The code is NEWYOU?  Maybe the people at GAP inc. market research ran some numbers, and this happens to be the week where people are feeling their best about those new year’s resolutions they made.  Y’know, the annual peak of “I can do this,” right before it all falls apart.  Better get em’ now before that one month free trial gym membership expires, and their desire for a new wardrobe tanks.

Remember that free shipping kicks in at $50 and you can bounce back and forth between brands to get there.  Most items return for free in-store, the sale is online only, and the code even works on sale items.

Banana Republic Black Wool Top Coat – $125.99 ($250.00)

The extra ticket pocket is awesome.

This thing has gotten KILLED in the BananaRepublic.com reviews for not being all that thick.  And the reviewers are right.  It’s not just slim in silhouette, but it’s slim in the depth of the fabric too.  But look, if you wear a scarf, a nice pair of gloves, and a blazer underneath, you’ll be more than fine unless you’re manning the info tent at the Occupy Nome encampment.  Already on sale.  Real nice looking up close.  One of the most handsome coats available this season.

Banana Republic Tailored Cotton Blazer – $138.60 ($198)

Size shown: 38R. I need a 40R.

Finally.  No superfluous pockets.  No weird details.  Just a real nice, lighter grey, well cut cotton blazer.  It’s not a rumpled chino, so you can dress this up plenty, but it’ll still work just fine with jeans.  The fabric is soft, not stiff.  Remember that this is from their tailored line, so be prepared to size up.

Banana Republic Tailored Fit Italian Wool Suit Separates – $353.50 ($505)

And thank you sale.

The best of both worlds.  The Italian made fabric is a noticeable upgrade.  At the same time, it’s not from their higher end “monogram” collection, so the price stays reasonable.  One of my good friends got married in this suit over the summer, and he loves it (the suit and marriage.)  Shoulder pads aren’t too beefy and the off the rack cut is great.  The bargain alternative to a $500 Suitsupply, and without the risk of an Indochino.

GAP 1969 Garment-Dyed Straight Fit Jean – $48.96 ($69.95)

Four colors available. Size 31x30 shown.

Seventy bucks ain’t a small investment, but with the 30% off you end up with a decent fitting, straight leg non blue jean for about half the price of a pair of Bonobos Bull Denim.  Do know that the tag on these says that they’re untreated, and should shrink and fade with multiple washings.  Shrinking might be a problem for some since they sit pretty close to the calf.  Looks decent with a navy cotton blazer.

Allen Edmonds Kiowa – $186.55 ($249.00)

An extra 20% off through the GAP owned piperlime.

Wait.  What? … Right.  GAP Inc owns a shoe site.  That site is Piperlime.com.  And they’re pushing you there through GAP.com’s shoe section.  Piperlime is also embracing this NEWYOU code with an extra 20% off most of their shoes.  Even Allen Edmonds.  And even Allen Edmonds that are already on sale like the Kiowa.  Which happens to be about as good as a lug soled oxford brogue gets.  Not that they make many of those.

GAP Basic Leather Belt – $20.97 (reg. $29.95)

Black, brown, and you're set.

Got a pair of these years ago.  Both are still going strong and have shown barely any wear.  In-store versions seem to be the same quality leather.  Maybe the guts are different and a new one would fall apart, but the design is flawlessly simple.

Old Navy Brushed Twill Pants – $24.46 ($34.94)

Leg warmers. That aren't, y'know, leg warmers.

If, and that’s a big if, these are the same brushed twill pants that were showing up in Old Navys a few months back, then they’ll be a much heavier than standard chino.  Those pants (which came and went in what seemed like a matter of days) were really thick.  Perfect if you do a lot of walking in awfully cold weather, but don’t want to go full flannel lined.  Still a risk though thanks to the weird Old Navy fits.

Old Navy Slim Fit Shirts – $17.15 ($29.50)

Go with the dark under a light grey sweater for contrast.

