My 'Dream' Wish List

Ok, a day late on this one, sorry folks. I swear I'm back on the regular schedule, but was away for part of the weekend and not as productive as I planned for the rest of it, so, sue me. 

Anyway, as I’ve mentioned (probably tirelessly), I just took a big leap and moved to NYC, in large part to pursue a full-time career in men’s apparel. It’s been wildly exciting, and I have a lot of potentially awesome opportunities in the pipeline, but inherently, part of that leap meant quitting my old job in Chicago, and being temporarily unemployed. And something I’ve realized over the past two weeks, is that it’ tough to be a broke menswear blogger. 

As I sit here researching and writing articles, or even ‘background’ reading all of my favorite blogs and periodicals, I’m just surrounded by things to buy. With a regular income, I temper my desires for absurdly expensive shoes and suits by scoring bargains on slightly less, but still significantly drool-worthy duds, or even just improving my basic wardrobe. When I’m completely broke, though, it’s like having an addiction, with no fix! I can’t even get a little taste! Sheesh! 

So, as a result, I’ve (vaguely counter-productively) been putting together a list of things I really want, but totally can’t afford. And not even ‘can’t afford while I’m broke,’ but really ‘things I will have to save up for (or score on eBay if I’m lucky). A 'personal grail' list, if you will.

I’m sure I’ve got a zillion other things on the list (such is the life of a struggle blogger with expensive taste), but the following are the things I’m really lusting after this fall. The list:

• Alden Longwing Bluchers ($687 at Unionmade): I’ve actually needed new shoes since, oh, maybe mid-spring, and just haven’t been able to bring myself to buy the kind of pair that I could afford. Instead, I’m oh-so-stubbornly holding on on these beauties, which are probably my dream pair. Sure, there are others that come close (maybe an AE Strand in shell cordovan), but something keeps bringing me back to these. I love the versatility, the American, kinda preppy aesthetic (as opposed to a more sleek, European shoe), the Alden heritage, the burgundy color, the cordovan leather - it's the one pair of shoes I could probably wear every damn day.

Longwing Cordovan Blucher | Alden via Unionmade

• Some sort of (very specific) boot (Alden Indy currently $512 at NeedSupply): Ok, ok, this one is pretty vague, and therefore a bit of a cop-out for a wish list, but I’ve been dying for a pair of nice boots for so long. The problem is, I keep waffling about what kind of boot I want. I know what I don’t want...I don’t want something chunky, or with a bulbous toe (goodbye Red Wing and Wolverine), I know I don’t want a Chelsea boot, or any kind of strictly dress boot, I know I don't want something with a glued sole, I know I don't want anything with zippers...should I go on? Beyond that, I know I want brown or Merlot, I know I want it to be relatively sleek through the toe-box, and I want it to be just rugged enough to deal with the elements without me coddling them. So, do I want a more casual boot, like the Viberg Service Boot or Alden Indy? Or do I want something I can wear with a tweed or flannel suit, like the Meermin Tan Country Calf, or the Allen Edmonds Dalton? All I know is, it’s gonna be expensive.

Indy Boot Chromexcel | Alden via NeedSupply

• A leather bag (Frank Clegg brief currently $1140): This has been on my radar for a while, but was just recently hammered home by some recent posts on some of my go-to blogs. While I don't necessarily want a hard-top briefcase (yet), I really connected with this post on TSB, and the assertion that men have kind of forgotten the formality/elegance of a proper, non-casual bag. Personally, I'm not sure if I'd go for a brief or other every-day bag (which I'd inherently get more use out of), or a weekender or duffel (which I just love the look of), but I know a gorgeous, shrunken-grained, buttery-soft beauty would just fill a gaping hole in my heart (isn't hyperbole fun?). Not a connoisseur by any means, but something like this pick from Frank Clegg just tugs at my heartstrings. Editors Note: Holy hell these things are expensive...I mean I knew they weren't cheap, but I went to pull the product link for this...oof.

