Seeking Suede

Didn't have much time to put together anything lengthy this week, but wanted to take a quick look at one of my (recurring) obsessions: suede footwear. To me, suede is a kinda funky deal, in that it feels ridiculously seasonal during two opposite seasons: late spring and late fall. As spring starts to turn to summer, there's something about, say, a pair of off-white suede bucs that's perfect for the rising heat. Come fall, with winter right around the corner, the warm nap of a pair of chocolate suede chukkas is just as perfectly appropriate. And somehow, tan suede loafers fit the bill pretty much year round.

Anyway, the point is, I'm on the hunt for suede in a wide variety of footwear applications. Here's a roundup of some of my favorites right now:

Suede Sneakers:

Pennant Pack 574 | New Balance - $79.99

The most casual of the lot, I've been loving vintage-y running shoes. I have a few pairs without, but the pairs that do have suede are by far my favorite this season. I just picked up this pair of New Balance's the other week - not only is the style on point, at $80 it wasn't a bank-breaking buy.


Suede Loafers:

Unlined Penny Loafer in Snuff Suede | Alden - $512

Stepping up the formality a bit, but still very do-able as a casual shoe, I love a nice tan suede penny loafer. I don't yet have my own, but I know exactly what I want in a pair, and it's essentially a loafer version of these boots I picked up from Polo Ralph Lauren last year. The above pair is by Alden, and would definitely fit the bill, but I'd love to find something with a similar shape and color that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

Suede Chukkas:

Men's Field Chukka | Brooks Brothers - $298

Just as versatile as a penny loafer, a chukka can be dressed up or dressed down as you will, especially with a sharper pick like this pair Brooks Brothers. While significantly more expensive than a similar pair of Clark's (almost $300 compared to $130), the sleeker profile makes these far more appropriate with dressy clothing and suits. At the same time, they remain just as easy to pull off with a sharp pair of denim. And that warm, hot-chocolate-brown is as good as it gets as the temps continue to dip.

Suede Bomber:

Balderton Bomber | Bonobos - $695

Of course, suede isn't only used in footwear. In my opinion, the best alternative application of suede has got to be a nice suede bomber. It takes a more sporty style and adds a level of elegance that is just...next level, I guess! Of course, like any leather jacket, you won't find these puppies for cheap, but I'm a big fan of the jacket we offer at Bonobos - full disclosure, I do work there, but I'd recommend their iteration anyway! Keep your eye out for a promotion and you might be able to knock the price down to a bit more affordable point.

I'll end with a quick cautionary note: as perfect as suede feels for the fall, you've gotta be careful as we start encountering inclement weather. Personally, I think some suede looks fantastic all beaten up and worn out, but if you're trying to keep your suede fresh, snow and slush can be your worst enemy. Weatherproofing and diligent shoe care can help out immensely, but some days you'll just want to leave em at home.

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 6/27/2014

SO! Today is Friday. Not Thursday. My internal calendar got all of its wires crossed and I thought yesterday was Wednesday, hence Deals and Steals is a bit delayed. Without further ado:

"Every weekend, check in on the blog for a collection of the best (read: my favorite) deals and steals on the interweb for some quality shopping over the weekend. Have any to add? Share them in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. Also, if you're biting on any of these hooks, I'd love to hear about it!"

Before we start, I'll just say that I'm sure there will be a ton of 4th of July sales starting up on Monday - if we get a chance, we'll take a look at the best, but I definitely recommend taking a look around your favorite shops/brands at the end of the weekend. Anyway, here's what I found today:

Summer Sale at Frank & Oak:
Sales at Frank and Oak only come every so often, so I usually try to grab a piece or two while discounts are to be had. It doesn't look like there's an end date for this one, which most likely means it will keep rolling until stock runs out, but if you dawdle you may find yourself out of luck. As always, use our referral link to score $25 in credit (which makes these deals even harder to pass up). Among my picks are these Valence chino shorts, marked down to $35 from $50:

Valence Chino Shorts in Ivy Green | Frank & Oak

I actually was just recommending these to a fella over on Reddit who was looking for something similar to the J.Crew shorts but with a narrow leg opening. I have a pair of these from F&O and that's my favorite part - the slim fit doesn't end with the thigh, but carries through the leg, which I think just leads to a more flattering fit. There are a few colors available, but this military-ish green is my favorite of the bunch.

