Who would have thought one of the most exciting menswear shops in America was in…Atlanta? Take one step inside Sid Mashburn’s Buckhead boutique however and you’ll realize it’s true. Sid has created the perfect marriage of Southern gentleman and Northern savvy in his namesake store and line of suits, shirts and shoes, all with an uncanny attention to quality. Our correspondent, RJ Duggan traveled down south to speak with the man himself about the things and places he loves.

Q. What are you wearing today?

Sid: Sartorio jacket, Sid Mashburn pants, Sid Mashburn belt, Belgian shoes (54th, btwn Park & Lex). Matt has on a pair of wingtips he wears with jeans, we wear dress shoes fairly indiscriminately, suits, jeans, kakhi’s. Then he’s wearing a sharp, blue Hamilton shirt, Hamilton from Houston.

Q. What was the last big purchase you made on clothing?

Sid: That would be a Sartorio suit

Q. Was that custom?

Sid: No, I’m an off the rack kind of guy

Q. Have you had a custom suit made?

Sid: Yes, in 1985 I had a red, silk, seersucker, suit made by Nino Corvato for Catania clothing on lower 5th avenue, it was seriously Uncle Sam.

Q. Where is your favorite place to shop?

Sid: Tokyo, I like Beams or United Arrows, but boiling it down to one spot is tough because I like Italy a lot too. There are lots of stores that I like for a lot of different reasons, but probably my favorite store in the world is Deyrolle in Paris. That to me is one of the coolest, most inspiring places because when you’re around clothes and fashion all day, you lose your hankering for shopping for clothes and at the end of the day you may be looking for something else that really peaks your interest. I like A. Giemme in Cuomo or Eral 55 in Milan.

Q. Favorite store in New York?

Sid: I can’t afford anything in there, but I like BDDW, they do furniture, as well as the Persian shop on 54th and Madison.

Pete: It’s a museum you can shop in.

Sid: Oh and Barbara Shaum, she does beautiful leather stuff.

Q. What are your favorite brands?

Sid: Russell, I love, Sartorio, I love, Atkinson is pretty special, APC a lot too, things with soul. We like for there to be an inherent utility in things, and all of these brands tend to carry that.

Matt: Levi’s, Quoddy, Atkinson.

Q. What do you want to be known for? What are you most proud of in your recent work?

Sid: Just a quest for taking care of people, that’s really what Sid Mashburn is about, taking care of people, and to do that is providing the best quality product we can for the best value. Its passion, people and product. If you don’t have the passion you can go do something else.

Matt: I think when someone walks out of this store they should feel happier than when they came in, not feel like they were sold, more like they were educated.

Sid: And taken care of.

Q. Where do you grab a drink after a tough day?

Sid: A Schlitz or Pacifico out of the refrigerator in the back

Q. Favorite restaurant in New York?

Sid: La Tazza D’oro, “Cup of Gold” on 8th and 15th street, sort of a dominican coffee shop.

Q. Your order?

Sid: Roast chicken, beans and rice and a cafe con leche for dessert with some plantains

Q. What’s next for Sid Mashburn?

Sid: In fleshing out our products, we will have Sid Mashburn suits coming in September. We started with shirts, trousers, shoes and sweaters, and now suits. We’ve wanted to do suits the whole time, as you can tell I’m kind of big on the “whole package”, I don’t want to be a classification store.

Q. What is your dream collaboration?

Sid: Honestly, I don’t ever want to do Sid Mashburn with anybody else, I want it to just be me or them, because everyone is doing these “so-and-so” for whoever else, and I would rather it just be my label or their label. Even if we do things for somebody, I don’t want it to be a Sid Masburn for Russell, I would rather it be a more opague relationship, it just seems too celebrity, I’d rather keep it a bit more pure.

Q. First Design job?

Sid: David Cameron at J. Crew for 5 years in the mid 1980s and early 1990’s

Q. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere, the other guys here at the store, music, friends, family, travelling, but if I had to hone in on what I’ve always had a vision for is a sort of 1960’s cross between the beach boys and woodstock, in a funny sense, a preppy/hippy thing.

