Just Clubby Enough

Executive Menswear, in Springfield, has a staff that can create super-fast outfits for work or play.

THE SHOP: Executive Menswear, 1626 E. Republic Road, French Quarter Plaza (next to Touch), Springfield, 417-889-3331. (Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: Warm, cozy, and a little “clubbish,” Executive Menswear creates an environment where men can feel comfortable and women can feel welcome. Deep brown leather chairs and soft jazz combine with mustard walls and dark wood furniture to create a relaxed feeling.

KEY PERSON: North Carolina transplant Raymond Eddings came to Springfield four years ago to work as a financial planner. Wanting out of the industry, he tapped into the experience he gained as a college student working at an upscale men’s clothing store. That experience, combined with his business degree, led to the opening of this store.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: I immediately gravitated toward a mannequin wearing a richly colored sport coat of fine wool made by Tallia and priced at $395. It was so smooth and soft, I wanted one for myself. Raymond pulled one off the rack and expertly paired it with navy dress pants, also by Tallia and priced at $115, and a light blue pinpoint oxford shirt by Forsyth of Canada for $65. Then, he topped off the entire ensemble with a funky paisley tie by Ike Behar for $85. Just as quickly as he put that together—and I commented on how much I liked it—Raymond grabbed a delicious rust-colored cashmere sweater by Raffi priced at $225 and showed how it could replace the tie and shirt for a different look. This was fun!

I asked about suit styles. Menswear tends to be more traditional than women’s, but Raymond showed me a wonderful tone-on-tone navy pinstripe suite by S. Cohen for $525. I liked the update on the normal pinstripe look. It was modern without being too offbeat. He quickly assembled another outfit with a $75 white-on-white patterned dress shirt, again by Forsyth of Canada, and a classic red striped tie by Ike Behar for $85. It was a sharp look that could easily suit (pun intended) almost any workplace.

Executive Menswear is mostly about dress wear, but the store has a small area of business-casual clothing as well. As with all the clothing you’ll find here, these are high-quality pieces that stand the test of time. Patterned shirts by Axis and James Tattersall add a splash of color to plain pants but are still office-appropriate. I really loved the casual pants by Axis made of a blend of cotton and cashmere. They are deliciously soft but not sloppy and priced at $125. Top it with an $85 mock turtleneck of combed cotton by Raffi, and you have the perfect casual Friday look.

As with many specialty stores, it’s the details that make the experience perfect. Take the tie selection at Executive Menswear. Raymond carefully chooses them and only orders one or two of any style, ensuring that none of the guys at the office will have the same one as you. Raymond also offers alterations on all purchases, and many can be done in a matter of days. He even offers complimentary drop-off service to offices and homes of busy clients. He also plans to add a line of Italian-made shoes by Mezlan, belts and tuxedos.

417 VERDICT: Customized service and attention to detail make this a shopping experience that both men and women can enjoy. Don’t let the small selection fool you; this store has a finely tuned selection of what every man needs to look his best. Stop by and let the professionals help you dress to impress.