I've also got my eye back on the F&O blazers - I was off them for a while, as I found the tails kept getting shorter and shorter and the button stance higher and higher, but I saw some pics lately of Sabir Peele (of Men's Style Pro) looking pretty sharp in their newer Laurier cut, and he confirmed that it seems to be much more classically proportioned. After hearing that, I'm really tempted by the few that landed in the sale section. There are some more traditional options, but this green pique caught my attention:

Laurier Pique Blazer in Pine Green | Frank & Oak

Hunter green is a pretty underrated color, and I think this could stand out in just the right way. I'm curious as to how heavy the fabric is, but the fact that it's only partially lined bodes well for a nice summer blazer. Marked down to $94 (from $125) ain't too shabby either.

Again, feel free to use our referral link for that tasty credit.


Final Clearance up to 50% Off at Nordstrom:
Nordstrom's big sale is coming to an end, but you still have a chance to grab some great discounts. Been thinking of testing the dub-monk waters? Check out these bad boys from Nordstrom's in-house 1901 brand:

'Lynden' Double Monk | 1901 via Nordstrom

Sure, the brick soles limit them to more casual occasions, but if you're looking to test out the trend, it doesn't get much better than $50 for a pair of well-reviewed shoes. The shape is just perfect, which is actually pretty hard to find in a double-monk, and cheap suede is always a safer bet than cheap leather. These may very well end up in my closet this week.

The Nordstrom sale is also a great chance to get a good deal on items from brands that charge stupid high shipping fees and/or rarely offer free shipping through their own stores (which Nordstrom always does) - I'm talking Ralph Lauren, Gant, and especially Brooks Brothers. Unfortunately, these days it's damn hard to find a Brooks Brothers shirt that's not a formaldehyde dipped non-iron cotton (ugh, please), but they do have a few short-sleeved madras options that look to be all-natural. I'd grab this one, from the younger, slimmer Red Fleece line:

'Red Fleece Collection' Modern Fit Madras Plaid Sport Shirt | Brooks Brothers via Nordstrom

I don't have to tell you again how great of a summer fabric/patter madras is (just read about it here). We've been spoiled with pretty cool temperatures so far this summer, but at some point it's bound to get real hot and humid, at which point you'll be happy to have scored a shirt like this - especially at just $37 (originally $55). 

Browse the rest of the sale before it's too late!


Extra 20% Off Sale Items at Bonobos (code SALESECRET):
This one came with no fanfare (hence the 'secret' part, I guess), and there are a helluva lot of good deals to be had. Of course, check out all the chinos, which Bonobos is best known for - and I highly recommend taking a look at the Oxley's. They aren't super cheap, but they are super comfortable, and if the 20% off drops them into your budget, definitely get a pair. As far as their standard chinos go, my pick is this 'hickory' color:

Hickory Slicks Chinos in Slim Straight | Bonobos

I actually just picked these up a few weeks ago - to be honest, I don't remember if my price was this good, and I don't want to check in case I get bitter, but 20% off of $48 is a damn steal for any pants, let alone the fantastic Bonobos fit. I love that these clock in a little darker than your standard khaki, which just adds a bit of subtle variation to the lineup.

I've also always had really good luck with Bonobos sweaters. Sure, it's not necessarily sweater season, but a nice cotton knit makes a perfect layering piece for cooler nights. I think this bird's eye pattern helps capture a more summer-y vibe as well:

Sparrowfield Sweater in Heather Grey & White | Bonobos

100% cotton is great for the summer - a little easier to maintain, and a little less insulating. Pick one of these up and stuff it in your beach bag next time you head to the shore.

We have a referral link to Bonobos as well, which will knock $25 off a purchase of $75 or more.


