http://shop.freehands.com/collections/mens

These innovative design gloves allow you to work your blackberry, iphone or ipod outside without freezing the rest of your hands and fingers!  The thumb and forefinger fold back on each glove, giving you the greatest utility!  We sold out of them before Christmas and just got another order in.  A must for everyone!

As Thanksgiving approaches and our President contemplates how to end the war in Afghanistan, Miltons wants to salute the men and women of our military by offering all active duty military personnel a 10% military discount off their apparel and shoe purchases at Miltons.  We appreciate the sacrifices you make and wish you a successful and safe tour.

A special congratulations to Susan R of Bridgewater.  Susan won a trip to the BC vs Notre Dame game on October 24 in South Bend, Indiana!  Being the sport she is, she sent her husband and son on the great trip that included air fare, tickets to the game, a pre-game party and transportation to and from the game!  It was a close game, but the Eagles lost to the Fighting Irish by 4 points.  Bowl eligible, though, the Eagles are looking strong and we wish them and Coach Spaz the best of luck for the rest of the season.

I’ve always felt that experiencing four distinctly different seasons here in New England is one of the greatest things about living here.  While you know the next season is coming, you never know exactly when or to what degree (no pun intended!)  Fall 2009 seems to have come earlier than in past years and, being in the clothing business, I note this by what I see men wearing. 

Boarding the Acela to New York this morning at Route 128, I was impressed to see that about 80% of the men were wearing suits.  And to my surprise, more than half of them were wearing ties.  Aside from the fact that this is a large part of what we offer at Miltons, I was pleased because I believe men always look better in a suit or sportcoat than when they’re not wearing one of these.  Nothing is more flattering than a garment that gives you shoulders if you don’t have big ones; or covers up those love handles that show you haven’t been working out as much as you should.  Men of NE, lookin’ good, keep it up, and remember at Miltons, we’re here for all your clothing needs.

We recently had the opportunity to outfit 7 high school graduates of the Ron Burton Training Village with Blazers, Pants, and Accessories to commemorate their personal achievements as they go on to college.  Words can’t describe the exceptional work the entire Burton family and all of their friends and associates have done helping young men reach their full potential.  Visit their site, both on-line and in person, to get a glimpse into how Ron Burton’s legacy is one we can all admire and be very proud of.  www.ronburtontrainingvillage.org

It’s clearly a new world order since the end of 2008, and we’re seeing our customers expecting us to rise to meet their new demands for value.  Value today means alot more than just price.  Price today is a given, but value also includes product selection and quality, ease of shopping and, most important, service.  Service is everything from having alterations ready whenever needed, to remembering customers by name, to opening early or staying open late whenever necessary.  These are all easy things to do and nothing monumental; but it’s funny how they escape so many retailers.  At Miltons, we do everything possible to win your loyalty, patronage and respect; and we’ll continue to do that by creating value for you everyday!

A new trend in dressing for your wedding is emerging with fewer people renting tuxedos and more outfitting the men in the wedding party in suits.  In fact, for summer weddings in resort area, blue blazers and khakis have become the norm.  The other great thing about this is that nothing fits like your own suit or blazer.  Generous grooms are even buying the suits or blazer outfits as the gift for the groomsmen.  It’s practical and memorable.

Menswear doesn’t change at lightning speed, but designers at the forefront keep looks current and updated so we can look our best. Thanks to Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, BCBG, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Sean John, Joseph Abboud and others we’ve got changes happening that are worth noting.

Most noticeable this season is the narrowing of the width of lapels, the narrowing of ties, the slightly tighter expression of a suit or sportcoat at the waist, and more modern trimmer fit shirts with slightly shorter collars. Flat front pants are becoming more and more the norm; and side vents on your suits and jackets are showing up everywhere.

All the more reason to stop by and check out what’s new in your favorite men’s store.

These are challenging times for many of us, our families, our friends and our business associates.  We must approach these challenges head-on, as opposed to taking a bunker mentality or pulling the covers over our heads and saying we’ll come out when the storm is over.  Part of successfully tackling adversity head on is the face we wear and the way we dress.  More people will be interviewing than ever before, dressing up for work again and having important meetings.  Looking and feeling your best will be critical. 

At Miltons, we are here to help you.  We’ll show you the best shirt and tie combinations for that interview suit, as well as how you can make the suit look entirely different for the second interview by choosing another appropriate but different combination.  We’ll guide you to the right shoes, show you how to make a great knot in your tie, and advise you as to what colors and patterns are best for work.  When you dress well, you’ll feel well, and that is key to achieving your goals these days.  If you ever have any questions about what to wear, just email us at customerservice@miltons.com  We’ll be happy to do everything we can for you!

As we hurry to prepare the stores with sale items and special buys for Black Friday and the holiday shopping rush, it’s important to stop and take stock of the world around us.  At Miltons, we’re blessed to have a great group of customers to care for and a super team of sales associates, tailors and managers to do that caring!  As the third generation at Miltons, I want to express my sincere fondness and apppreciation for all of you.  May you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family.  Warmest regards, Dana Katz