Code expires 11/7/11.  Free Shipping at $125 with a nice flat rate of $5 for purchases under that.

Rugby is one of the few brands that starts off way too expensive, but eventually they’ll dip to a level that’s somewhere between a good and a great deal.  It’s just a matter of waiting, then blowing past the stuff that has the Rugby logo plastered all over it.  All of these picks have minimal logos (if any) and all are already on sale.  The extra 20% off code INSIDERSONLY makes them worth a look:
.

Engraved Tie Bar – $23.70 ($39.50)

Nice lines.

Might be one of the best looking tie bars out there.  Started out just shy of $40, went on sale, and with the extra 20% off it drops under $30 shipped.  There is a “R” logo on the back, but nobody should see that.  Nickel and 2″ long.

Shetland Elbow Patch Cardigan – $61.44 (128.00)

Pockets have reverse pleats.

Suede patches at the elbows, leather buttons, and half off?  It’d be tough to find something like this, in wool, at a similar price point.  Three colors to pick from, all of which are traditional fall/winter earth tones.

Vintage Slim Cords – $38.16 ($79.50)

Available sizes will depend on the color.

Another half off potential steal.  Don’t know about Rugby’s fit on their slim cords.  (Fellas?)  Button fly and “standard rise” waist.  They do look pretty trim, but hopefully not skinny.

Herringbone Newbury Jacket – $190.40 ($398)

Yes, but can you FEEL the pattern.

The greater the contrast between the colors made to use the herringbone, the bolder the jacket is going to be.  And this one is pretty bold.  Three button front with flap pockets at the bottom and a patch pocket up top.  Cut in a “classic” silhouette, so tailoring will most likely be necessary on arrival.  All wool exterior.

Striped Pocket Oxford – $31.99 ($59.50)

Hey look. A shirt.

Just a blue and white striped button down collar oxford.  All sizes available, decently cheap, and still under $40 even after the $5 flat rate shipping is applied.

Oxbridge Piped Fleece Blazer – $77.99 ($178)

Thurston Jr. apparently likes his ties quite short.

Holy Crap.  Who’s headed to the Henley Royal Regatta this year?  Requires a certain type with a certain level of unflappable confidence to pull off.  Embrace the sh*t your pals will give you.  Because it will be given.  Wear it out of total prep context with some jeans and a not too starched shirt.  A challenge, but a cheap one.

Canvas Messenger Bag – $100.80 ($168)

Centered top handle is always a plus.

14″ long so it won’t fit every lap top, but the olive canvas and leather look better than good together.  Remove that shoulder strap and it’ll look professional enough for a laid back work environment.

Winter Hunting Cap – $35.70 ($59.50)

Would never look right with the piped blazer.

No logo on this one.  Maybe.  No logo that’s visible at least (again, from what we can tell.)  Lower back may or may not do a good job of keeping your ears, or the tops of them at least, from freezing off.  Nice work with the green in the plaid.

Lambswool fingerless gloves – $23.70 ($39.50)

Yes, but my palms are toasty.

Fingerless gloves don’t work for everyone (since, y’know, some are bothered by cold finger tips) but if you live in a world where touch screens are inescapable, and those smart finger tip gloves aren’t your cup of tea, these would make a good looking punch of color at your wrists.

Leather Bowling Weekend Bag – $238.80 ($398)

Vintage and high end looking.

Over $200 but leather and has that killer painted stripe down the side.  Nice work with the flap over snap placket up top as well.  Ships free.

Surcingle Striped Cotton/Leather Belt in red or green – $35.70 ($59.50)

And now in affordable territory

Tempting but too expensive when they first came out.  Now even more tempting in that $25 – $45 belt wheelhouse.  Leather up front and striped canvas around the back.  Like a summer belt that’s made for fall… or something.

The Splurge:  Striped Cashmere Scarf – $88.80 ($148)

Black and cream on cashmere.

