October 2014 EDITION - The International Formalwear Association

International Formalwear Association
Formal Times Newsletter
October 2014 EDITION
Announcing!!
It sounds like the next IFA show will be in Louisville Kentucky the last week of July!
Save the date. More details Next issue!
Regional Shows
Thank you to all of the great manufacturers who supported the IFA regional shows. We hope you
had a chance to meet some new people and catch up with old friends. Thank you again for all of
your support for these shows.
Tips For Instagram Use
The most frequent questions received on the IFA phone from members are about marketing and
social media. The ever changing tangled web of choices and opportunities for online marketing
and exposure is very hard to follow. A very popular site growing at a much stronger rate than
Facebook is Instagram. The definition of Instagram according to Wikipedia is as follows:
Instagram is an online mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service that enables its users to take
pictures and videos, and share them on a variety of social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr,
and Flickr. A distinctive feature is that it confines photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid
images. Users can also apply digital filters to their images. Video may also be posted but the maximum duration for
Instagram videos is 15 seconds
So, is this site worth your attention and WHY should you be using it???? Over 200 million users
love Instagram and Many of those are our target market for weddings. While Instagram displays
a gender neutral bias, 68% of its users are female and 32% male. Instagram has been proven to
attract the younger generation with 90% of the 200 million users under the age of 35 . Among
these users 24% say they use it more than once daily.
In Instagram the user shares pictures and video relevant to them. The number symbol on your
device has a new name and that is a hashtag! And with the use of #hashtags# Instagram groups
you together to connect to others with the same interests. By picking relevant specific hashtags
rather than broader terms like wedding, you connect with those looking at photos of your product.
#tuxedo #welldressedgroom #(your area)hotgrooms #(your top brand)grooms lots of
possibilities…..
This site is ALL visual and the dreamy well dressed couples you add to your site will hopefully
catch the eye of your future customers. Now knowing more of the basics, how can you make this
site Work for you? Here are few tips to maximize your business exposure on Instagram and a list
of apps to help you stand out.




Optimize your account to be public not private.
Make sure your username pertains to your business.
Be consistent to use the same profile photo for ALL OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES!!
Your first impression for potential customers needs to be good. Make sure your bio is your
manifesto. What do you do better than others in your field?
 Make some hyperlinks back to your website. Make sure the links connect back to the best
page.
 Ask questions in your posts.
 Post 3-5 times per week
 Do not add too many small details to your photos since viewers cannot click on them and
zoom in like on Facebook
 Look for and respond to feedback.
 Consider a promotion to create interest and additional followers.
Instagram helpers: Instagram Apps are great tools to make your photos stand out among others
and a fun way to create interest and gather followers. Check out the list and be sure and send your
ideas for others! Most are available on Android and Apple and most are free.

Instagram Notes

Text Overlay or Textcutie
is a photo editing tool that was designed
specifically to allow you to create images with text that you can publish on Instagram (or,
really, any other social network). Textcutie is a good image editing tool that allows you to
create some very bright and colorful images to share on Instagram.

Instaframe or now LiPix
Helps you combine your photos and text to make
great looking collages. They can be shared on all the other sites
 Gramgrab
is a simple web application that displays your
Instagram photo collection with hover-action to display details of a photo such as the
number of likes, time uploaded and filter used. At a click, you can download the photo
directly to your computer.
 Quickagram lets you browse through random Instagram photos listed on gallery and map.
Clicking on the image will open the photo to its original size with options to like, share on
Facebook or comment on Instagram directly from the page.