Pete: Sid is from Mississippi though, so there’s always going to be something southern about what he does. He wouldn’t be Sid Mashburn if he didn’t.

Sid: Clothes as a statement in New York come off as heavy, not effortless. Too heavy, too moody.

Q. What will you never wear?

Sid: Jumpsuit, or pajamas, and only a t-shirt when i’m working out.

Great food, non-stop nightlife and lovely South American ladies are but a few of the reasons to visit Buenos Aires. We’re going to give you one more reason to go there: It’s dirt-cheap!

Cheap Sleeps

Food and lodging in Buenos Aires is so inexpensive, that even if the airfare is somewhat high, you might still be getting a better deal than some of the traditional Spring Break destinations. For example, at the Hostel Inn Buenos Aires, rooms are just $10 a night! They offer a complete breakfast, as well as free wifi and Internet access. If you would prefer a hotel, The Waldorf has rooms from $38 a night. The hotel is located near the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron is buried.

The Art Hotel in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires is a boutique hotel in a 100-year old townhouse. The hotel has an art gallery, as well as a small café where breakfast, which is included in your room rate, is served. Breakfast consists of a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, yogurts and breads, as well as a unique type of hard-boiled egg, which is about the size of a cherry tomato. There is also a PC in the lobby, with free Internet access. Rates for a single, twin room are 85 pesos, which, at the current exchange rate, comes to about $27.50.

Exploring the City

Definitely visit the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires. The Recoleta Cemetery is home to some of the most famous leaders in Argentina’s history, such as Eva Peron. Each “grave” is actually the size of a small home. If you go on the weekend, there is a crafts fair outside the cemetery, where you can pick up inexpensive gifts for the GF.

Speaking of Eva Peron, if you are interested in that period of history, visit the Evita Museum, located at 2988 Lafinur Street in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. You’ll find rare footage of her speeches, as well as interesting photos that depict the political career of Juan and Eva Peron.

For a unique view of Buenos Aires, pay a visit to La Boca. From the colorful houses, the murals and the tango dancers on the street, a visit to La Boca lets you know that you are truly in South America. In many ways, this is the best way to see tango dancing. For a small price, you can even dance with one of the ladies.

Cheap Eats

With the exception of the obvious tourist traps, it’s easy to find inexpensive places to eat in Buenos Aires. Although beef is the national specialty, contrary to rumor, it is possible to find non-beef items such as chicken and pizza. Keep in mind that South Americans tend to eat very late. Most restaurants stay open until 2:00 AM. The restaurant Cabaña las Lilas, located at Alicia Moreau de Justo 516, is probably the most popular restaurant for beefeaters. It’s always crowded, so get there as early as possible.

When you get tired of eating beef, and start craving some inexpensive seafood, check out Laurak Bat, a Basque restaurant that specializes in seafood. It is located at Av Belgrano 1144.

Side Trips to Iguazu Falls

If you have the time, visit Iguazu Falls. The falls actually mark the border between Argentina and Brazil. It’s possible to get a flight for under $100 from Buenos Aires to Iguazu. For information, check here. The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls allows you to look at each individual part of the falls, whereas the Brazilian side gives you a panoramic view. To visit the Brazilian side, you will need to purchase a visa. However, an Argentine taxi driver can also take you across the border without a visa. While this is a pretty standard practice, do this only at your own risk.

Don’t miss the hike that brings you to the raft ride through the falls. Although they supply raincoats, you will probably be so warm by the time that you get there; you will appreciate the blast of cold water. The word “Iguazu” is derived from the words “large” and “waters.” This is the understatement of the year! The falls are massive. Almost as fascinating as the falls is the hike through Iguazu National Park, where you’ll find a variety of interesting wildlife, such as monkey-like creatures called coati as well as multi–colored birds. The Hotel Saint George has rooms that include breakfast and dinner for under $100 a night.

Colonia

When the heat of Buenos Aires becomes oppressive, a day trip to Colonia, Uruguay is just what the doctor ordered. Fortunately, you can get there by a 40-minute boat ride, Buquebus even serves food, which is more than anyone can say about the airlines these days! Cool breezes, cobblestone streets and inexpensive crafts shops characterize the town of Colonia. Given its location, it’s also a great place for seafood.

