As always, it’s incredibly tough to peg when Macy’s will launch a One Day Sale.  Sometimes a month and a half will go by between them, sometimes only a few weeks will pass.  One thing is certain: These are sales worth paying attention to.  The one-day sale prices are some of the best mark downs in the retail industry.  Here’s some of the best from the One-Day-Sale which runs Friday August 19 – Saturday August 20.  Items marked with a * are “Web Busters.” In store prices may match up, and may not.  Selection on all items (especially shoes) in store can vary greatly.
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INC Black striped blazer – $44.99 ($99.00)

NOT one of the INC ultra lights.

Not bad, but certainly not one of the INC ultra lights.  Has some real structure to the shoulders.  Should need tailoring for most.  More dressed up looking without an ounce of rumple to it.

 

DKNY Grey Slim Fit Sharkskin Suit – $279.99 ($650)

Ships and returns in-store for free.

The price is oddly low here.  DKNY suits are a noticeable step above Alfani RED and Hilfiger Trim fit.  Sometimes they can run a little larger, but, the quality of the construction makes them feel a little less… machined?  DKNY suits usually end up in the low $300s on sale, so $280 isn’t a bad price at all.  Nice looking lapels on this one.

 

Clarks Bushacre 2 Chukka – $64.99 ($90.00)

Available in black and brown too...

First featured over in this recent style scenario, the Bushacre is almost the same design as the classic desert boot from Clarks.  The sole is rubber instead of the textured crepe, and some of the colors vary.  Thanks to Frank and and Wilson for elaborating in the comments over here.

Sperry Top-Sider Wool Boat Shoes – $48.99 ($55.00)

Baaaaaa.

More than a few of us are suckers for anything wool or tweed.  Who knew it could look this good on a usually summer boat shoe.  Perfect for those that hate to see their boat shoes get stashed when the leaves start to change.

Levi’s Graphic Tee – $14.99 ($24.00)

One of the few logos that doesn't say too much.

It’s completely understandable to have a personal zero-tolerance policy against graphic tees.  I’m in that camp too, with only one real exception: Levi’s.  It’s not pretentious, it’s simple, and when it’s on a cotton/poly blend tee like this one, it’ll fit and feel just as good as it looks.  Plenty of colors to pick from.  Not a bad way to get above $100 for free shipping if you’re close.

Calvin Klein Navy Stretch Wool Blazer – $149.99 $350

Lose the shined up silk tie if you wear it with jeans.

Traditional but not stuffy.  From Calvin Klein but will still need some tailoring.  The stretch wool is nice, and the subtle dark metal buttons are even better.

 

Timex – $37.50 ($50.00) | ESQ Rubber Strap Chrono – $346.49 ($495)

Left: 1/10th the price of the right

Just when you thought there wasn’t another Timex out there worth looking at.  The ESQ is anything but ignorable.  Black rubber strap, big case… lots going on there.  Ships free, and happens to be the same price on Amazon.

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Alfani Double Layer Linen Vest – $24.99 ($33.50)

Has potential. If a vest if your kinda thing.

You’re either a waistcoat guy or you’re not.  Haven’t seen it in person, even though a good amount of searching has been done. Linen, the word “tailored” is used, and the color means it’ll go well with dark denim.

Rowenta Cord Reel – $49.99 ($90) | Rowenta “Focus” – $79.99 ($130)

Rowentas on sale.

Hey look.  Irons.  I know, not the most thrilling thing in the world, but if you’ve been using the same hunk of plastic crap you got at Walgreens 10 years ago, maybe it’s time to upgrade (unless it works great, then… keep on keepin’ on.)  Many swear by Rowentas.  Some don’t get caught up in the brand name.  Do some research before you jump in.
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This current Macy’s One Day Sale ends Saturday 8/20.

And by “solo” that means without a jacket or matching pants.  Not like you’re just wearing the vest and you’re naked from the waist down.  As fetching as some might think they’d look… not a good play.