Zip-Top Briefcase | Frank Clegg

• Baracuta G9 Jacket ($390 through the Baracuta store): Ever since I've gotten into style, I've wanted a classic Baracuta to emulate some Ben Wyatt style. Now this one is a bit frustrating, because I honestly am not 100% sure it’s worth the crazy high price point. Also, you can find knockoffs for just fractions of the price. But maybe something about those knockoffs is just too noticeably different to me, or maybe I’m hooked on the Baracuta name, but whatever it is, I want one. This is for sure one I’m hunting the eBay for. But good luck to me, finding one in the right shade of dark khaki (which the below is not, but close), in a small, in good condition and a modern cut...and all the other stupid shit I’m picky about.

G9 Original | Baracuta

• Barbour Waxed Bedale ($380 at Orvis): A bastion of NE, preppy fall style (though it's origins are British), the waxed Barbour. Starts out shiny and new (and, from what I’ve heard, very waxy), develops a beautiful patina over time...honestly, this is one I might be better off buying used, and finding something with an already lovingly-worn-in look. And yeah, not out-of-the-world expensive for outerwear, even new. But I kinda want that worn-in look to be my own, and I’ve never before bought a coat at market price, so here it lands on my dream list.

Bedal Jacket | Barbour via Orvis

• Brooks Brothers Regent Hopsack Blazer ($598 at Brooks Brothers): Surprisingly the only piece of tailored wear on this list (this time around, at least), I’ve been dying for a hopsack blazer since spring. It’s like, the perfect fabric. It’s wool, so it won’t be ‘out of season’ to be worn in the fall, spring, or winter, but the coarse fabric and open weave make it breathable enough to wear in the summer (as long as there’s a bit of a breeze). Plus, the texture of the thing sets it apart from your everyday, smooth and shiny worsted wool. It’s pretty much the perfect go-to blazer, but unfortunately a relatively hard-to-find fabric at lower prices. The Regent cut from Brooks Brothers would be perfect for me, in a slightly slimmer fit, just over 1/4 lined (though to be honest I don't really know what that means), expensive enough to indicate quality but not wildly pricey...yep. Normally I’d find an affordable alternative, but I’ve been ‘making do’ with the blazers I have for long enough that they are starting to wear thin, so I think this deserves a spot on the covet-for-later list.

Regent Hopsack Blazer | Brooks Brothers

Ok, it's time for me to stop drooling over expensive menswear pieces before I screw up and buy one with money I don't have. What's on your personal grail wishlist? Share below:

A Big Update (And A Sharp Product Shout-Out)

Well, I had fully planned on having a brand spankin’ new outfit post published today, but the weather has not been cooperating with my shooting schedule. After a day of rain, we had to put a pin in this one, so I’m just going to share some excited WETW news instead!

You may have seen me mention pretty frequently over the past few weeks all of the traveling I’ve been doing, along with some teases of ‘big changes to come.’ This week, all that traveling is going to finally play out into those big changes:

Wide Eyes, Tight Wallets is moving to New York!

Thus far, this blog has been a side project as I pursue a career transition from Legal Support (which has been...um...boring…) into a full-time career in the men’s apparel industry. Earlier this month, I had some awesome opportunities come up that really hammered home the notion that Chicago isn’t the place to jumpstart a fashion-centered career. I love the city to death, but in order to be more ‘in the middle of it all’ we are finally uprooting ourselves and making the move back East.

Farewell, Chicago!!

I’m incredibly excited - not just to be closer to family and friends and my old stomping grounds (born and raised in central PA), but even more so to be in the midst of the NYC fashion scene and on deck for some great career moves. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Big Apple, but have yet to really get a chance to explore all it offers to the menswear world.

Anyway, two points to close with: First, is that (as with all moves), we are so busy and so stressed getting all our cards in place, so please forgive any irregularity in posting, etc., as we get settled into our new digs!

Second, I know a bunch of you readers, bloggers, industry pros, ‘influencers,’ and on and on are also NYC folks - if anyone has tips for moving, ‘must-see’ events and shops, meetups, interest in meetups, exciting opportunities, heck, just something to chat about, hit me up!

And just to keep things menswear related - how about this awesome new Sullivan line from Jack Erwin? 

Up until now, all their kicks (I believe) have been Blake welted, which is a bit sleeker but not as easy to resole and less waterproof. This new collection is all Goodyear welted (GYW), which is the opposite (a bit chunkier/more solid, and waterproof), and is my preferred welt (so, score for me)! 