Kudos to Old Navy for jumping on the slim fit train.  Here’s to hoping they continue to make clothes that aren’t quite as enormous as they’ve been known to make in the past.  Meanwhile, there’s this 2 out of 5 stars review on these shirts: “The 3XXXL Shirts a very nice, good quality, But do not fit in the belly area, Should probably have not ordered the Slim-Fit ,Will have to send back. Nice looking shirts.”  Question.  Why are they even making 3X “slim fits”?

Old Navy Boxer Briefs – $5.95 ($8.50)

How COULD she resist??

Awwwww yeah.  Valentine’s Day is less than a month away.  Get home from work early, dim the lights, and when she opens that door, hit “Thunderstruck” and greet her in these.

The Banana Republic, GAP, Old Navy 30% off site(s) wide code NEWYOU expires Thursday 1/19/11

Use the code BRHAPPY between 5:00pm and 8:00pm ET on Tues. 8/30 for this price.  Ships free too.  Code will take 40% off any full priced pair of Banana Republic pants (Women’s too.  Hello ladies.)

UPDATE:  Thanks to John S. in the comments who pointed out that the pants shown here, last season’s model, aren’t quite the same as this season’s.  Well hell.  That (potentially) stinks.  Will have to do a field trip.  Sorry ’bout that.

Greatest ever?  Hyperbole?  Not from where I sit, with my rear currently covered  by these pants.

Pockets lined in herringbone

They made the all-star list, picked up an A- grade during the pants palooza, and were out of stock for the longest time.  They’re back in stock, but have been carrying a nasty full price tag of almost seventy bucks.  It seems like the GAP inc brands are always on sale, making 20% off so-so, 30% quite good, and 40% off is actually getting real close to the employee discount.

They’re the best of all worlds for those of us who’d live in our 501s if we could.  The fabric is sturdier than a standard chino but it’s no where near as heavy as denim.  Don’t be freaked out by the word “canvas” either.  They move incredibly well, are plenty soft, and can easily be dressed up a bit even with their rear patch pockets.

The straight fits are close to a 501 in rise and leg room while the slim fits are allegedly VERY slim.  The natural stone color has just enough cream and chalk tones in it to keep them far away from stark white, but they’re super light compared to a standard khaki.  Last season they ran a little long in length, but they do return for free in-store.

Blazer ready for sure.  Try them with an INC ultra light, pale blue shirt, and loafers.  Been living in that combination myself during this hot summer.  Add a black and white striped knit tie if you’re headed out somewhere fancy.  A field test of that getup drew 3 compliments in a few hours.  Should work for awhile into fall if you’re willing to break the no white after labor day rule.  Go with a dark v-neck up top over a gingham, chambray, or tattersall shirt.

Let’s make a list.  If not these, what’s your own favorite pair of non-denim pants?  Leave your pick and why below.

The 40% off pants code BRHAPPY only works between 5p – 8p ET on 8/30/11

Building a wardrobe is almost always a process and not a one weekend affair.  But what if you had to blow up your closet and start from almost scratch?  Sure you’d keep a few things.  Maybe have your tailor make a few tweaks, and keep a favorite pair of beat up boots.  But what about the rest?   Suppose you were also on a strict budget of $1500.

Over five weeks we’ll explore some of the best options for remaking a budget friendly guy’s wardrobe one section at a time.   A lot of these will be basics and necessities (but not underwear or socks).   It probably won’t be easy, some corners will be cut, but the total budget is set at a strict $1500.   Let’s see how far we can stretch it.
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The Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original in Clean Rigid – $44.00 ($58.00)

Predictable, but as close to perfect as it gets.

Like the Indochino Ultimate Gray last week, this pick is stunningly predictable.  But it had to be made.  GAP denim has that pesky waistband stretching issue.  The L.E.C. Straight fit might be a little too bulky & their slim fit might be too tapered.  The 501 in the non-whiskered deep & dark “Clean Rigid” color can be worn almost anywhere, w/ anything, and the fit is dead between the almost too tight 514 and slightly loose 527.  Button fly, and instead of bee-yellow stitching, these come with a toned down stitch which leans more towards taupe or grey.  Ships free w/ email signup.

