J. Crew + J. Crew Factory: Extra 30% off sale with LOVEIT

Now $35. The sweater to wear w/ shorts (& anything else.)

Remember, this works on most items on the J. Crew Factory site too.  This cotton/linen striped sweater for $34.99 is from the regular J. Crew line, has tons of sizes available (for now) and has a perfect material blend for cool summer nights.  Marling keeps it casual, but it looks anything but crusty, old, or boring.  Originally $62.50.

Tretorn for J. Crew Canvas Sneakers – $38.50 ($65)

Light but not wimpy.

Wow.  These must have not sold.  At all.  Now under $40, which is about what you’d pay for a pair of Chucks.  These are much, much nicer than chucks.  Full review over here.  Three colors to pick from.

Factory Sunwashed Oxford Plaid – $22.75 ($59.50)

Bermuda Al Borland.

Remember, the prices have to be in red (and thus, on sale) on the J. Crew Factory site for the LOVEIT code to work.  There’s more than a few patterns and color options here, but this red based plaid is a great base shirt to layer more neutural stuff over.  Think pale grey blazer with jeans and drivers after the sun has gone down.

*The J. Crew extra 30% off sale items code LOVEIT expires on Monday 5/28/12.*

L.E.C. 30% off + free shipping w/ HONOR & 4288 | Lands’ End: FLAG & 1122

Nice fabric, nice stripe, now $10.49.

Got all that?  For Lands’ End Canvas  code and pin are HONOR and 4288. The Lands’ End code and pin are FLAG and 1122.   That’ll get you 30% off and free shipping, no minimum, at the respective sites.  That puts the above Supima Stripe V down to $10.49 ($60).  It’s already on sale, and the extra 30% off gets it into silly territory.  Ships free.

L.E.C. 100% Linen 9″ Rise Shorts – $31.50 ($45)

All linen = max ventilation.

One of their newer arrivals, and what you want on those just too damn hot days.  100% linen in a shade of grey that’ll go with anything.  Can go from extremely dressed down (no shirt, no shoes) to as dressed up as you’d like to push a pair of shorts.

Lands’ End Wool Overlay Belt – $17.49 ($59.50)

Aw hell, wear it with the linen shorts.

From the regular Lands’ End site, so you’ll need FLAG and 1122 to get this price.  Sure it’s a pattern more appropriate for the holidays, but there’s nothing wrong with a little minor seasonal sartorial collision.  Under twenty bucks.

*The Lands’ End / Lands’ end Canvas 30% off + Free Shipping offers end Tuesday 5/29/12.*

Ralph Lauren + Rugby 25% off Select Sale Styles + Free Shipping No Minimum

Made in the USA. Still expensive.

You’ll need a pair of codes for the free shipping offers. For Ralph Lauren: MAYFS12. For Rugby: RUGBYMD12. That’s a nice pair of cherries on top right there.  Full honesty: The extra 25% off pickins are mighty slim over on the Ralph Lauren side.  Not a whole lot there.  These Banstead Suede Boat Shoes for $171.75 ($325) are a splurge for a lot of us, but if you love boat shoes and spend all summer in them, then maybe going all out for a pair of these Made-in-the-USA lookers might be worth considering?

Rugby Chino Newbury Jacket – $112.49 ($198)

Great, but too much of a heavyweight for summer.

So here’s the deal with this jacket.  It was going to be given a full rundown with the matching pant as a summer suit, but it’s about 25% too heavy to be worn in real heat.  It’s terrific, but the fabric is so thick that you’ll feel like you’re wearing a blanket above 85.  Awesome for spring, fall, and even winter.  Three button front with a great natural lapel lay so it wears like a 2-button.  Great off the rack fit and plenty will be able to get away without extra tailoring.  Functioning cuff buttons, but sleeves run normal.

Rugby Italian Made Madras Tie – $49.99 ($69.50)

Not an extra 25% off. Damn.

Not part of the “select” sale styles to get the extra 25% off.  Well hell.  Anyway, madras ties ain’t everybody’s thing, but for those who want to pull this off, putting it on should be a pleasure compared to mega-cheap neckwear.  Full interlining, made in Italy, and a 2″ 7/8″ which is starting to get noticeably slim but is nowhere near skinny.

*The Ralph Lauren / Rugby 25% off select sale styles + Free Shipping offers end Tuesday 5/29/12.*

Original Penguin: 30% off w/ OPMEMORIAL30 & 40% off sale w/ OPSALE40

From when the woods in your golf bag were actually wood.

Paging Mr. Draper.  Tipped polo in the OP heritage slim fit featuring a not so average rounded/club collar.  Was $79, now down to $55, so you’re paying for that uniqueness.  Made out of a jersey, not pique cotton.  The throwback look can get real played out, real quick, but this polo doesn’t seem to go over the top.

O.P. The Earl Polo TV Bird – $41.30 ($59)

From when your TV had rabbit ears.

Some of you guys have an understandable, zero-tolerance policy when it comes to logos.  That said, it’s awfully hard not to have a soft spot for the Penguin.  And now, their “TV Bird” series throws it back in time even farther.  With a heritage slim fit, the jersey construction “The Earl” polo is a splurge, but still.

