Join us today for our Royall Lyme Reader Event, from 3-7 p.m., as local author Tony Wittwer talks about his new book, “Jonah’s Belly.”

The novel was inspired by Wittwer’s own experience of living in the wooded hills in Brown County, Indiana, where he spent one year, on a sabbatical of sorts. The lush hillsides inspired the mystical, magical hill that is the center and namesake of the novel, Jonah’s Belly. Here’s the description from the back cover of the book:

Thriller, love story, and supernatural tale, Jonah’s Belly is an intricately woven tapestry of tender and terrible things.

Strange things are happening on the hill called Jonah’s Belly. A tall circle of weathered stone pillars stands on top of the hill. The circle of stones is ancient, crumbling, and holy—a small and hidden Stonehenge, slumbering in the mist-covered woods. An old magic has begun flowing from the stone circle and spilling down Jonah’s Belly. The magic touches those living near the hill, drawing together ordinary people and extraordinary beings as events and dark forces begin to collide.

In an interesting twist, a bottle of lime-scented cologne–inspired by a childhood memory Wittwer had of “Royall Lyme,”–plays a central role in the novel. A few weeks ago, Wittwer sent a thank you note to Royall Lyme. “As both a ‘thanks’ and a gift, I sent a copy of the book to the company, along with a note about my memories of the cologne and the scent’s inclusion in the novel,” Wittwer explains. “The Royall Lyme company not only appreciated the gift, they also decided to ‘have some fun with it.'”

And by “fun” Wittwer means a full-on PR campaign, with promotional events, email blasts, and announcements on Royall Lyme’s website and social media outlets.

Lucky for Fort Wayne, one of those events is happening right here at Christopher James Menswear. Hear Wittwer read from his novel, ask him some questions, and then maybe shop a little bit (you’ll get a free gift bag with any Royall Lyme purchase).

So come in and see us: today, August 7 from 3-7 p.m. You won’t want to miss this!

Watch Chris Lambert interviewed on Insight

In 1984, Bill Thomas, founder of Bill’s Khakis, discovered a pair of original WWII khakis at an Army surplus store in Ohio. Thomas, then a college student, fell madly in love with his newfound treasure. He admired their durability, deep pockets, and reveled in their supreme comfort. He wore them constantly–until they were little more than a pile of thread. Sadly, Thomas knew he couldn’t replace them–modern day Dockers didn’t hold a candle to the khakis of yore.

Khakis of yore: a US Soldier in Australia in WWII in a khaki uniform (and with a charming pup) (Photo source: Wikicommons)

So, he decided to make his own. In 1990, Thomas began manufacturing khakis like they did back in WWII, and with all the traits he fell in love with that fateful day in 1984, in the Army surplus store.

The company has tinkered with its products over the years, e.g. adding skinnier fits and more color, but has otherwise remained consistent. No matter if you buy them here at Christopher James Menswear or the Sierra Trading Post (*cough…buy from CJM…cough*), you are guaranteed the same great product. This is why Bill’s Khakis has such a loyal following–men know what they want, and with Bill’s Khakis, they get it.

BK’s khakis come in four basic fits: trim, standard, relaxed, and full, and in a variety of twill cottons, linens, poplin, seersucker, and canvas fabrics. All of their pants, whether pleated, double-pleated, or flat-front, are sewn with expert craftsmanship. They are definitely worth the slightly higher price tag.

Also, Bill’s Khakis is based in Reading, Pennsylvania, and their pants are produced right here in the USA. So, that’s another thing you can feel good about when buying from this company.

Help preserve this “small but symbolic piece of Americana,” as Bill’s Khakis calls it, and come sample our selection of Bill’s Khakis apparel. Find us here.

Hello, gentlemen of Fort Wayne! If you are looking for Allen Edmonds shoes, you must come see us at the store. We have tons of A.E. shoes–we’ve got A.E. wingtips, slip-ons, drivers, boat shoes, and plenty more.

Here is just a small sample of of our selection:

AE’s bourbon leather. These would look fantastic with a navy suit (and we have those too).

What every man should own: AE in classic black. This is only a fraction of our AE black shoe selection.

AE slip ons

Several AE casual styles

More AE casual styles…

It’s tough to tell, but the shoe on the right is a gorgeous deep burgundy leather.

We have these Allen Edmond shoes and more, so definitely come see us for our whole selection.

*ALSO* If you vote for us for the Fort Wayne Newspapers Reader’s Choice Best Of…2014 we will give you 20% off your purchase. We are nominated for Best Men’s Store, Best Shoe Store, and Best Formal Wear Rental & Sales.

(And yeah, we know what your thinking: “Wow, that’s a lot of noms, CJM! Congrats!” Yeah, yeah…well, what can we say? We’re good at what we do…Oh…wait, you were thinking you could get 20% for each category vote? Sorry, one discount per person. We’re good, but not THAT good.)

Show us some love and vote for us here. 

Then, come see us here. We look forward to seeing you.