All right all you cashmere fans.  Again, plenty of us don’t understand the fascination.  But the simple pattern on this scarf is nothing short of terrific.  Still pricey with the discount.

The extra 20% off code INSIDERSONLY (which how inside can it really be if it’s on their website?) expires 11/7

No code is needed for Kenneth Cole.  For Banana Republic, you’ll need the code BRSWEATER.  Exp. 10/10

Happy Columbus Day.  Right, you’re thrilled.  Anyway, it’s a good day if you’re in the market for a new coat, some boots, or a sweater for the upcoming colder weather.  Kenneth Cole launched a 30% off outerwear, boots, and some other stuff sale on Friday, while BR is running a 30% off sweater sale today.

Just a few picks below.  Figure it’d be an okay way to spend that 45 seconds you’d have otherwise spent checking the mail today.  Just try not to spend too much money.  The banks might be closed, but they’ll take your money tomorrow.
.

Kenneth Cole New York Wool Trench – $192.50 ($275)

Major potential here.

Darting in the back means it should be more fitted.  Length looks to be close to perfect.  Not an easy color to find a double breasted coat in.  Under $200 with the sale and ships free.  You’re on the hook for return shipping.

Kenneth Cole New York 5-Pocket Plaid Pant – $48.65 ($69.50)

Just odd enough.

Straight leg, cotton, and a not too out-there plaid pattern.  All slapped on a cotton pant with a  5-pocket jean-like layout.  Haven’t seen them in person but they look like they could be winners.  Shipping is a decently low $4 flat rate if you’re not spending over the $100 free shipping threshold.

Kenneth Cole New York Cross My Mind Boot – $111.99 ($215)

Styling = simple but very, very effective.

Was on sale for $160 and now an extra 30% off that price.  Drops them to almost half retail and just above $100.  Ships free as well.  The cap toe makes it look like a sleeker more dressed up version of the Timberland 6″ city zip.  Still not a dress boot though.  A hybrid that lands somewhere in between.

Kenneth Cole New York Regal King – $103.60 ($148.00)

Not Allen Edmonds. In any way.

The round toe purists have never liked these.  But if you like a slightly elongated toe, and you can stand a bit of a rounded corner chisel at the end, then for just north of $100 it’ll be hard to do better.  Ships free and just barely.  Surprised they didn’t mark it down a few bucks more to nail you with shipping charges.  Full review here.

Banana Republic Merino Wool V-Neck – $41.65 ($59.50)

Best sweater so far this year?

Most of you guys know about the appreciation this website has for Banana Republic’s silk/cotton/cashmere v-necks.  They’ve been #1 for awhile despite their too deep V.  It’s time to crown a new champ.  This year’s BR merino v-necks are the perfect balance between:

1. Weight – Not tissue thin, not bulky at all.
2. Depth of V – It dips, but not wildly low.
3. Width of collar ribbing – more substantial than the silk/cotton/cashmere blend.

They also fit decently close but not tight.  And now at 30% off, they’re a bargain at $40.  Well done BR.

Banana Republic Silk/Cotton/Cashmere V-Neck – $48.65 ($69.50)

Still very much appreciated.

As stated right up there ^  now #2 but a close second.  It’s really hard to beat the smoothness of the fabric on these.  And they’re awfully strong and wear well.  The V just dips a little too deep and they’re an extra $10 retail.

Banana Republic Full-Button Cardigan – $62.65 ($89.50)

Not quite as fitted in real life.

You see those two dents in the professional model’s sides in the pic on the left?  Looks like the stylist didn’t smooth out the impact of the close-pin, chip clip, or whatever it is they’re using to gather extra fabric at the back.  These are a bit boxy.  But if you happen to be a bit boxy yourself and want a cardigan that’s no fly-weight weakling, these are reinforced through the neck and placket and have a good but not too heavy weight to them.

Banana Republic Tweed V-Neck – $62.65 ($89.50)

Going to be your topmost layer.

