Aged Like Fine Wine

The title may make my guy blush, but he said so himself, "I look better than when we got married!" And indeed he does, in his new suit, recently acquired from a place that we're giving high praise, for both quality (apparently) and customer service. Since most (including myself) wouldn't trust my opinion on clothing quality, especially in terms of men's suits, I'll focus on the customer service. In a phrase, "It's a trip."

Harry O runs a local menswear store on 2nd Street in San Francisco, less than two blocks from a Men's Wearhouse. He holds his own next to the national competitor, though, offering classic and modern suits and accessories that he promises will make you look like, well ...a pimp. And that's a good thing. Apparently.

Harry O is a slender, handsome, mustachioed man. He says free love brought him out here from the Bronx in the 60s. On our first visit, he offered us an espresso - excused himself to greet two stylish, sultry-voiced lady visitors in their 20s - then got busy fitting my guy in a dashing dark and subtly-checked suit that he fished off the rack after giving him a quick once-over. It was perfect. His expertise showed as he stepped nimbly from one side to another, folding cuffs, pinching fabric, measuring with a metal ruler, and scratching marks for alterations with chalk shaped like a guitar pick. Every few moments, he stepped back to admire his handiwork with a "yeah, dawg" and a "I tell ya, pimpin' ain't easy!"

We dropped a little over "2 bills", including alterations, for an almost custom-tailored suit that makes my guy look good. And Harry O is just plain cool - and good at what he does. There's little doubt that we'll return the next time my "fine wine" needs another suit. Maybe after aging another 10 years.