Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 9/20/2014

Super busy round here, but still made time to put together some great deals before the end of the weekend! Keep an eye out over the next week or so, got some new product reviews on the way, as well as some cool editorials and new 'Know Your Patterns/Fabrics' additions. Meanwhile:

"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!"

Getting pumped about the cooler weather, so we're back to all-fall styles this week. And the deals:

Extra 30% Off Sitewide at J.Crew Factory (code SALE30):
Not a hugely unusual sale for JCF, this one is still a biggie and applies to everything on the site. The possibilities are endless, and JCF has a ton of good stuff in stock right now, so I limited my own picks to the new arrivals, which, of course, are full of great fall duds. Even with that limit, I found a ton of great stuff, so we're going to spend some time on this one! First up are their slim flannel workshirts, which come in a variety of plaids and checks. My favorite is this pink and grey style, marked down to $35 from a starting price of $65:

Slim Flannel Workshirt | J.Crew Factory

I love a good fall flannel, even in very earthy 'fall' colors, but the brighter color scheme on this one could be a refreshing reprieve from the fall doldrums. I feel like last year the flannels were at least hard to find in slim fits, so it's nice to see that these are available in both the slim and the regular. 

Next, adding some weight to the top layer, I've got my eye on this grey tweed work shirt, running $47.60 (down from $88):

Donegal Tweed Workshirt | J.Crew Factory

I'm real big on casual jackets this fall, and a 'shacket' like this is high on my list. I love anything tweed, but tend to see it used more for tailored clothing, and I dig this more casual application. Lighter than most fall jackets, but heavier than most shirts (and from a warmer wool blend), this will make a great layering option as the temps just start to dip. It only comes in a regular fit, not slim, so it may be boxy, but that might also be just enough room to allow for a layer or two underneath. Check it out in person if you can.

Keeping moving up the warmth scale, this new selection has a number of toasty lambswool sweaters. Merino wool is often the sweater fabric of choice, especially for slicker business-casual styles, but lambswool is just that much warmer. Maybe even too warm for early fall, but come winter, when it gets bone-chillingly cold, a sweater like this will become a go-to:

Lambswool Sweater | J.Crew Factory

Here, the colors are for the most part very appropriately earthy, but this green, again, steps a bit out of the normal cold-weather color schemes with a little punch of brightness. It's not summery by any means, but just like the flannel shirt above, could be a cheerier outlier. Lambswool often isn't cheap, but these are marked down to $35 from $70, making them very easy on the wallet as well.

Alrighty, almost ready to wrap it up with JCF, but still have one more, which is probably my favorite on the list, this shawl collar cardigan:

Donegal Shawl-Collar Cardigan | J.Crew Factory

I freakin' love shawl collar sweaters, and actually got to bust one of mine out for the first time this year last night. The nice thing about a cardigan, too, is that the warmer lambswool is easy to pop off if you get too toasty inside. In these fall months, you can even wear it as a light jacket, and then as a mid layer when it gets colder. Again, not usually cheap, but discounted to $56 from almost $100.

Ok, enough with JCF, I guess. There are plenty of other great options, from tweed blazers for under $120, to slim chinos for $35, to camp socks for just $8.75, and everything in between. Check it out.


Free Shipping at H&M (code 2288):
Just a free shipping code (no other discounts to stack), but this is a good chance to grab some of H&M's always-cheap stuff without having to trek down to a store. One of my personal fall favorites from H&M is their shawl-collar cardigan:

Melange Cotton Cardigan | H&M

Looks like this one is cotton, so it won't be quite as warm as the option above from J.Crew, but that $40 base price is damn hard to beat. I have a very similar one from last year's line, and wear it all the time. I'm also a big fan of the slightly-outside-the-box reddish color available this year, although a more standard grey/blue is available as well. 

I'm also a fan of the trendier jackets from H&M - a great chance to test out something a bit outside of your personal style zone without betting the bank on it. I'm thinking about picking up this baseball jacket:

Baseball Jacket | H&M

Again, the base price (this time at $60), is much easier on the wallet than most of the competition. Dig the deep blue color, the bit of shine, and the contrasting white trim - could be really sharp at a tailgate or other fall outing.

