DSW: Shoe Clearance + Free Shipping w/ SHIPR

The Picks: John Varvatos Dress Chukka – $119.94 ($298), Santoni Goodyear Suede Oxford – $249.94 ($795), Santoni Suede Chukka – $149.94 ($595), Santoni Goodyear Chukka – $249.94 ($795), John Varvatos Star USA Driver – $99.94 ($198)

DSW has launched a major clearance and at post time there’s a good amount of sizes left on most shoes. Varvatos seems to be one of those brands with head-scratchingly high retail prices (for the quality). And read the reviews on the dress chukka… these aren’t risk free, but if you can deal with that small logo on the heel, man do they look like something else. Also, lots of Italian made options from their LUXE810 section, including those Goodyear welted Santoni cap toes.

Last Call: 40% off Site wide (exp 5/23)

The Picks: Hugo Boss “The Grand Central” suit in windowpane plaid – $345 ($795), Magnanni Double Monk Strap in leather – $179.40 (suede too), Magnanni Cap Toe Oxford in Navy Suede – $165.00,  Linen/cotton blend blazer – $148.00 ($375)

The 40% drops to 30% tomorrow (5/24), and it’s not limited to just one or two purchases, but everything. Mid $300s is about as high as most will go on a fused suit. Even though retail is $795 on this one, Hugo Boss suits are usually fused… right? Made in the USA, and that pattern is terrific. Purchases north of $75 ship free with the code LCMAY75.

J. Crew: $30 off $150, $50 off $200, $75 off $250 w/ SHOPNOW (exp 5/26)

The Picks: Kenton Suede Bucks + Casual Boot Laces = $150.99 ($200.99),
Ludlow Sportcoat in Italian Linen – $272 ($348)

Those casual boot laces mentioned as a pick aren’t intended to be used with the bucks. The shoes are $198. Buying those laces bring the total price to $200.99. Which is right over the second threshold. If you were to buy JUST the shoes, they’d cost $168 after the code. So… get the laces, or, something else inexpensive like a pair of socks so you tip that balance. Goodyear welted, and you can read a full review here. As far as the blazer goes, that’s about 22% off, so, not incredible, but a decent deal. Suiting is excluded from the code. Code expires Sunday 5/26. Not Monday?

Macy’s: Two-Day Specials, also Extra 15% off w/ SAVE

The Picks: KCNY Pincord Suit Separates – $174.98, Michael Kors Linen Suit – $169.99

If it’s a 2-day special, like both suits above, the extra 15% off code won’t apply. But under $200 for a summer suit is still a solid deal. Michael Kors suits can fall in that grey area between slim fit and traditional, so expect tailoring. The Kenneth Cole Pincord is a nice alternative to the J. Crew Factory Thompson option, but do know that the KCNY is fully lined. Two day special prices expire today, 5/23.

EXPRESS: 40% off everything, no code needed. (exp 5/27)

The Picks: End on End Cotton Blazer – $76.80

That blazer might be one of the bigger winners of the spring/summer season. Cotton, just partially lined, and could very well make a perfect, inexpensive replacement for the wool blazer seen in this style scenario here. Don’t be afraid to wear a darker grey like this in the summer, as long as the sun has gone down and the temps have dipped a bit.

Also worth a mention: Lands’ End / L.E.C. are offering 20% off sale + clearance w/ EXCLUSIVE and 2226. Club Monaco is taking an extra 30% off sale items with the code MEMORIAL30. Ralph Lauren has an extra 25% off select (yes, select) sale styles with the code RLMEM13. Cole Haan has 25% off your total purchase with 25MEMORIAL.

“You’ve got a lot of real estate for a pattern like that.”

Those were the words of the Mrs. when I pulled out this blazer. And at 6’4″ / 185 lbs, I had to agree with her. The pattern seemed much bolder in person than it had online. There’s no grey in there. It’s all black and white with a light blue threaded through. My first thought was that I would return it.