Given the amount of time it takes to travel to Buenos Aires, you probably want to allow for a one-week vacation. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, and carry a water bottle at all times. Have fun!

Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, George Peppard, and Wolverine are all men of distinction and all men who enjoy a good cigar. This poses the question, though, what makes a good cigar? It turns out that cigars (unlike cigarettes) are created by professionals with precision and artistry. Premium cigars are not made, but crafted.

Cigar tobacco takes only 4 1/2 months to go from seed to harvest. After that, things begin to heat up. Like fine wine or well crafted microbrew, for cigars, it all starts with fermentation. Tobacco is first moistened and then piled into towering stacks (or bales). The interior temperature of these bales can reach as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit as the old gods of chemistry do their thing. Their thing, specifically, removes ammonia from the tobacco and releases nicotine. During this stage, the tobacco may be turned and remoistened up to three or four times.

Fermentation ceases and the tobacco is then bound in burlap to age for at least 18 months to two years. Some manufacturers may keep the tobacco stored this way for up to 10 years. When ready for use, the tobacco is moistened again to insure that it will be malleable enough for the master blender and rollers.

The executive chef of the cigar world is the master blender. The master blender brings several types of tobacco of varying strengths and taste into balance and harmony. Once the master blender has achieved his desired formulation, it is sent to the roller’s desk. Each type of tobacco is stored separately at the roller’s desk until it’s time to roll the cigar.

It’s time to roll the cigar. The roller takes the leaves and places them into a large, flat, elastic leaf called a “binder”. The tobacco is then rolled into a bunch and then cut to length. The bunch is then placed into a wooden mold. The wooden mold is placed in a screw press, pressed, the bunch inside is turned over, and pressed again. This process usually takes about an hour.

The bunch is then removed from the mold and placed inside a very elastic and visually appealing “wrapper” leaf. This represents a critical moment in the process and the cigar roller must keep constant pressure on the bunch and the wrapper as he rolls the two into a shape which more closely resembles a cigar. A dab of vegetable glue is added to prevent unraveling.

Cigars are then inspected by hand for weight and the presence of hard or soft spots. Hard spots could make for difficult or uneven smoking. Soft spots could cause a cigar to burn unevenly. Cigars with these defects present are promptly rejected. Cigars are then weighed, typically in bunches of 50. If significant weight variations are detected they may be sent back to the rollers. Skilled rollers roll cigars with weight variation of less than a gram. That’s the approximate weight of a paper clip.

Cigars which pass these rigorous standards are sent to the aging room. The aging period allows the flavors of the differing tobaccos to intermingle which further balances the ultimate taste. An aging period of 21 days is typical, though some companies may choose to age their cigars for up to 6 months. After the process is complete, the cigars are again inspected for variations of the wrapper leaf color and, finally, boxed for shipping.

The cigars are then shipped to fine cigar shops and other expert retailers to be purchased by men of distinction and taste, such as yourself – a debonair man.

Debonair readers can indulge further with a free cigar from Velvet Cigar, featured in our Dividends section.

Provided by Velvet Cigar lounge in collaboration with Dominic Griffin.

WHAT :

debonair dividends offer you perks and deals with some of our favorite stores, shops, and services. Click to find out how to get a great deal or just to discover something new.

WHO :

NY VINTNERS

Wine clubs at 40%-50% off

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ALEXANDER WEST-CUSTOM TAILORS

Debonair readers receive 15% off their entire order

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NYC LAUNDRY COMPANY

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VELVET CIGARS

Receive a free cigar during their next visit to Velvet Cigar Lounge

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Debonair readers receive 10% off their entire order

Purchase 5 custom shirts and get 1 free

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WHO:

[Alex Yoo] Alexander West is an purveyor of fine bespoke dress and tuxedo shirts to the style-conscious metropolitan professional.  Alexander West clients can craft their dress shirts according to their specific body measurements.  In addition to custom fit, all clients choose their favorite collar, cuff, front, back, bottom, pocket and monogram styles for a unique bespoke experience.  www.alexander-west.com

WHAT:

Debonair readers receive a 15% discount

How to Redeem:

[Alex Yoo] Redeem at our NY SoHo Showroom or online.  Just mention debonair or use the enter the promotion code in the payment page.