Previously, brands like Beckett Simonon and JUSTAMENSHOE offered some other affordable GYW shoes, but got very mixed reviews when it came to construction and leather quality. I’m pumped to get the GYW and the quality/style that Jack Erwin is known for, all in one package (and a ~$200 package, at that), and I definitely have my eye on a pair for this fall. 

My only debate now, is do I grab some longwing bluchers... 

The Hubert Longwing Blucher | Jack Erwin

...which I’ll be able to wear pretty much year-round...

...or do I finally pick up that pair of dress boots...

Carter Wingtip Combat Boots | Jack Erwin

...that I’ve been dying to own? 

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Music Festival Style (Do's and Don'ts)

Here in Chicago, all the hype this week is in anticipation of Lollapalooza coming up this weekend. Personally, I’m a bigger fan of the smaller fests (with better lineups, IMO) like Riot Fest in September, or Pitchfork a few weeks ago, but there’s no avoiding the hubbub that comes with the Windy City’s biggest annual fest. Appropriately, I’m turning my eyes to festival style, and we’ve got a quick guide to keeping you good-looking while you rock out with your..well...you get the idea. 

The best thing about trying to stay stylish at a summer music fest? The competition is darn slim, if any, which makes it easy to pick just a few easy updates and come out looking sharper than your average bear. Below, we walk you through the transition from schlubby festival-goer to presentable young music enthusiast to sophisticated-gent-who-just-happens-to-be-enjoying-the-tunes. Avoid the first, aspire to the third, and be proud and satisfied if you land in the middle. 

Shoes:

         
           AVOID                             ACCEPT                                              ASPIRE

People tend to just go for comfort, with no regard to style, and fest footwear is the perfect example of this tendency. Thinking only of the heat, they opt for flip flops (or, thinking only of standing on their feet, go for some sort of running shoe or gym shoe). What a lot of guys don’t realize, is that you can be comfortable and stylish. White canvas sneakers give a laid-back, continental vibe that just gets better as they get beat up (which is never a bad quality to have at a music festival). The breathable fabric keeps your feet cool, while the sneaker sole will be comfortable. Of course, if you want to take things up a notch, you can rock some slick penny loafers and no-show socks, or camp mocs for something a bit (just a bit) more rugged. Just remember that there’s a decent chance you’ll walk through the mud, get your feet stepped on and scuffed, etc., so pick a leather that can take a bit of a beating and leave your luxury leathers and suede at home.


Bottoms:

  AVOID                                  ACCEPT                                      ASPIRE

I’m not sure where people get the idea that gym clothes or pajamas are appropriate clothing to wear in public, all day long, but they’re wrong. End of story. Not only do your mesh shorts make you look like a 12 year old carpooling home from soccer practice, but they are also actually very impractical, and make for a sure-fire way to lose your ID, cash, and keys along with your dignity. Just as we recommend chinos over sweatpants, here we suggest that you opt for some chino shorts to beat the heat but stay sharp and sophisticated. All the appropriate pockets are included, and a crisp, lightweight cotton will be cooler and more comfortable than nylon athletic shorts anyway. To up your style quotient like a true gentleman, linen trousers are the way to go - the fabric is cool and breezy enough to make you forget you aren’t wearing shorts. Press them sharp in the morning, and then embrace the wrinkles as the day goes on for the perfect air of gentlemanly nonchalance.  



Tops:

  AVOID                                  ACCEPT                                      ASPIRE

To be perfectly honest, if you’re nailing the shoes and bottoms, your shirt becomes way less important - but notice we didn’t say, ‘your shirt doesn’t matter at all.’ Sure, even a band Tee or tank top will look OK when worn with some chino shorts and white canvas sneaks, but we still don’t recommend it. Rocking a short sleeve OCBD takes just as little effort, keeps you just as cool and unencumbered as you dance your pants off, and yet remains a sharp enough option to wear right to the bar after the show and have no hesitation making moves on that pretty gal (or guy) making eyes at you from across the room. Now, if you’re taking our high-style route, a Tee won’t even come close to cutting it. The SS OCBD won’t fail you, but take the opportunity to be a bit more fashion-forward and grab a popover - find one with a sharp print to embrace two shirting trends at once. 