Then I tried it on with a plain white dress shirt and dark jeans. “Hmmm…this kind of works,” I thought. “Hmmm…that kind of works,” said the Mrs. The pattern didn’t seem quite so bold when wearing it. And the fit (40L) was certainly right.

The fit is the key to a blazer like this. Plaids like this are undeniably coming back into fashion, but you don’t want to look like you pulled your new blazer from the back of your grandpa’s closet. BR’s tailored blazers do it right with a trim silhouette, narrower lapel, and arm holes that are high enough. The ticket pocket and hacking/angled pockets are a nice touch, especially since the angle of the pockets aren’t too wild when it comes to their pitch. Puts the “sport” in sport coat.

The exterior is 100% linen but the lining is polyester. It’s a trade off since it won’t breathe nearly as well, but that lining gives the coat a bit more shape and structure than the linen would have by itself.

Living with this blazer for a few days, I pretty quickly went from planning on returning it to considering it a signature item. Even at that, $275 is more than I’d ever want to spend on this, or any other blazer. I bought it a few weeks back when it was marked down at just under $200. It was during one of those “select items are on sale” events. I didn’t even use a code. Not that they’ve been running any as of late that actually work on blazers.

NOTE: If you’re in the market for a warmer weather blazer, know that J. Crew Factory has slashed prices on their Thompson suit separates through today. The Oxford Cloth, Seersucker, Corded Cotton, and cotton pique are down to $100.50. Sizes are a little scattered, but most are available. Pique was fully lined in poly, with the corded cotton just half lined. Anyone seen the Oxford cloth’s lining? Also, this is now down to $168 w/ the code SHOPNOW. (update… it’s now saying that linen ludlow is sold out? It was just there at post time.)

What used to be the random sightings of a go-to-hell pattern or color, has since turned into dandy heaven. Or My Little Pony.

Spring/Summer 2013 in men’s clothing has hit warp drive when it comes to cute. Floral patterns. Pastels. Needlepoint and more. Some of this in small doses is no surprise. But a pink floral pattern or a Portlandiaish subtle Bird Print used to be something that was only found at Dress Barn… not on a guy’s shirt. Designers are now layering patterns on top of bright colors. Instead of limiting this tactic to small things like accessories, they’re making big pieces like shirts and jackets in this style.  Some guys are even wearing a few of these pieces at the same time. It’s not just loud, it’s loud².

Do we have Dwyane Wade and Russel Westbrook to blame?

Or thank?

Dwyane Wade, who we all know is a seriously successful guy, can’t even get away with this.

In the not too distant past, if a guy “dared” to wear a pink tie, meat heads in visual range would assume they knew something about Mr Pink’s sexual orientation.

But this isn’t about sexual orientation. Not in the least. This is about being taken seriously. And gay, straight, or somewhere inbetween, can you take someone in a hot pink blazer all-that seriously? Maybe kinda seriously. But really seriously?

What about the wedding guest who shows up to the ceremony wearing a bright bow tie, yellow pants, and a seersucker blazer? Is he really going to get a bridesmaid’s or groomsman’s number dressed like that? What if he strikes up a conversation with some higher-up at a company he respects during the reception? Would he get his business card?

You can look sharp in white pants. You can look sharp in a bow tie. You can look sharp in shoes that are a color other than brown or black. But it’s awfully hard to look sharp if you appear like you just guest starred on Pee Wee’s playhouse.

Thoughts from you guys? Where do you draw the line for yourself? Take one or two “risks” but no more in the same outfit? Or is there really no line at all? Leave it all in the comments.

The Tee: GAP Essential Pocket Tee – $12.71 w/ GAPSUMMER. Depending on your location, this might be the only layer you’ll need for your torso. Not too thick, not paper thin, and the pocket is sorta like a grown up graphic. Or something. Great for layering or wearing on its own.