OVER
If you ever wanted to add text to your photos, than try Over. This Instagram powerhouse is an
all-around favorite because it includes more than 225 fonts, numerous stock backgrounds and
an endless amount of customization options so that you can add some appropriate words to
your pictures.
 SuperImpose
Superimpose gives users the ability to blend photos together with seamless, professional
quality. The app includes more than 10 different masking tools and 18 blending modes.
Furthermore, Superimpose has the ability to remove all that extra work you’ve been doing
while attempting to erase part of a photo, which you can choose to use as a background image.
 Afterlight
Equipped with 27 fully adjustable filters (including real and natural light leaks),75 unique
frames and the ability to easily share your art on not only Instagram, but also Facebook,
Twitter, Flickr and email, this is hands down one of the more useful apps for Instagram users.
 Picstitch
Pic Stitch allows users to create collages using one of the 232 different layouts, customizable
border widths, and easy fix filter. Images are easily exported to Instagram
 Instrarchive
Chances are that all of your images are safe and sound on Instagram, but a backup plan never
hurt anyone. If you want to store your images on your computer, you can do that with
Instarchive. It’s an easy-to-use web tool where all of your Instagram photos are downloaded as
a convenient zip file to your PC.
 Statigram
Statigram is very important if your brand is on Instagram. The app gives you access to vital
analytics ranging from the total number of likes received, your most liked photos, your
average number of likes and comments per photo, and your follower growth charts. Other
useful features include setting up and monitoring contests, promoting your Instagram feed
across other social media accounts and managing conversions.
With the help of some of these apps you can create fun interesting posts to add to your site. Let us
know what is working well for you… editor@formaltimes.com
Super Powers in Customer Service!
For most stores in our industry the next few months make up our downtime. This time of year is
when we have a small window of time to clean, straighten, organize, inventory, repair and
regroup. Part time help is not needed to the same degree and you are now hopefully surrounded
by your Super Heroes. People who throughout the year time and again went WAY above and
beyond to create customer experience to be bragged about among friends of each bride and groom.
This slow time is the perfect time to acknowledge your Super Heroes, tell them thank you. What
could you do in a small way that would make a BIG difference? Here is a list to look over:
1. Create a Hall of Fame wall with photos of outstanding employees that your customers can
see.
2. Cover the person’s desk or work area with balloons.
3. Establish a “Behind the Scenes” award specifically for those whose actions are not
usually in the limelight.
4. Present “State of the Department” reports periodically to your employees
acknowledging the work and contributions of individuals and teams.
5. Create an Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award.
6. Give Mr. Goodbar (candy bar) Awards
7. Use 3x5 cards to write “You’re special because…” statements. People can collect the
cards and refer to them when things aren’t going perfectly.
8. Give a note reading, “Thank you. You are a ______!" Attach a roll of Lifesavers
9. At an employee meeting, randomly tape gift cards to the bottom of chairs.
10.Award a Super hero t shirt.
Acknowledging exceptional customer service sets the bar for others to follow. What has worked
well for your business?? Let us know editor@formaltimes.com
Industry News
In keeping the integrity of the brand FWI/Jean Yves has sent the following information to
accounts:
Help a fellow Member :
Question from Nancy Sarno of Sarno and Sons: I am looking for copies of Old Paul Greenwald
letters that discuss depreciation of formalwear… Can anyone help her??? Does anyone have
copies of Paul’s newsletters? If so contact Nancy nsarno@sarnotux.com and copy us
editor@formaltimes.com
Request for information from another member: Asks about black canes. Has anyone found
another source for them since most of the sites were out?? Where did you find them?
Also, where are you finding gray socks??? What source and How much??? Send information to
editor@formaltimes.com and please use canes or socks as the subject.
Wants and Offerings
NEW WANTS AND OFFERINGS POLICY: ADS WILL NEED TO Be
RESUBMITED EVERY MONTH! YOU MAY HAVE THEM IN AS LONG AS
YOU LIKE, THEY JUST HAVE TO BE RESUBMITTED MONTHLY TO BE
SURE TO KEEP LIST CURRENT! CHECK YOUR ADS BELOW!
PLEASE RESEND ANY ADS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE IN NEXT MONTH
editor@formaltimes.com Call us at 309-721-5450 with any questions
I would like to sell 100 brand new white tux shirts that are unfolded. Lay down & wing. Many large sizes.
Pleated & flat front. $2.00 per shirt. A steal!