O.P. Barastorm Jacket – $71.99 ($150)

Could have done without the back button.

Already on sale so it gets the extra 40% off treatment.  Different, but doesn’t jump too far outside the lines.  Trench influenced details on a harrington.

*The 30% off regular and 40% off sale Original Penguin codes expire Monday 5/28/12.*

The others: Timberland extra 20% off with MEMDAY12.  Macy’s extra 15% off with MEMDAY.  Perry Ellis 40% off the entire site with PEMEMORIAL40 (but stock is pretty decimated).  Express $15 off every $60 with 1405.  Banana Republic: Save up to 40% off with BRPERFECT.  GAP up to 40% off select styles, no code needed.  Hilfiger: extra 30% off sale with THILSALE30.

To quote Bart Scott, can’t wait.  After turning over every couch cushion and probably selling the Tin Man for scrap, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer pulled enough cash together to get the twenty third installment of the James Bond movie franchise made.  Javier Bardem is on board to play the villain.  Of course Dame Judi Dench is back as M.  And in his third movie, Daniel Craig looks to continue making life hell for whoever has the unlucky task of assuming the role of Bond once Craig’s turn is up.
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The Grey Striped Suit:  Hilfiger – $330 ($550) | Hickey Freeman – $359.40 ($1,500)

Striped, grey, and will need waist suppression.

The suit shown in the trailer happens to go against what’s favored at the moment in a few ways:

• Grey instead of navy.
• Three button instead of two, but it’s rolled to look like a two.
• And striped instead of solid or shadow plaid.

It’s also tailored incredibly close.  Enough so that the fit causes those lines/Xs/pulls that extend from the button.  That’ll give some traditionalists a heart attack.  Bottom line is this:  If you’re fit as hell, the suit is comfortable, and you can move just fine, then some of those lines are fine.  If the button is about to blow after lunch, it’s not.  That thing fits Craig like a glove.  And for those who think it’s too tight, feel free to ask your significant other how they think he looks in it.  Both of the affordable alternatives are two button.  The Hilfiger should drop down to the mid $200s during the next One Day Sale.  The Hickey Freeman is made in the US, cut a little more traditional, and now an extra 40% off through LastCall.com.  Sizes there are 40R and up.  Want a splurge?  Try this from J. Crew.

The Shirt + Tie:  Express 1MX French Cuff – $37.23 (if you buy 2) | DKNY – $35.70 ($59.50)

Bond is not on board with the bright colors thing.

A cool blue (leaning grey?), a point and not spread collar, and french cuffs  Not the easiest of all combinations to find for cheap.  So for this case go with the Express 1MX.  Available with a french cuff, they really do have a more traditional, point collar when buttoned up.  Just treat it carefully.  It’s a so-so sale, but Express is doing a $15 off $75 w/ code 1409 through Sunday, and with the buy one get one 1/2 off deal, that puts two of these at $74.45.  For the tie:  Bond’s looks surprisingly slim.  Dense dot pattern.  Your call on navy or black.  Ultra affordable TheTieBar option here.
UPDATE:  Or, if you just want one shirt, use code 1405 to get $15 off every $60 you spend.  Shirts are stubbornly $59.90 so you’ll have to tip the balance with something small to get the $15 off. 

The Overcoat: Scotch & Soda – $145 ($215) | Hart Schaffer Marx – $215 ($425)

Hey, the movie comes out in November...

May isn’t the best month for topcoat shopping.  Craig’s Bond seems to favor double breasted coats, but there’s no front view in the trailer.  It also moves a bit more like a single breasted topcoat, and if that’s the case, the long gone BR from this past winter would fit the bill.  The Scotch & Soda is limited in sizes but on sale and available.  Since we’re heading into summer, try the Cotton blend H.S.M. via Amazon for just over $200.

The Sweats:  Topman Indigo Marl Raglan Crew – $40.00

Hey, at least it looks fitted.

My God.  What have they done to Bond.  The man who’s hardly ever out of reach of his tuxedo has been put in sweats.  This has to be him being held against his will.  There’s no other explanation.  At least they haven’t put the word “Juicy” on the rear.  Anyway, notice the lack of a hood.  Well done.  No, there’s no matching pants for this sweatshirt from Topman, but you could always get this and this for a matching set.

The Tux:  Indochino Midnight Shawl – $379 | Hilfiger Shawl Collar – $319.99

Indochino pic shows notch, but shawl is available.

It’s a shawl (see 1:15 in the trailer) and it just might be a midnight blue.  Pretty much the only place to score one of those for an affordable price would be Indochino, and don’t forget to select the shawl collar during the customization process.  It also comes with a $75 re-tailoring alterations credit, so with that extra value, this is actually closer to the low $300s.  The Hilfiger Shawl comes in black, and while the pants are available through Macy’s, the jacket is short on sizes there.  The reverse is true on Amazon.  Buy one from each place and hope for the blacks to match?

The Watch:  Seiko 5 SNKE51 Blue Dial – $79.99

Downsizing for this film.

Rumors are it’ll be an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, with a blue dial, at the very subtle size of 38.5 mm.  That’s not big.  At all.  Neither is this one, and it’ll seem awfully dainty if you’re used to wearing something more substantial.  Automatic, blue dial, and cheap.