If the other V-necks are soup, then this one is a stew.  Thick, chunky, and you won’t be comfortable with a blazer over it.  Just like stew.  No one likes a blazer over their stew.  A more noticeable knit with flecks in the fabric.  Warm and substantial, and not all that close fitting at the sides.

Both the Kenneth Cole and BananaRepublic.com sales expire today.  All sweaters shown are size medium.  Use BRSWEATER for the savings.  Free shipping kicks in at $100 with Kenneth Cole and $50 with Banana Republic. 

Leif Ericson really gets the historical shaft.  Beating Columbus to North America by 500 years and Christopher gets the day?  The Norseman got hosed.  But it’s not like we parade in the streets here in America (Vespucci, you’re my boy.)  Most of us don’t even get Monday off.  Columbus Day in the 21st century basically means the stores have an excuse to mark some stuff down, and your mailbox will be empty that afternoon.

Picks below, and feel free to add more sales and other items in the comments section.  Make sure to check underneath the pics of the picks for any codes.
.

Macy’s:  INC Cord Blazer – $59.42 ($99) | Hilfiger Slim Windowpane Suit -$292.49 ($650)

Use the code SAVEMORE

The Deal:  Site Wide Selections + 10 – 15% Extra off with code SAVEMORE
Looks like prices have gone up on suits, but the windowpane on the Hilfiger Slim Fit is subtle and unique.  Ships free since it’s over $99.  If you can’t shell out the $100 for the J. Crew cord sportcoat, the INC is a reasonable alternative for cheap.  When it was released it was just available in navy, but it’s now available in grey and black too.

Express:  Wool Blend Peacoat – $149.50 ($278) | Merino V-Neck – $48.93 ($69.90)

Code 1746 and 1750 should both work.

The Deal:  Express: 30% off Outerwear and Sweaters plus tiered code 1746 0r 1750
Been awhile since Express got a mention.  This weekend Express is running one of their tiered sales.  $15 off $60, $30 off $120, and so on.  Remember when it used to be $15 off $30?  Anyway, with the 30% off and the code, you can get two of their Italian Merino V-necks for about $40 a piece before shipping.  Not incredible, but not terrible either.  The peacoat was pushing $300, and with the sale and code it drops to a very nice $150.  Half price ain’t half bad, and the length looks to be perfect.

Timberland: Malden Plaid Bomber – $103.60 ($148)

Use the code TBL1492

The Deal: Timberland: 30% off new arrivals with TBL1492
And that 30% off drops this high necked plaid bomber down to a more than reasonable $103.60.  Red if you want to stand out, grey if you want to stand out… less.  You have to use the code TBL1492.  Get it?  1492?  Har har.  (Thanks for the link Jackson.)

Lands’ End Canvas: Crosby Moc Toe Lace-up Boot – $89.99 ($145)

Dirt + Shine = Good. MJ11 + 4423 = better.

The Deal: L.E.C. Fall sale plus $10 off over $50 with MJ11 and pin 4423
Just in case you missed these yesterday.  Black or brown.  Ships free too with the code.

GAP: Italian Moleskin Blazer – $94.40 ($118) | Birdseye Cardigan - $27.48 ($54.95)

Don't forget some kind of color.

The Deal:  Up to 50% off site wide sale.
No codes here but most of Gap.com seems to be on sale. Birdseye cardigan is a full half off.  The moleskin blazer gets dropped well under $100 but it was down to $82 just a few days ago.   Between the eyes of birds and the skin of moles, this is starting to sound awfully like a witches brew.

Ralph Laruen Wallinford Suede Ankle Boots – $111.75 ($150)

Use the code RLGIVE2011

The Deal: Ralph Lauren and Rugby – 25% off with code RLGIVE2011 / MATCH2011
They’ll take 25% off plus donate 10% of your purchase price to charity.  The suede boots above are $111.75 after the code, so $150 full retail.  That’s oddly affordable for Ralph Lauren (even though they’re from the lower “Polo line.”)  What’s even more odd is that they’re made in the United States.  Really?