Shades:

  AVOID                                  ACCEPT                                      ASPIRE

Accessories are no time to start slacking off, either, although we do understand if you want to avoid bringing $100+ sunnies into an environment where there’s a pretty decent chance of them getting lost, stolen, or demolished. That said, those $5 ‘wayfarers’ you picked up at the convenience store on the way in - the ones with neon arms and mirrored lenses - have the power to negate every other style move you’ve made and leave you firmly planted in ‘obnoxious fist-pumping frat boy’ sartorial territory. If you want to stick with something inexpensive, the same stores that you go to for affordable takes on high fashion will treat you right - we’re talking H&M, Topman, Zara, etc. Stand out from the crown with some on-trend clear frames, or imitate the classics with a pair of vintage-y aviators. Now, if you actually trust yourself to take care of something a little more valuable, get the real deal - we’d go for a pair of Ray-Ban clubmasters to channel some off-duty Don Draper.


Hat:

  AVOID                                  ACCEPT                                      ASPIRE

Whether it’s to keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes, or to adopt a more outgoing, music-loving vibe, a lot of guys will end up throwing on a hat that they would never wear otherwise. Unfortunately, that ratty baseball cap is far from the most efficient instrument to protect your eyes, and that Backstreet Boys fedora makes you look less like a hipster troubador than you think (if that’s even a look worth aspiring to). Honestly, we think the best middle-ground here is to forgo the hat entirely. Shove a bandana in your back pocket to wipe away the sweat, and let your shades do the heavy lifting when it comes to blocking the sun, and a hat really isn’t necessary. You’ll have one less thing to keep track of, and lose one more chance of throwing off your much-improved festival ‘fit. Of course, though, if you’re looking for top-notch style, a real, grown-up hat can be the touch to tie the whole outfit together. Just don’t shy away from a substantial brim (an easy way to avoid that adolescent Justin Timberlake vibe), and be ready to throw down a few pesos for quality. 


The Outfits (In Full):

  AVOID                                  ACCEPT                                      ASPIRE

Accept:
White Canvas Sneakers by Converse
Chino Shorts by J.Crew Factory
Short-Sleeved OCBD by Frank & Oak
Sunglasses by Topman

Aspire:
Penny Loafers by Jack Erwin
Linen Trousers by J.Crew
Print Popover by J.Crew
Sunglasses by Ray-Ban
Hat by Goorin Brothers


To Wrap It Up...
In the end, each style move is small on it’s own, but yields a pretty significant transformation. Instead of wearing a hodge-podge of marginally comfortable ---- you can, at the very least, look like a presentable, music-loving young man. Step things up a bit more, and you’ll look like you should be signing the bands, and not just blending in with the rest of the countless screaming fans. 

Got any plans to hit some music festivals this summer? What will you wear? Share in the comments!

Sale Spotlight - The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom carries a lot of high end, crazy expensive items, but they can also be a great source of discount finds for the budget shopper - especially if you can hit up one of their three annual sales. Their Anniversary Sale launched on Friday (the morning after I wrote up the Deals and Steals for the week), and while it's actually vaguely underwhelming, there are still a number of good deals to be had, so I rounded up a few of my picks:

Shoes:
Probably the best/most items are in the footwear category, and it's one of the few opportunities to get a heavy discount on kicks from brands like Allen Edmond's and Sperry's. Speaking of, my first pick is the Allen Edmond's Park Avenue cap-toe oxford, clocking in at $243 from an original price of $345.

Park Avenue Oxford | Allen Edmond's via Nordstrom

Sure, not exactly cheap, but that's over $100 off the MSRP, and the Park Ave is a fantastic go-to dress shoe. It's easily formal enough to wear with a suit, but versatile enough to rock with some chinos, or maaaaybe jeans (although that's a bit of a stretch). The styling is classic, the shape is a perfect balance of sleek and round, and the AE recrafting program allows one pair of these to last a lifetime.

My second choice is another pair of go-to Allen Edmond's; the Strand (a wingtip brogue):

Strand Oxford | Allen Edmond's via Nordstrom

With the slightly higher starting price, and just a hair cheaper of a sale price, these are a bit better of a deal, and kinda the perfect mate for the Park Avenue's. The brogue details are great for those days where you want to break out of the box just a bit, while still remaining classy and work-appropriate (and these can be work with a nice pair of dark denim). Personally, I prefer these in the darker Bourbon color, but the Walnut is pretty highly coveted among the menswear crowds. It might be a bit less versatile, and is definitely a bit bolder, but as I mentioned, still wholly office friendly.