I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for some discounted prices to go with the free shipping (fingers crossed). I'll keep ya posted!

To wrap things up, got two choice pieces of fall footwear at super-bargain prices:

Florsheim Veblen on Clearance:
I've heard the Veblen described as the poor man's Alden Longwing Blucher - which is one my personal grail-wishlist items. Regardless, I think it's a beautiful shoe - not a sleek european brogue, but a chunkier, American style shoe that will look perfect under a pair of heavier fall trousers:

Veblen Longwing Brogues | Florsheim

Even the starting price of $180 is pretty damn nice, especially for a well-reviewed Goodyear welted shoe. Now, Florsheim is letting them go for just $125 - super hard to pass up (and still over the $100 free shipping threshold)!


Stafford Deacon Wingtip Boot on sale at JCPenney:
I wholly think nice leather boots are something worth splurging on, but it can be hard - not only to fork over the money, but to feel like you can actually wear a pair of $400 shoes in the snow, slush and rain that come with boot-weather. If you need a pair to just beat around without worry, the Stafford Deacon from JCPenney is hard to beat:

Stafford Deacon Wingtip Boot | JCPenney

Surprisingly well-styled for a bargain boot, these are pretty wildly popular on sites like Dappered, and seem to be a pretty good bang for the buck. Poke around the web for some information on sizing, as their previous iteration, the Camlin, tended to run pretty large. Regularly $100, these are knocked down to only $65, and a 15% off code (CREDIT33 - make that 20% off with a JCP credit card) puts them at a wildly-affordable $55.


And that's all, folks! Like I said, tune back in next week for some exciting new content, and in the meantime, enjoy the fall!

All Things Seersucker (in time for National Seersucker Day)

Every so often, I get pitch letters from PR agencies sharing the latest news from whichever brand. Since I try to stick to practical advice and reviews here on the blog, rather than sharing upcoming news that every menswear blogger is getting, I usually read these with some amusement and file them away. However, the most recent letter, sent on behalf of Southern trad clothiers, Haspel, caught me eye.

Apparently, 'National Seersucker Day' used to be a thing - centered on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., but shared by menswear enthusiasts across the country, the day is a celebration of 'a simpler time when there was more charm and playfulness in Washington Attire.' During the recession, the tradition was ditched (I guess the D.C. vibe just wasn't so charming and playful as our economy tanked), but this year, they're bringing it back.

The day comes on June 11th, so you have plenty of time to stock up on some of the summer fabric. To help you out, we've picked out a few of our favorite options currently available across the web.

First, though, what is seersucker? Until I really became interested in style, it was a word I heard relatively often but really didn't know what it meant. Traditional seersucker is a cotton fabric easily recognized by its light blue and white stripes, but the identity of the fabric goes beyond the pattern to the material itself. Seersucker is uniquely puckered along the lines of the stripes (and these days, you can find alternatives like seersucker gingham, which puckers with the checks, or solid navy seersucker which shares the puckered lines of traditional seersucker, but over a solid background). This kind-of-rumpled effect helps lend the classic southern look - similar to the wrinkles in linen, but also serves a practical purpose by keeping the fabric off of your skin, and therefore allowing better airflow to keep you cool in hot summer weather or southern climates.

A very dapper seersucker getup.
Photo courtesy of Haspel

Seersucker can definitely be seen as a bit of a 'statement' fabric or pattern, bolder than your every-day neutrals. Depending on your own sartorial tenacity, you may embrace the southern-swag full-on, or might just be interested in sprucing up your summer duds with a dash of the fabric. Here are our recommendations, in order from the most subtle to the most bold:

A tie is easily the simplest way to pop some seersucker into your rotation, and you can find them practically anywhere this time of year. The Tie Bar has an absolutely fantastic-looking option for only $15:

Cotton Seersucker in Midnight Navy | The Tie Bar

One of the big risks with seersucker suits and trousers is that you may end up looking too summery and casual for the occasion, which is why I love a pair of seersucker shorts. Shorts are already pretty darn summery and casual, so pretty much any occasion that calls for a pair of shorts will be just fine to wear seersucker. I just got turned onto Jomers, who are selling made-in-NYC shorts for $35. Hot damn, on my shopping list for sure:

Midwoods Shorts in Navy Seersucker | Jomers

While not quite as widespread, seersucker shirts are a great way to stay cool in the summer heat. Plus, the look plays off of more year-round styles, like a striped oxford, or a Bengal-stripe dress shirt, which will keep the piece from standing out like a sore thumb. This number from J.Crew is a bit pricey at full retail, but wait for one of their many sales and snag it at a discount:

Slim Seersucker Shirt | J.Crew

From there, things take a much bolder turn. If you aren't ready for a full seersucker suit, start off with the trousers. It's still a strong style move, but isn't quite was overwhelming as a full seersucker suit can be. Try these Thompson suit pants from J.Crew Factory, currently on sale at $88:

Thompson Suit Pant in Seersucker | J.Crew Factory

Of course, you can always say 'hell-with-it' and go all-out in your southern swag. In order to avoid a frumpy boozehound look (I guess that's the best way to describe it?), do your seersucker suit like any other suit - keep the profile slim, get that bad boy tailored, and rock it with confidence. While still probably not appropriate for a day at the office, a seersucker suit is a great choice for a summer wedding, a cocktail party, a day at the races, and numerous other warm-weather occasions. Here's the jacket to match the above pants (and the whole suit clocks in at around $225, not too shabby at all):

Thompson Suit Jacket in Seersucker | J.Crew Factory

To bring things back to Haspel real quick, while I don't have any personal experience with the brand, they are well known as a staple of southern gent style, and this year are trying to bring some modernity and youth to their line (slimmer suits, brighter colors, you get the gist). Check them out, not only for some nice duds (although a bit expensive for my budget), but also for some upcoming #seersuckerday giveaways. Free stuff is always worth a look!

Who's got seersucker in their wardrobe? What's your favorite way to rock it?

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 1/31/2014

Finally back on the grind with a working computer. Also home sick today, so I have some time to throw together a Deals and Steals!

Free Shipping at J.Crew Factory (Today Only, Code FREESHIP):
First off, J.Crew Factory is offering free shipping today (and today only, so jump on this fast). There aren't any other markdowns, but this is a great opportunity to snatch up some cheap accessories. I'll be grabbing this wool tie at just $15.

Wool Triple-Stripe Tie | J.Crew Factory

I've been a big fan of every J.Crew tie I've bought, and the clearance discount plus free shipping puts this one at a less-than-Tie-Bar price. Easy pick.

I also recommend picking up this card-holder/wallet. A slim wallet like this is a great chance to reduce your bulk and keep your silhouette trim. I have one myself, and the leather is nice and has aged well over time.

Leather Card Holder | J.Crew Factory

Again, the clearance markdown to just $15 makes this an easy buy on any budget. I'm a big fan of the classic brown, but they have a few other colors available as well.

BONUS: My girlfriend is a big fan of J.Crew (and factory) necklaces, and they've got a 40% off sale going on in their women's jewelry section. V-day is coming up....


Additional 40% Off Sale Items at Bonobos (Code TOASTY):
This one has been going on for a while, but now everything is knocked down to Final Sale. Stinks if you are unsure of your sizing, but this also means that the seasonal sale is probably on it's last legs and won't be around much longer. So, if you're thinking of grabbing something, now is the time! I'm a huge fan of the fit of Bonobos pants, and even with the Final Sale, you should be safe going with your regular size, in a slim-straight fit. Sizing is getting pretty limited, but luckily they have these maple brown cords in my size:

French Corders in Maple | Bonobos

I have yet to pick up a pair of cords this winter, and they are one of my favorite seasonal fabrics, so I'll most likely be jumping on this last chance, especially at the affordable price of $40.

It's also worth taking a look beyond the pants that Bonobos is known for. I bought a few of their sweaters lately and have been loving them (slim-fit in the merino wool and you can't go wrong). This time, I'm looking forward to spring and taking advantage of some super low prices on tees. I'm really digging this one in a nautical stripe:

Vintage Wash Tee | Bonobos

At under $10 with the discount, I'll probably grab one or two in classic white as well...it's a menswear wardrobe staple, and mine are getting a bit worn.


