1. I know you're not the hugest denim-head, but what's the general consensus as to the best tailor for raw denim in the city? Need to get a pair of APC's downsized (tapered, etc.) and another, new pair straight-up hemmed. Chain-stitching not necessary but greatly appreciated.

    The denim-heads will tell you 45rpm on Mercer, but APC themselves will recommend G&G Cleaners on Grand.  While G&G looks like the front to a Yakuza drug trafficking operation, I can say from first hand experience that they do great work and are very reasonably priced (though they do not chain stitch).