What else?  At “press” time these were some of the top sales, but some good to great ones have probably been added since.  Leave your sale finds in the comments below.

Neiman Marcus has had their “Last Call” stores for longer than a year, but their online home for outlet merchandise just turned the big 0-1.  To “celebrate” they’re knocking 41% off regular priced items through early Friday morning.  The term Regular Price might seem a little confusing since this is an outlet which discounts items as they hit the floor, but as long as it’s not in the super-ultra-clearance-section you seem to be good.

Neiman Marcus is a luxury retailer.  So their outlet is naturally filled with luxury goods.  Throw another almost half off on top of the outlet markdowns and all of a sudden many of our budgets are in business.
.

Sebago Storrow Leather Saddle – $56.05 ($145)

Skip the wings and pay half price.

Full marks to Palmenta for finding and mentioning these as well as the style tip on the sale as a whole.  Under $60 for this Sebago shape?  Incredible.  The all leather same color uppers make this as subtle as a saddle can be.

Magnanni Double Monks – $170.51 ($425)

Those'll do.

Good gracious mother hell pants.  This might be the one and only time when limited sizes are actually a GREAT thing.  Because if these came in plenty of sizes, too many of us would be scraping together too much cash that we otherwise shouldn’t be spending in order to pick up these Spanish made stunners.  Comes in suede too.

Magnanni Catania Oxford – $170.51 ($425)

¡Viva España!

Would you get a load of that heel.  The toe as well too.  True oxford lacing and a leather sole.  Decent size selection on these in that hardly ever happens $150 – $200 a price range.  An investment, but not a 401k bleeder.

Marc New York Napa Leather Jacket – $253.11 ($675)

Standing out from the dark leather crowd

The lighter Tobacco color isn’t your standard black or dark brown, but that’s sort of what makes it a step above the rest.  The price isn’t half bad either, especially since now it’s more than half off.

Neiman Marcus Trim Fit Check – $26.55 | Standard Fit Box Plaid – $28.91

Not bad for the office.

Both have decent sizes left.  Despite the fact you’ll need to get the standard fit tailored, at least it’s a non iron (which some actually don’t prefer.)  Both under $30, both by Neiman Marcus.  Regular price is $75 and $79.

Neiman Marcus Tipped Merino Mix Cardigan  – $44.25 ($125)

Could be dressed up or down.

No word on the fit with these, but at least it’s a Merino mix.  The other bit being Acrylic, which should lend some softness (albeit by way of a synthetic fabric.)  Nice black on charcoal tipping.

Glen Plaid Cashmere Scarf – $53.10 ($198)

¡Viva Scotland!

Old School winter luxury.  Glen Plaid pattern on cashmere.  I’ve never really truly been on board the cashmere train, but for $50 in that color and pattern, it could make a really nice gift for someone.

Marc New York Canvas Dopp Kit – $23.01 ($59.50)

Shave away.

Dopp kits can get outrageously expensive being that they: A. Spend most of the time in your luggage, and B. A Zip-Loc is more than capable of doing the same job.  Just over $20 isn’t too much and the color scheme is good and quiet.

Emporio Armani Silver Dial – $133 | Black Dial – $156 | Rectangle Watch – $127

All well under $200.

Sure Emporio Armani is a brand and not a true watchmaker, but they’ve got the styling right on these three.  Nice textures on the round dial and all three, the tank too, are chronographs.  Speaking of that tank, at 31mm in diameter it’s not some over-sized monster.  Originally $295, $345, and $275 respectively.

Ermenegildo Zegna Knotted Mother of Pearl Cuff links – $115.05 ($315)

Clean.

As elegant as cuff links come.  Sterling silver with textured mother of pearl knots on the ends.  $115 is no small price (well, for Zegna it is) but if you’re the cuff link type who goes dressed up events, maybe a splurge is in order.

