Keith Elsworth Dorsett is one of the most recognizable sales people in town. He spent 21 years at Macy’s-Marshall Fields-Daytons. If you’ve bought something from the downtown store, you’ll probably know his face and you’ve probably missed seeing it in the past few months.

Never fear, his new menswear boutique is just steps away on the skyway through the men’s shoe department. The shop is a well-edited version of what Dorsett wants to stock. You’ll find a John Varvatos suit ($895), Jason Hammerberg’s Rarity shirts ($80), Parasuco jeans ($120-$140), Ted Baker and some very distinctive shirts from Billtornade such as this cotton sweater ($200) with subtle, but cool details. This soft collection belt ($106) in brown or black has very distinctive texture.

That’s what Dorsett’s style is about. “Simplicity without a lot of bling. Sharp,” he said. That’s also why he prefers silver (over gold) hardware on belts and clothes (such as buttons and studs). The store’s logo? A dark silhouette of a man, actually his father when he was 16. At Elsworth, it’s all about the personal touches.

The best reason to shop there? Dorsett’s signature advice. He’ll show you how to put your looks together–such as this outfit he mixed and matched before my eyes, inspired by the Leather Island belt ($56). Trousers with a Gypsy 05 shirt ($68) and Kenneth Cole boots ($275). He doesn’t use mannequins–the ideas will be just for you.

Yesterday, Dorsett answered the phone, “Thanks for calling Elsworth.” Then he proceeded to tell the rep: “I’m still getting used to the phone. For years, it has been Macy’s or Marshall Fields or Daytons.” I suspect he’ll become accustomed to it really quickly.

OPENING PARTY & FASHION SHOW!
Celebrate the opening with Dorsett this Thursday night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Fashion show at 7:30.

Elsworth, Highland Bank Court, 811 LaSalle Av., suite 205A (skyway level, right through Macy’s men’s shoe department, Mpls, 612-339-0763.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Daily StylePointers, MN Shopping, Men's, Sales & Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.