The Haircut:  Short, and embracing the power alleys.

"I ain't got time to apply product."

Anybody else get the feeling that they were trying to hide Daniel Craig’s hair loss in Quantum of Solace?  That’s not the case here.  Craig gets an even closer cut that would spit in Pierce Brosnan’s hair gel, if in fact a haircut could hock a loogie.  Probably a 3 or 4 clipper at the sides with a very short finger length scissors cut on top.

Lots of simple dark colors.  Your thoughts?  Is the minimalism terrific?  Or boring?  Hey, who knows, maybe he’ll wear a pair of pink chinos while sipping on his Heineken…  Leave it all in the comments.

Both of these expire today, 5/22, in a way.  GAPLOVE will only get you 20% off Gap tomorrow, Wed. 5/23.

There’s been an explosion of exclusions for GAP inc. sales lately, but this one seems to have less than normal.  New Arrivals are up for the code.  So are shoes and non monogram suiting.  But just to minimize the risk of one of us going through the checkout process only to not get the discount (ain’t that a blast?) here are the key exclusions:

• Banana Republic:  “Excludes Timeless Collection, Leather Apparel, Men’s Monogram Suiting, Men’s Gavin, Dawson, & Emerson pants, Men’s Bags, and SFMade.” 
• GAP: “Leather and Suede Apparel, Denim Bottoms, Women’s Panties, Baby Sleepwear, Playtime Favorites, and First Favorites.“

See?  Not bad.  Free shipping kicks in at $50, you can cross pollinate between brands to get to the threshold, and returns are free in store.  And… GAP is on a roll lately.  No, really.  Here be the thises worth getting a load of:
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Gap Non Iron Gingham Shirt Slim Fit – $33.71 ($44.95)

Has collar stay slots too. Wurkin stiffs will control the collar.

For as popular as gingham has become, it is damn near impossible to find a gingham dress shirt for under $40.  Not a rumpled, washed shirt, but one that’s smooth enough you can wear it to work.  These might not come in neck & sleeve measurements, and white/bone colored buttons would be better, but other than that, they’re nails.  Non-iron finish makes the cotton a little stiff, but it feels decently well made.  Collar has some good width to it, and the navy on white (not navy on light blue like past GAP gingham shirts) is perfect.  And the fit?  It’s so slim that plenty of us will skip the tailor.  Applause on this one.  Size shown: Medium

Gap Tailored Cotton/Linen Blazer – $96.00 ($128)

Word is it's better in person. But watch those sleeves.

And still haven’t seen this thing in person.  But word from reader Joseph is that the pics on GAP.com don’t do it justice.  BUT, he also mentioned that it has functioning sleeve buttons, and the sleeves fit him really well.  Good for Joseph, but maybe not so good for the rest of us: “Do note that i have longer arms so the perfect fit on the sleeve length was an anomaly (5’9″ with 35″ sleeve length on shirts, 6’2″ wingspan REALLY sucks when trying to shop for clothes.“  Joseph has some lonnnnng arms.

Gap Garment Dye 10″ Short – $33.71 ($44.95)

Sturdy, soft, and comfortable.

A 10″ rise on a pair of shorts isn’t the shortest rise out there, but man are these things comfortable.  The cotton is crazy soft, and there’s a bit of a pincord like texture on there, but it’s real subtle.  Trim but not skinny, and there’s a ton of colors to pick from.  They call them “lightweight” shorts, but make no mistake, they don’t feel thin or wispy.  Not too thick at the same time.  Might want to size down.  Size shown: 31.

Tailored Glen Plaid Pant in Straight fit – $44.96 ($59.95)

The perfect way to escape the khaki chino rut.

Hooray for straight fits.  They’re just a little wider from the knee down, with less taper, so those of us with thicker calves won’t feel like we’re wearing knee high socks when we put our pants on.  Down to $45 and they ship free thanks to the over $50 price pre code.  The feel of these is much improved over past lighter-weight GAP pants.  They don’t feel… disposable.  They’ve got some good details on them too, like a striped lining.  Fit is pretty true, but if you’re inbetween sizes, consider sizing down at the waist.  size shown:  32×30.

Gap Classic Tailor Fit Cotton Blazer – $59.99 ($108)

Great with jeans. Not the easiest to pair with other pants.

Already on sale and with the extra 25% off it gets down to $60 and ships free.  Is it perfect?  No.  Plenty of you might own the black version of this which was on sale plenty often back in early to late fall.  Don’t give too much creedance to the word “classic” here.  It fits pretty trim.  Especially through the arms.  It’s cotton, but it’s no rumpled chino by any stretch.  Much smoother with a hint (but not glare) of shine.  According to the online reviews, fits seem to be all over the place.  A medium fits my frame decently well.

Banana Republic Tailored Fit MicroCheck Linen Blazer – $175.00 ($250)

We'll see how quick these go online.

It’s 100% linen, so that’s why it’s priced so far above BR’s other cotton blazers from their tailored fit line.   Hard not to really like the patch pockets and lighter, almost white buttons on the front.  Huge potential for this one.  A wear it all friggin’ summer long type of blazer.  First noticed over here, yet hasn’t shown up in all brick & mortar stores yet.