The Sweater: J. Crew Factory 55% Linen / 45% Cotton Crew – $35.50 ($59.50). This thing is friggin’ fantastic. Cool linen blend has more texture than cotton. Looks great in person. Wait for a sale (UPDATE: It’s marked down through today, 5/22). If the orange (labeled as red on their site?) is a little too bold for you, try this wool/cotton crew from Club Monaco.

The Sunglasses: Warby Parker Polarized Griffin – $95.  Not Gas-station cheap by any stretch, but they are nicely priced for being polarized. You’ll need some sunglasses for that stretch of time when the sun is low in the sky, the cooler has been opened, but the grill has yet to be lit. Shown here in matte black. McQueen/Persol-like without the monster price (or hinges…damm).

The Jacket: S. Slater by Golden Bear Barracuda – $199. Pricey, but when’s the last time you came across a made in the USA light jacket? Good to throw in your car/on the back of your bike in some areas, totally useless in the warmer climates. Plaid lining, 65% poly / 35% cotton that feels nice and soft. Runs a bit on the short side. Sold through Jackthreads, so be careful… returns are only in the form of store credit. There are plenty of other light jacket options out there.

Your canned beer of choice: 21st Amendment Bitter American. Cans are just easier to transport, and they feel mighty right in your hand while working the grill. Bitter American’s stunningly low 4.4% ABV means you can put a few down and still pedal home without ending up in the shrubbery. Extremely tasty. Well reviewed too.

The Shoes: Brooks Brothers Suede Tie Driving Moc – $148.  A step up from sneakers but nowhere near lace ups.

The Belt: Web Belt – $6.99. Just swing by your local army/navy surplus.

The Shorts: Merona Tailored Club Chino Shorts in Blue – $24.99. Probably the best bang for your buck shorts on the market. Oxford like cloth, lightweight but not flimsy, and cheap enough that when you get charcoal smudges all over them, it’s not that big of a deal.

The Watch: Orient Mako XL on a Crown & Buckle Oxblood Leather PVD 5-Ring – $218.90 Total. Assuming you’ve got a spring bar tool, now’s not a bad time to swap in a leather or canvas strap on a stainless band watch. It totally changes the look, and knocks the shine way down now that the sun is out. You’ll need the 15% off code “dappered” (how nice of them to offer that…) to get the lower price on the strap. Meanwhile, full review on the Mako XL over here.

Plenty of you guys have sent in style tips about the D.C. based shirtmaker Hugh & Crye. They’re one of many next-level shirt companies that claim better quality and a better fit, with prices starting in the high double digits and running into the low $100s. That’s a lot for a shirt, but some seem to swear by them and their fit system. Instead of neck and sleeve sizing, they use a height/build chart, or a fit finder widget that asks two questions. But here’s the problem:

What if each of these methods gives you two different answers?

At 5’10″, 165 – 170lbs with not much junk weight on my frame, I’m in-between sizes for Hugh & Crye. My neck size is 15.5, and my jacket size is a 38-39. I usually swim in a 40. Here’s their two methods for getting your size:

Method #1: Their fit chart

According to the chart (scroll to the bottom over here), my measurements put me in the average/slim square. All that gym time for Slim instead of Athletic? Aw. Man. Anywho, it’s also worth noting that there is overlap between the types (slim: 145 – 185lbs, athletic 155 – 205), but the next step up would be a no-go. To move up from average/slim to average/athletic, I’d be looking at a 16-17″ neck shirt, with a 40-42 chest. That’s not going to work on me.

Method #2: Their Fit Finder Tool

Meanwhile, their fit finder tool (scroll halfway down here) tells me that I might just be an average athletic. It just depends on how boastful I want to be, since they ask for height and then for you to identify your body type.

Look, I asked Mrs. Dappered. She said I looked most like dude #3. So, there. Not trying to pound my chest here. And after that designation, the fit finder then told me I was “Average Athletic”.

Average Athletic?  Or Average Slim?

I chose average slim.  There’s no way I want a 40-42 chest according to the fit chart for athletic. Not happening.