Changing brands, and heading towards the casual side of footwear, you can pick up Eastland's Stratton 1955 Penny Loafer for just $138 (originally $230):

Stratton 1955 Penny Loafer | Eastland Made in Maine via Nordstrom

Eastland falls in around the same range as G.H. Bass, Sperry's and Sebago, but this particular pair comes from their higher-end, 'Made in Maine' line (and we love when companies manufacture in the USA). The black pair, pictured above, is a bit more casual with contrast stitching and sole, while the burgundy option is a little shinier and a little dressier. Either will perfectly round out a classic prep outfit of chinos, OCBD and blazer (one of my all-time favorite combos). The tag is a bit goofy, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be too hard to remove, and then these are an undeniable winner.

Our last shoe recommendation is probably my favorite: Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Originals in classic brown for just $60 (regularly $90).

Authentic Original Boat Shoe | Sperry Top-Sider via Nordstrom

I think I got my pair during the MR PORTER sale last year for around $50, but beyond that, this is easily the best price I've seen for what has become probably my most-worn pair of shoes (just browse through my Instagram if you doubt me). Wear them with no-show loafer socks and these things are unbelievably comfortable, and are a big step up from sneakers for a more adult casual summer look.


Pants & Jeans:
After leaving the shoe section, the good deals are harder to find. We did manage to pick out a few pairs of pants, like these Dockers Alpha Chinos:

Alpha Fillmore Slim Fit Chinos | Dockers via Nordstrom

If you're a regular reader, or follow me on Instagram, you know that Dockers Alphas make up a good chunk of my personal chino selection - due to a perfect slim fit, a durable fabric and construction, and an unusually reasonable price. That price gets even more reasonable here, knocked down from $68 to $40 (and remember, free shipping, as always from Nordstrom). There are four colors to chose from, all of which are definitely viable picks, but these dark blue (but not quite navy) are my favorites (I've got a pair in my shopping cart right now).

The other solid find from the pantaloons department are these jeans from Naked & Famous:

Weird Guy Slim Fit Raw Jeans | Naked & Famous via Nordstrom

Another pick that certainly isn't cheap, but still a great deal, these are coming in at $103 (originally $155). I don't believe they are selvedge, but they regardless promise to be a solid pair of raw denim (Naked & Famous is pretty widely regarded as a go-to entry brand for high end denim). I have to dip my toes in the waters of said high end denim, but when I do, I'm relatively certain it'll be a pair of N&F, and I'll be lucky to find a deal like this.


Socks & Underwear:
Our last section of picks. First up is the Tommy John V-neck undershirt:

Cool Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt | Tommy John via Nordstrom

We did a whole write-up on picking the right undershirt for the job, and the Tommy John V-neck was a solid winner in my book. I was able to pick up the bargain (albeit slightly lower quality) version at a Nordstrom Rack, but this here is full-fledged top-notch version, regularly pretty expensive at $40 a pop, now much more reasonable at $26. Might still seem like a lot for an undershirt, but I think it's worth it - slim fitting and thin enough to be invisible under a dress shirt, long enough to stay tucked in, and made from a soft and stretchy pima cotton blend.

And finally, while it might be hot as heck now, you know colder months are never far away, so don't forget to consider some cozy steals like these SmartWool socks:

New Heathered Socks | SmartWool via Nordstrom

SmartWool is a lifesaver come winter (well, toe-saver at least), but can put a dent in your wallet at close to $20 a pair. These are knocked down to $13, and definitely worth stocking up on a few pairs while the sale is on. Check out the full SmartWool selection for other colors and styles, but I think the above pair in a solid navy are the most versatile.


And that's it for today, folks. By all means, browse the rest of the sale, and keep an eye out for further markdowns and/or added items - while we didn't see a whole lot else that excited us, you may find some hidden gems! Happy shopping.

As always, we'd love to hear about any steals you score in the comments below.

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 7/5/2014

How was everyone's 4th of July? I hope it was filled with good friends, good food, good drinks, and great fireworks (as mine was). I also hope you'll forgive me for celebrating instead of blogging, and therefore being a day late on this round of Deals and Steals. Regardless, 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!"