There’s a reason why suit jackets and blazers make someone look 10x better than a similar guy standing next to him in just a shirt and tie.  They help define your masculine shape.  Even the most well tailored shirts will wrinkle and bulge a bit at the sides.  A blazer or jacket smooths out those lines and streamlines your torso.

Alfani Linen Vest - $28

The same can be said for a waistcoat (read: vest).  Problem is wearing one without looking like you belong in a saloon sporting a handlebar mustache & sleeve garter while slingin’ rye.

Wearing one casually with dark denim, medium or even lighter brown shoes, and a decent button up shirt sans tie underneath is a real easy way to go.  Thanks to plenty of cotton and even linen blend options becoming available, you can ditch your sleeved blazer in favor of a vest even in summer.

But they can still be a tough garment to wear.  One wrong yet seemingly innocuous move (shoes with too much shine, too much hair product) and you risk looking like a wayward waiter or ring bearer.

Let the debate begin.  Are you for or against the waistcoat?  Leave your take in the comments below.
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Indochino Prince of Wales Vest - $99. Available w/ matching fabric back at no charge (advanced options)

1. Lands’ End Canvas Italian Silk Knit Tie – $12.50 (reg. $39.50)

Could get cheaper. If it doesn't sell out.

Lands’ End Canvas has brought back their “classifieds” section in which clearance items get marked down drastically throughout the week.  The longer the items stay in stock, the cheaper they get.  Remember the black and purple LEC tie?  Same one here, without the purple.  Perfect width, great feel, and ties an amazingly nice knot.  Ships free on Wednesday 6/15 with the code WEDNESDAY2 and the pin 8566

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2. Johnston & Murphy Brennan – $73.97 (reg. $129.95)

Ships free too.

Yes these get a lot of play here.  But they’re incredibly comfortable and just different enough.  A touch over $70 ain’t a bad price either.  Ships free if you choose super saver shipping.

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3. The Men’s Store at Bloomingdale’s Pima V-Neck – $17.54 (reg. $79.50)

A whopping 78% off.

Full marks to Kathan for sending in the style tip on these.  It’s just a pima v-neck sweater, but “The Men’s Store at Bloomingdale’s” has earned a good rep.  Haven’t seen it in person, so fit is unknown.  Nine, count em’ nine colors to choose from.  Shipping is $6.00 (unless you spend $100, then it’s free).  They ding you on return shipping too.

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4. Leather NATO Watch Straps – About $20.00 a piece

Can make an old forgotten watch a new favorite.

Nylon and grosgrain is nice and all, but the extra beef (pun not intended) you get with the leather NATO band is pretty unique.  Find some old watch you never wear anymore, rid it of the worn out band, and lace your choice of black or brown leather strap through the spring bars.

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5. Jack Spade Monza Single Fold Slim Wallet – $35.00 (reg. $50)

Different but not weird.

Most guys carry around a brown, plain, bifold or trifold. Consider instead a forrest green, perforated (just like the steering wheels on old sports cars), super slim wallet like this one.  No surprise Jack Spade makes it.

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6. Kenneth Cole REACTION Cotton Blazer – $39.99 w/code SUMMER (reg. $99.98)

Ends up closer to $50 with shipping & Taxes

Old Navy isn’t selling their ready to be beat to death cotton blazers right now (they’ve got a linen blend though).  So if you’re looking for something that’s light, relaxed, and airy, this seems to be the best dirt cheap option.  A little big through the middle, so could use some tailoring, but feels surprisingly good.

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7. Seiko 5 SNKK31 Black Dial & SNKK25 White Dial – $70.00

Lots of potential here.

Like the kid brother of the SNZJ 5-series.  Might be a little too business casual for some, so consider getting the links out of there and instead swapping in a leather band with contrast stitching.  Smallish dial at 38mm, nice arrow-point hour hand, and with a bit of customization?  These could look pretty slick.

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8. A good set of Collins Glasses – $35.99 via Williams-Sonoma

The anti-bowl.

You wouldn’t drink a glass of wine out of a red plastic cup right? (Some of you, don’t answer that).  Just about any summer drink should go in these tall and lanky glasses.  Check your local thrift store for ultra cheap options.