B.R. Tailored Wool Linen Suit Jacket & Matching Pant – $266 ($380)

And the code should apply. Should.

As positive as the customer reviews are for their 62% cotton/ 38% linen suit (in-person review is pending, standby for that) it’s not as lightweight or… uh… “linen-y” as you’d think.  It appears that on this one, which is 54% wool and 46% linen, the linen texture is much more noticeable.  Also appears to be a less yellow, lighter color described only as “tan.”  Peak lapels on this one too, so if you prefer notch, know this has that extra personality which some would rather do without.  Hacking pockets (translation: slanted).  Plenty of sizes, and the code should apply since it’s not from the monogram collection.

Banana Republic Jaret Suede Oxford – $84.00 ($120)

Standby for an in-person on these too.

Unless they change the code exclusions, you’d think these would also be up for the discount.  Comes in three colors, looks great online, and has serious potential.  The one drawback?  The only customer review complains of quality issues.  BR shoes just don’t have the best rep when it comes to durability.  But $84 and free shipping is awfully tempting.

Banana Republic Straight Fit Plaid Pant – $48.65 ($69.50)

Size shown: 32x30 on a 5'10"/165lb frame

Just barely under $50, but since it’s over before the code is applies, it’ll ship free.  As crazy as plenty of us would ever want to get, but the colors of the plaid all play real well together.  Nothing too out of line, or contrasting too much with the rest of the group.  Fit is great for those who prefer 501s over 514s or anything skinnier than that.  Available in the brown leaning “khaki” shown here, and a grey leaning “charcoal”.

BR Tailored fit cotton blazers in Glen Plaid or Medium Blue – $138.60 ($198)

Summer staples that can play year round.

These are the next step down from the all linen micro-check.  The cotton shell is nice but not mind blowing.  It can be a little stiff to start, but after a few wears it’ll loosen up.  These are this year’s version of 2011′s light blue micro-stripe blazer.  Fit is the same.  For those who have larger shoulders and are in-between jacket sizes (say, a true 39 instead of a 38 or 40) sizing up and having it tailored is going to be the safest play.  Great to wear with white leaning pants, or, to summer up a pair of dark denim after dark.  The blue was being called “pique” for awhile there, but the fabric is nothing like a pique polo.  Tonal elbow patches on that one too.  Sizes on both are getting scattered.

Not bad from GAP huh?  B.R. keeps plugging along too.  BREXCUSE expires today, 5/22.  GAPLOVE goes from 25% off to 20% off at 11:59pm E.T. tonight.

With summer upon us, I’d like to see a post about stylish t-shirt alternatives for the warm weather coming up.  The default for many is a t-shirt, but what else can we wear if we so choose?

- Justin

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The range in the T-shirt clothing genre is about as vast as the body types on any given football team.  In the majority of cases, you’ll want a t-shirt that’d be the football player equivalent of a strong safety.  You don’t want some bulky, massive OT type of tee, nor do you want a wispy kicker.  You want something that absolutely leans trim, but also has some strength to it.

That said, as great as they are, T-shirts can get monotonous.  And they’re as casual as it gets.  Now, there aren’t a ton of options that land in that same uber casual ballpark.  Ultra light blazer with a light cotton shirt underneath?  Absolutely, but that’s real far away from tee territory.  There are closer alternatives.  Five of them follow .  Go ahead and make any additions in the comments…
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1. The Pocket T-Shirt:  J. Crew – $19.00 ($24.50)

Chesty.

A plain t-shirt comes off as casual because it looks a lot like underwear.  A pocket solves that, since pockets are pretty useless on underwear.  They come in handy too.  Good for storing a short pencil, a small notebook, or a few bucks in.  The J. Crew pocket tees shown here are nice, but at almost twenty bucks (even on sale) they’re spendy.  Wait for an extra 30% off sale items code.  Other options include the surprisingly well fitting Old Navy Tri-Blend, if you can stand a small tonal logo… The American Eagle Legend Pocket Tee for $10, and check Target in store.

2. A Heathered or Slub Jersey Polo: GAP – $26.21* | Original Penguin – $48.30*

Heathered on the left, slub. on the right.

If you’re feeling like a t-shirt, but want something just a notch up, a thicker, pique polo might be a little stiff looking.  A solid jersey polo is of course just fine (and really, so is pique) but the more casual polos will have a flecked, heathered look to them, or, be made of slub cotton.  “Slub” is a type of weaving process that creates a slightly irregular, almost bumpy looking fabric.  Maybe a distant, distant cousin of seersucker.  It looks well worn and awfully casual.  But since polos have the collar, it’s still a step up from a plain t-shirt.  Cheaper slub options include this $22 Haggar Slim and this $25 Marc Anthony, both from Kohl’s (haven’t seen either though).  More polo options here.  *Pictured polos are usually $35 and $69 respectively.  Both are on sale.  You’ll need the codes GAPLOVE and OPMEMORIAL30 to get these prices.