Now, to be perfectly honest, I'm still in full-blown weekend relaxation mode, and a friend is waiting at a patio bar with beer and burgers, so I'm keeping my picks short and sweet. In order to leave you folks with plenty of shopping options, you'll find a nice long list of sales (minus my wonderful picks) at the bottom. 

First, two sets of picks I did want to point out:


Extra 50% Off Select Sale Items at J.Crew:
It looks like they are really trying to burn through their clearance stock over at J.Crew, with 50% off select items, and anything else in the sale section running an extra 40% off. We've featured this sale (or similar) enough times to have covered all the staples (casual shirts, chinos, etc.), so this time we're going with picks that you just won't be able to find anywhere else with this kind of discount. First up, perfect example, this Ludlow sportcoat in glen-plain silk linen:

Ludlow Sportcoat in Glen Plaid Silk Linen | J.Crew

Wooh. Silk Linen. Enough said? Ok, I'll say more. The linen will keep this breezy and light, while the silk will add a touch of sheen, structure, and hand similar to wool, but better. Check out our article on glen plaid for all the reasons to love the pattern, and you should already be pretty sold here. What's really crazy is the $135 price-tag. The jacket retails at a whopping $388, silk fabric tends to be way pricey, and Ludlow suiting tends to be hard to find on sale, so this is a fantastic steal for anyone in the market for a stylish blazer.

With more luxurious fabrics, check out this Ludlow Shirt in a tartan patterned Thomas Mason fabric:

Thomas Mason Archive for J.Crew Ludlow Shirt in 1903 Tartan | J.Crew

Thomas Mason fabrics are pretty widely known as one of the higher-end, accessible shirting fabrics. By accessible, I mean that stores like J.Crew sell ready-to-wear garments in their fabrics (as opposed to only being available bespoke), but not that they are necessarily affordable. Here's a rare chance to pick up a Thomas Mason shirt for under $100 (actually, for just $50). The pattern is a tartan plaid, which can sound bold, but I think the more neutral blue and grey tones keep this very versatile.

We'll close out the J.Crew sale with these chambray shorts:

7"Stanton Short in Pindot Chambray | J.Crew

Sure, you can probably find something similar elsewhere, chambray is everywhere this time of year, but first, these are crazy cheap (especially for J.Crew quality) at only $25. Second, there's something about these that comes off just right - the pindots, the rumpled/casual fabric, the perfect inseam - that makes them a sure-fire winner.

Of course, check out the rest of the sale, as sizes and stock seems to be dwindling pretty rapidly (but at the same time, the prices keep getting lower and lower). 


Footwear at Nordstrom Rack:
Stopped into my local NordRack the other day to do my usual perusing of the $20 ties, cheap socks, and cluster-fuck jeans pile that occasionally yields a nice grab. After striking out in all my go-tos, I wandered over to the shoe isles while waiting for my girlfriend to finish shopping, and was pleasantly reminded that there are some great footwear steals to be had at the Rack. They were out of my sizes in the kicks I was liking, but thanks to their newer e-commerce site, I may be able to grab a pair online. Anyway, I just wanted to point out a few gems I found, like these Clarks Bushacres:

Bushacre Chukka | Clarks via Nordstrom Rack

OK, so Fall is still a few months off, but it never hurts to be prepared, and a pair of Clarks chukkas is about as foolproof as you can get for some good 3-season footwear. Admittedly, the pair I saw in the store (one size too small) was in a darker leather that I really liked, but this beeswax is pretty damn sharp as well. Regularly $100, NR has these marked down 30% to just $70. If you're looking for something a bit sharper/dressier, these chukkas by Walkover are almost half-off.

There's also a nice selection of higher-end shoes, which aren't cheap, even at the Rack prices, but are still hugely discounted from their original retail price. I was sorely tempted by these brogues from Allen Edmonds:

6th Ave Cap Toe Oxford | Allen Edmonds via Nordstrom Rack

I've been on the hunt for a pair of 5th Avenues, and never even really realized that the 6th Avenues existed. I gotta say, I'm a fan - I dig the 5ths for keeping the brogue detailing, but not being quite as in-your-face about it as the Strands. The 6th Avenue seems to do the same, but with just a touch more flair. Still, they remain respectable and sharp, and versatile enough to wear with chinos or a suit, and maybe even jeans. Regularly priced at the pretty-standard-for-AE $335, NR has them marked down 40% to an even $200. Not too shabby, if you're ready to pick up some quality shoes.