The Chinos: Lands’ End Canvas Straight Fit Chino in Granite – $16.99 ($39.50)

The non-khaki khaki.

Almost all of us were raised on khaki colored chinos and that’s what most men still reach for into adulthood.  Grey allows you to wear all sorts of blue shirts, blazers, and polos, without looking like a Best Buy employee.  They won’t look out of place in winter, & these from L.E.C. are dirt cheap.  Too big for your taste?  Your tailor can slim em’.

The 5-pocket Chinos: Brooks Brothers Slim Fit Vintage Chinos – $34.75 ($69.50)

The Khaki that's not really a khaki. In Khaki.

Probably a bit too modern for the more traditional Brooks Brothers shopper, and that’s most likely why they’re on sale.  Washed cotton with a five-pocket denim layout in a true slim fit (Surprise!  Brooks Brothers can make one).  These are chinos that look a little more like jeans, wear a little more like jeans, but certainly aren’t jeans.

TOTAL COST: $95.74
CASH REMAINING: $237.76.

Upcoming Categories: The Rest – 6/8
For Previous $1500 Wardrobe Selections, click here.

Might be time for some of us self described minimalists to turn in our minimalist membership cards.  Because while red pants might be pushing it for us, it’s a pair of bright green (but not neon) pants like these that might be too tempting to pass up.

First mentioned in the 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less back in April, the Bonobos Crocodandies seem to be coming and going on their site’s sale section.  $50 is a lot for a pair of chinos, but the color is a medium to light green that leans to the cooler grey/blue instead of the usual olive warm brown.

A similar pair in pinwale cord (meaning extremely fine width) is available for the regular price of $88.00.  Too warm for the south, but might be doable still in cooler climates.

The color is a tough line to walk.  Head one direction and you’re in that muddy green territory.  Go the other way and your legs will look like two half eaten orders of cotton candy.

It’s just enough crazy without needing to be committed.  Keep everything else simple.  Suggestions include a plain black polo and white sneakers if you’re going casual, or a navy blazer, bright white shirt, and thinly striped black tie if you’re dressing them up.

But would you wear it?  Or is it just too much?  Leave your vote in the comments section below…
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Blazer by GAP, Shirt and Tie from Target, Shoes by Ted Baker, Watch by Golana.

You’ll be asked for your email and zip, then you’ll get a code.
UPDATE: Thanks to Dave S in the comments who correctly points out that the $50 off  offer only applies when you spend $100 or more.  Wasn’t made aware of that by Bonobos, and that obviously changes the savings since it won’t apply to just one pair of chinos or just one oxford.

Ninety bucks is a lot for a pair of pants.  Eighty is quite a bit for a shirt.  But give Bonobos credit.  They’ve been growing a viciously loyal customer base despite the much higher than your average GAP-khakis price tag.  They concentrate on fit, customer service, and a few extra details that give their clothes a cool character.  They’ve also expanded far beyond pants by way of their JCrewy curation initiative.  Meaning:  They find cool stuff, and whether it’s their brand or not, they have it for you to buy on their site.

But their foundation would be the pants.  Basics like their oxfords too.  And it’s the fit which Bonobos believes sets their clothes apart.  They believe this so much that they’re offering $50 off for first timers.  Provide your email and zip, get a code, and get something from Bonobos for cheap.  This is what you can expect once you pull a pair of their chinos and/or one of their oxfords straight out of their particularly nice box:
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The Chinos:  Grey Dogs Straight Leg Washed Chino – $88.00

Bonobos Grey Dogs washed chinos. Click for a larger view.

The Fit: It is better.  Slimness feels somewhere between a Dockers D1 and D2.  They move extremely well.  The rise and shape of the pant is real nice.  But $90 nice?  More on that later.
The Weight: Lighter in weight than I had expected, but still plenty sturdy feeling.
The Feel: Much more comfortable than a standard pair of chinos, but still plenty dressed up.
The Fronts: No crease down the legs.
The Details: Plaid interior pockets which barely peek through on the rear, lime green zipper trim, good hardware.
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The Shirt:  Burton White “Standard Fit” Oxford – $80.00 Made in the USA

The Bonobos Made in the USA Oxford. Click for a close up.