The Results

Again, these shirts aren’t cheap. Retail prices start at $85 and head well into the $100s. Most of their shirts are made in India, with higher end fabrics. The shipping was fast, they’re packaged nicely, and they do appear to be really well made. Buttons are nice and thick, the button holes have noticeably nice stitching, and the collars feel solid. The cotton on this particular dobby weave shirt felt a little scratchy out of the box, but it’ll probably soften up in the wash.

 Could be trimmer at the front, and the back seems to pull on my frame.

The fit is good, but not great. Again, I seem to be an in-between with Hugh & Crye, and that “should I go with slim or athletic?” question cropped up once I got the shirt on. It fit well in some places, but not so well in others. It’s trimmer than most off the rack dress shirts, but still has a little extra around the middle. Meanwhile, instead of a box or side pleats at the upper back, this shirt has darts on the lower back. Nothing on the upper. Which was something I felt before I saw, since my shoulders and back felt restricted. And on camera, it almost appears to bulge out just a bit around the mid section (no, I haven’t been hitting the hamburger shack).

The collar is tight, and no pleats, but darts at the lower back?

The Bottom Line

This was an odd one since I seemed to be in-between sizes, and the end result was a shirt that was too tight in some places (collar, upper back), yet too big in others (mid section + lower back). The good news is that Hugh & Crye seems to have a loyal following, they just released a new set of great looking blazers, and their customer service seems top notch. But for me, personally, Hugh & Crye… and I… just aren’t a good fit.

Have any of you tried Hugh & Crye?  What was your experience?  What’s your take on all of these shirt makers claiming better fits?  Have you found a next-level shirting company that you love? Leave it all below.

What it does: Prevents someone from buying a suit jacket or blazer that’s too big

How to do it: Put on the suit jacket, blazer, or sportcoat. With the outside of your shoulder facing a wall, sloooowly lean into the wall. If the shoulder pad strikes first then scrunches up before your shoulder gets there, it’s too big. You risk looking like the jacket is wearing you instead of vice versa. Try a size down. You want a jacket where your shoulder, and the pad (hopefully a slim, minimal pad), strike the wall at almost the exact same time. The less pad overhang the better. Shoulders are key.

Holding up the wall?  Nope.  Finding shoulders that fit.

2. The Hug Test

What it does: Keeps your torso comfortable and your seams from bursting

How to do it: For shirts, suit jackets, blazers, etc… put the garment on and take a look in the mirror. Fits great, right? Right. Now pretend you’re going to hug someone. If it feels like you’re going to burst a seam and go all hulk-smash, then it’s not a good fit. Try a size up, or, a different brand. Some shirts come with back pleats that help ease movement. Look for those. This is especially useful when you’re getting a jacket pinned up tailoring.  Have your tailor pin up the jacket where they’d like to take in the fabric. Do the hug test.  If those pins feel like they’re going to rip the fabric, then ease up. And no, don’t try and hug your tailor. That might make things awkward. The air is fine.

3. Curled Fingers for jacket length

What it does: Helps you figure out what jacket length is best for you.

How to do it: With the suit jacket, blazer, or sportcoat on, let your arms hang relaxed at your sides. Curl your fingers as if you were about to grab the handles of a wheel barrow. Your jacket tail should come to rest right in that crevice your fingers have made. If it’s all bunched up, the jacket’s too long. If it’s dangling an inch or so short, it’s too short. Some guys go by the “it should cover your entire rear” rule. But if you have a long torso, you might end up swimming in your jacket. Yet if you have super long arms, the curled fingers method might result in a jacket that’s too long as well. Try both methods and pick whichever works best for you.

The Curled finger method.

4. The fingers for collar size trick

What it does: Prevents strangulation and/or looking like Tony Romo.

How to do it: Button the shirt all the way up and stick a finger or two between your neck and the collar. There’s some debate on this. Some sources claim if you can comfortably fit more than one finger in-between the collar and your neck, it’s too big. Others say two fingers but no more. The goal is to have no noticeable gaps when buttoned, all while not suffocating.