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NY SOHO SHOWROOM (*By Appointment Only*) (one block away from SoHo Apple Store) 110 Greene, Suite 404

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THE FINE PRINT:

Expiration: 10/31/2011

WHO:

Velvet Cigar Lounge Velvet Cigars, with its popular cigar lounge and highly touted cigar brand, offers both the connoisseur and novice an experience like no other.  The Velvet Cigar Lounge captures the creative and laid back feel of Manhattan’s East Village, creating a relaxing and welcoming experience perfect for any visitor looking to enjoy a cigar.  As a BYO location, Velvet is also an inexpensive option to practice the cigar lifestyle.

With a master blend of finely aged Dominican, Cuban-seed tobacco, each Velvet Cigar is a handcrafted, exceptional smoke. Our cigars are produced by a family-owned business that, for over three generations, has produced cigars that have stood out for consistency and flavor.  Over 50,000 Velvet Cigars have been sold to aficionados and first-timers from all over the world.  They have experienced the unique pleasure of a Velvet Cigar, and we invite you to do the same.

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debonair readers FREE CIGAR – E-mail info@velvetcigars.com to receive a free cigar during your next visit to Velvet Cigar Lounge.  Please add Debonair to the subject line.

Enter promocode DEBONAIR for 20% off of your entire Online order.

How to Redeem:

80 EAST 7th STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10003
212-533-5582

Visit Velvet Cigar Lounge Online

WHO:

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OFFER:

• 10% off all orders for debonair readers (mention “Debonair” when making appointment)
• Purchase 5 custom shirts and get 1 free

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We are a traditional custom-tailoring shop offering classic and elegant clothing tailored with English cuts and outstanding Italian workmanship. With over 30 years of tailoring experience we pride ourselves in offering the finest craftsmanship and quality along with impeccable customer service. Our goal is to provide superior custom tailored clothing to professionals. You can feel assured that your clothing will be treated with meticulous care and skill. Our impressive client list includes prominent celebrities, pro athletes, corporate executives, lawyers, physicians, stockbrokers, politicians, accountants and bankers. We are committed to creating clothing that complements your individuality, style, and personal taste.

How to Redeem:

All of our business is conducted by appointment only in our showroom.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on prestigious Madison Avenue.  Contact us today for a personal consultation and appointment.

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Custom Tailor

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New York, NY 10022

Tel: 212-421-4440

Email: info@francogiuseppe.com

Website: www.francogiuseppe.com

THE FINE PRINT:

The above offers cannot be combined.

WHO:

NYC Laundry Company – NYC’s premier eco-friendly valet garmet and laundry service

New York City Laundry Company is an Eco-Friendly Garment Valet Services Company. Our mission is not only to provide a premium quality level of service to NYC working professionals, but to also maintain a conscious environmental awareness. We only use verifiable 100% biodegradable detergents and everything from our hangers to the bags we provide are made of 100% recycled material.

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WHO:

The Dish’s Dish

The Dish’s Dish is a weekly home chef service. It’s the ultimate bachelor must-have, designed to convince any date that you could have been on Top Chef. Once a week, a Culinista designs a menu based on your personal taste and culinary desires. She grocery shops for ingredients and then, while you’re out, spends about 3 hours in your kitchen, cooking between 6-8 dishes meant to be mixed and matched throughout the week. She bundles your food into the fridge with labels and reheating instructions and makes the kitchen spotless. All that’s left for you to do is pop something in the oven and light some candles.

WHAT:

Debonair readers receive the weekly home chef service for $250 per week plus groceries during the first 6 months of service (service is usually $300 plus groceries).

How to Redeem:

To redeem this offer go to:

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THE FINE PRINT:

*** This offer is exclusive to NY Users ONLY