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 usually 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 Tues. April 3 – Wed. April 4.  Items marked with a * are “Web Busters.”  In store prices may or may not match up.  Selection on all items (especially shoes) in store can vary greatly.
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Hilfiger Shawl Collar Tuxedo Suit Separates – $295.98* ($550)

This + Tailoring = 100x better than a rental.

This just in:  Somebody actually makes a shawl collar tux that comes in suit separates.  Not peak, not notch, but a shawl.  Who knew?  Under $300, which isn’t the lowest Hilfiger Trim Fits get, but this is enough of a freak that if you’re in the market for a tux, want a shawl, and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, this might be worth a look.  Extra 20% off happens when you dump it in your cart.

Perry Ellis Web Belts – $18.99* ($39.50)

The budget option.

The low risk, low cost option of trying out the web spring/summer belt trend.  Under $20 and dead simple.  Etched logo is barely noticeable on the slim roller of the buckle.

The Thicker Dress Shirts: Kors – $29.75* ($59.50) | Hilfiger – $32.50* ($65)

Shirts that have hit the weight room.

So you don’t like those super thin, cheap poplin dress shirts you’ll find hanging in many a department store.  Both of these should satiate your appetite for beefier fabric.  The Kors is going to need some tailoring, but after that investment you’ll have a potential anchor for your dress shirt lineup.  The Hilfiger is that Ithaca slim fit with a bit of oxford feel to it.  Many guys like these quite a bit, and the reviews for both are positive.

 

Stacy Adams Telford Suede – $49.99* ($70)

Worth a Grant?

Haven’t seen em’ and I think we all know that Stacy Adams isn’t exactly Allen Edmonds.  But $50 for a pair of summer ready suede upper / rubber sole shoes?  Hell.  Cut the grass in them.

DKNY Charcoal Slim Fit Suit Separates – $279.98* ($550)

A step up from Alfani.

DKNY suiting (or in this case, separates) is worth the extra investment if you can afford it, but aren’t exactly flush with cash to the point where you’d go the Suit Supply route.  Slim lapels on this one, and while navy overtook charcoal as the #1 color to have awhile back, charcoal is still plenty versatile.  Extra 20% off happens when you dump it in your cart.

Hilfiger Navy Glen Plaid Slim Fit – $279.99* ($650)

Like most of Macy's suits right now, extra 20% off happens in cart.

Or, there’s this.  Not your normal solid navy by any stretch, but the tonal glen plaid keeps it subtle.  Wool, the Hilfiger trim fit silhouette (warning:  Shoulders might be too strong for some) and a sub $300 price on a suit that’s got a lot of character.  Probably will need tailoring.  Extra 20% off comes off in the cart to get to $279.

 

Polo Ralph Lauren Pima Cotton Crew – $36.99 ($98)

Stripes for spring.

Doesn’t say anything about fit, so it’s fair to assume that it’s not going to be the much closer “custom” fit that RL produces.  Which… note to the guys at RL… make more of that fit.  Still a great looking sweater in smooth Pima cotton.

 

KCNY Summer Suiting – CHECK IN STORE

Skip Macys.com this time. The price isn't that great.

Forget online for now.  Check in store first.  Saw these hanging in a brick and mortar under signs that had them priced for $150 – $170 total.  So, Overstock.com prices.  That’ll vary from store to store, so don’t get your hopes up.  They’re cotton and they fit pretty decent off the rack.  If you want an ultra-cheap summer suit that you can still dress up for weddings, these are as good as it’ll get for under $200.  Cotton is a little stiff, and the tan/khaki looks more over-saturated than shiny in person, but they both look more than decent.  Especially for the price.

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Hilfiger Taft V-Neck – $14.99 ($39.98)

A basic at Old Navy prices.

Just a cotton V-neck sweater for fifteen bucks.  Was $40, seems outrageously low priced for online (maybe it’s some kind of mistake?) and the reviews are all solid.  Probably not the trimmest fitting thing in the world.  But again, $15.

 

Calvin Klein Garrison Suede Chelsea – $83.99 ($150)

Might be darker in person?

A light grey blazer, jeans, and these.  Not a bad way to spend a random Wednesday or Thursday night out in the spring.  Well under $100 and the reviews on other sites selling them for over $100 are promising.

 

Bulova Automatic Rectangle Case – $281.25 ($375)

Nice texture on the dial too.

A bit of a splurge, but it’s an automatic, appears to have good proportions for a rectangular case watch, and the cutout on the dial isn’t too much of a distraction.  Exhibition case back as well.  Movement is Japanese, and the diameter is somewhere between 34 and 35 mm.  Also available over at Amazon for the same price.