Additional 30% Off Sale Items at Original Penguin (Code OPSALE30):
I don't shop at Original Penguin too often, but everything I've gotten from them has been solid and stylish, and this sale has some good deals available. For one, I'm still on a huge warm-sweater kick as the weather stays nice and crappy here in Chicago. OP has a V-neck lambswool option for under $25 after the discount:

Hector Lambswool V-Neck Sweater | Original Penguin

Not much more to be said...that's a steal of a price and a darn cozy-looking sweater.

While you're at it, you can grab a sharp dress shirt to wear underneath. They have several options, but this windowpane is classy, and would be very versatile as well:

Windowpane Dress Shirt | Original Penguin

I don't have personal experience with Original Penguin dress shirts, and there isn't a fit description, but at $30, you should have a few bucks left over in case this needs a quick trip to the tailor.


Clearance Sale at Imogene + Willie:
Ever since Imogene + Willie was featured in an episode of Alternate Route (by the way, Esquire is killing it with their TV Network), I've been dying to get a pair of their jeans. Unfortunately, their super-premium denim is usually way out of my price range. However, there are some HUGE discounts in their sale section right now that have me tempted to whip out my credit card. For example, these black rigid straight-legs are sharp, and marked down to just $105 from an original $275.

Willie Black Rigid | Imogene + Willie

Everyone is all about their indigo blue jeans, but black can be just as versatile and sometimes even better-looking. I've been on the lookout for a pair, and might not be anymore.

The rest of the sale ain't cheap, but the discounts are still hard to beat. If you've been considering dropping some dough on a premium button-down, Gitman did a line for Imogene + Willie, and this dark blue shirt stands out in the shop:

Navy Gitman for IW | Imogene + Willie

Like I said, $80 for a shirt isn't a steal, but when you consider the original price of $165, it just might be a deal.


I'll leave you with a final recommendation: check out sales in person! I'm an online shopping addict and do most of my buying from the comfort of my couch, but you can catch some crazy good discounts in-person. Perfect example: I stopped in at Gap on a whim last week, walked out of the store with a pair of buttery-soft and cozy-warm moleskin Chinos for less than $10. I can't even find the damn things online, so there's no way I would have gotten a deal like that without actually walking into the store. Goes to show, it's worth getting off your ass every so often!

5 Menswear Staples To Be Thankful For This Holiday

This post was originally going to fall in the regular M-W-F schedule and go up tomorrow, but it's a great list of Thanksgiving gear and I wanted to get it to all of you in time to actually put it to use! Also, I'll be driving alllll day tomorrow (hopefully not through a snowstorm, but probably). 

This is a guest post from the brothers behind The Sharp Suit, Matthew and Steven McConnell.  They focus on helping guys express their personal style through their site’s blog and their menswear product, the wooden pocket square.  They would love to hear from you on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest; any feedback is always welcome! Keep an eye out for my own guest post up on their site in the upcoming month or so (I'll keep you updated). 

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, eat lots of turkey, and try not to spill any on your fresh duds. Alright, over to Matthew and Steven:

You hear it every year – Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and enjoying great food.  While that’s certainly true, some guys might have other reasons they want their 2013 Thanksgiving to be memorable.  Perhaps it’s their first Turkey Day with the in-laws, or maybe they’ll be celebrating Friends-giving and want to impress that girl they know will be there, too.  Whatever the reason, The Sharp Suit understands and we want to help.  Below are 5 menswear staples that would be a stylish addition to any great Thanksgiving outfit.

The Sweater:

Sweaters are great Thanksgiving staples for 2 reasons: 1) they’re warm, and 2) they come in an unlimited variety of colors, patterns, and materials.  And you definitely don’t have to spend a fortune on something cashmere to keep warm and make a style statement.  A light zip-up adds style without making you too warm indoors, while a chunkier button-up works perfectly in colder climates.  Sweaters are extremely versatile and easy to pair with jeans, chinos, and even the next item on the list.  This V-neck merino wool sweater from J.Crew Factory comes in at $42.50.

Merino V-Neck Sweater | J.Crew Factory

The Corduroy:

Tired of wearing the same old jeans or khakis to Thanksgiving dinner?  Change up this year’s outfit by swapping in some corduroys.   The unique texture floats above the standard looks you’ll find in an ocean of jeans and chinos.  Available in a variety of autumn colors, some brands of these pants even have a slight stretch (which you’ll appreciate after an evening of devouring turkey and potatoes).  The straight fit cords from Gap are on sale for only $29.

