Pathetic and desperate cry for help!

[exigent]

Gian DeCaro, I must first state, is a good friend of mine. That said, although you may have heard a bad story about him, this does not make him a bad tailor. It simply means that someone did not get on with him well. In our trade this happens often, no matter how hard we try.

Why not take your jacket to him and ask him to take a look? No harm done in that. Ask him to be honest about his ability to alter it for you. I think you will find he will be up-front with you. It's worth a try if you don't fancy a trip to NY!!\

Leonard

Very decent of you to stand up for the guy, Leonard. You are quite right that sometimes nothing can be done to avoid a rotten experience for all involved, and besides the principals, who really knows the truth of any situation?

I just arrived in Seattle three months ago--my contract expires next June: I know few persons here, except the fellows with whom I work, a mixed lot of grotesquely prosperous geeks and European expatriates; naturally, stories abound in such fertile ground. And new persons must to some extent rely on local colour for guidance. Mercifully, one of the aforementioned oddballs recommended a guy who does outwork for a shop that recently sold him a Kiton suit in desperate need of adjustment. I met the man this morning, and left my coat with him. A basted fitting will follow in two weeks, and that will hopefully lead to resolution.... I greatly appreciate your input, Leonard.

[exigent]

I second Len's opinion. Gian DeCaro was quite pleasant when I visited.
Who knows if he takes outside alterations, but it might be good to mention that Len recommended you try.

Thanks, Mathew. By the way, have you something made by DeCaro? And if so, are you happy with the results? I would like to try someone local, a souvenir of Seattle, and a worthwhile contrast to what is commonly available in one of America's worst dressed cities. It would be interesting to watch my wife's face when I explain that the tasteful suit I am wearing was tailored here: she is absolutely mortified by the place!

[mathew]

Sorry, Exigent, I have nothing by Gian DeCaro. Gian will tell you that Seattle is one of the worst-dressed cities. However, years ago Seattle used to support a number of custom tailors and woolen merchants. These tailor shops have disappeared.

[exigent]

Sorry, Exigent, I have nothing by Gian DeCaro. Gian will tell you that Seattle is one of the worst-dressed cities. However, years ago Seattle used to support a number of custom tailors and woolen merchants. These tailor shops have disappeared.

Perhaps we will both one day give DeCaro a try....

[mathew]

Nothing against Gian, but I can't imagine trying his services as I'm in the Midwest.

[Phil]

If ever there was a case of getting through a situation because I had the armor of a gentleman, this was one.

I went to see the man in question and found a very strange situation. But I kept a smile on my face. I explained the agreement I’d come to with the man’s son and learned that the father and son don’t speak. I waiting politely while the father railed, and then pursed the point until I was satisfied he understood I did not owe him any money.

When he asked where I had gotten my suits finished off, I told him. I again sat quietly as he railed against the suspect abilities of the other tailor. I kept a smile on my face and did not give in to the temptation to tell him that the man who finished my suits was twice as good and not a hack, as he had described him.

But the oddest part was that his wife had now become part of the business, sort of a manager if you will. I made sure that she, too, understood what had taken place in her husband’s absence, just to make sure nothing was going to come back to bite me. I politely listened and smiled as she informed me she is also a real estate agent and offered to help me find my next house. I smiled as I declined immediate assistance on the house hunting front.

I very sweetly asked her to put in writing that I was square with the shop for receiving the suiting cloth in exchange for the deposit I’d made on the unfinished suits. And I got both of them to sign that paper. I smiled and did a lot of hand shaking as I folded it up and put it in my pocket.

I left with everyone smiling and waving and it seemed no one notice the marks on the sidewalk where I dug my heels in to run for my life once I was safely out the door.

And, again, I thank everyone for their encouragement on this matter.

[exigent]

If ever there was a case of getting through a situation because I had the armor of a gentleman, this was one.

I went to see the man in question and found a very strange situation. But I kept a smile on my face. I explained the agreement I’d come to with the man’s son and learned that the father and son don’t speak. I waiting politely while the father railed, and then pursed the point until I was satisfied he understood I did not owe him any money.

When he asked where I had gotten my suits finished off, I told him. I again sat quietly as he railed against the suspect abilities of the other tailor. I kept a smile on my face and did not give in to the temptation to tell him that the man who finished my suits was twice as good and not a hack, as he had described him.

But the oddest part was that his wife had now become part of the business, sort of a manager if you will. I made sure that she, too, understood what had taken place in her husband’s absence, just to make sure nothing was going to come back to bite me. I politely listened and smiled as she informed me she is also a real estate agent and offered to help me find my next house. I smiled as I declined immediate assistance on the house hunting front.

I very sweetly asked her to put in writing that I was square with the shop for receiving the suiting cloth in exchange for the deposit I’d made on the unfinished suits. And I got both of them to sign that paper. I smiled and did a lot of hand shaking as I folded it up and put it in my pocket.

I left with everyone smiling and waving and it seemed no one notice the marks on the sidewalk where I dug my heels in to run for my life once I was safely out the door.

And, again, I thank everyone for their encouragement on this matter.

You are a brave and clever fellow--congratulations on a tiresome job well done!