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9. Alfani Moon Plain Toe Lace Ups – $76.49 (reg. $89.99)

Ready for jeans and chinos.

A surprisingly nice casual lace-up from Macy’s Alfani brand.  Burnishing in person isn’t that noticeable, the leather feels okay (it is under $100) and they’re strangely comfortable.  Something you’ll reach for when going out in denim.

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10. Fifth&Brannan Multi-Plaid Pocket Square – $35.00

A splurge that won't wreck your checkbook.

$35 is a good chunk to spend on a pocket square but this one is worth it.  Here’s why: Fifth&Brannan is the brainchild of Katie Wintrode, who is Barron from The Effortless Gent’s better half.  It’s as grassroots as a brand gets.  She’s hands-on designed it all, the fabrics are top of the line, and everything is made right here in the USA.  Public shop launch isn’t until June 20th, but you can still take 15% off with the code firstlook.  Then fill out their feedback form here.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.

Seventy Five dollars.  That’s a lot of money.  It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, and it probably took care of one, two, or three people on your Christmas list this year.  But the holidays are over.  Selection is paltry at best at the stores.  Their stock has been picked over worse than a yard sale at 3:00pm in a retirement community.  The credit card bills are on their way if not already here.  So perhaps you want/need something, but you can’t go hog wild.  Setting a limit is best, but is there really anything out there worth considering?

Seventy Five dollars.  It is a lot of money, especially if you spend it right.  Ten picks follow, all under $75, and some of them are much, much less.
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1. Boden Unstructured Blazer in camel cord or navy twill – $74.00 (reg. $128)

Left: Interesting. Right: A foundation for your wardrobe.

One of the questions that gets emailed in the most is “where can I find an affordable unstructured navy blazer?” Unstructured = no shoulder pads.  Here it is guys.  The camel cord option looks decent too, but it’s the navy you’ll reach for time and time again.   Sizes are limited, 38 and 40 available in each. For now.
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2. Nautica BFD 101 Tan Dial Watch – $67.22 ($95.00)

Great hands and a different dial.

Looks like this is last year’s model, which at 44mm is darn near slim compared to the new 50mm model.  A better fit for your wrist, and the perfect match for your favorite pair of brown casual boots.  Not sold or fulfilled by Amazon though, so just be aware of that.
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3. BOSS Black Leather Card Holder – $68.99 (reg. $85.00)

Dark but still unique.

Expensive for just a leather card holder… but it’s the stripe that makes it.    And I’m sure it’s the stripe that also will ruin it for some.
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4. Alfani Double Gored Plain Toe Boot – $64.99 (reg. $99.99)

Simple. Keep it up Alfani.

Macy’s is doing a “buy more save more” deal on their website right now.  So if you spend over $50, you get $10 knocked off your purchase.  Over $100, you get $20 taken off.  The savings don’t show up until you checkout, so… don’t flip when you see the purchase price online.
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5. Indochino Black with white stripes simple tie – $39.00

Nothing wrong with this.

That right there is how a tie should look.   Not skinny by any means but not over 3″ either.  This is a serious tie for when you need to look as sharp as possible.  Pair it with a gray suit and blue shirt, or a Navy suit and white shirt.
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6. ASOS Single Breasted Check Wool Mix Coat – $51.72 (reg. $172.40)

Really... REALLY cheap.

Sure it’s basically a 50/50 wool to poly mix.  But for $50?  With XS, S, M, and L still available?  It’s pretty low risk for the guys who want something other than their standard black wool winter coat.
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7. Converse Garment Dye Jack Purcell – $39.90 (reg. $59.95)

A perfect sockless sneaker for summer too.

A little beefier than the Chuck Taylor, the Jack Purcell by Converse is a can’t miss casual court sneaker.  They’re more comfortable than Chucks, and they’re on sale now for under $40.  Not a bad deal at all.
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8. Rugby Leather Patch Cardigan & Shetland Shawl Stripe Cardigan – $74.99 (reg. $128)

Both are listed at $99, you'll see the extra 25% off in your cart.