3. A dressed up polo over a contrasting tee with some color

Black BR over green Mossimo

Y’know how there are more casual, washed button downs, and then there’s your dress shirts?  Right.  The difference isn’t quite as vast in the polo world, but there’s a difference.  The way to dress down a smoother office ready polo is to layer it over a lightweight t-shirt with some color.  Just make sure the sleeves on your t-shirt are shorter than the polo’s.  Think of it as the very poor man’s, very down to earth, very casual and subtle… ascot.

4. Long sleeve button down with rolled up sleeves

Flip, pull, and fold up to lock.

Short sleeve button ups are trying to mount a comeback (more on those in a second), but most well fitting long sleeve button up shirts can be turned into a short sleeve by simply rolling the sleeves up the “right” way.  Here’s a full explanation.  This method keeps the sleeves streamlined so you don’t have fabric bagels falling off your elbows, and also keeps them locked in their upright position.  If you’re reasonably fit, you won’t look too frumpy with your shirt tucked in here.  If you go untucked, it best be a shirt which has a tail that doesn’t dip too low.  Skip the bright white dress shirts.  Use one of those soft and well washed shirts you’ve got in your closet.

5. The simple, unmistakeably casual, extremely well fitting, short sleeve button down

Keep it trim. If you're not trim, keep it on the shelf.

Short sleeve button ups can go wrong in so many ways that it’s usually best just to stick to polos.  Keep these in a very casual fabric, in a very simple pattern or solid, and keep the tail short since they’ll be untucked.  Don’t be afraid to take these to your tailor either, but honestly, it might just be best to stick with a well fitting polo.  Options include the hopefully slim fitting Mossimo shown above for $17,  this ASOS chambray version for $50, and AE’s slim fit chambray for $30.

Agreements, disagreements, additions?  Are you a believer in the short sleeve henley?  It all goes in the comments.

Target is not Walmart.  Whereas WalMart gives off a vibe of a place where style dreams go to die, Target gives the impression that they’re more of an incubator.  Would a snob shop at Target?  Hell no.  But it’s more than possible to not just include basics from the big red box store, you could assemble an entire outfit there if need be.

Now Target is riding their rep a step further, by asking boutiques to stylistically influence a small line of mass produced goods.  Target, the biggest of the big, is curating not just individual products, but instead the entire feel of these small shops, and producing items that are in line with Target’s prices.  The first clothing line is from a Miami based boutique called “The Webster.”  The full line is available on Target.com, and a few items were at the Target closest to the Dappered home offices for an in-person run:
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The Webster Navy Blazer – $49.99

Effort on the deatils = great. The actual details? Well...

The positives:  Really nice & crisp cotton.  Attention to details like under collar contrasting and stripes at the functioning buttons.  While it is lined, it’s lined in cotton.  Great fit off the rack too. 

The Negatives:  The buttons.  You’re either good with gold-tone buttons on a navy blazer, or you prefer something more tonal.  And these are plastic, not metal.  The button stance is also a touch high.  Sleeves seem a little long and the functioning buttons will cause tailoring headaches.  Equipped with side vents.  Much more dressed up than the completely unlined Kensington, but head to head, the Kensington will win for most.

The Webster Linen/Cotton Button Up – $29.99

Lil' long here.

The positives:  The 55%/45% linen cotton fabric is surprisingly nice.  It fits so-so through the body, and if you like having those buttons and tabs to keep your sleeves rolled up, this shirt comes with those.

The negatives:  It’s a super casual shirt, but it’s too long to leave untucked.  Worse yet:  There’s no slots for collar stays.  If a shirt is long enough that it has to be tucked it, it should have collar stay slots.

The Webster Cotton Shorts – $29.99

Uncle Leo! Good to see you here in Del Boca Vista!

The Positives:  Like the blazer, the fabric and the attention to detail is real nice.  Fit is good and hits above the knee for guys who don’t want to show a ton of leg.  The buttons on these are like the buttons on the blazer, only in a deeper metallic tone (but they’re still plastic).  Stitch line along inner leg is different, but not in a bad way.

The Negatives:  Oh they’re bright.  So you better like that trend.  $30 is also getting pricey for Target.

The Webster Striped 3/4 Sleeve Shirt – $19.99

3/4? They look 4/4 to me?

The Positives:  It has stripes.  Yay for stripes.

The Negatives:  It’s so feminine that it never came off the rack.  Buttons on the shoulder are one thing (a nod to roots in Nautical functionality) but the material is so lightweight (slinky?) and the collar is thin and wide that the effect is if you have any meat on your bones, it’s gonna look like you’re wearing some sort of antique underwear.  But if Mrs. Dappered wore a female version it’d be all kinds of sexy.

The Webster Swim Shorts – $29.99

Looks like a winner.

The Positives:  These might be the best, on a budget pair of swim trunks out there this year.  Yeah, $30 is “on a budget”.  Swim trunks are expensive.  These look to have no elastic around the waist, have some bright but not out of control colors, and the description mentions a lining.  Nice.

The Negatives:  Sizing says “men with a regular fit.”  Didn’t see em’ in store, so…

Best in Show:  Merona Chambray Tailored Fit Shorts – $20 – $25

No offense Mr. Papadopoulos, but these beat Webster.