The current Macy’s One Day Sale ends Wednesday 4/4.

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.

A step up in price from the Alfani RED and Hilfiger Trim Fit suit separates, the DKNY (left) and Kenneth Cole (right) slim fit suits aren’t separates at all.  That means you choose your jacket size and you’re stuck with the un-hemmed pants that come with it.  No cherry picking off the rack what size fits you best.  Then it’s up to your tailor.

Both of these are easy to find in store at Macy’s, they’re pretty expensive at full retail price, and they’re available in a few different basic color options.  Here’s how they stacked up against each other during an in person fitting:

Methodology:  Tried on the same jacket size (38R) and accompanying pant of each suit right after the other.  Since these are sold as suits and not suit separates, you’re stuck with the pants which make the set.  Measured arm hole circumference with a tape measure around the armpit/shoulder seam that joins the sleeve to the jacket.
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DKNY Two Button Notch Lapel Slim Fit Navy Suit – $379.14 SHIPPED ($595)

This pic doesn't do it justice.

Arm Hole Circumference: 22″
Made in: China
Pros: Fabric feel, notch lapel, minimal shoulder padding, nicely contoured through sides, looks incredibly professional, good movement through the armholes, construction feels sturdy.  Inbetween sizes like 39R available.
Cons: Price, isn’t on sale all the time, made in China, not 100% wool, button stance a little high?

This is a hell of an off the rack suit.  Especially since it’s not 100% wool.  The fabric feels and moves great. The armholes feel decently high despite my measurements saying they’re a seemingly standard 22″ in circumference, and they don’t seem to tug on the torso.  With some minor tailoring it’ll look terrific.  The shoulder pads are slim for a department store suit, and the notch on the lapel is set nice and high.  Gives it a more trim, masculine look.
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Kenneth Cole New York Two Button Notch Lapel Slim Fit Suit – $259.99 (reg. $550)

This pic, strangely enough, is quite flattering for the suit.

Arm Hole Circumference: 22.5″
Made in: Mexico
Pros: 100% wool, less expensive, similar and cheap versions on Overstock.com, modern but not too modern.
Cons: Shoulder pads are more pronounced, could be more contoured through the sides.

Two tips for buying a Kenneth Cole suit:  Stick with the Kenneth Cole New York brand because those are wool.  REACTION is polyester.  And check on Overstock.com before you buy in-store.  You can usually pickup one up on Overstock for $150 – $200.  Will it be the most current version?  Maybe not.  Another oddity is that these aren’t available on Macys.com  Strange.  The one I tried on in-store was 100% wool but it didn’t feel as good as the DKNY.  In person the shape of the KC looks heavier & longer.  Turns out it actually is.   The suit pants that come with a 38R are a 32 waist, as opposed to a 31 waist for the DKNY.  The length of the jacket on the DKNY is also shorter by half an inch.
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The Winner:  DKNY Trim Fit or… The Indochino Ultimate Gray

This was a weird one.  In the fitting room, it was no contest.  The DKNY was the clear winner.  But in the pics it’s the DKNY appears to be bulky.  Perhaps it’s a bad angle or the fact that I was goofily holding my arms up in an attempt to show the contours of each jacket.  Instead I look like I confused my deodorant with mace that morning (didn’t that happen in a Police Academy?)  Regardless, in person the DKNY looks & feels much, much better.  But if given the choice between it, and the previously reviewed Indochino Ultimate Gray?  I’d keep my Indochino.

The current Macy’s extra 10% off sale promotion expires on 1/18.

UPDATE: Looks like they’re all sold out.  Sorry fellas, they still had some of each this morning.

Most watches under $100 lean casual and young.  Sure there’s a Fossil or two out there that might blend in, but usually a watch that doesn’t break triple digits will be bulky and anything but subtle.

DKNY’s watch line isn’t all that expansive, but of those that they do make?  This pair might be at the top.  They’re part of the after Christmas Clearance sale that DKNY is running, and they’ve got potential as a somewhat dressed up casual watch option.

The description via DKNY.com is almost nonexistent.  But a watch with a similar dial on Amazon seems to be 44mm in width.  So large, but not obese.  The font of the numerals seems to be just a bit… off.  Killing the numbers would probably be better (see the previous version of their croc embossed strap chrono).  But huge points for the textured crown and the tonal face.

Under $100.  Not a bad deal if you’re in the market.
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Up close on the face. Nice crown...

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 Tuesday December 21st – Wednesday December 22nd.   Know that we’ve only picked items with a wide range of sizes.

