If fine clothing is important to you, then 45/46 Fine Men’s Apparel is a place worth a visit while you are here in Greater Cincinnati. This men’s apparel store is a retail establishment in the high-end tradition of men’s stores, because of the hand-picked nature of what you will find on the racks and shelves, and in the swatch books.

Jim Young, the GM and buyer, had this to say about his selection: “I hand pick everything in here. I spend a lot of time at market, deciding what will go in my selection each season. Then I spend the extra time on how I want the shirt (or other garments) modeled—how I want the collar, the taper, the sleeves, the cuffs. So even though that fabric is available to everybody in the world, I’ve modified it—it’s specifically made for this store.”

That personal men’s-wear insight shows in the shirts, sweaters and other garments that adorn the racks and tables of this shop. The patterns and styles are distinctive and fashionable. Your purchase becomes an image statement as well.

There is also a made-to-measure program at 45/46. Patrons can have suits, sport coats and shirts made by 45/46. The custom process allows a man to pick from fabric swatches for the suit, coat or shirt goods, and determine the style and fit of every aspect of the finished goods, right down to the button choices, and even the lining of the suit or sport coat. Young does the measurement personally, and follows through with the final fitting. If you have never had a suit of clothing or a shirt custom-made, the 45/46 shop is a place that will help you through the process with the utmost personal one-on-one service, according to Young.

The 45/46 apparel focus is on fine products that are made in the USA. Young pointed out several lines that are of US manufacture: “Even my denim is made in the USA,” he said. The company is Citizens for Humanity, a jeans maker based in Los Angeles. Young claims to have the largest selection of Citizen’s denim anywhere in the tri-state area, with more variety than any other outlet for the jeans.

In ready-made suits, the store carries American-made suits by Hart, Schaffner & Marx and Hickey Freeman. Both brands have been part of fine men’s wear for generations. In shoes, Young stocks the Allen Edmonds line, and is the largest independent dealer in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky for the American-made footwear.

Also, you’ll find designer clothing by Hugo Boss, Ted Baker and other labels. Those products are manufactured abroad, and are offered in 45/46.

Those with gift lists to fill may want to consider the line of Korchmar leather goods offered at 45/46. Among the selections is a smart tan leather duffle of full-grain leather, featuring both handle and shoulder strap, and brass fittings. There are messenger bags and briefcases as well, all formerly made locally in Cincinnati, and now made in Florida.

There is a serious tie selection, all custom made, and no more than two of any style. Same with the sock selection…incredible choices throughout the store.

Find 45/46 on Hyde Park Square at 2719 Erie Avenue. See you there!

High-end salons can be a bit pretentious, a bit full of the prima donna factor. If you have ever been to salons exhibiting those characteristics, you know the attitude, right?

Christopher Marcus Salon on Hyde Park Square is high-end, but with a pleasant twist. No pretention, for starters. And no drama, either. So where we are with all that is high-end and laid back, providing hair, nail and skin services to discriminating women and men.

“We have an amazingly talented team of stylists here,” said Mark Neff, the man who runs the show. He backed this up by saying that every one of the stylists and service providers has at least seven years’ experience in their respective specialties. Neff said that talent brings confidence and self-assurance at the point it matters most—in serving clients.

Those attributes play into his team strategy. A team orientation means his staff works together in focusing on client needs. Egos do not get in the way of delivering good service. “No drama, here, so our focus can be on each and every customer who walks through the door.”

Many visitors to Greater Cincinnati already know of the salon, because of its emphasis on time management, or said another way, being conscientious with the time of people on the go. “We offer manicures and pedicures, but also, we offer an Express Manicure & (or) Pedicure for our color clients,” Neff said. “We make a real effort to conserve and effectively use the person’s time.”

The same is true for glycolic peels for the face, which the salon introduced as Skin Care on the Go. The treatment is designed to be a quick in-and-out service that may be done during a lunch hour or the like—30 minutes, and you’re on your way.

Peels have become more than cosmetic, since the removal of skin reduces the risk of skin cancer by 70 percent, according to Neff. There is an anti-aging benefit as well, since the top layer of dead skin is removed. The treatment tricks the skin into rejuvenating itself, which helps with fine lines and wrinkles, making you look younger, he said.

Asked about hair makeovers, Neff said many clients come in wanting just that—a makeover. “People come in with a magazine and say: ‘I want that look.’ A picture is worth a thousand words, but there is more to it” he said. His stylists spend the time in consultation in the beginning—clearly establishing what the client wants or is looking for.

“A good stylist will take everything into consideration: face shape, texture of the hair, how much hair, the color, every aspect of the cut. Good consultation is what sets up success, and experience teaches you that,” he said.

One new feature of his salon is the Skin Clinic Happy Hour—a group approach held at the end of the day. The HH is designed for 6-8 people, and along with wine and appetizers, the skin services are provided. It’s a fun time, Neff said.

Both appointments and walk-ins are welcome, and the salon is open Tuesday through Saturday—closed Sundays and Mondays. See you at Christopher Marcus Salon!