano on 55th between 5th and 6th, on the south side nearer to 6th.  Very good Northern Italian fare at reasonable prices.  Not the rushed and impersonal service prevalent in many Midtown eateries.

The Tricatore salad is a great starter.

See you soon,

DW

Great opportunity. Come see us today!

Last July, I mentioned to our window designer of over twenty-five years, “Let’s trim all the mannequins as if they were snowmen for our Holiday windows.”

He nodded, and continued his work.

Well, here we are, December 3rd, and the Holiday trim is happening.

Only genius, passion and hard work makes art like this happen. I had no idea how he would accomplish my idea. But here it is being created with 24″ styrofoam balls, blankets of “snow,” adhesive spray and four snowman accessory kits.

I hope you will come by soon and see our windows.
Thanks Bobbie.

Hot coffee. Festive treats. Warm hospitality. Fabulously stylish gifts for one and all.

Please join us tomorrow, Black Friday, 10 to 6 pm., at David Wood, McKenzie Tribe and Barbour by David Wood, all located in Portland’s Old Port.

Happy Holidays!

See you soon,

Just in time for the holidays, a refresher course on the proper etiquette for wearing ties, courtesy of Drakes London.

Like good manners, rising to the occasion and dressing well never go out of style.

Enjoy!

See you soon,

The Horse Riding Jacket from Barbour’s To Ki To Beacon Heritage Collection, as featured in GQ Magazine’s Season’s 10 Best Waxed Jackets.

We’d mention it was rated number one, but that might be considered boasting.

Stop by Barbour by David Wood, 235 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine, and see why the fashion press is positively abuzz with the fall 2009 collection.

See you soon,