You only need one of these “it’s cold, I need another layer” cardigans in your closet.  But when you do pick one, make it one that’s got a nice stand out detail.  The Wool Leather Patch cardigan has those (hated by some) elbow patches, while the shawl cardigan has stripes at the cuffs.  Both are 100% wool.
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9. Ben Sherman Canvas Computer Bag – $53.99 (reg. $119)

Nothin' fancy. Dirt Cheap.

This is what I carry.  One day I’ll get a Filson.  And then maybe one day I’ll get a Saddleback.  But for now, this gets the job done.  It’s trim, blends in, and there’s a top handle on either side so it’s balanced perfectly.  Great for guys on the move who need a computer to come with them.  16″ wide.  Free 2-day shipping from eBags too.
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10. A round of drinks for your friends – $$? Depends on what you’re buyin’

Might be the best $75 you spend all month.

C’mon.  Is there anything better than treating a great group of people to a round?  And don’t wait till your three drinks in.  Pick up the first round of happy hour.  When it’s least expected.  And expect nothing in return.

Above beer photo credit:  vmiramontes

Details Magazine already called the modern American work boot as a trend to watch for this fall.  As a guy who spent a lot of his formative years outdoors, a good pair of work boots is something I’d feel weird without.  And I also feel weird about using “Details Magazine” and “Work Boot” in the same paragraph.

This style of work boot isn’t waterproof, they aren’t big time hikers, and they’re not even steel toed.  They’re the kind of boots you wear on fall or winter weekends, or when you’re taking a short trip up to the mountains.  Somewhere between desert boots and Sorels lies the kind of boot you’re looking for.

I know what some of you more grizzled types are saying:  “What the hell kind of WORK can you do in a non-waterproof soft and slim toe boot anyway?“  Relax tough guy.  Not everyone bench presses dead bear carcasses on the weekends like you do.  Sometimes a boot can be just a boot.

What you want is a pair that have a slim (but not pointy) toe, enough height that it covers all of your ankle, and laces.  Not elastic gore sides, not just zippers, but laces.

They will treat you well.  You will get them dirty, and scuffed, and they along with you, will look all the better for it.

ASOS Work Boot also available in black:

It doesn’t get cheaper than this.

Macy’s house brand Alfani is doing some serious cleaning out of their shoe selections, and you the customer are the beneficiary of the slash and burn deforestation of their stockrooms.

The Cash Leather Driver (nice name for a $37 shoe) is extremely low slung to the ground, but perfect if you like your driving loafers a little more moccasin like.  The Oasis Chukka looks strangely like the Guess Alexi, and both the Guess and Alfani are a nice update of the standard Clark’s Desert boot.

Both pair, pre-tax and shipping, will cost you: $69.98.
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As always, it’s incredibly tough to peg when Macy’s will launch a One Day Sale.  Sometimes a month and a half will go by between them, sometimes only a few weeks will pass.  One thing is certain:  These are sales worth paying attention to.

The one-day sale prices are some of the best mark downs in the retail industry.  Here’s our top five from the One-Day-Sale which runs Friday May 7th – Saturday May 8th.  Friday is the “preview day,” but no cause for concern, all O.D.S. prices are already in effect.  Also know that we’ve only picked items with a wide range of sizes.

Alfani RED Label Cotton Blazer – O.D.S. Price $52.49 | (Reg. $135.00)

A higher quality blazer you can still wear with jeans.

There’s a big difference between a blazer and a suit jacket.  Suit jackets come in sizes like 38R, 40S, and 42L.  And they also look weird paired up with jeans.  They’re too structured.  This jacket comes in  M, L, and XL, and it’s the perfect mix of dress and casual.  Worn with jeans or chinos, it’ll look great 100% of the time.
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Alfani Oasis Chukka Suede Boots – O.D.S. Price $64.99 | Reg. $89.99

Easily the best looking affordable desert boot out there.