Sample Sale from The Hill-Side:
Last on our list is this small collection from a newer brand, The Hill-Side. While I haven't had the chance to try them out yet, they make some damn nice looking accessories (I think we may have picked out a few before) that make great use of saturated indigo coloring and high quality fabrics. Normally pretty pricey, this sample sale puts a lot of items at much more manageable price points. I picked out two ties, the first of which is this cool 'starburst' pattern:

Starburst Discharge Print "Shwe Shwe" Tie | The Hill-Side

Have you noticed that I like patterns that look solid from afar, with more detail up close? This falls into that category, with only really the bright yellow centers visible at a first glance, but so much more to the pattern when you take a better look.

I'm also digging this overdyed gingham, which I actually passed over at first:

Selvedge Overprinted Gingham Check Tie | The Hill-Side

When I was skimming through, I thought it looked too bold, but when I came back to it, I decided it was a pretty perfect summer casual tie that could really add a pop of brightness against a white OCBD and tan cotton blazer. Both ties are only $30 on sale, regularly priced at $85 and $90, respectively.


And that's all we have for you this week - like I said, I have a feeling there are some good sales on the horizon, which may explain the general lack of wide discounts to be found today. We'll have to see.


Picking up anything special this weekend? Share your own steals in the comments:

'Know Your Patterns' - Houndstooth

I’ve said this before, but one of my favorite (now kind of long-term/ongoing) trends has been this resurgence of classic menswear patterns, especially when I see them being used in new ways. We talked recently about glen-plaid, which definitely falls into this category - originally mainly found in heavier wool suiting and outerwear, and now everywhere from shirts to ties to suits to bright chinos. It's just a great way to ground a ‘trend’ or new idea in something classic that has already stood the test of time.

That’s why, for our second installment of ‘Know Your Patterns,’ we are turning to the classic houndstooth check. The pattern originates in the Scottish lowlands as far back as the 1800’s, and traditionally alternates dark and light 'checks' for a look that is both refined and bold at the same time. Originally, the pattern was used pretty exclusively with heavy wool suiting and outerwear, just like Glen Plaid (and, I would guess, most patterns coming out of Scottish antiquity). Again, the application has spread widely as clothiers have experimented with the pattern in multitudes of uses.

The houndstooth pattern itself is characterized by an almost checked appearance, and is made up of repeating 'abstract' blocks with four kind-of jagged points (which is where the pattern derives its name, as the points can be reminiscent of a hounds jagged back teeth): 

There is a weaving pattern that causes this to happen, but it’s technical beyond my own interest (a quick google should pull it up for you if you are so inclined). The checks tend to run at a diagonal, giving a bit more visual interest compared to a standard square check (like a gingham). Even more variation is given by playing with the scale - more popular with women’s coats and dresses is a jumbo-scale print in stark black and white. On the other end of the spectrum is tiny puppytooth, often in a monochromatic scheme (or with subtle color differences), that function much like any other micro-pattern, appearing solid from a distance, with the visual depth clarifying as one gets closer. For the record, I love puppytooth the most - besides the cute name, it’s such a fantastic way to spice up a look without standing out like a sore thumb - in fact, to most passersby you are just wearing a solid garment, but those who know you enough to get up close can see how splendid of a dresser you really are.

The look has come in and out of popularity in waves, and is definitely feeling some time in the sun today as a pattern you can find used on almost any garment of clothing. I’ve really fallen in love with it as a tie pattern - I think it lends some old school charm to a look that I can then pump up with some more modern touches. It's also usually small enough in scale that it plays well with many patterned shirts. Brooks Brothers has a really nice option in navy that's currently pretty well discounted at $55.65 (seen below, originally $80), or you can grab this one in traditional black and white from The Tie Bar for just $15.