The Fit: They call it their “standard” fit, but there’s nothing retail bulky standard about it.  Athletic but not tight.  Like somewhere between a 1MX modern fit, and a 1MX fitted.
The Weight: It’s real oxford cloth, so it’s heavier than a dress shirt.  But medium to lightweight for an oxford.
The Feel: Really good.  You could easily wear this shirt with anything.
The Front: Perfect length for tucked in or untucked.
The Details: Made in the USA?  You kidding?   Can’t go wrong with that.  Points for the smaller chest pocket.
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The Bottom Line:

Bonobos gets an A+ for presentation, customer service, and making their customers feel like they’ve purchased incredibly unique clothes from a one of a kind company.  But I’ve never felt like my butt looked all that frumpy in a pair of otherwise slim & modern khakis from other brands.  While the extra details are nice, I think $90 is a stretch.

But unlike me, Bonobos is convinced you’ll be back for more at full price after your first pair.  So to break the newbie inertia,  they’re offering first time customers $50 off their first order $50 off their first order of $100 or more (see update at top of page).  Just enter your email and zip here for a code.

Is $90 too much for any pair of chinos?  Got experience with Bonobos?  Leave it all in the comments section below.
*And no you don’t have to click through Dappered for the offer.  This non-affiliate link will get you there too.
**Wasn’t made aware that the code only works on orders of $100 or more.  Post updated early AM 3/22.

]]> http://dappered.com/2011/03/bonobos-basics-chinos-oxford-review-plus-50-off/feed/ 26 http://dappered.com/2011/03/30-off-everything-calvin-klein-bass-sale/ http://dappered.com/2011/03/30-off-everything-calvin-klein-bass-sale/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2011 08:00:58 +0000 Joe http://dappered.com/?p=43130 30% Off Calvin Klein and Bass w/code FRIENDS11

Also good on IZOD and Van Heusen. Expires 3/20.  Thanks to Adam for the styletip

Calvin Klein has been fading into the woodwork. Yes the brand has fully wrapped themselves in the cool colors/ simple palate flag.  But they’re coming awful  close to ignorable.  They do still offer affordable basics, and thanks to their friends and family sale, those affordable basics have now become downright cheap.

Along with Phillips Van-Heusen corp. mates G.H. Bass, IZOD, and Van Heusen (they’re just a Dress Barn, Big Dogs and a few bathrooms away from an outlet mall)… you can knock an extra 30% off anything during this sale with the code FRIENDS11.  Sale & Clearance items too.  Here’s a few picks:

UPDATE: Looks like the BASS site isn’t supporting the code.  Or any code for that matter.  Thanks to Eddy in the comments section for figuring this out… odd for sure.
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Calvin Klein Bryant Slim Chino – $20.99 ($49.50) | Brushed Cotton Pants – $31.23 ($59.50)

Both called the Bryant. Different all the same.

Both were already reduced but now they’re a huge bargain.   The Bryant Slim Chino is pretty easy to find in most Macy’s Department stores, and the color selection looks good for warm weather prep.  The Brushed Cotton Pants?  Those are a bit of a mystery.  But with the jean like patch and front pockets they look to potentially be a middle ground between jeans and standard khakis.
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Bass Dover Slim Weejuns – $66.49 (reg. $125.00)

The Weejun on a diet.

Good for the guys who want a penny loafer, but aren’t in love with the usual, stubby, Fatherly style.  Slightly slimmer.   Nice looking silhouette.   Sizes are a bit limited.
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Calvin Klein Max Canvas Commuter Bag – $46.98 (reg. $89.50)

Simple. Real simple.

For the guys who just can’t embrace leather as their go to work brief material.  Two available colors, top handles, shoulder strap, couple pockets.   Can’t ask for much more at under $50.
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Bass Dempsy Boot – $44.24 (reg. $79.00)

Mega cheap.