5. Armhole / Handshake test.

What it does: Helps you find a jacket that won’t fight you while you’re wearing it.

How to do it:  Plenty of affordable blazers and suit jackets come with absurdly large armholes. Like, flying squirrel large. The lower the armhole dips down on the jacket, the more likely it is to shift and move, as your arms pulls at the body of the jacket. Stand in front of a mirror with the jacket on. Pretend like you’re about to shake someone’s hand. If the jacket raises up and bucks like a marionette with its strings being pulled, then you might want to find a brand with higher arm holes.

Final Tips:

• Wear what you’re going to wear an item with when shopping or getting it tailored.
  Looking for a topcoat or trench? Wear a blazer and collared shirt to the store. Getting dress pants hemmed up? Wear a pair of dress shoes, not sneakers, when you head to the tailor. Layers add bulk. Different shoes have different sole heights. Wear dress socks when shopping for dress shoes. Also, it never hurts to wear something that already fits great when you’re out looking for a similar addition.

• Don’t forget about your pants.
  A lot of these tricks have to do with the upper body. And maybe we can blame the fact that as men, most of us don’t have a full length mirror in our place. But many a guy has purchased a great suit, got the waist brought in and the arms narrowed, only to leave the pants as they were, and the risk is it could look unbalanced. Most wouldn’t notice, but it is sort of like not combing the hair on the back of your head.

 What else? Got any other parlor tricks for finding a great fit? Leave them all below.

Code expires Wednesday 5/22 and works on select styles sold by Amazon.

Ever since Endless bit the dust, it seems like Amazon has been trying to gain ground in the shoe market. So these tiered, select item shoe sales have been happening every once in awhile, but they can be a little confusing.

First, this is a select items sale. So not every pair is up for the code. Applying a code like this to every single pair of shoes sold by Amazon seems like an enormous task.  Also… the shoes have to be sold through Amazon and not a 3rd party. So note that sometimes a shoe will look like the code applies, but if Amazon is out of your size? You’re out of luck when it comes to the code, even if a 3rd party seller has your size in stock.

Returns are free on shoes/clothes sold by Amazon, which makes it awfully nice if you’ve got Prime and can get free 2-day shipping on top of that. Sadly, no Allen Edmonds made it into the selection for this sale.

Cole Haan Air Madison – $198 ($248)

One of CH’s best?

A plain, true oxford with a perfect toe shape for just under two hundred bucks. No word on where they’re made (maybe India?) but it sure looks like they’re carrying a stitched welt on them. Available in tan, dark brown, and black. And the black might be the most tempting, if you’re the type who doesn’t wear black shoes that often, so spending a fortune on a pair isn’t in the cards. This way you still get what appears to be solid quality and good comfort in a great looking shoe. Well reviewed both on Amazon and on the CH website. CH website shows the tan with contrast stitching at the welt? But that doesn’t appear to be the case on Amazon. That contrast stitching would dress them down quite a bit.

Meanwhile, if you wanted to go cheaper, for around $100 w/ the code there’s the Air Adams Cap Toe. Careful though, not all sizes/colors are sold by Amazon, so the code won’t work on those that aren’t.

Johnston & Murphy Ellington – $104-ish ($134.95)

Comfy bucks, comfy price.

Already on sale for $123-$125 (depending on size/color) and the extra $20 off drops these into the just north of $100 summer casual wheelhouse. J&M knows how to make a comfortable, cemented casual lace up. Sheepskin linings on these things are crazy soft. Also available in white. There is a wingtip version, but the contrast stitching/sole/eyelets are pretty loud and trendy.

Frye “James” Crepe Lace Up – $177.95 ($227.95)

Tough casuals.

For the guys who spend the vast majority of time in casual shoes. Frye’s construction won’t let you down. Pricey for a casual lace up, but that crepe sole is something. Available in five colors, with this “whiskey” shade and a darker brown being the best looking by far. Made in Mexico. Also available in Chukka form.