Houndstooth Tie | Brooks Brothers

Another subtle way to wear the pattern is in a dress shirt - which is where it really does act like micro-gingham or a micro-stripe - almost solid, but really not at all! Charles Tyrwhitt has some great shirts in puppytooth, all in warm colors like sky blue or lilac, like this one currently running just $39:

Lilac Two Color Puppytooth Dress Shirt | Charles Tyrwhitt

Progressively moving to larger pieces, I’ve been seeing summer blazers pop up with a usually light blue houndstooth pattern, which creates a really cool warm-weather vibe that doesn’t stick the standard (and some may say tired) staples like seersucker or gingham. I got a great cotton/linen jacket from Uniqlo for my birthday (pictured here on the Wide Eyes, Tight Wallets Instagram - @WideEyesTWBlog), but I believe it’s all sold out (maybe for the season). However, for not a ton more (a very reasonable and often discounted $188) J.Crew offers a very similar option - bonus, it might not suffer from the few Uniqlo faults of cropped tail and long sleeves.

Ludlow Sportcoat in Mini Houndstooth | J.Crew

If you want to go bolder, or at the same time more traditional, I suggest looking for heaving cloths and more fall/winter clothing. Where I would see a large-scale houndstooth check as kind of clownish on a shirt or tie, it looks bold and bossy on a luxe overcoat, or in muted colors on some toothy tweed. Sorry, though, we're currently too out of season for me to find an example on sale now, but I did find this shot of a fella looking damn good in a Thom Brown wool overcoat:

Photo Credit - The Bulletin

If you haven’t tried the pattern, I suggest picking up a small piece - it’s irregularity and funky shape can make it seem unapproachable, but it’s easier than you think to work into a regular ‘fit, and once you start, you won’t turn back.

How do you rock houndstooth? Do you have any favorite pieces? Share in the comments:

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 5/30/2014

Alright, folks, we've made it through another one! So here we go:

"Every weekend, check in on the blog for a collection of the best (read: my favorite) deals and steals on the interweb for some quality shopping over the weekend. Have any to add? Share them in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. Also, if you're biting on any of these hooks, I'd love to hear about it!"

Nothing to ramble about today, so right to the deals:

Extra 15% Off at Brooks Brothers (code EXTRA15):
Brooks Brothers is running a nice 15% discount, which isn't huge, but when you apply it to some already-marked-down clearance items, you can snag some really good finds. My first pick is this OCBD:

Solid Oxford Donegal Sport Shirt | Brooks Brothers

Yeah, I know, you guys are probably getting tired of seeing OCBD's here, but this one is a bit different, with a donegal fleck to the solid white pattern that I don't think I've seen anywhere else. To me, it's a great way to add some variety to your shirts without losing the versatility of a classic white button-down. At just under $30 with the discount (originally $70), it' not hard on your wallet either.

I also spotted this raglan-sleeve pullover, discounted to around $50 from $120:

Raglan Crewneck | Brooks Brothers

First off, this thing just looks damn comfortable. Like, I wish I had one on right now. On top of that, I'm digging the cream color and the contrast ribbing and stitching. The whole combo shouts 'beach layering' to me - a perfect way to warm up on a cool summer night.

Last, take a look at their selection of slim chinos. Nothing mindblowing here, but I've noticed that brands tend to only put their wacky, go-to-hell pants in the clearance section, so it's really nice to see a lot of great staple colors like khaki, mid-brown, grey and dark green. 

Slim Fit Chinos | Brooks Brothers

These are part of their 'Red Fleece' line, which ensures a slimmer, more modern fit - really don't think you can go wrong with these, especially marked down from $90 to just $38.


Up to 40% off Select Styles and Gap:
Gap, like J.Crew, seems to constantly have some sort of sale going on, but this round really seems to focus on spring/summer styles - and with the great weather we've been having (finally), I've got my eye on a few pieces. First up is this oxford popover in a horizontal stripe:

Modern Oxford Popover Shirt | Gap

I'm honestly loving everything about this - the popover shirt is my latest obsession, and a perfect alternative to the polo (slightly less sporty, more preppy, bingo). Horizontal stripes shake things up and add a kind of beachy vibe, and the modern tailored cut ties it all together. Currently $36, this normally runs $45.

Next, I pretty much always include a pair of lived-in chinos when I recommend picks from Gap - they are just so comfortable and the fit is spot on. This time around, they've got a pair in this color they are calling 'gale green' running $42 (down from $60):

Lived-In Slim Khaki | Gap

It's a bit earthier than mint, but greener than a forest or olive, so it has a nice seasonal flair without standing out like a sore thumb (you'd be perfectly fine wearing these to the office). 