About as plain as a dressed up boot can get.  They’ve appeared on Dappered before.  Some didn’t like em’, some did (see the comments section on this post).
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Calvin Klein Slim Fit Light Grey Plaid Suit Jacket & Matching Pants – $257.25 total ($525)

Grey and reasonably priced. Like your mom. (sorry)

This one’s a risk.  Never seen it in person and Calvin Klein suits (outside of their BODY line) have usually been, oh, okay.  $260 is a good chunk of change to drop on a suit, but if you want a light grey with what looks to be (damn internet photos) a lighter less harsh glen plaid?  This might be your huckleberry.
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Bass Compass-I Canvas Sneaker – $34.30 (reg. $49.00)

Not your average canvas sneaker.

Just different enough?  Or too different?  Plimsoll foundation with leather laces and a few extra details.  The navy’s white contrast stitching is a nice look.

The Calvin Klein, Bass, IZOD, and Van Heusen Friends and Family sale ends Sunday 3/20.  Use the code FRIENDS11 at checkout for the 30% off discount. Note that the above Bass links aren’t direct due to the way their website is setup.

Above photo credit: K. Magoon

Ahhh Presidents Day.  Originally created to celebrate George Washington’s birthday every February 22nd, the Feds changed it back in the 70s so it instead falls on the third Monday in February.  It just so happens that it’s quite impossible for February 22nd to actually land on the third Monday in February.  So we now celebrate our first President’s birthday on a day that will never be his actual date of birth.  I’m sure George would be proud.

The trend for Presidents Day discounts seem to be markdowns on select sale merchandise.  So… select merchandise, only the already on sale stuff… it makes for some limited choices.  Some of these select items are about as memorable as Franklin Pierce.  But there’s a few worth noting.  So, let’s note em:
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Gap Pinstripe Cotton Blazer – $73.50 (reg. $98)

Not a bad price. Not a bad looking blazer.

Gap is running a somewhat misleading sale.  At first it looks like it’s 44% off 44 styles, but it’s really UP TO 44% off 44 styles.  So while this blazer only works out to being 25% off, it’s still a pretty decent price for a do anything blazer.
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Gap Tailored Khaki in Straight or Slim Fit – $34.65 (reg. $49.50)

Office ready.

Thanks to the unfortunate permanent crease down the front of each leg, these are dressy.  BUT… pair em’ with that blazer right above these with a white shirt and maybe a knit tie?  And you’ve got a great looking cheap alternative to a full blown summer suit.  For a full rundown on how the new “Tailored” Khaki fits, click here.
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J. Fluevog Oxford – $149 | Allen Edmonds Lombard – $228 | R. Cameron Simple - $124

All three available in multiple color options.

Amazon’s shoe store Endless.com is running a pretty sweet sale that knocks 20% off men’s dress shoes over $150.  The above three pairs come in at different price points, should appeal to different tastes, and all come with free two day shipping & free returns.  Pretty good when you consider their regular retail prices.  No code to remember.  The savings show up once you put the shoes in your cart.
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Emporio Armani Black Dial Chronograph – $206.90(reg. $345)

Not quite a blackout watch.

That’s one mean looking watch.  But thanks to a not too huge 41mm case diameter, it’s mean but not gigantic and obnoxious.  Leather band, coin edge black case, and a textured dial.
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Converse Jack Purcell Johnny – $44.00 (reg. $79.95)

A nice change of pace.

They screwed with the Jack Purcell?  Wait a minute though… it actually looks pretty good.  New colors, kinda a PF Flyers Bob Cousey inset piece, and some extra stitching.  Not bad.
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Banana Republic Moleskin Peacoat – $74.99 (reg. $198) w/ code BRPRES25

Moleskin = thicker than chino.

Banana Republic’s deal is an extra 25% off sale items as long as you use the code BRPRES25 at checkout.  Need a spring jacket that’s not your average utility chino thing?  This isn’t a bad option.
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Cole Haan Slim Computer Case – $119.00 (reg. $198)

Warm brown leather. And that's about it.