1969 Five-Pocket Cord (Straight Fit) | Gap

The Boot:

Just like sweaters and corduroys, boots come in a seemingly unlimited variety of textures and colors, making them an easy addition to any outfit.  Some guys might prefer the chukka over a leather boot, but each option says the same thing: I know a little something about Thanksgiving style. These suede Michael Shannon chukkas from Off Broadway are a steal at $35.  Steven has been wearing these exact shoes this fall and they have easily become his go-to footwear choice (sorry, canvas sneakers).

Asheville Chukka | Michael Shannon via Off Broadway

If you wanted to customize your boots a bit, just swap out the standard laces for some fall-colored ones and show off just how sharply dressed you can be.  The Tie Bar has a great deal on colored laces at 5 pairs for $12. 

The Classic Collection (Shoelaces) | The Tie Bar

The Watch:

Sure, everyone nowadays carries a cell phone in their pocket.  So what’s the point of wearing a watch when your phone tells time?  Many guys simply wear a watch for the aesthetic benefits.  If you think a watch makes sense for your Thanksgiving outfit, look for something simple with a leather band.  The leather is definitely an autumn texture and will tie together all your holiday attire elements.  Although watches tend to be one of the more pricey elements of an outfit, this Timex watch is slightly more reasonable at $65.

Easy Reader | Timex via Nordstrom

The Socks:

Socks are the easiest way to add your personality to any outfit without being too showy or over the top.  A nice pop of color peeking out from under your boots is a great style touch.  Urban Outfitters has some socks that are both comfortable and durable for $8 each or 3 pairs for $20.  But the beautiful thing about socks is that they can be as crazy and fun as you want them to be.  Since they’re often covered by pant legs they won’t detract from your overall holiday attire.  But entertaining turkey or football-themed socks can go a long way towards showing off a little of your personal style.

Classic Nep Sock | Urban Outfitters

Granted, Thanksgiving is right around the corner so you might not be able to add all these elements to your wardrobe in time for Thursday.  However, we at The Sharp Suit (and Wide Eyes, Tight Wallets!) believe it’s important for every guy to discover his own personal style.  And we believe our humble suggestions above provide easy additions that any guy can include in a Thanksgiving outfit that will bring a little extra touch of style to their celebration of the holiday.

We hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Deals and Steals for the Weekend - 11/22/2013

Back at it again. To recap: "Every Friday, 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!"

This weeks Deals and Steals:

Lived-In Slim Moleskin Pants by Gap
Damn, I'm really happy I found this one, might be scooping it myself. I've been on the hunt for an affordable pair of moleskin pants, these might be the ones. Moleskin is a fantastic cool-weather fabric. It's warmer than flannel, with a similar 'brushed' texture, but much more durable. Think canvas, if it was as soft and fuzzy as flannel.

From the looks of the site, these will fit similar to the slim chinos, which are my go-to from Gap. The current 40% off regular styles with code GAPEARLY knocks these down to under $40, which is great for ANY pants. Sign up for the credit card (no commitment as far as I can tell, I did this for a deal earlier this year), and get a full 50% off. The code is site-wide on full-price items, so browse around.


Suede Norbeck Boot by Ralph Lauren
More boots, more Ralph Lauren. Deal with it. I actually saw this on Dappered.com, in all fairness, but I'm horribly tempted to buy these, and probably will. I've been looking for a pair of semi-casual boots for dealing with Chicago winters, and these may fit the bill. I love the moc toe, the color will go great with dark jeans, and the $90 price tag (down from close to $200) can't be beat.

My only hesitation is suede and wintry weather can sometimes be at odds. But really, I can waterproof and winterize these puppies and just stick to something else on really nasty days. Anyone else have any thoughts on them? The rest of the deets: this discount is part of their Thanksgiving sale, which also includes free shipping (extra bonus point to RL).


Quilted Layering Vest by J.Crew Factory
Ok, I definitely was all about this just two days ago in our most recent post, but I didn't realize just how discounted these were right now until I was wrapping that post up. This vest has been such a huge item for me, I had to include it here and bring to y'alls attention again.