OK, for the rest of these, you'll have to find your own pieces, but there are plenty of great finds to be had:

Summer Sale at Frank & Oak - Continuing discounts, they restock this one every so often. Plus, for a limited time STARSNBARS10 gets an extra 10% off. Also, use our referral link for $25 credit when you sign up.

20% Off Summer Sale at Bonobos - Lots of selection, hopefully (as tends to be the pattern), prices will continue to drop as this one goes on. Our referral will get you $25 off your first $75+ purchase.

40% Off Clearance at Dockers with EXTRA40SALE - Check out the Alphas, which are my go-to from Dockers. I think this is the end of this sale, and is the deepest discount they've offered yet.

Brooks Brothers Summer Sale - Up to 50% off, Brooks Brothers sales can be hard to come by, and their regularly priced duds hard to afford, so this is definitely worth a look.

40% Off Two Regularly Priced Items at Lands End - Admittedly not a big Lands End shopper, but their LEC line is pretty sharp and I've been eyeing their knit ties for a while. Might have to hit it up now.

Up to 60% Off at Gap - Lots of sale items, but even better is the 40% off clearance that they have going on in stores (not seeing this online, might be worth checking out a B&M) - I picked up some white denim for $25ish when I stopped in a day or two ago.

And there's even more out there, with all the holiday sales, etc., but there's a beer calling my name. Have a great weekend!!

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 6/20/2014

Welp, folks, my trusty old laptop bit the dust on Wednesday, so I'm vaguely off-line for a few days while I get my warranty figured out. Hopefully I'll have my setup back in order by next week, but beware that posting may be a bit irregular until I do. Fortunately, I'd already put together a pretty good list of Deals and Steals pre-crash, so you won't have to go without (oh, the horrors). 

"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!"

Up to 70% Off at Mr. Porter:

Remember how I said we would return to the Mr. Porter sale? Well, the time has come, and this week's list looks almost exclusively at their e-commerce collection. Prices are now marked down to up to 70% off retail prices, which can get you some pretty incredible deals. To avoid repetition, we won't be featuring any items that we listed the other week, but they may be worth taking another look at for further reduced prices.

For the new deals this week, we divided things up into a few categories that we thought really took the cake as far as variety of great (and now affordable) options. First up:

Lightweight Jackets:

Yeah, it's still summer, but Fall will be here before you know it. Plus, I don't know about you folks, but where I live (Chicago), it's been a rollercoaster of 95 degree days followed by 60 degree days, so having some options to throw on when it gets chilly is never a bad idea. Plus, shopping ahead leaves you prepared, instead of scrambling. Here are our picks (with just a few notes):

Windproof Lightweight Jacket | Beams Plus via Mr. Porter

Originally $300, this is holy-hell marked down to just $90 (yeah, those 70% drops do damage). Gotta love the details on this one - the not-too-bright red, the contrasting ribbed cuffs, the windbreaker fabric. Stylish, and functional, and affordable!

Cotton Bomber Jacket | Hardy Amies via Mr. Porter

This guy is marked down to a little under $160 (originally $525), and is a helluva great example of a classic bomber jacket. Nothing too funky on this one, which is great - and the color is a bit unique, in a really nice, subtle way. Not a true blue or a navy blue, but lighter with a touch of grey...maybe more....slate? Sharp, regardless.

Cotton Twill Lightweight Bomber Jacket | APC via Mr. Porter

This is about as classic as it gets. Read more about twill over here in our 'Know Your Fabrics' series, but with a brand like APC (also known for their great selvedge denim) you should be pretty confident you're getting a solid piece of apparel. And at $188 (down from $470), it's not as hard on the wallet as APC tends to be.

Woven Cotton Bomber Jacket | Hentsch Man via Mr. Porter

A really lightweight bomber, this one comes in a nice off-white shade that looks almost linen-y, and will be perfect for one of those cooler summer nights, or to throw on for a beach bonfire. Pretty classic design, but I enjoy the contrast between the dark ribbing and the lighter body. Now just under $190 from $375.

Shirts:

I'll start this section by saying SHOP FAST - this stuff sells out real quick. I had a whole list of shirts yesterday, today they are gone. Good news, they added more, soooo new list!