So you don’t want a hard sided attache, but you don’t want some rough canvas workbag either.  This slim case from Cole Haan seems to be a great compromise.  And at $120 it’s a bargain for the looks it delivers..
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Kenneth Cole Mister Man Suede - $89.99 (reg. $255)

Suede but still plenty sleek

The shape of Kenneth Cole’s Mister Man laceup is one of his best pointed toe options, and the suede version is marked down to $90.  The description says “imported” but, the online pics of the undercarriage show a stamp that clearly reads “Fatte in Italia.”  Not sure if your shoes will have the same, but that’s a promising sign for quality.
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Original Penguin Card Case + Gloves + Bag = $104.97 w/code GRANT

Not bad if you're willing to drop $100.

Original Penguin’s President’s Day Sale is $5 off $25 with the code Lincoln, $20 off $75 with the code Jackson, and $50 off $150 with the code Grant (Get it?  The Presidents and the currency they’re on?  Eh?).  So to max out the deal, you can save $50 off a total $154.97 by packaging those three items up.  If they appeal to you.
*UPDATE: Or… just take 30% off your entire order plus get free shipping with the code PRESIDENT30 from 11:59am PT through 11:59pm PT today, 2/21/2011
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Filson Cover Cloth Water Resistant Cotton Bomber – $139.90 (reg. $210)

Made in the USA.

Made in America, classic designs, but still clean and cool enough for just about any guy who cares about style.  Suede color and an oil-finish (think waxed cotton) that should keep most of the rain off.  A terrific price when you consider that ASOS is selling the brown version for an asinine $400.
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Levi’s Washed Canvas Weekender – $29.99 (reg. $58)

Silly inexpensive.

Was $35 at one point.  Now it’s under $30.  Not a bad backup bag to your usual get out of town for a long weekend luggage.  If the long weekend could extend into, say… Tuesday or Wednesday?  Grab this too.

Happy President’s day to George, Abe, and the rest of the gang.  Whatever your plans today, try to avoid chopping down a cherry tree, and know that since it’s a Federal Holiday your mailbox will be empty.

Above:  J. Crew Broken in Chino, Relaxed fit – $59.50

I’m in the U.K. on Business, and I have a question on something that I’ve noticed a lot of here in London – men rolling (and in some cases peg-rolling) the bottoms of their trousers.  It seems like an epidemic here.

To be honest, I am from Charlotte, and we aren’t the most fashion-forward city, but I I can’t recall seeing this to be in vogue in other cities I’ve visited lately in the States.  In fact, the only place I recall seeing it in such abundance is in the J Crew catalogs.  What is your opinion?

- Vaughn

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Worth the roll? Via GQ

Here’s my personal short answer:  I don’t get it.

Denim Heads will roll to show off their selvage if they’ve got it, and sometimes I’ll flip up the cuff on my non selvage jeans if they’re an old pair that’s a little too long and I don’t want to walk down the backs.  But when it comes to mimicking the J. Crew look, it seems like it’s less about the roll and more about the mess.

These types seem to be suffering from serious cases of I.D. – Intentional Disheveledness.  The above the belt version is pre-ripped and frayed baseball caps.  This below the belt version, although favored by those who dress a little nicer, is still of the same philosophy.  You just can’t force these types of things.  Because when you do (as seen in the pic at the top) you don’t look relaxed.  You look like you’ve been recently concussed and are seeing eight pant legs instead of two.

It’s no big deal either way, but as is often the case… if you have a reason to roll (walk on the beach, pants are a little long for your shoes, going as Huck Finn for Halloween) then by all means.

Your turn:  Do you roll?  And if so, tight or sloppy?  Leave it in the comments section below.

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 September 10th – Saturday September 11th.  Know that we’ve only picked items with a wide range of sizes.
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Alfani RED Solid Gray Peak Lapel Suit Jacket – $149.99 (reg. 325) | Pant – $64.99 (reg. $125)

Just over $200 for a foundational suit.