You can get all the juicy details and styling suggestions here. Beyond that, All you need to know is that this beauty is also offered in grey and is currently part of the everything included in their '40% off everything sale,' which brings this vest, originally $74.50, down to only $44.50, and for some context, I paid $60 for mine and still thought it was a great deal. Yup, wore mine today.


Tweed Jacket/Blazer by UNIQLO
Honestly, I would have included this one even if it was at full price. $100 for a tweed jacket is fantastic, $80 is even better. I had great luck with a Uniqlo blazer over the summer and would expect nothing less from one of these.

GQ even gave this some play very recently, so it's endorsed by the pros, it's THE all-time fabric for fall and winter, and it's dirt cheap. What's not to love?

Last but not least:

The Gentleman's Deck by Frausto & Co.
Not a sale, but still a steal. This is a perfect gift for your sartorially inclined friend that you don't want to spend $60+ on for a nice tie, but who you know will be able to recognize and be disappointed by anything remotely subpar. These cards are exactly what they are called:

Classy, informative, and a nice touch for a dapper dude to pull out on a guys night. And after all, that's what all of this is all about, right? Being a gentleman? Swing this gift for a mere $15.95, game over.

Quilted Vests - The Ultimate Layering Piece

I've been spending the past few weeks working on a larger project for some collaborative work (more details to come), and have been focusing on cold-weather apparel. For obvious reasons, this has resulted in me spending a lot of time considering outerwear options facing the dapper dude as the temperatures continue to dip. While this year I'm really looking to grab my first quality topcoat, I keep coming back to what I see as the one outerwear piece you absolutely need. Yep, believe it or not, it's really that simple. The icing on the cake is you can get this item for a cool $50 if you know where to look, and try saying that for a wool topcoat or down parka.

Here, I'm talking about the quilted vest. It's the ultimate layering piece, and with one (just one!) in your closet, you can go seamlessly from crisp fall days to the coldest of the winter months and right back into spring without missing a beat. Case in point: I have now gone three brutal Chicago winters with no real outerwear to call my own, instead relying on an interchanging collection of thicker wool blazers, sweaters, fall jackets, and my go-to quilted layering vest.

For the most part, I started out just wearing this underneath a blazer. It added an insulating layer
without adding any unseemly bulk to my profile, which I like to keep slim, even in the winter.


This year, I've begun wearing it over top of some of my more form-fitting blazers. It's a look I wasn't 100% sure about at first but am really coming to love, and get compliments on all the time. The vest and blazer combo on it's own isn't terribly warm, but once you add some gloves, a hat and a scarf, the whole outfit gets nice and toasty.

My styling here is limited to my biz-casual work outfits, but you can work this into more casual
outfits just as easily (I do it all the time, but have yet to snap some pics). The vest is short and trim enough to wear underneath my Member's Only jacket, but still roomy enough to wear over a chunky cardigan. Bottom line, the versatility this piece offers makes it irreplaceable.

So, grab one of these for yourself, ASAP, I promise you won't regret it. Mine is from J.Crew Factory and is currently only $44.50, which leaves it under the $50 mark with shipping included. If you want a little more color, check out this gilet (gilet = vest for those across the pond) in navy and white.




Ed. Note: Due to a combination of crappy weather, earlier nightfall, and hectic schedules, my photographer (i.e. girlfriend) and I have been struggling to schedule photo shoots, and I hope you'll understand our being forced to rely on archived pictures and old selfies for this post.

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!

Incorporating Fall Colors

Every year, the style world decrees a color or two as The Color of the fall. On top of that, you have a small handful of staple seasonal colors that just work best in these cooling months. Now, you might think that working these colors into your every-day wear is easy, but I personally find it helpful to stick to at least some semblance of a method. Mainly, I try to keep purely seasonal selections away from my closet staples. Instead, I prefer to have a solid foundation of year-round foundation pieces (i.e. trousers and dress shirts), and then use my accessories and embellishments to turn those foundation pieces into a seasonal outfit. To help you folks do the same, I put together the following suggestions for incorporating two key colors into your wardrobe:

Forest Green - The Fashion World's Favorite Fall Color (this year):

This year, the aforementioned Color of the Season has been widely proclaimed to be a dark, woodsy green. Now, I do have a pair of forest green chinos that have actually turned out to be pretty versatile year-round, but when it comes to this particular fall favorite I tend to turn to layering options. Something about a dark green canvas jacket, cardigan, or shawl neck sweater is perfect for getting your office-ready outfit to exude a vibe that's a bit more campfire and bit less conference-call.