The Positives:  So, these aren’t from the Webster line.  But they’re the one thing that got purchased on this trip.  Often on sale for twenty bucks, the color is bright but not too bright thanks to the chambray fabric, and they’re a nice “tailored” fit without being tight.  Hits right above the knee, so a little long for some, but a perfect weekend running around town short.

The Negatives:  Description says “relaxed fit” online, but the tag says tailored in store.  They feel like a straight fit.

Bottom line:  Target gets an A for effort on this project.  Here’s hoping they keep it up.  Thoughts on “The Webster” line and the “Shops at Target” strategy can go below.  Thanks to TJ for sending in the idea for a post via Style Tip.  For an overall female perspective on Target’s “The Shops”, head to FullClutch, where Beth has also dug up a link to what shops Target will feature next…

UPDATE:  Looks like the code is netting free shipping for some?  Here’s to hoping that keeps up…

Brace yourself for a(nother) convoluted retail to sports simile.  Triple-A ball is like Nordstrom Rack and Neimann Marcus Last Call.  AA would be stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and also… Loehmann’s.

Loehmann’s is only in 12 states, their website can be a little clunky, but they run extra % off sale codes with some regularity.  This one, PRIV2012 gets you an extra 20% off.  Shipping is a flat $6.99.  Time to dig:
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Life After Denim Coated Cotton Windbreaker – $19.99 ($138)

Slighty discounted. Just a bit.

Twenty bucks?  Sure.  Cotton with some kind of coated finish on it to hopefully keep water and wind at bay.  Better looking than a cheap nylon windbreaker for sure.  Nice Harrington style collar and white zippers.
UPDATE:  Annnnd, these are just about gone.  Almost all sizes were available.  They went quick… 

Life after Denim Red Flat Front Slim Chinos – $15.99 ($78)

Cheap risks are easier to take.

Red pants that aren’t RED pants.  They certainly stand out, but they’re not some nuclear neo.  Bright, but deeper.  And if you’re going to experiment with the bright pants thing, might as well only spend $16.

Original Penguin Shoulder Stripe Pocket Polo – $31.99 ($69)

Nice fit, as long as it doesn't shrink.

A warning on these.  They’re nice, but personal experience from this side has shown that they’re a bit touchy when it comes to the dryer.  Mine shrank up about an inch and a half or two inches, making it wearable, but barely.  So know that.  Great if you’re a shorter guy though.  Still a little steep at $32 plus shipping.

Calvin Klein 3-Pack Briefs – $13.59 ($27.50)

Exact sizes are a + for your 8==>

There’s been a rash of underwear companies switching from exact waist sizes, to a too bulky, diaperish Small, Medium, Large, XL size strategy.  And like most things that involve “rash” and “underwear”… that’s not good.  These come in exact sizes, and three for fourteen bucks (plus shipping?) isn’t a bad deal at all.

Life After Denim SSBU – $15.99 ($64) | Penguin SSBU – $27.99 ($69)

The much debated short sleeve button up.

Short Sleeve Button Ups (SSBUs) aren’t for everyone.  But they’re trying to make a comeback.  More on these tomorrow, but what you want, is something that fits close and doesn’t drop too low.  These seem to fit the bill.

Hilfiger Slim Tie – $15.99 | Calvin Klein Slim Plaid Tie – $15.99

Measurements would be nice.

Slim?  Or skinny?  Their site doesn’t give a width.  That’s not a recipe  for selling a lot of neck-wear, since the width of a tie is kinda key, and most guys have a personal preference.  These look real slim leaning skinny.  A call to customer service went nowhere, since the rep said they don’t have access to measurements or the products themselves.  Pass.

Ossington Bank Weave Holdall – $111.99 ($279)

Put her (and you) on a plane?

Probably not for you since it looks so lady-like, but what about for the lady you like?  Maybe with a pair of tickets to a not too far away city that you can head to for a long weekend?  Or maybe a single ticket for her to go visit a friend she hasn’t seen in forever…

The Loehmann’s extra 20% off code PRIV2012 expires today, 5/21/12 at 11:59pm ET.  Freemay12

Huckberry: Made in the USA Chicago Belt Co.

Great Lakes, Chicago Flag, "Summer Sky"

The Pick: Great Lakes Green/Navy Belt – $29.00 ($45)

The ribbon/web/grosgrain/bright summer belt thing is everywhere, and might even be on the verge of over saturating itself.  But when something is as genuine as this, it’s immune from suffering played-out-trend-fizzle.  Made in the USA and comes in a few patterns.  Two use the Chicago flag, a couple celebrate the great lakes as a whole,  and if you have no connection to that water saturated part of the upper Midwest (shout-out to anyone who learned to water ski on a glacier created lake surrounded by drumlins) there’s a standard light blue seersucker.  10% of proceeds from The Great Lakes belts go to Chicago’s massive Shedd Aquarium and their “Keep The Lakes Great” program.

Bonobos: 25% off outerwear with JACKET25

Poly/Cotton blend field jackets to keep the weather out.