The flagship for the Alfani RED suit line.  Solid gray, peak lapel, slim fit.  And now $215.
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Alfani Supima Cotton V-Neck – O.D.S. $24.99 (reg. $50)

Could be the best sweater available

Supima Cotton, a not too deep v-neck, and all of those colors to choose from?  Gonna have to see this in person before it’s labeled the best affordable sweater of the fall, but it’s already in the running.
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Dockers D1 Slim Fit Soft Flat front or Soft Flat Fashion Front – O.D.S. $29.99 (reg. $52.00)

Chinos with deep fall colors

These are the more casual versions of the D1 which don’t have the permanent crease.  But, if you starched and ironed em’ up, they’d probably fit right in at work.  Careful though, if you’re not slim leaning skinny, these D1s might feel a little too close for your comfort.  GQ’s Jim Moore just picked chinos with dark and deep colors as one of his 21 trends to watch for this fall.
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Alfani RED Texture Stripe Fitted – $19.99 (reg $45) | Blue Solid Fitted – $19.99 (reg $45)

The standards

The obvious Dappered favorite in affordable dress shirts, the Alfani RED line most likely won’t need any tailoring (doesn’t for me at 5’10″ 165lbs) and they don’t get any cheaper.  The Textured Stripe is perfect if you like your ties and suits simple.  Gives your look just a little more depth.
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Cole Haan Bradenton – $109.99 (reg $158) | Stacy Adams Jamison – $54.99 (reg. $75)

Two pairs of sleek loafers at drastically different prices.

Depending on your budget, either of these two should work.  The Cole Haan has a no fuss modern shape with Nike Air in the heel.  The Stacy Adams are the bargain option with a nice strap across the top.
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Cole Haan Colton Saddle – $104.99 (reg $188) | K. Cole Bottle Nose – $93.99 (reg. $168)

Odd Oxfords for the guy that likes risks.

It’s always smart to know your limitations.  But it’s usually not a bad idea to test them every once in awhile.  For the guys who can pull off just about anything, give the Cole Haan Air Colton Saddle Shoes a shot.  For those that just want a suede oxford that can sort of (but not really) blend in… the gray bottle nose might become a favorite.
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For Her:  1/5 ct. tw diamond earrings in white gold – O.D.S. $99.00 (reg. $300)

Under $100, and should go with anything.

Small, simple, and sweet.  My wife has this exact pair and she seems to really enjoy them.  I paid much more than $100 for them.  That part, I don’t enjoy so much.

This current Macy’s One Day Sale ends on Saturday September 11th

Tailored vs. Classic

Everybody is hopping on the slim and trim train.  Dockers was the first mass appeal brand to rework their chinos, and now The Gap has fully launched their updated “Tailored” Khakis.

But The Gap is still carrying and stocking their classic Khakis right next to the new tailored fits.  Which is kind of confusing.  Each come in a straight and relaxed fit, with the Tailored Khakis offering an even trimmer “slim” option.  The slim tailored khakis weren’t available at the Gap location nearest to the Dappered home offices, so here’s how the Straight Fit for the Tailored and Classic Gap Khakis stack up against each other.

The NEW Gap Tailored Khaki in Straight Fit – $49.50

These are dress pants.  You could wear them casually, but they aren’t going to be anything like your favorite beat up pair of almost jean-like chinos.    They have a hook and eye closure at the waist and a smooth plastic zipper at the fly.  They hang straight with a modern (but not too low) rise, have some give through the thigh and knee, but I wouldn’t call them roomy either.  The one major drawback is that there’s a permanent crease in the leg.  Which is strange to me.  It’s admitted as so in the description on Gap.com but the photos are misleading.  Dang.  That’s a deal-breaker for some.

The Gap Classic Khaki in Straight Fit – $49.50

As expected, these have a lot more room than the Tailored Khakis and don’t have that ready for work finish to them.  The extra space in the thigh and knee area is unflattering, and they sort of balloon out.  Not good if you’re used to looking more streamlined.  They’re more of a true mid to regular rise pant with a button closure and a kinda crunchy metal zipper.  Not a fan of these, but some guys who like their pants big might be.

The Verdict: 80% 90% of you would prefer the new Tailored Straight.  2% would prefer the Classic Straight.  And the remaining 8% would have bought the New Tailored Straight if it wasn’t for the damn creases on each leg…