A pricier option, but this olive cable-knit is exactly what you're looking for.
The Green Byrne Shawl Sweater by Ledbury | $225 

You can keep these items versatile past the edges of fall, which is nice as well. When we start getting snow falling instead of leaves, layering is still your friend, if not more so. Come spring, you'll be back in transition mode and some green in your gear will help you look forward to fresh spring foliage.

Want something a bit subtler, and perhaps easier on the wallet? Try some knit gloves, scarves or hats.

Titletown Wool PLaid INset Gloves by Lands End | $80.00 $24.99

I tend to struggle picking these items out, as I don't want my gloves looking like an extension of my coat (in grey, brown or black), but also don't want to look like I have clown hands (bright colors, stripes, etc.). Here, I've found that a dark green is the perfect balance.

Other ideas: Been interested in trying out that camo trend? Get a subtle piece in a dark green motif to satisfy both leanings. I'm not big on the camo look myself, but I can be sold on certain pieces.

Camo Belt by J. Crew Factory | $29.50 $24.50

A slim tie, for example, or canvas belt, or nylon watch strap, can all be great touches to rough up a sharp casual look. Just keep it small and subtle.

I've also been dying to grab a dark green pocket square, and have one on the way from J. Crew right now. My preferred jacket colors come in various shades of brown and blue, both of which could benefit from a hint of forest green to bring the look down to earth.

(EDITORS NOTE: Forgot to mention, Peter Field also offers a great camo pocket square. Check it out here)

Burgundy - My Favorite Fall Color (every year):

As I've written in previous posts, my personal favorite fall color goes by many names: burgundy, oxblood, maroon, cordovan, etc. I love the warmth of this color, especially on cool fall days. Green evokes images of camping, blue of cool collegiate tailgates, but burgundy brings to mind that cozy feeling that you can't really get all summer without suffocating in the sweltering heat.

Anyways, my favorite way to incorporate this into an outfit is through your leather wear, largely because you can. Trying to get out of browns and blacks with shoes can be tricky. You can find some grey suedes, and these days navy blue leather is starting to pop up more often, but it's really hard to wear these as regularly as you would your standard leathers. Enter a pair of oxblood cap-toes (or even better, cap-toe boots).


The Melton Cap-Toe by Johnston & Murphy | $175.00

Not far enough from brown to stick out like a sore thumb, but just red enough to not fade into the woodwork, you also get the added benefit that oxblood shoes pair with a navy suit better than any other color leather. With my first navy suit on the way, a pair of oxblood Johnston & Murphy's was an easy choice for me this year. I found a pair just like the ones above for $30 on eBay. Woop woop.

If shoes are a bit out of your budget (even on eBay), scale down to a belt. This point may be arguable, but I don't find it entirely necessary to match oxblood leather with oxblood leather the same way I would brown or black shoes and belt.



Bernard Slim Belt by Frank and Oak | $45.00

Personally, I would have no problem wearing black shoes with a burgundy belt, or vice versa. The trick is to find two leathers that compliment but don't blend. You want contrast without clashing. Your best bet is trial and error...just keep trying combos until you find something that looks good. Sometimes it's just that simple.

Other Ideas:

I recently dove into the colored-laces world, and pretty quickly stepped back out. I think I caught the tail end of the trend and it's starting to feel overplayed. However, burgundy laces still find their way into my rotation pretty often.

Burgundy Shoelaces by The Tie Bar | $3.00

I think they look great with a pair of lighter-brown shoes. Once again, it's in the way the colors work together. The burgundy (as opposed to say, orange, or lime green) laces don't distract, but they give some visual variety. At the same time, they are just different enough from the brown leather to actually be noticeable, and not look like you're trying (but failing) to match.

If you're looking for something a bit more formal, just grab a burgundy tie and socks. Preferably a knit tie. I got one from The Tie Bar last fall, and never stopped wearing it. The very best kind of seasonal accessory: one you can wear all year long.