Last, I'm thinking of picking up a pair of white jeans - I wanted white chinos for the summer, but every pair I try on is see-through, so I'm leaning towards opting for denim instead: 

1969 Slim Fit Jeans | Gap

It's not a look I usually rock, so I don't want to spend a ton of money, just in case I don't put it to much use. $46, down from $70, is certainly do-able, plus I have a pair of slim jeans from Gap and was really happy with the fit, whichI found to be between Levi's 511's and 513's. 


Jack Spade via HauteLook:
HauteLook is Nordstrom's flash sale site, very similar to Gilt or MyHabit. This week, they've got Jack Spade on sale, which is pretty awesome cuz Jack Spade makes some great stuff, but is generally pretty far out of my price range. Their line puts a heavy emphasis on luggage and bags, and while there's a decent selection on Haute, I was actually drawn instead to a few really fantastic looking ties. The first one that caught my eye was this silk tie with a small houndstooth check:

Alain Houndstooth Silk Tie | Jack Spade via HauteLook

I love a good houndstooth pattern, and while you see it more often on suiting materials, I think it looks great on a tie. The scale on this one is small enough to look almost solid from a distance, but get up close and you see the mix of red white and blue (a nice touch for 4th of July, perhaps?). Grab this one for $55, down from $130.

Keeping on scrolling, I was also caught by this pastel-striped tie in 100% linen:

Peele Stripe Linen Tie | Jack Spade via HauteLook

The colors and the fabric come together perfectly to make an incredibly summery tie and an effortless way to really embrace the season. The washed out blues and reds remind me of an oxford cloth, which I think gives the whole thing a very preppy vibe, which is right up my alley. The linen option is even cheaper than the silk, at $41 (originally $100).

Last, I picked out this orange and blue striped tie. Remember our article on how to work trendy-yet-abrasive orange into your wardrobe? Here's another great way to do it:

Graham Striped Silk Tie | Jack Spade via HauteLook

The blue stripes tone down the orange, making it less in-your-face and much easier to match with the rest of your closet. I'm also really digging the raw silk and the slubby neps peppered through the fabric, which really adds another layer of visual depth. This one is also priced at $55, originally $130.


Uniqlo Weekly Promotions:
I'll wrap things up with just a quick shoutout to these chinos from Uniqlo:

Slim Fit Chinos | Uniqlo

I picked up this exact pair when I was in San Francisco last month, and they've become one of my favorite pairs. The dusty blue (kind of like those green ones above from Gap) is a great balance between bold and subtle, the fabric is very comfortable, and the slim fit has just the right taper below the knee. They are always damn affordable, but are knocked down by an extra $5 to just $25. Just do it. Wait, that's Nike...oh well.


That's all folks! Unless you have some deals to share in the comments...hint hint...

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 5/9/2014

Woof. This felt like a really long week. All the better that it's finally time for some weekend fun - and maybe some weekend shopping? Here it is:

"Every weekend, check in on the blog for a collection of the best (read: my favorite) deals and steals on the interweb for some quality shopping over the weekend. Have any to add? Share them in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. Also, if you're biting on any of these hooks, I'd love to hear about it!"

Alpha Khaki Collection Sale at Dockers:
I feel like we've been throwing Dockers on the Deals and Steals list a lot, but we've always focused on their (awesome) pants. There are still plenty of chinos on sale, especially if you are up for venturing beyond the Alpha Khaki collection, but this week I was really caught by their other apparel. They've had some really stylish stuff running, but it never ends up in the sale section...until now. First thing that caught my eye was this casual button-up shirt in a perfect-for-summer madras-y plaid:

Wrinkle Twill Shirt in Coral | Dockers

They are calling it 'wrinkle twill,' but I'm just interpreting that as their version of seersucker, which makes this bad boy all the more tempting, especially as we just had our first 'hot' day of the summer here in Chicago and my mind is finally full swing focused on hot-weather duds. Normally $68, this shirt is going for just $41.