Magnanni Colo – $249.00 ($299)

Aerodynamics by Spain.

For the guys who think the Kenilworth is a little too conservative. These are about as sleek and sharp as you’ll want to get. Far too modern for some, but nice all the same. Made in Spain, and before you pull the trigger, know that similar shoes to these seem to have a tendency to show up at LastCall or Nordstrom Rack locations for around $200. Also available in black.

Johnston & Murphy Hartley – $134.27 ($164.95)

A budget friendly Kenilworth look a like?

For those who LIKE the conservative nature of the Kenilworth, but don’t have three hundred bucks to drop on a pair of plain brown lace ups. Might not look quite right with a super sharp wool suit, but can pull plenty of duty in a more casual realm. Made in China.

Cole Haan Gunnison Driver - $100.83 ($148)

CH’s summer hybrid.

Boat Shoe + Driver = The Gunnison. Not everyone’s thing, but they’d do just fine with shorts.

Florsheim Veblen Plain – $143 – $155

Wingless. Coulda called them Icarus.

Wait. What? They’re making the Veblen long-wing… without the wing?

Timberland Earthkeepers Boat Shoe – $80.00 ($100)

That nubuck?

Right at the first threshold. Appears to be a navy nubuck or suede upper?

To Boot New York Aaron Cap Toe – $249 ($299)

Speedy.

If the Strand from Allen Edmonds is a linebacker, then these are a safety or all-pro corner. Faster, lighter, and sleeker. Still strong, but doesn’t have as much of a built-like-a-tank feel. Not everyone is going to love the toe, but it’s like a less chunky version of the AE Rutledge. Also, not everyone is going to like that sole. It’s a bumpy rubber grip pattern instead of smooth leather. Great if you’re on the move quite a bit. Not so great if you want something super sleek. Far from cleats, but… still. Extremely well reviewed on Zappos and Nordstrom. Made in Italy. Also available: The super sleek, Plain Felix Blucher. Same price.

The Amazon code SHOE2050 expires on Wednesday 5/22.

Q:  Have you heard of 20Jeans.com?

I discovered 20jeans.com today (I have no affiliation). They offer a variety of jeans for $20 and chinos for $30 ($5 shipping/item, free shipping on orders over $100)  I called in today to get more details, and the customer service is great with a live person picking up the phone right away. Have you tried them yet?  - Serge

Here’s the thing about inertia and clothing choices. It seems to be extra strong when it comes to denim. Especially if you’re happy with what you’ve got / what you usually get. I’m one of those guys that lives in jeans, and they’re either 501s or 514s in different stages of the deep navy “tumbled rigid” color. But I did order a pair of those Gustin jeans lately as a splurge (haven’t showed up yet). Just sort of wary of the “we save you money by cutting out the middle man!” line. That’s getting used a lot lately. Thoughts from you guys? Anyone order from 20jeans yet?

Q:  The Double Tux Conundrum

I’m getting married in October and I’d like to wear a tuxedo. At my age (37 makes me feel like one of the more senior grooms around), it seems like something a gent should own rather than rent? Do you have any guidelines for what to look for? And secondly, as a same-sex couple, I’ve seen some great photos where both guys wear the same thing, but that seems a little matchy matchy for us (We’re partners, not twins). Maybe we could start with the same tux and then one have a long tie and one with a bow, ways to coordinate but not match? – Chris

Congrats! And… this is a tough one. I don’t even like leaving the house with Mrs. Dappered when she and I are matching head to toe in the same color palate (say, brown shoes, dark jeans, grey sweaters). So to be wearing exactly the same thing as your partner on your wedding day? Yeah. No thanks. But at the same time, the purpose of black tie is to provide a uniform for the gents. Doesn’t mean there isn’t some leeway though. Like the idea about bow & necktie. But what about mismatching lapels? You in peak, he in a shawl? Maybe contrasting bow ties not in color (black) but in width? Try a few different combos. And yeah, I say buy it. Stop in at Suitsupply and see what they can offer. Keep an eye on Hilfiger at Macy’s for less expensive options.