Wolverine Dawson Boot  in Grey and Brown – $64.31 ($150)

Yes that sole is red.

An odd duck but not an ugly duckling for everyone.  Red sole, non-traditional stitching across the top, and a standard brown and not standard grey.  Pretty cheap.  More views of these boots can be found over at Endless.

The Extra 41% off 1-year LastCall.com anniversary sale allegedly expires at 8am CT on Friday 9/30.  Know that Last Call doesn’t necessarily mean “final sale” either.  You can return items, but you’re on the hook for return shipping.  They do provide a smart label but a return shipping fee will be deducted from your return.

Part of the Ralph Lauren Family, Rugby is Ralph’s younger, preppier brother.  I know, you’re thinking more preppy than Ralph Lauren?  Yes indeed.  And no you don’t want to wear too much of this garb at once or you’ll look like an extra in some Dead Poet’s Society meets Van Wilder abomination.

Since it’s a Ralph Lauren brand, prices start so high that most of us have to wait for a sale, and then wait some more for those sale prices to dip even further.  That appears to have happened with Rugby’s current Summer Sale.  Even so, the picks ain’t cheap by any stretch…
.

Madras Plaid Surcingle Belt – $49.99 (reg. $69.50)

Not your average summer belt.

Still expensive at fifty bucks, it’s obviously most appropriate in summer, but give it a shot even once fall rolls around.  It’ll be a good and subtle injection of color.  Nice looking leather and buckle at the front.

Seersucker Gingham Shirt – $39.99 (reg. $69.50)

Pink, puckered, and checked.

This one’s for the guys living in the deep south with no end to the heat and humidity in sight.  If you can stand layering at all (at night?) the texture and pattern isn’t a bad choice to throw on under a light solid sportcoat.

Monroe Plaid Cotton Jacket – $149.99 (reg. $298)

Kind of like Blackwatch for the summer.

Here’s a perfect example of too much prep style.  Club collar, bow tie, and the jacket?  It’s all a little intense.  Try a regular button down, maybe some jeans, and some loafers instead.  Let the jacket do the work.  It’s a three button, so be prepared to press it over into a two button style.  A warning:  This thing looks EXTREMELY short in the tail.

Monroe Linen Vest – $74.99 (reg. $148)

The hot weather waistcoat

It all depends on whether or not you’re a waistcoat kind of guy.  And if you are, and you’ve been missing your heavy wool or tweed vests during the summer, this might be an oasis for your sleeveless addiction.  Try it with a pale blue button up, jeans (maybe roll the cuffs) and bucks.

Cotton Shawl Cardigan – $89.99 (reg. $118)

Go throw a football.

Still a splurge even on sale, but it’ll catch the eyes of those in the market for a beefier layer for fall and winter.  Having a go to cardigan you can throw on over anything (including another sweater) comes in more than handy.  Having one with a bit of retro swagger is a nice bonus if that’s your thing.

Madras Rope Belt – $29.99 (reg. $59.90)

Twas a fine polo match... dude.

Is this what Ivy League Stoners wear when summer rolls around?  Almost looks hempish in a way.  Cheaper than the Surcingle belt and more casual as well.  Keep the rest of your outfit conservative if you’re going with this.

Vintage Chino University Pant in Pink – $39.99 (reg. $69.50)

Almost white. But really not.

Talk about limited use.  Pink pants?  Not for beginners.  Hell, not for 95% of us.  But if you’re going to go with pink pants, better they be pale and washed.  And, under $40 since you won’t be wearing them all that often.

Madras and Leather Card Case – $19.99 (reg. $35.00)

Cheap and unique.

Under $20?  Why not.  Just like the belts only you can keep it stashed for as long as possible.  Available in three total colors/madras patterns.  $5 flat rate shipping comes in handy with small items like this.