White and ivory dinner jackets, 2-button notch, fwi, excellent condition, $35
Ira Coleman
Coleman's Tuxedos
973-258-1948
iratux@aol.com
FOR SALE. Modern Time shoes all sizes $1.00 each buyer pay's shipping and Square Toe Pattern
Leather $1.00 each.
Wanted to Buy I'm looking for some gently used 2 button black Notch Suit Jackets.
Angelo from Rose Tuxedo 602 299-1743 asbrocca4@aol.com
Looking to Buy
Rex Formal Wear in San Antonio is looking for Grey Savoy pants,vests and coats. Also looking
for good used One button black notch coats, and black wool tuxedo pants. Contact Quincy Barnes
at 210-710-5275 or quincy@rexformalwear.com
Wanted:
Black or Gray Parisian tuxedos
Tailcoats
Cutaways
Extra Long Coats (Knee Length)
Small size mens coats (size 34-39 1 or 2 button)
For Sale:
Group of 115 Watermelon Synergy Vests new w/o tags. Sizes range from Boys Small up to
5XL. Take all price is $500
Black Ecko Contender 3 button w/ Pants all sizes
White Ecko Contender 2 button w/ Pants all sizes
Contact Matt Pinkston
Formalwear Outlet
919-644-8243
Looking to Buy
A FORMAL YOU! INC/ THETUXXMAN----WANTS:
*Black Wool Pleated and/or Flat Front Tuxedo Pants
*Tuxedo Tailcoats- Any Color Any Style- Black, White, Grey, Silver, Red
*Longer Style Coats- 'Da Vinci', Claiborne 2.0, or any other Longer style Coats
*Cutaway Morning Coats- Gray or Black
*Hickory Striped Morning Trousers
*Gray or Black Wool Double Breasted Vests
*Vintage Ruffled Tuxedo Shirts or Vintage Tuxedo Coats
*Vest/Tie Collections in Good condition
*Tuxedo Shirts- Black or White- Polycotton or Micro
PLEASE CONTACT:
BRANDON STEWART
239-481-7875
239-281-4496
TUXXMAN@AOL.COM
Offered for Sale
L.W. Steel Grey Barrington
106 coats 20$
75 pants 10$
or all for 1,000$
L.W. Light Grey Barrington
55 coats 20$
60 pants 10$
or all for 1,000$
F.C.G.I. Joseph Abboud 2B Notch
64 coats 25$
FLOW tan 2b suit
36 coats 10$
15 pants 5$
2B notch
70 coats 20$
buy all or some
Black Adjustable Pleated pants
125 pairs 10$
buy all or some
Black ecko tennis shoe
45 pais 5$
All items are in good RENTABLE condition!
Please contact Steve at Duckys Formal Wear 309-716-1039
Looking to sell black micro lay down collar shirts $4.50
,Ivory shawl jackets,$7.00
black wool pleated pants size 31 adj.$12.50.
Call Sal 504-340-4544 J & L FW
Offered FOR SALE
47 TOTAL(SIZE 36-54) PERRY ELLIS ONE BUTTON VANGUARDS EXCELLENT
CONDITION -ONLY $470 PLUS UPS
PLEASE CALL MIKE 570-829-4999
Offered For sale:
Chocolate Parisian
83 coats ranging from Boys 4 to 64L $15 ea coat
62 pants $5 ea
Latte Parisian
25 coats 36L to 54R $15. ea.
28 pants $5. ea
You can contact Teresa or Bernardo
Bernardo's
574-255-8818
info@bernardos.com
Milroy's Tuxedo
Used Items
Milroy's
Style #
162
P162
159
173
PJA
164
P164
V164
Most Items will be sold in bulk buy
November 7th Call or Email ASAP
Description
Color
Manuf.
Latte Parisian Coat
Latte Parisian Pant
Joesph Abboud 2 Btn Notch Super
120
Joseph Abboud 2 Btn Peak sat edge
Carlyle Super 120
Joseph Abboud Pleated Pants
Casino White with Black Stripes
Coat
Casino White with Black Stripes
Pants
Casino White with Black Stripes
Vest
Latte
FWI
Latte
FWI
Black
FCGI
Black
FCGI
Black
FCGI
Whit
Bk St
FLOW
Whit
Bk St
FLOW
Black
FLOW
Black
FLOW
PCL
Ralph Lauren 2 btn Peak Dream
Fialle Lapel Super 100's
Ralph lauren / CK Super 100'd Pants
Black
FLOW
VFA501
Filale Black Fullback Vest 5 btn
Black
FLOW
VFA202
Filale White Fullback Vest 5 btn
White
FLOW
VFA303
Filale Ivory Fullback Vest 5 btn
Ivory
FLOW
129
Black
FLOW
V Con
Chaps Country 3 button Peak
Chaps Country Vest Line - Black
White, Silver, Ant Gold, Ivory
Aries Vest, Windsor, Bow, PS Line
- Black, WHt, Ivy, Silver, Gold,
Burent Orange, Buttercup, Coral,
Ginger, Pink, Claret, Burgundy,
Grape, Espresso, Fuchsia, Kiwi,
Turquoise, Hot Lime, Celesterial Blu
Celedon, Perywinkle, Lilac, Aqua,
Sapphire, Lavender, Platinum
Joseph Abboud Windsor Tie Line Most of the Same colors as Aries
Energy Windsor Ties - Muli Dot
24 Colors
Zelente Vest, Windsor, Bow, PS
Line - 5 button solid satin Apple, Red, Persimmon, Latte,
Canary, Honeydew, Tropic, Oasis
Cornflower, Champagne, Platinum,
Black, White, Ivory
STBK
Jazz Oxford Shoes Black
Black
STW
Jazz Oxford Shoes White
White
SWIV
Jazz Oxford Shoes Ivory
Ivory
SRG
Grey
Barclay
Grey
Gateway
216
Radio City Shoes Grey
Gateway Grey Fill in Shoes for
Radio City
2014 buy
Black Madison Reduction Coats
and Pants
Black
FCGI
219
220
Black Illusions Coats Recuction
White Illusion Coats ALL
Black
White
FWI
FWI
210
VLT
VAR
VAR CON
VAR CON
WJA
WE
V
V Con
SRGG
FLOW
A6
FCGI
BG
Chaplin
Milroy's Tuxedos, Dennis Schmidt,
dennis@milroystuxedos.com, 800-7474889
Go to www.MilroysTuxedos.com - Click Catalog Veiw for Pictures and Color Selection.
Will sell these Items Off by November 7th. Call ASAP if wanting any of these products.
Thoughts for the Weeks Ahead
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you
cannot get more time.”
— Jim Rohn
“Two things define you…Your patience when you have Nothing and
your attitude when you have everything.”
--- Unknown