Q:  Yea or Nay for Topman?

I’ve been looking at some of the items that they have for sale at Topman, and they’re quite enticing. However, I have yet to really see the product shown on any models. What do you think of them?  Yea or Nay? Thanks! – Kyle

Nay for me personally. As a bit of a minimalist who’s got some meat on his frame, Topman just doesn’t cross my own personal radar that often. Every once in awhile they carry something that would fit in most of our closets, but more often than not they seem like the Urban Outfitters clothing section drunk on Seagrams. Really trendy and really tight. Not real adult. But I might be totally wrong here.  Guys?

Q: The shirt with awful wrinkles.

In the past I would take all of my shirts to the cleaners to have them laundered and pressed or dry cleaned. However, I noticed that a lot of people on Dappered mention washing their own shirts. The problem is, whenever I wash a shirt in my laundry machine and hang dry it, it comes out looking horribly wrinkled and I can’t seem to use my iron to get it looking wearable again, so I inevitably take it in to the cleaners. Am I doing something wrong? – Jose

Now’s a good time to give this “how to iron” post a quick look. When I first started ironing my own shirts, it never occurred to me that steam was a key component to releasing the wrinkles, along with heat and pressure. A dry shirt and a dry hot iron = not the best combination. Maybe your iron’s steam mechanism is plugged? You also might want to dry your shirts for just a bit in the dryer, and then get to ironing them when they’re still damp. Letting it dry all the way lets those wrinkles from the agitating and spin cycle “set” into the cotton. There’s always looking for another brand of shirt too. Some shirts just wrinkle like hell.

Q: What kinds of denim, if any, are good for summer?

I am not very privy to the idea of summer denim, but I’ve seen some articles about it lately.  What do you think?  Summer seems pretty hot for jeans. – Josh

Some consider the word “jeans” to mean a style of pant (5-pocket) that doesn’t necessarily have to be dark, heavy denim. That said, lighter wash denim seem to be making a bit of a comeback for spring and summer. But it’s hard to go wrong with a pair of off-white 5-pockets in a mid to lightweight canvas-like material. Try Banana Republic’s vintage straight 5-pocket pant. While they don’t have the 5-pocket styling, Stafford Prep’s chinos are a bit more casual with their middle weight cloth. There are also splurge pieces like the pair from Simon Spurr seen above, which go for $89 on GILT, are made in the USA, and are a mix of 60% cotton and 40% linen. You can honestly feel the lightness in them, but know that they do wrinkle easier than standard denim. A warning: They only come in one length, so you’ll need to hem them, but they’re something else.

Got a question or a style tip? Send them in here. Additional answers to the above questions can go in the comments. 

QUICK HITS: Sexy times at the senior center. The sammich no one asked for. And the most Golden Girl ever.

OH HELLS NO: Forget the “man cave” you may or may not have. Some teens are getting their own wing.  And they’re ridiculous.

BEFORE YOU TRY OUT THOSE NEW SWIM TRUNKS: Fifty eight percent.  Fifty. EIGHT. Some of us just can’t bring ourselves to climb into public hot tubs and jacuzzis. It just seems too, uh, people-soup-like.

THERE’S ALWAYS MONEY IN THE BANANA STAND:

Netflix. Next week. Awesome.

ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES: 

Dappered faves (and Dappered readers) The Blue Stones have had some good things happen to them of late. Their song, “Make Your Move” was recently featured in Parks & Rec. They are currently on tour – in a sedan, you can peep the dates over here. And, best of all, they’ve served up a new video for their latest single. Congrats guys.

GIRLS ON FILM*: 

*If you’ve never seen this… (ahem… nsfw)

Need something else to read?

• If you are making an effort to tighten things up for the upcoming (or in some cases here already) less clothing more sunshine season ahead, I wanted to remind you about this post. I have just made the switch to the suggested salad myself.
• And because you won’t be taking a dip in the local pool, you’ll have more time for reading. These look like terrific summer fare. 
• Just in case you are considering certain summer clothing combinations, this is helpful.