My final suggestion: Mix and match these two colors! Try oxblood shoes and belt, with a green tie or (or, not and) pocket square.

What are your go-to fall colors? Have any great seasonal buys on the way? Share in the comments!

Shopping for Stylish Tech Accessories

I'll start off with a little background: As you all know, iPhone 5S came out recently, and the lines were out the doors and the shipping times through the roof. I was perfectly content to wait out the rush and buy mine in good time....until my iPhone 4 decided to stop charging. One day after all the new iPhones went out of stock. Long story short, I was stuck with a little candybar go-phone with no camera, no music, no keyboard, and feeling a lot like Stringer Bell with a burner (boom, 'Wire' reference). Fortunately, ATT way overestimated the time it would take to get me my phone, and a mere week later I had it in my hands.

Since I had the phone shipped to me, I didn't get a chance to pick out a case in the store. Lucky for me, I didn't have to look to hard to find one online. I bought my girlfriend a nice leather case from J. Crew last year, and I've been admiring their iPhone 5S cases for a hot minute, and voila, same day I get my phone, J. Crew Factory does a flash sale (something like 30% extra sale plus free shipping). Needless to say I was on that case like rainbows on an oil spill (I heard that line in Malcom in the Middle the other week and have been using it every chance I get). I ended up with this beaut of a case in navy leather:

From J. Crew Factory 

Pretty much two minutes later, one of my coworkers came over to announce he had just ordered his phone, and started to lament about his own search for a case. We quickly got into a conversation about how lame all of the go-to options are. If you walk out of Best Buy or and Apple Store with an iPhone case, chances are pretty good your phone is going to be twice as big, five times uglier, and look like it's wearing crocs. Somewhere along the line, all the big tech companies decided that everyone wanted their phones padded and wrapped in the ugliest rubber boxes money could buy.

So, the point is, these aren't your other options. If you know where else to look, you can get a functional and fashionable case, which is so nice, since your phone is one of those things you ALWAYS have and people are bound to see. Here are my suggestions:

First and foremost, don't look at companies dedicated to tech accessories. Their expertise is in making things work, not necessarily making them look good. They might try, but that's not where their training lies. And honestly, it's not that hard to make a case that works. Instead, go to the people who are experts at looking good. In other words, go to your favorite fashion and apparel sources. Nine out of ten apparel stores has an 'accessories' section, and if they do, you're bound to find some iPhone cases.

J. Crew, obviously, is one of my favorite sources. They have a good selection of classy and well designed cases for both men and women. On top of that, they are very reasonably priced (rarely higher than one of those ugly boxes from the super-store), and very often go on sale (or show up on the Factory outlet shop). I suggest picking one out online and then stopping by your store to pick it up (unless you get lucky with a free-shipping code like I did).

Jack Spade is another great option. They are already very well known for their protective but styling outerwear, bags, and luggage, so it only makes sense that they'd be able to do the same for phones. Their options run a tad bit higher, at about $40 a pop, but are still very reasonable. My favorite is this one in a 'book cloth' material (whatever that means, it looks nice).

From Jack Spade

If you want something with a print on it, try this guy from Original Penguin. Yeah, it's the logo, but I love penguins so I had to pick this one. I'm sure you can find some other options as well. This lil guy sells for around $40 also:

From Original Penguin

Back to leather, you can get a even classier with one of these options from Bonobos, which are made from Italian leather and have a great luster and depth to them (if that's your thing), but clock in over the $60 mark. These are currently only available in the iPhone 4 dimensions, but I'd expect to see options for the 5 and 5S arriving shortly:

From Bonobos

Keep shopping around and the opportunities are endless. You can even find cases in the uber-luxurious $300+ range from designer brands like Burberry and Saint Laurent (check out Mr. Porter for some of these as well). Have something really specific in mind? Last year I was trying to find a tweed covered case, searched all over in stores to no avail, only to find dozens of options on Etsy. I ended up sticking with the case I had for one reason or another, but I always keep Etsy in the back of my mind as another option.

Do you have the cajones to go case-less? If not, how do you protect your phone? Is your priority style and looks or functionality and ruggedness? Tell us about it in the comments!