Slim Fit Check Brushed-Cotton Shirt | J.Crew via Mr. Porter

I know, we gave you a lot of J.Crew finds already, but this is one of the few left, and I think the only slim fit. It's a nice shirt too, definitely leaning casual with a button-down collar and a Tattersall check, but I could see me throwing it under a casual blazer with a cotton tie. And at $21 (and free shipping, remember), this is the definitely of a steal (regularly $70).

Camouflage-Print Cotton Shirt | J.Crew via Mr. Porter

One more from J.Crew - I'm not sure I'd wear this myself, but if you are looking to try out some camo (or already like the look), I appreciate the way this deviates from the standard camo 'shapes,' if you will, and going for something a bit more swirly and abstract. Just a cool touch, to my eye, and at $30 (originally $100), it's quite affordable. I'd rock it as a lightweight jacket, almost, or contrast it with some bright white jeans.

Esquina Short-Sleeved Cotton Oxford Shirt | Saturdays Surf NYC via Mr. Porter

I've been hearing tons of good things about Saturdays Surf NYC and this might be a good chance to check them out. You know my opinion - can't go wrong with an OCBD, and the short sleeves on this one make it a bit More summer appropriate (as does the slightly more saturated than normal red hue). This one's only 50% off, but that still brings it down to $50 (from $100), which isn't unmanageable. 

Walland Plaid Cotton-Flannel Shirt | Billy Reid via Mr. Porter

Billy Reid is another designer I've heard some good things about but never had the scratch to try. That said, I'm digging this flannel for fall - I love gingham, and the warmer brown checks on this plaid bring to mind a cold-weather gingham. It's got the rugged flannel look, but oozes sophistication rather than shouts 'lumberjack'!

Pants:

Surprisingly few shorts options, but plenty in the trousers and jeans.

Bowery Straight Fit Wool Trousers | J.Crew via Mr. Porter

Finding a pair of wool trouser (especially sharp ones like these, in navy) for under $100 is a hell of a challenge, so scoring these for just $42 (originally $140), is a great bargain for a pair of pants that will be incredibly versatile come fall and winter. Seriously, you will wear these with everything. If you click through the product images, I like how they styled it a bit more casually.

Simon Slim-Fit Brushed Cotton Twill Chinos | NN.07 via Mr. Porter

A solid pair of slim chinos in a red that's just deep enough to avoid the in-your-face feel that some brighter pants have. The brushed cotton fabric will help tone this down too (as opposed to something with more sheen), and in the end you have a fantastic casual pant, and at just $50 (originally $165), you won't feel bad wearing these to run errands or hit the dive bar.

Slim-Fit Cotton-Blend Trousers | Billy Reid via Mr. Porter

These just look like a fantastic summer pant. Described as sharp, but soft and lightweight, I have a feeling this will work equally well on a hot day at the office (showing up to work already sweaty is the worst), or relaxing on the weekend at a BBQ or lake-side picnic lunch with your sweetheart (ugh, I'm daydreaming about what I'd rather be doing right now). Regularly $225, these are marked down to around $68.

Alexander Regular-Fit Dry Selvedge Denim Jeans | Raleigh Denim via Mr. Porter

No frills here, just some solid raw selvedge denim, of the type that normally doesn't sell for much under $200. I think all I need to say here is: $85.50, down from $285. Just keep in mind they are regular fit, not slim, so if that doesn't float your boat...well...don't buy them, I guess. 

Shoes:

Not seeing a lot, but check back regularly - last year I got my Sperry's (seen in today's Instagram #WIWT post) for $50 here, there are usually some good options at some point

Again, these things are all flying off the shelves, so don't be surprised when stuff starts selling out, but check back every so often for restocks or newly added items. This sale can be a treasure trove!

OK, OK, I won't leave with JUST Mr. Porter, so here's a list of a few other nice sales going on:

Club Monaco is offering an extra 40% off clearance items.

Charles Tyrwhitt has shirts on sale starting at just $35.

Pact has a summer sale with an extra 20% off already discounted items (great chance to stock up on some no-show loafer socks).

Bonobos is offering an extra 30% off sale casual shirts (code GETSHIRTY).

Nordstrom is in the midst of their semi-annual men's sale.

J.Crew Factory is offering an extra 30% off sitewide.

If I get a chance, I'll update this list as the weekend goes on. Happy shopping!