The Pick:  Penfield Walpole Hudson Wax Cloth Field Jacket – $127.50 ($170)

Holy crap.  A substantial code from Bonobos?  It’s only good on outerwear, but still.  Not a ton to choose from, but a couple of better looking windbreakers, some single breasted macs, and these.  JACKET25 Code expires today (5/18/12) at 11.59pm ET.  Update:  Credit to Senor Boeuf who pointed out in the comments that the code works on sale outerwear too.  So, might be worth a look.  Also, anyone else notice that Bonobos now has changed their site so you can see what sizes are available without futzing around with a drop down menu?  Excellent. 

LastCall.com: Extra 30% off Sale

Made in America basics.

The Pick: Made in the USA Walk-Over Derby in “natural” or “gaucho” – $139.30 ($269)

LastCall is doing another 30% off your entire purchase sale.  There are exclusions like sunglasses and fragrance, but there are a few new items worth a look.  Also, code LC75MAY gets you free shipping on orders of $75 and up.  Looks like the darker “gaucho” color is actually leather?  Maybe?  More pics of these shoes over at Zappos.

Lands’ End Canvas:  $25 select shirts & pants sale

Free shipping no min w/ INTHESWIM and 2767

The Pick: Heritage Oxford Shirt in White or Blue – $25.00 ($50)

Most of their shirts run $50, most of their pants run $60, so this is basically an at least half off select items sale.  Was a bit of a surprise that they included their liked by many oxfords in the most popular colors of light blue and white.  Credit to Ish as well as a bunch of others for sending in the style tip on this one.  Code INTHESWIM and pin 2767 is working for free shipping no minimum.  UPDATE:  The code MONEY and Pin 2030 takes 20% off sale items, plus gets you free shipping at $50.  So that means if you’re going to buy two of these, that’ll equal $50, get you the free shipping, and the 20% off drops the price even further.  Two for $40 shipped pre-tax.  Credit Jon for the extra nice catch.

Bluefly “Must-Haves under $100″

Studless. But just the shirt.

The Pick: Alara Covered Placket Tux Shirt – $59.00 ($90.50)

There are three placket choices you can go with when wearing a tux.  The first is just a regular button down dress shirt front, which traditionalists frown on (but, they’re traditionalists, so…).  The second is a standard tux shirt with studs, which to many looks a little too rental-tux.  The third is the cleanest: a covered placket.  It’s what Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale.  This one claims to have a “covered pearlescent button front.”  Who knows how shined up that pearlescent front is, but as long as it doesn’t get too nuts, this is a great price for a specialty shirt like this.  Also: Abboud Handkerchief sets for $15, and these cotton suit separates have potential.

Also worth a mention:  10% off at U.O. with SPRINGIT,  Express $10 off $30 / $25 off $75 with code 1380.  Fossil is doing free overnight shipping from 5/20 – 26 with the code DSL2012.

1. Thy clothes shall skim thy body.  Not cling.  Not billow.

As Beth so often puts it, you want your clothes to follow the shape of your body no matter what shape it happens to be.  Even if you’re heavy.  Too big and you’ll look weighty, too tight and you’ll be uncomfortable (or, make others feel uncomfortable).  Honor thy seams.  A shoulder seam goes on your shoulder.  Not halfway down your tricep.

2. Thou shalt develop a relationship with a great tailor.

Worth mentioning over and over again.  Having not just a tailor, but a tailor you’re proud to call your tailor, is a huge advantage.  It’s the difference between looking good and looking awesome.  It’s the difference between looking like everyone else and looking like you.

3. Thou shalt never buy a suit, blazer, or sportcoat with poor fitting shoulders.

It’s the easiest way to waste a large amount of money.  The shoulders must fit off the rack.  Stand next to a wall with the jacket on.  Slowly lean your shoulder into the wall.  The pad and your shoulder should hit at the same time.

4. The better shape thou art in, the better thy clothes shall fit and therefore look.

There’s a reason why guys like Daniel Craig look good in a suit.  It’s because they exercise like hell and know how to resist that piece of cake.

5. Thou shalt remember that sizing is not consistent across brands.

A medium at Old Navy isn’t going to fit the same as a medium from Calvin Klein.  It’s entirely possible to sway between a 38R, 39R, 40S, and 40R in suit sizes, and Small, Medium, and Large in off the rack stuff.  Just depends on who makes it.

6. Thou shalt get thy dress shirts tailored.

There are very, very few shirts on the market that don’t require a little nip at the sides if you’re reasonably in shape.

7. Thou shalt embrace the medium break.

It’ll never go out of style.  The medium break, slight break, or half break isn’t short enough that your pants are high-waters and stick straight, nor do they gob up around your ankles.  Socks show when you sit.

8. Thou shalt button thy blazer when thou stands up.

This is more about utilizing good fit.  If you don’t button your jacket when you stand up, don’t even bother to get them tailored.  You’ll get used to it over time and eventually it’ll become second nature.  What looks better driving down the street, a sleek car with great lines?  Or that same car driving down the same street… with its doors open?

9. Thou shalt go with what thou thinks fits best, and be wary of those who say different.

How many times has a salesman in a department store tried to put you in a jacket or a shirt that’s way too big?  Conversely, if you like your blazers a little longer and don’t like how the shorter tail-trend looks on you, then don’t budge on it.  You know what looks best on you.  Stick to your guns.  You’re the one wearing it after all.