Definitely take a look at the rest of their tops - along with some other nice shirts, they have some good-looking sweaters and other knits, if you are looking to stock up for next fall. Back to the pantaloons, I noticed these 'City Khakis' also listed under the Alpha collection:

City Khaki in Navy Smoke Stripe | Dockers

They aren't described as Alphas in the product details, so I'm not sure if that's a mistake? The fit sounds similar, with a slim cut and taper below the knee. Regardless, I'm kinda digging them...the microstripe, again, seems like a play off of seersucker and will look very seasonally appropriate this summer. The 'permanent crease' will dress these up a bit too, I can see myself rocking these with a nice summer blazer. At just $40, down from $68, these might be hard to pass up.


Additional 25% Off at Brooks Brothers (code FF25):
Brooks Brothers, one of the original pioneers of American prep style, is having their yearly(?) friends and family sale, knocking down pretty much all their prices by another 25%. Brooks Brothers is usually a bit out of my budget, but when you combine that discount with some already-great sale prices, things get affordable fast! First off, if you happen to be a size large or bigger, please buy this popover oxford:

Solid Oxford Popover Sport Shirt | Brooks Brothers

I want it, so bad, but they've been sold out of my size forever. This was a great deal even before the F&F discount, which takes the final price to only $30 (originally $80). I'm kinda obsessed with popovers this season, and they are hard to find at an affordable price, with this classic and risk-free of a style. Jump on it.

Brooks Bros is one of those brands that names all their fits actual names (as in, not just 'slim' and 'regular' or 'classic,' etc.). They also have a lot of them. Just know that Milano is their slimmest fit, and probably the one you want. Lucky us, they have some nice Milano fit chinos in the sale section as well:

Milano Fit Vintage Chinos | Brooks Brothers

Originally $100, the sale price combined with the additional discount marks these down to a crazy low price of $22.50, which would be a steal almost anywhere. Classic colors like navy and khaki are contrasted with a bright mustard, so you have some safe options and a bold kicker in there too. 


Extra 30% Off at J.Crew Factory (code SALE30):
J.Crew Factory is at the discount code game again, this time offering 30% off sitewide. While the whole site is worth a browse, I headed right for the clearance section to see what I could get dirt cheap, and I was disappointed. Their leather plaque belt has been very highly recommended to me as an ultimate go-to dress belt:

Leather Plaque Belt | J.Crew Factory

Normally the price doesn't dip far below the original $40, but with the discount it's currently all the way down to $12, which is kind of insane. So just buy it, don't even think about it (ha! horrible advice for budget-conscious shoppers, I know). 

I was also pretty delighted to see chinos in the clearance section, and even though they only have this 'apple green' color, as opposed to your more standard chino colors, I'm actually a big fan of the color:

Slim Broken-In Chino | J.Crew

It's light and bright enough to really take on that spring/summer vibe, but is a bit more grounded than a full-on mint or teal. Even better, there are tons of sizes available, which doesn't tend to be the case for JCF clearance. Along those lines, I always check out the accessories for one-size products, like these socks (bright, yes, but also under $3 a pair).


Dharma Eyewear at Touch of Modern:
So, Touch of Modern is a modern design flash-sale site. Full disclosure, I've never actually bought anything through them, but I've been getting their e-mails for years and always enjoy checking out the beautiful products they sell. After all that time, this sunglass collection is the sale that might make me actually try them out. Never heard of the brand before, but I'm really liking this style:

Karma in Indian Summer | Dharma Eyewear via Touch of Modern

It's got that vintage-y modern vibe, with the keyhole cutout and Persol-ish shape - but I'm taking a poll here, what do you think of the color scheme? I keep seeing shades with that clear-ish acetate frame, and the more I see it the more I like it - but is it too bold for me? Is this specific example tastefully done? Please, chime in! I'm horrible at decisions and could use your help!