Tim Johnstone is Dappered’s music correspondent as well as the editor of TheNanigans, your one stop interwebs emporium.

Levis + Dockers: 30% off + free shipping no min. w/ FF2013

Free shipping no min. is key.

The Picks: Levi’s 514 Straight in Tumbled Rigid – $30.80 ($54), Dockers Alpha Khaki in Gravel – $41.30 ($68)

Thirty one dollars for a pair of well made, perfect shade, looks good on most body types denim? And you don’t even have to get up off your couch. Shipping is free as well. Interesting that the 514 used to be called “slim straight”, but now has since been relabeled as just “straight” fit. Must be the ever decreasing diameter of the legs on jeans. Speaking of… the Alpha Khaki fits pretty slim, so be aware if you’re packing extra meat on your legs.

JCPenney: Are they clearancing out all the Wooster stuff?

Size shown: 40r.  No 38r was on the rack.  It’s a bit darker in person.

The Picks: Stafford Slim Fit Glen Plaid suit Separates – $123.98, Seersucker Suit Separates - $104.98, jcp solid swim shorts – $16 ($24), Stafford Prep Chinos – $22.50 ($30)

UPDATE:  Take an extra 10% off those prices w/ SPREE10.  Thanks to Ley in the comments!

Question: Once the current lines of trimmed down, more fashion-forward stuff is gone, are they going to make more? So far it feels like the answer to that question is no. Hat tip to Jason for sending in the style tip about the suit. Was $180 under the Ron Johnson fair & square pricing system. A big improvement over their other suiting. Much less shoulder padding, a decent feel to the leightweight wool… just wish they would have made one of these in something like Navy or Charcoal. Will they ever? Many thanks to Jason for sending in the style tip on the suit.

UPDATE:  Got a tip from reader Patrick S. who says to be wary of the seersucker suit separates.  Word is there is some serious fit issues there, so, be warned.

J. Crew Factory: 30% off everything w/ SALE30

Summer staples.

The Picks: Pincord Thompson Suit Jacket & Pant – $179.20, Bedford Pant in Linen Cotton – $24.15 ($68), Slim Washed Pocket Tee – $10.15 ($18.50)

Before they launched this latest code, J. Crew Factory had actually gone a bit without running a site wide promotion. Only issue is that size selection for their Thompson suit separates are all but decimated. There’s plenty left in the Pincord (full review here), but everything else is down to scattered sizes. Wonder when they’ll restock…   Both the pants and the pocket tee are already on sale, so the extra 30% off makes the price extra nice. SALE30 expires Sunday 5/19.

Lands’ End / L.E.C.:  30% off site wide w/ SPARK & 1315

Work. Work. … Local par 3 course…

The Picks: Tailored Fit Baird McNutt Linen Trousers – $34.99 ($79), Tailored Fit Baird McNutt Cotton/Linen Trousers – $34.99 ($79). Plaid Linen-Chino Pants – $24.48 ($80)

Holy… those are some serious golfing at the local municipal cheap course on a Saturday afternoon with pals pants. The slightly more conservative options are made from Baird McNutt Irish linen (or linen blend). Back to the loud pants though. That pattern sure does look familiar. Nice that this SPARK and 1315 code/pin isn’t limited to full priced items.

UNIQLO: Michael Bastian Polos Launch 5/20

The Picks: The button down chest pocket polos in grey/burgundy, and off-white/navy.

More of a heads up than anything. These polos go on sale on Monday, and more than a few have been waiting for this collaboration. You can see the collection here (scroll down) and here.  Thoughts?

Also worth a mention: Gant has a decent amount in their sale and final sale sections.  GAP is doing 40% off sale items w/ GAPSALE both online and in store through Sunday, which drops their rugby jersey polos to under $17. Timberland is offering an extra 20% off sale items + free ground shipping, and they’ve got a couple models of boat shoes in there.