What’s your opinion of Rugby?  Too young and preppy?  Does it drift a little too close to Abercrombie and Fitch territory?  Or is it fine as long as you keep it to  one or two items?  Your take goes in the comments.

25% off is decent.  30% is usually a good line of demarcation.  40% is a jump-on-it because 40% off doesn’t happen that often type of sale.  That said, when a 25% off site wide sale happens, it’s worth a look since selection when it comes to sizes and sale items can be much more plentiful than in store.  That seems to hold true for this one, with plenty of already reduced items coming in at more like 40 – 50% off.

Free shipping, as with all GAP Inc. brands, kicks in at $50 and you can cross pollinate with the tabs in the upper left corner.  The code only works on BR items and expires today (Wed. August 3rd).  Here’s a few in-person picks:
.

Cotton Cashmere Sweater – $33.38 (44% off reg. $59.50)

A better than good basic.

The blending of cashmere into cotton sweaters seems a little overrated, but with this one it smooths it out and keeps it from being too bulky or spongy.  Comes with a raglan-ish looking sweep seam which makes it a little more casual, but not in a bad way.  Nice fabric, great size and color selection, a solid deal at just over thirty bucks.

Silk/Cotton/Cashmere V-Neck – $39.38 (44% off reg. $69.50)

Feel is A+

The current reigning champ as far as V-Neck material goes.  Now if they’d just raise the dip of the V by about an inch and a half and widen the collar ribbing… then we’d be set.  Full review here.

Cotton Motorcycle Jacket – $97.50(reg. $130.00)

No bike necessary.

Motorcycle jacket in collar style and simple pocket layout only, being that a cotton jacket like this probably won’t do much for your torso if you dump your Triumph.  Light, comfortably trim through the sides (but not tight) and a great navy color.  Seems to go real well with chinos.  Jeans will be fine too since the smooth texture of the jacket will contrast enough with the denim.

Chambray Striped Shirt – $39.38 (44% off, reg. $69.50)

Tucked, rolled, or whatever.

The material on this shirt is more than nice.  Thick but not weighty, has a good feel against your skin, and the double work wear pockets aren’t too boxy or intrusive.  Can easily be worn under a blazer with a wool or cotton tie.  Comes equipped with collar stay slots which is an advantage that honestly can’t be underrated.

Cotton Fleece Crew – $29.63 (reg. $39.50)

Doesn't fit like it would say XXL either.

If there’s such a thing as an upgraded sweatshirt, this is it.  Pull it over a collared shirt (like the chambray version shown) and you’re set for a real quiet night at home with the significant other.  All while not looking like total hell.  A warning: This sucker is trim.  Think Ralph Lauren Custon Fit trim.

Refined Cotton Cardigan – $44.63 (44% off, reg. $79.50)

Cardigans aren't for everyone. This gets close.

As always it could be different where you’re at, but these are still at full price at the BR nearest the Dappered home offices. $80 is too much. $50-$60 is about right.   $45 is a deal but it doesn’t ship free.  As with all cardigans, if you’re boxy up top, it’ll just draw attention to how boxy you are… up top.

San Marcos Wingtip – $78.75 (44% off, reg. $140)

Also available in brown

Reviews on these are all over the map. They look pretty good to great in person, albeit a little wide through the front of the shoe. Quality is sketchy at best. But they are $80. Ships free since they’re over $50.

The Banana Republic 25% off site wide code BRAUG25 expires 11:59pm ET on 8/3

Consider these to be power rankings.  Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month.  The best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already.  Agreements, disagreements, and additions are more than welcome in the comments section below.

Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.  Top Photo Credit: bgottsab
.

5. GAP Birdseye Cardigan – $54.95 (but goes on sale a ton)

Now if the weather would just cooperate...

