STYLE

SHE SAID YES

ACES HIGH
ON V-DAY

A Valentine's date can be full oof more thorns than the discounted long stems you bought from the street corner vendor. A woman has higher expectations of her prince on this day, and if you want to see Cinderella again, you will sweep her off her feet with style. Your wardrobe on Cupid's holiday, can be the difference between doing the lonely man limbo or being a guido with libido. You need an ace up your sleeve, and we have just the place.

American Aces has been dishing out stylish duds for more than eight years at it's location on 78 South Broadway. Set in the more romantic decades of the 40's and 50's, American Aces offers vintage and reproduction clothing, as well as accessories, for the fashionably retro.

"I personally think psychobilly -- a mix of modern and rockabilly -- is a good look," said Logan Gottesman, manager and buyer for American Aces, "Its a classic look, creating a nice modern package."

Dressing for your date is as vital as the location of your romantic rendezvous.

"Gifts are always good," Gottesman said , "But its all in the plan -- you've got to have a good plan. Thinking about your date-- where you will go and what you will wear-- is very important. To really impress her, be the man with a plan."

If your plan calls for a fancy restaurant, you should look finer than the food. Feast upon a DaVinci authenticate reproduction shirt ($52.00) and a pair of vintage, slim straight legs.

"Those baggy pants are sloppy," Gottesman said. "We want to see a boys butt -- that's why we like the gabardine pants so much."

Your favorite watering hole and a local band can make for an affectionate gala, but only if you have distinct casual flair within your wardrobe. Fill up with a Von Dutch flying eyeball T-shirt ($16.00) and a pair of vintage dark indigo Big E Levis ($450.00).

"The Big E's are good stuff for people who are looking for super authentic 50's jeans," says Gottesman, "And rockabilly will never go out of style."

If you really want to impress her, consider putting together an impromptu and intimate luau for two. A big umbrella, some tiki lights, take out sushi, and a Avanti exact replica Hawaiian shirt in 100 percent silk ($55.00) should do the trick (oh- and don't forget the lei).

"The Avanti shirts," Gottesman said, "Feel like butta' ."

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate your love holiday, American Aces can assist you in dressing and impressing.

"Everyone here is really knowledgeable, and any of us can point someone in the right direction," Gottesman said. "In the end, it's really just an expression of yourself."

--Stephanie Shearer

American Aces sells men's and women's vintage and reproduction clothing, accessories, and gifts at 78 S. Broadway. (303)733-2237