Regardless, they also offer the same frame in a much tamer tortoise-shell color:

Karma in Tortoise | Dharma Eyewear via Touch of Modern

Normally $100, these are already competitive with Warby Parker, but Touch of Modern is offering them for only $70 - and they have all the attributes of a quality pair of sunnies (polarized lenses, 100% UV protection, shatterproof, hell, they're even inspired by Radiohead). Sounds like a winner to me.


Lastly...
DON'T FORGET - Sunday is Mother's Day!
Treat her to something special! Flowers are never a bad choice and are sure to brighten any Mom's day. Delivery can get expensive, but lucky for you, From You Flowers is offering free shipping (a $15 value), but only through midnight on Friday, so act fast! 

So there you have it, shop away! Also wanted to mention quickly that I had the pleasure of writing a product review of some goods from Gagliardi for Effortless Gent. The review went live this week, and focuses on a great plaid summer blazer - definitely worth a look, plus they are hooking EG readers up with a discount! Check it out over here, and let me (or Barron) know what you think!

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 11/8/13

Oh happy day! Announcing and presenting a new recurring post. Every Friday afternoon, check in on the blog for a collection of the best (read: my favorite) deals and steals on the interweb for some quality shopping over the weekend. Have any to add? Share them in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. Also, if you're biting on any of these hooks, I'd love to hear about it!

For this weekend:

Brooks Brothers: The Great Gatsby Collection Supima Cotton Slim Fit Button-Down Oxford Solid Dress Shirt
Damn, that name is a mouthful. But everyone (EVERYONE) should own a go-to white OCBD, and Brooks Brothers' are widely renowned as the best OCBD's out there. Normally, Brooks Bro's goods are a bit out of my price range, but these are dropped down to only $31.80 (down from $79.50).

This is part of the Brooks Brothers' Veterans Day sale, so check out their other offerings (also including free shipping for a limited time).


J.Crew Factory Thompson Suit Pant in Flannel
This one isn't SUPER cheap, and sizes are a bit limited, but flannel trousers are the shit in the winter...both warm and dapper as all get-out. Normally it's impossible to find pants like these under $100, but the final sale price on these puts them at a very-reasonable $78.99 (down from $158.00). (UPDATE: J. Crew Factory just added an 'Extra 30% Off' code, which drops these down to just $55.00. Hot damn. Code is BIGSALE)



Keep in mind that these are final sale, so be confident in your sizing before you bite.


Frank and Oak Elias Wool Crew in Mahogany
Frank and Oak didn't use to have a standing sale section, instead going with just a few seasonal sales each year, but they did some work on their layout/web design following their recent mid-season fall sale, and it looks like the sale section is sticking around now. This sweater hits all the right notes: 100% wool; nice earthy brown color for fall; slim fit. All for $35.00 (down from $50)? Yes please!

Again, it looks like these are final sale. If you aren't sure of your fit, maybe try getting ahold of customer service to get some advice. I personally wear a small, and am a 36' chest, 30' waist.


John Varvatos Sid Softy Chukka (on MyHabit.com)
Man, if I didn't already have a nice pair of Clark's, I'd be all over these at just $99.00 (down from $228). Classic chukka style with a few updates. Most notable is the cap-toe detailing, which break up the field nicely (I'm a sucker for a good cap-toe). Also, these look to have a narrower profile than Clark's, which lends to a bit dressier and more modern look. Finally, the moss color is perfect for the cooler weather, much like a forest green.

MyHabit has the unexpected bonus of free shipping, which is always a huge perk in my book. Plus, unlike a lot of flash-sale items, these are returnable through January 31st, so it's a relatively risk-free purchase!


Holiday Knit in Midnight Navy/Clover by The Tie Bar
OK, so this one isn't a sale, but at $15.00, all of the ties from The Tie Bar qualify as a steal. I've mentioned before that I like to do something special with my outfits for the holidays, but always make a strong effort to keep it subtle and classy. This tie fits that bill perfectly.

No loud colors, the patterns play off of classic fair-isle and Nordic traditions, and of course, gotta love that it's knit. Snag one now and you'll have it in time for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah AND Christmas!