**NOTE:  Macy’s just had a one day sale a few weeks back.  Pickins’ are slim on this one.

Tommy Hilfiger Trim Fit Tuxedo – $224.98 (reg. $525)

Costs more than a rental upfront, but well worth it.

Just a reminder guys.  If you’ve got some black tie New Year’s Eve thing coming up, now’s the time to buy the tux so you can have it tailored.  See our black tie rundown for the full details.
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Alfani Double Gored Plain Toe Boot – $59.99 (reg. $99.99)

Plain = good. Under $60 = better.

Could it be that the Macy’s house brand Alfani is finally getting a clue and embracing the less is more attitude for shoes?  For the last two years, almost all of their shoes have been terrible.  But this boot might signify a bit of a mid 2000′s renaissance for the brand.  A few years back I picked up what could be an almost identical pair from Macy’s.  Made by Alfani, they had one side zip instead of elastic gore for closure.  Plain toe, plain exterior, etc…  And the shoe snobs can shout all they want about leather type and construction, but after a few years those boots have only gotten better with age.  One can hope the same would hold true for these.
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DKNY Straight Leg Rinse Wash – $29.99 (reg. $59.50)

Good brand, solid potential.

Haven’t tried these on, haven’t even seen them in store, but if they look as good in person as they do online, and they fit decent, then $30 is a great price.  Description says: “Raw wash… smart slim fit.”  Sounds good for $30.
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Michael Kors Dress Shirts: Solid and Striped – $22.99 (reg. $49.50)

If cotton could be bulletproof.

These aren’t “fitted” off the rack (or shelf?  Out of the plastic bag and once the pins are removed?) so they’ll need some tailoring.  But at just over $20 base cost, it’s worth it.  These shirts are made well, they iron easy, and they feel indestructible when you put them on.
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PF8305 Chronograph Sport – $130.90 (reg. $175)

Dark. Useful.

One mean looking casual/ sport watch.  Pulsar is made by Seiko, and their quality is just as good.  Ion plated steel case, black leather band with read stitching, and a chronograph.
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Victorinox Tri Fold Garment Bag – $159.99 (reg. $335)

Some prefer the bi-fold, but the tri saves a little more space.

If you’re traveling with suits, blazer, or anything else that hangs and can’t be stuffed into a bag, you need a good garment bag.  Made by Victorinox, the Tri Fold saves space, interior foam to prevent creases.  Comes with a lifetime warranty too.
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Guinness Logo 16oz Pint Glasses Set of 4 - $19.99 (reg. $25)

16 not 12 oz. Gives your bottled beer room.

Who knows why, but Guinness really does taste better out of one of these shaped pints.  Come to think of it, all other beer tastes better out of one of these too.  Placebo?  Probably.  But you’ll use these all the time.
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Totes Gentlemen’s Umbrella – $11.99 (reg. $16)

Looks great. Keeps the rain off too.

It’s not often that someone hears “Hey, nice umbrella…” but it’s happened to me before with this one.  And for twelve bucks?  The only umbrella you’ll ever want or need.

This Macy’s One Day Sale ends Wed. 12/22.  Free shipping with $75 Men’s shoe purchase & code: SHOESFS

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So, what’s wrong with this thing?  Sure Gilt has been struggling as of late, but when they actually do launch a sale with a variety of pieces by a mainstream designer, plus actual size ranges, and nobody is interested?

Here’s the description pulled from Giltman.com:

Style Information:  Long sleeve coated cotton single breasted button front trench coat.

• Spread collar, front pockets, and belted cuffs.
• Epaulettes, button gun flaps, and a belted waistband.
• Fully lined with an interior pocket.
• Removable interior quilted liner with pocket.
• Material: Exterior: 63% Cotton, 11% Nylon, 26% Polyester, Interior: 100% Polyester, Removable Liner: 100% Polyester

Maybe it’s the belt?  This used to be the type of thing that’d be gone 5 minutes after a sale would launch.  And now, it’ll go unpurchased as of Noon ET today.

Would you wear it?  Any theories on why the DKNY sale on Gilt was a total flop?  Leave your answers in the comments section below.

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***Don’t want to join through Dappered?  You don’t have to. Click here to go directly to Gilt.

The comment that JMG left about yesterday’s wingtips sale speaks volumes:

“Gilt over-promises and under-delivers again”

Gilt claimed that their sale was going to be “packed to overflowing.”  There were two dozen styles to choose from, but thanks to a couple of the best looking shoes only being available in one size (6.5 in one, 8 in another), it had a distinct clearance sale to it.