10. Thou shalt recognize that fit is paramount to everything else.

No matter how good the clothes look on a hanger, if they don’t fit, forget it.
.

Suit from top of page:  The oft referenced Indochino Ultimate Grey three piece – $449.00  Full review here.

1. Linen – J .Crew – $218.00 | Banana Republic – $187.50 ($250) w/ BRSUMMER

Left: J. Crew. Right: B.R.

Linen keeps you just about as cool as seersucker, and it lacks any of that striped goofiness character that not everyone wants to try to pull off.  Yes it wrinkles. But pay no mind.  Look for stuff that’s either 100% linen or the majority of it is linen.  On jackets, the less lining the better.  A 100% linen suit can be tough to find at an affordable price, so keep an eye out for linen jackets like the two above, then pair with lighter weight cotton chinos.  The J. Crew is a washed, more relaxed sport coat with minimal lining.  The B.R. is lined and comes in their “tailored” fit.  Don’t pair a linen sport coat with a non-matching linen pant.  Looks a little like a bizzaro version of the Canadian tuxedo.  (Spendy right?  Looks like the linen blend from INC first seen here has finally hit Macys.com.  But wait for a sale…)

2. Cool Showers

Norman? Is that you Norman?

It’s one of the quickest and most effective ways to lower your body temperature, and thus, start the day off cooler than everyone else.  It’s certainly not easy, going from blazing hot showers to something that’s luke warm leaning cool… but work your way up to it.  It’s stunning how well this works, especially if it’s the weekend and you’re headed to an outdoor wedding or something.  Photo credit: Geoffrey Fairchild

3. Jack Black All Day Oil Control Lotion – $26.00

For your face.

If you drip like a free-throw shooting Patrick Ewing , then this won’t be of much help.  If you’re the type who builds up a solid face shine throughout the day, then it’s worth a shot.  Expensive, but it noticeably cuts down on forehead glare.  Results of the test drive over here.  It is expensive, but you don’t need much (the bottle I purchased back in January is still going strong, but I forget to put it on plenty of days.  And I usually regret it).

4. Foot Powder and/or No-Show Socks

Dry feet are under appreciated.

Some are unlucky enough that their feet seem stuck in puberty.  If you’re the type who wears an undershirt to absorb sweat, but like the bare ankle look and breezy feel of sock-free ankles and calves, then try no-show socks.  If you subscribe to the less is more method when it comes to cotton and sweat, then forget the socks and just use a decent foot powder.  Don’t over do it, or you’ll risk looking like you’re smuggling cocaine for the first 20 yards of your day.

5. A little less hair… down there.

Mr. Snuffleupagus gets his summertime hairdo.

Addition by subtraction.  Gain an overall feeling of coolness by reducing your groin parka down to a more manageable ground cover.  It makes a difference.  There.  It’s been said.  (Note the use of the word “less.”  not the words “a lot”.)

6.  Cut back on alcohol and caffeine

Less ABV = Less Perspiration

Drunk is bad.  Oozing red-faced hot weather drunk is even worse.  Pace your drinks with a glass of water or two in-between.  Club soda with a lime or even club soda with a few dashes of bitters will also slow you down.  Consider trading in your G&Ts for the less alcohol, less sugar/gut rot Campari and soda.  If Campari is a little too bright for your visual tastes, try and find Gran Classico, which has a more amber hue to it.  And ease off a bit on the coffee during this time of year.  Start with caffeinated, then switch to decaf for your second.  Campari photo credit

7. An overall feeling of sweat acceptance

Go ahead pits. Sweat.

Look, it’s sweat.  You’re not hemorrhaging kerosene and Country Crock.  We sweat when we’re hot.  It’s one of the ways we keep ourselves cool.  Being overly concerned about whether or not you’re going to get those darker, damp shirt underarms is only going to make you perspire.  And if you do end up with some sweaty pits only to start internally fretting about it?  The glands will just keep up production to pace with your stress.  So, don’t sweat (hey-o) your sweat.

What else?  Have a preferred brand of foot powder or no-show socks?  Do you always carry a handkerchief for brow mopping throughout the day?  Leave it all in the comments…  Top Photo Credit: Steven Sheets

The case FOR wearing a polo under a blazer:  Admittedly, there are a ton of ways to not do this right.  Don’t wear a traditionally structured, office-ready wool blazer over a polo.  You want a blazer that’s way more relaxed than some yacht club deal.  Keep the colors on both the blazer and polo light and summery, and steer clear of dark monochrome combos.  Don’t button that top button either, or you’ll look like some weekend sports anchor who just came in from the field, realized he left a dress shirt at home, and did his best with a borrowed sport coat from one of the reporters.  Oh, and whatever you do, don’t pop your collar, and like your hands and feet on a roller coaster, keep the points of your collar inside the lapels.

Your turn guys.  Are you 100% button up with a blazer?  Or do you sometimes go with a polo when wearing a sport coat?  Leave it all below.  Jacket up top: Original Penguin Dubbsy Jacket – $150.75 w/ OPGRTMN33OFF.  Usually $255.  Code is from right over here.  Jacket looks a little short in the drop?  Haven’t seen it in person.  100% cotton.