The Clark’s desert boot is the standard.  But it can look a little clunky.  These desert boots from Alfani look much more like the sleek Guess Alexi (which is also on sale right now for a ridiculously low price).  There’s just enough contrast stitching to break up the suede, and they come in two extremely versatile colors… chocolate and gray.
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Perry Ellis Herringbone Dress Shirt – O.D.S. Price $24.99 | Reg. $49.50

A shirt with texture and weight at a lean price.

Perry Ellis can sometimes make apparel that’s best described as flimsy.  Their box and herringbone weave dress shirts don’t fall victim to that problem.  Five different colors to pick from, and inexpensive enough to get a couple.
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Nautica Full Zip Track Jacket – O.D.S. Price $21.99 | Org. $69.50

Congrats to Nautica who got all the details right.

Just enough prep style, plenty of nice wide stripes, and a large but not obnoxious logo detail all add up to what could very well become your go-to ultra-casual zip up.
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Alfani RED Striped Tie and Solid Tie w/Tie Bar – O.D.S. Price – $19.99 | Reg. $45.00

Perfect width and style on both the ties and bar.

Tie bars are back and they seem to be sticking around.  The striped tie might not come with a tie bar, but those stripes are a terrific width.  Razor thin.

The Macy’s One Day Sale ends on Saturday at closing time for in store, and midnight online. So hop to it.

It was only a couple of weeks ago that Macy’s ran their last One Day Sale, but it could be another month plus before they do another one.  You just never know.  It’s incredibly tough to peg when Macy’s will launch a One Day Sale, but one thing is certain:  These are sales worth paying attention to.

The one-day sale prices are some of the best mark downs in the retail industry.  Here’s our top five from the One-Day-Sale which runs April 16 – 17th (April 16th is called a “Preview Day” but all O.D.S. prices remain).  Also know that we’ve only picked items with a wide range of sizes.

Hilfiger Medium Gray Trim Fit Suit-   O.D.S. Price – $240.00 | (Reg. $525.00)

Hilfiger's best cut of suit, in the year round perfect medium gray.

It was good to see the classic American styled retailer put some contour back into his suits with the trim fit, and now a summer ready (but could be worn year round) medium gray light wool suit.
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Alfani Cash Leather Drivers – O.D.S. Price – $44.99 | (Reg. $69.99)

An under $50 Moc that can hold it's own with loafers 3x the cost.

The Driving Moc is one of the only casual summer shoes that doesn’t surrender all of it’s style points (see the flip flop).  And these drivers from Alfani hit all the right details:  Low profile, good sleek shape, quiet details.  And under $50?  Why not get a pair of Black and Dark Brown for that price…
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Kenneth Cole French Cuff Textured Dress Shirt – O.D.S. Price – $39.99 | (Reg. $59.50)

James Bond Called. He wants his shirt back.

When you have to look your absolute best, don’t fear a french cuff formal shirt.  It has that tonal texturing that would make it look perfect with a tux, or incredible with a dark suit.  For the top-shelf occasions.
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Tommy Hilfiger Dunhill Graphic Polo – O.D.S. Price – $39.99 | (Reg. $59.99)

Eat your heart out Ralph Lauren

Yes these are going to be WAY too sporty for a lot of you.  Yes it flies in the face of the long standing Dappered.com policy of minimal logos & minimal branding.  But what Hilfiger is going for here, is a retro Ralph Lauren feel without much of that RL cost.  And it works well.  For whatever reason I like the crest, I like the numbers, and the fact that it’s by Tommy Hilfiger means it’s not some total knock off.  Even though it’s kinda a RL knock off.
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J.A. Henckels International Eversharp Knife Set – O.D.S. Price – $49.99 | (Reg. $89.99)

Never needs to be sharpened, just $50.

Women love a guy who can cook.  And a decent knife set makes the job immensely easier.  Will this knife set knock the socks off your professional chef friends?  Maybe not.  But if you’re not inept in the kitchen, and you actually enjoy making your significant other dinner, then you need a block and a good set.  This is it.