In all obvious honesty:  Gilt has slipped in the past 6 months.  Selection is paltry.  JMG’s comment is accurate.  And you can still only return items for a credit, not a refund (although I personally have had good luck with their customer service.)  They have three sales with major potential running tomorrow.  Suits for under $250 (including DKNY and Calvin Klein), Kenneth Cole Watches, and a selection of Pieces from Michael Kors.

If the suits only come in 52L, the Kenneth Cole Watches are all obnoxious, and the Michael Kors stuff is bland and overpriced?  Then that’ll be three “Mneh” sales & steps too far over the patience line.

Allegedly some of the suits that will be available on 11/10

“I think it’s too short.”

That’s what my tailor said as I stood there in the suit you see on the left.  The suit is a  perfectly deep blue, subtle tonal stripe DKNY I picked up off Gilt for a steal.  I was impressed with it straight out of the box, but I hadn’t put it on in front of a full length mirror until I got to my tailor last week.

Figuring that since I was a 40 short in Kenneth Cole’s eyes (the suit on the right) I thought it was fair to assume that Ms. Donna Karan would consider my 5’9″ frame to be on the vertically challenged side as well.  Wrong.  The shoulders fit great, and the pre tapering at the waist is terrific.  But when you put a suit jacket on, let your arms hang loose and curl your fingers upward… the jacket should terminate right in the deepest crease of your c-shaped hands.  And as you can see to the right, the DKNY 40s is a few inches short.

Some of you who like the Thom Browne shrunken suit look will think it’s just fine.  Some will say no way, that jacket is too short. Others will point out that the sleeves on my gray suit look to be a little long (just noticed that)  But we should all agree on one thing:

It’s good to know your suit size.  It’s better to know your suit size specific to each brand.

*NOTE: The Kenneth Cole suit you see above was purchased three years ago at a Macy’s. They don’t appear to carry the Kenneth Cole New York online, but they do carry very similar suit separates on KennethCole.com. That’s what has been linked to. Now a warning… the suit I own is 100% wool, and their online separates appear to be a mix. If they don’t carry Kenneth Cole New York (skip REACTION, they’re poly) suits at the Macy’s near you? Try Overstock. Normal sizes can go quick, but they’re ultra cheap.

Tie by J. Crew – $49.50
Shirt by Michael Kors – $37.12
Watch by Citizen: Model AT0550 (no longer available) – $221.25  But if you want something similar, these (sadly) are about as close as you’re gonna find:

Solids are safe, patterns get noticed.  With a blazer, make it a dark, tonal pattern and you’ll stand out quietly.  The DKNY Cotton Herringbone Blazer is a new addition to the Macy’s lineup (haven’t seen it in person yet).  The fact that it has slim lapels, comes in non inch-specific sizes like S, M, L, XL, and it’s cotton… are all evidence that this could be one of the best wear-it-with-jeans-or-chinos blazers of the season.  Plus it’s on sale.  Down from $100.  And if you spend a little more, say over $100, use the code: 5BILLS to drop your shipping from a pricey $14.95 to just five bucks.

The Hugo Boss blazer?  Not to sound all googly-eyed over a jacket, but that’s what you’d call perfect.  And it better be at $400.  Tonal Navy/Green plaid, an incredible looking slim fit, and wool construction.  Completely out of range for most of us.  But a great example piece to take a look at, and then attempt to find a similar model at a much cheaper price.

Take a cue from the Macy’s model below, and try a brighter colored v-neck with your dark blazers.  Just swap out the lighter blue jeans for some dark ones, exchange the t-shirt for an Oxford, and keep your jacket buttoned when you’re standing.  Not bad, and not boring.
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Black on Black works.  Brown on brown looks a little too much like a leather bracelet.  I’m no artist.  I can’t even remember the color wheel (is it blue, yellow and… red?).  But for whatever reason a black on black on black watch looks better than a brown on brown.  Brown on brown was 1973.  Brown is great.  Brown is rich, it’s warm, it’s the color of your shoes if you’re super stylish and wearing a gray suit.  But a brown dial with a brown leather strap watch is just too… mneh.

You need contrast.  And hardly anyone makes a black dial/brown leather strap watch.  A safer and just as eye catching choice is a gray dial with the brown leather strap.  Those are a little tough to find, but fortunately there’s two affordable options that are worthy of adding to your collection.

The details on the face of the DKNY are sharper.  The Hilfiger looks to be a little more blocky.  Each could be worn super-casually with a t-shirt and jeans, all the way up to a suit.

Still not convinced and looking for a brown on brown?  Give this one by Nautica a shot a shot.  The brown of the strap and the main brown on the dial are at least different enough that they’re not a complete match.