WIWT - 7/9/2013 - Doing A Lot With A Little

I know I've been leaning a bit heavily towards WIWT posts over more specific articles, but today's outfit offered me a great chance to show you all just what you can do with a very tight budget. This whole outfit cost me easily under $100, but looks good enough for any day at the office or even a job interview (although I'd add a blazer).

This shirt is actually a recent purchase from Target of all places. I usually only go to Target for basics...I'll take a $12.00 Target V-Neck tee over basically the same thing from J. Crew for $50.00 any day. That said, I tend to steer away from pants or dress shirts, or anything that I would prefer to order in a 'slim' size. However, I was browsing the other day and noticed that their Mossimo OCBD's were labeled 'Tailored Fit,' as opposed to 'Classic Fit,' like the rest of their dress shirts. On top of a cool price point of $23.00, I couldn't resist grabbing one. Considering it was just an impulse buy (I didn't even bother trying the shirt on in the store), I'm pretty happy with the purchase. 

You do make some sacrifices for the cheaper price, but if you're just looking for a little bit of a change in your rotation and aren't ready to drop the appropriate amount on a quality shirt, this is a refreshing option. The fit is spot on while standing straight, although the shoulders bunch and pull a bit if I raise my arms (slightly weird armhole dimensions, from the looks of it). 

Weird bunching at the shoulders...can't win them all.

I'm sure the shirt isn't going to last all that long, but it looks decent, is a soft comfortable material, and will hold me over great for now. 

I got these Chinos from J. Crew Factory, and they are a great example of how well you can just by patiently waiting for sales. J. Crew Factory prices are already significantly lower than J. Crew's normal goods, but they put up sale codes all the time. Earlier this summer they had a helluva combination of deals going on and I managed to get a few of these broken-in slim fit Chinos for just around $20.00. They are a tad bit loose around the thigh, but I like the width through the knee and the amount of taper in the lower leg, and the extra room up top is barely noticeable. This khaki pair is just about the most versatile thing in my closet, and I wear them all the time.

I may have talked about these shoes before, but they were a great eBay find. Brooks Brothers shoes tend to run over $300.00 new, and I got these for about $40.00 (if I remember correctly). The soles will need replacing soon, but I've had them for about 8 months, they look spectacular, and fit like a dream. For that price, I couldn't ask for any more. Threw on some bright blue socks from Gap (rang in at around $6.00). Along with the tie, I think they add a colorful dimension to the outfit that makes it seasonally appropriate and breaks away from the khaki/blue-white-OCBD uniform of the masses.

Lastly, the tie is my latest pick from Tie Society, part of my $11.00/month subscription. I've touted Tie Society plenty of times here, but I'll just reiterate that it's a great way to keep your tie rotation fresh and new without actually having to buy tie after tie. I do wish this wasn't a polyester tie (personal aversion to poly neckwear), but the colors and patterns are very madras-esque, which has recently become one of my favorite summer looks.

So, adding up all the prices:

Shirt - $23.00

Pants - $20.00

Shoes - $40.00

Socks - $6.00

Tie - $11.00

With a grand total of exactly $100.00 (give or take a few depending on the accuracy of my memory as I write this on a Tuesday morning). Just goes to show, you don't need to shell out hundreds for a solid outfit. As I mentioned, if I was to wear this for an interview, I might add a blazer, which does jump the price up a bit, but with the availability for affordable yet stylish blazers from brands like Uniqlo, H&M and Zara, this shouldn't be too much of a stretch either. Just remember, it's all about fit. A well-fitting outfit like this one, for $100.00, will look way better than a $1,000.00 ensemble that drapes and droops like a pillowcase, and will leave you with some $$ to actually do something while wearing it.

Just schemin' bout savin' all that dough...

Now, to be perfectly honest, I did add some of my own accessories when I wore this to work (tie clip, watch, bag), which you can see below. I left them out in the rest of the post to illustrate the 'budget' look, but here's the final product:

 

 

The Details:

OCBD Shirt by Target

Tie via Tie Society

Belt by Levis

Watch by FormFunctionForm

Chinos by J. Crew Factory

Bag by J. Crew Factory

Socks by Gap

Shoes by Brooks Brothers (via eBay)