Birdseye doesn’t get nearly enough play.  Great looking contrast placket and cuffs.  If you wear it cleaned up with say, a wurkin stiffs equipped collared shirt, jeans, and some wingtips, you won’t look anything like the limp shouldered cardigan wearing hipster puffing away at his cigarette outside the nearest coffee shop.  This one is labeled as a “skinny” cardigan, so, you might want to try it on in-store.  Wait on a sale.  30% off would drop it to $38.

4. Ralph Lauren Deerfield Leather Card Case – $50.00 (reg. $125)

The new antique.

A lot of you have a zero tolerance policy on logos.  And that’s understandable.  But for those that can take a logo here and there, finding one that looks like it was stamped in the 1850s isn’t a half bad option.  Made in Italy too.  On sale via Bloomingdale’s (where they didn’t do it any favors with their image).  Full price at Ralph Lauren.

3. Lands’ End Canvas Nailhead Oxford Blazer – $99.50

Could be more than very good.

Part of the new Lands’ End Canvas fall lineup, and it might end up being their flagship for this season.  Reasonably priced and a great looking color which should work easily with dark denim.  Expect an in person relatively soon.

 

2. Tissot PRC 200 w/ J. Crew Strap – About $300 total new

Nice work.

All credit to reader Dan O. for this.  He sent the Dappered Twitter account a pic of this watch setup not that long ago.  Although $300 is no small amount, it looks terrific.  The Tissot PRC200 has a design that’s well appreciated by many.  Switching to the J. Crew strap was a small detail that makes a big change.  (Note:  We don’t normally do this, and don’t know him personally, but he apparently just put his used one up on ebay…)

 

1. Florsheim Gaffney Wingtip Boot – $96.00 SHIPPED w/ code LINK20 ($120)

Back with three new color options.

Florsheim’s new run of their Gaffney Wingtip Boot now includes grey and blue suede options, plus the lighter chestnut color pictured above.  The lug soles are a deal-breaker for many, but they’d be a huge upgrade to your knock-around-town boot collection.  Full review here.

Hang on to your wallets.  When Lands’ End Canvas and L.L. Bean Signature both launched around the same time a few years back, a new word was coined:  JCrewization.  Both of these sub brands, born of of larger, heritage, wider fitting and older leaning outfitters, slimmed down and got younger.  While L.L. Bean Signature started out with their prices high, Lands’ End Canvas somehow was able to keep their prices Old Navy Levels.  Brace yourselves for a bit of a change.

If the prices on the new fall items are any sign,  be prepared to wince like the the lights just got flipped on at bar time.  Because this L.E.C. low price party could very well be over.  See for yourself with some of the picks:
.

Weathered Fleece Cardigan – $79.50

This + high of 45 + couch = nap.

It’d be hard to call this type of garment a necessity, but having a thicker than any of your other sweaters, slightly bulky, mock neck or shawl collar cardigan comes in real handy when the leaves start to fall off the trees.  Ribbed collar and placket, nice looking buttons, and old school elbow patches.

Vintage Chino Belt – $39.50

Has a look-alike out there.

Looks a lot like this.  Doesn’t it?  The strap is only 1 1/8″ wide, and the buckle isn’t much wider, so don’t expect some big honkin’ thing.  They call it a chino belt, but it should hold your jeans up just as well.  Made from Italian leather.

Nailhead Oxford Blazer – $99.50

Could be better than good.

This should do nicely and the price is certainly reasonable.   A nice medium blue in an oxford cloth that should pair much, much easier with jeans than their chambray blazer from this summer. Patch pockets, and you have to think it can’t have much structure to it since it’s oxford fabric.  Functional button holes persist, so if the sleeves are long on you, your tailor is going to have issues.  Can’t imagine it’s as fitted as pictured through the sides.

French Terry Shawl Collar Sweater – $49.50

Terry fabric won't be everyone's favorite.

Not for everybody.  The description reads: “it doesn’t get more laid back than this.”  And the terry ultra soft fabric will guarantee that.  But, if you’re a risk taker, attempt to pair it with a thick, white oxford button down and a black knit tie.