In the throws of the holiday season, GQ decided to dispatch their fashion editors to eight of the biggest department stores in America.  Their mission was to find selections amongst the racks and racks of stuff that a style conscious guy in 2009 would be proud to give, and would also be pretty darn excited to receive.

Seems like whoever they sent out couldn’t find anything on sale.  Or for much under $100.

The first three items are as follows:  A $280 Cashmere Sweater, a $165 Denim shirt, and then a $40 pair of… get this… SOCKS. $40 for a pair of socks? C’mon guys. That’s ridiculous. What percentage of their reading audience actually has this kind of money?  Not everyone makes the sweet salary that GQ Fashion Editors apparently seem to haul in.

Not all of us have access to a Barney’s, a Bloomingdale’s, or Saks Fifth Avenue.  And if you’re on this site, chances are you couldn’t afford even some of the smallest purchases in those upscale anchor retailers.  So we tried our hand at what GQ set out to do… only we kept affordability, and accessibility in mind.  Here are our picks for the best of the best from the Department Store World…

— Macy’s ——————————————————–

Alfani Red Trench Coat – $129.99

Is it warm enough for this time of year?  Not if you live in an area where it’s bitter cold.  Will you want it when the spring thaw starts and the rains start to fall?  Absolutely.

DKNY Murphy Button Down – $29.99

You can never have too many button down shirts that can pass for both your layer under a sweater, or by themselves.  A slim fit and shorter tail makes this shirt good for untucked, or tucked-in occasions.

Tommy Hilfiger Silicone Strap Watch – $115.00

White Face, sporty black silicone strap, big ol’ numbers.  And it’s cheap.  What’s not to like?

— Target ———————————————————

Men’s Herringbone Wool & Leather Gloves – $19.99

Standing out without demanding attention is one of the keys to having a good sense of style.  While every other well dressed guy will have black leather gloves… these add a twist with wool herringbone tops.  And they come in a host of sizes (S, M, L, XL) as opposed to the usual M-L and XL, so you can get a precise fit.

5 Shelf Espresso Bookcase – $119.99

If it weren’t for Cost Plus and Target, I don’t think people with real jobs and real (low to middle class) paychecks could afford to furnish their home.  5 shelves, big solid construction, dark wood.  Classic and modern, all at the same time.  Know a bibliophile that you want to splurge on?  They’d love a big fat bookcase for their collection.

Merino Wool Camel Sweater – $31.99

Merino Wool offers warmth without being too bulky.  Great for layering under a blazer.

— Kohl’s —————————————————–

Dockers Flat Front Khaki – $32.99

It took them awhile, but one of the world’s largest Khakis makers finally realized that not everyone likes wearing relaxed fit pleated pants.  Slim Fit, flat front, good details.  Perfect for work or weekends.

3-pack Jockey Low Rise Briefs – $14.25

Can it really be Christmas if you don’t open up at least one package of underwear that was wrapped and under the tree?  Only difference is these look way better than your classic tighty-whiteys.  And they fit immensley better.  Used to classic fit higher waist briefs?  Try these and you’ll never go back to your previous diaper like-fitting underwear ever again.

Picnic Time Manhattan Portable Cocktail Case – $135.99

A space for everything you need to make a Martini, while on the go.  Comes with two martini glasses, cocktail shaker, jigger, tongs, strainer, two olive picks, two napkins, and a vermouth spritzer & stirrer.  All in one hell of a good looking case.

Now only if we could come up with a way to make sure you can get a parking space at any of these places at this time of year.  It may be the season of miracles, but… we’re not that good.  Happy Holidays…

There are dress boots, motorcycle boots, work boots, and hiking boots.  These are boots boots.

Looking like they feel out of the dictionary definition for “boots,” or a family portrait from 1869, these boots are laid back but not boring.  They really are vintage looking, and would go well with either jeans or cords.  Maybe.

Lace them up, chop some wood, and then head on down to your favorite saloon.  Or… something like that.

I can’t decide.  I think they’re either perfectly simple, or… you wouldn’t be able to find an occasion to wear them.  You’d either be wearing them all the time or never.

Not sure.  Thoughts?