Personal Shopper Bonnie Raimy on dressing DJ:

Dennis “DJ” Johnson
Senior Vice President & Senior District Manager—
Associated Bank, N.A.

Years in the Industry: 19
Years in Madison: 20
Best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Pay yourself first.
What community organizations are you involved with?
• Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools—Board of Directors
• Out Professional & Executive Network—Board Treasurer
• Junior League Madison—Advisory Board

Bonnie Says:

I wanted to find a look that catered to a different side of DJ, instead of just his banker 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. persona (or in DJ’s case, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.). The clothes needed to stay professional, so I immediately headed to JAZZMAN, Context Clothing, and Bill Paul, LTD. Studio. These high-end retailers cater to the likes of DJ: people in power positions who also want to maintain their sense of self when outside of the office.

JAZZMAN is the professional guy’s candy store: upscale with a funky flair. Although he looked good in everything we tried, we went with the Cotton Reel Utility, 1885’s floral print, button-down paired with a Calvin Klein cream vest. The look is professional/casual and can be accompanied by a blazer and tie in the office, or stand-alone for out-of-office engagements. We retained a look of sophistication, but by adding the floral print and vest sans blazer, the outfit also pulls off a whimsical side that DJ likes to highlight. Instead of a dress shoe, we went with Steve Maddens’ Dellray casual sneaker-like shoe. The white/beige contrast compliments the shirt and also took DJ “outside of his box” … just a bit.

Next, we headed to Context Clothing where the owners know their stuff… and their stuff is denim. The jeans, A.P.C. rescue denim, are classic, and although denim, they say anything but casual. The jeans are reminiscent of James Dean and Marlon Brando, and add a level of class that your basic worn-in, faded jeans simply cannot. The jeans are humble, no frills, no crazy stitching…just real jeans for real people, which is why DJ wore them so well.

Bill Paul LTD. Studio also contributed a great pair of Gardeur “wash out” stretch jeans in chocolate. Although not pictured, they were a perfect accompaniment to the floral shirt and vest, and very easily transition from office to happy hour.

No time to shop? Dar Boyer, manager, will come to you!

In order to climb the corporate ladder, you don’t need to fill your closet with just suits. Madison has more than enough upscale retailers to satisfy both your professional and playful sides. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and shop!

Jazzman Clothing
(608) 256-2062 | 340 State Street, Madison, WI 53703
Cotton Reel Utility, 1985 floral shirt, retail $79.00
Calvin Klein “Separates Collection” cream vest, retail $65.00
Steve Madden “Dellray” casual shoe, retail $79.00
Bill Adler vegetable dyed belt, retail $59.00

Context Clothing
(608) 250-0113 | 113 King Street, Madison WI 53703
A.P.C. Rescue Denim: indigo, retail $155.00