Autumn Orange Windowpane Poplin – $49.50

Done in by the Morie Effect again.

Orange, usually reserved for leaves and pumpkins, is going to be splashed all over clothing the fall.  A shirt with a balanced, uniform pattern shirt is a subtle way to work that particular color in.

Wool Argyle Tie – $49.50 (reg. $79.50)

Ivy League style. And price.

Wait, was eighty bucks?  Good grief.  Now just a shade under $50.  Which is the threshold they usually have for free shipping.  Ouch.  Looks great but… ouch.

Orange Plaid and Nailhead Pocket Squares – $9.50

Single digits.

Consider these a budget palate cleanser.  When they run a sale, they’re nice and cheap.  Might be a good thing to keep in mind if you’re looking to cap a free shipping threshold at some point.

What’s your take on the new prices?   Is it the expected maturation of the brand’s clout?  A blip since they’re new arrivals?  More proof that costs are up and prices are rising everywhere?  Leave it below in the comments section.

It looks nice and fitted, the V dips the absolute perfect amount, and believe it or not it’s made in the U.S.A.

Dots get a bad wrap.  Birdseye is a great pattern.  Pin dots are terrific.  And these polka dots are far from the twister sized circles the rent-a-clown wore on his outfit at your 5-year-old niece’s birthday party.

It’s a cotton poly blend but that has to be outweighed by the Made in the U.S.A. label.  That and the poly will help keep it from shrinking up.  Also, cardigans are like sport coats and blazers.  Keep em’ buttoned as much as possible and don’t let those sides fly like the model does on the U.O. website.

But would you wear it?  Or is it… y’know… a little too Father Know’s Best?

Your take goes in the comments below.
.

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it.  Beth is our source for the answers.  From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday.  And don’t worry, your identity will be protected too.  Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com
.
–

Beth -

Cardigans are big right now, but recently a female friend made a comment about my favorite cardigan and called it a “Mr. Rodgers Sweater.”  Now I’m second guessing it.  Your thoughts?

- CJ

.

Hi CJ,

Much like the man v-neck and whether you can wear a suit (rather than a tux) to your own wedding, I suspect that this topic will have readers feeling very strongly one way or the other.  Sometimes I tread lightly on such dynamic topics, but today is not that day.  Maybe it’s because I’ve not been sleeping well lately; maybe it’s because hell is a Midwestern winter that WILL NEVER EVER END.  Either way, today YOU will follow MY rules, because I am the Ask a Woman woman.

I say yea to the man cardigan.  Yes, it looks like something Mr. Rogers would wear–because he did–but sometimes style is ironic, and hip as a result of this irony.  Sound familiar?  This basically describes the hipster wardrobe.  Newsboy caps, fedoras, heavy-framed glasses, plaid in all its glorious arrangements–these are things Grandpa liked to wear before you put him in a pine box.  The man cardigan says to me: “I am cool enough to not worry about whether I look like an old man in this sweater.  And I’m trying to keep warm in this winter that WILL NEVER EVER END.”

There are many varieties of man cardigan.

• Slim-fitting, high V-neck
• Looser-fitting, deep V-neck
• Heavier, longer, shawl-collar
• The Bulkier Mock-Neck
• Double-breasted
• Striped

The many types of cardigan. Comfortable, as well as appropriate for a meeting with King Friday.

The slimmer the fit and thinner the fabric, the better suited for a tall, thin body–think Kenyan marathon runner.  But, if you’re of the stockier persuasion, you can still wear the man cardigan.  Stick with the heavier knits, and be sure you’re buying the right size.  Baggy is just as bad as skintight.  Finally, a salute to The Dude–founder, protector, and warrior of the poorly-worn man cardigan.  There’s no one we’d rather have a White Russian with, but we don’t want your wardrobe, Dude.

–Beth

Got a question for Beth? Send them to: askawoman@dappered.com