*Code is good for 20% off site wide with a few exceptions at Piperlime.  Free shipping and free returns through them.  Code expires today.  And yes, these were going for 25% off not that long ago.
UPDATE:  Looks like you can stack a couple of codes here.  TWENTY takes 20% off, and BOXES takes an additional $10 off a purchase over $50.  Hat tip to Colin M for pointing that out in the comments.

More than a few of us need another pair of shoes like we need another hole in our heads.  But when it comes to warm weather, there’s some need for a pair petween lace-ups and classic American sneakers.  Some guys swear by boat shoes.  Some guys flip rules-snobs the bird and wear sandals.  Some wear penny loafers.  And then there’s these:

RL’s stand out driver.  Two colors at Piperlime.  A third at RL.  D-Rings are a brushed brass tone.

• Do they play off the bright colors trend thing? – Yes
• Yet at the same time do they keep it pretty subtle? – Yes
• Are they comfortable? – Yes
• Do they look slimmer compared to boat shoes and penny loafers? – Yes
• Can they be worn casually, as well as dressed up with a light blazer? – Yes
• Is the leather surprisingly supple for an under $100 shoe? – Yes
• Are there any visible logos? – Unfortunately, yes… the back heel (below)
• Do they claim to be “Crafted in Italy” like the Roderick Calf Driver originally did? – No.  They’re “imported.”  Made in China to be exact.  The Roderick Calf Driver now says “imported” too.  RL has been doing that lately.

At least it’s a blue on grey, so it doesn’t stand out too much from five or six feet up…

Codes expire 4/6/2012.  RL will give $250,000 to the Pink Pony fund for cancer care and prevention.
UPDATE:  Code RLGIVE2012 was giving the 25% off, but not free shipping.  PINKPONY12 gets you 25% off plus free shipping.  Credit Pfmicks in the comments.

Ralph Lauren is a brand that starts off so expensive, that most won’t even budge until something lands in the sale section.  RL’s kid brother Rugby is one of those brands that’s best consumed in small doses.  So a 25% off just about everything code (even sale apparently) with a good cause piggybacked on it, is a decent way to dip your foot into these waters without water logging your checking account.

Does your purchase have much if anything to do with the donation Ralph Lauren is giving to the Pink Pony fund?  Nope.  It’s not like a certain percentage goes to the cause.  But their quarter of a million dollar donation does match up nicely to a decent-for-RL 25% off code.  RLGIVE2012 is for Ralph Lauren (update: but PINKPONY12 gets you free shipping too).  Rugby’s code is GIVE2012.  Free shipping at Ralph Lauren doesn’t kick in until $195 (ouch) while at Rugby it’s free at $125, with $5 flat rate before that.
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RL Polo Roderick Calf Driver – $74.25 ($99)

Makes you wish you hadn't opted for the automatic... don't they?

Maybe the best looking sub-$100 driver available.  Not all drivers look all that good.  This one certainly does.  Super dark brown calfskin, leather laces, and some boat-shoe inspired sides.  Claims to be “Crafted in Italy.”  Too boring?  Try the Terry Ribbon Driver.

RL Cashmere Watch Cap – $36.75 ($95)

Cashmere on sale = Must be getting warm.

100% cashmere, so no longer will you have to ignore the slight itch that comes with some winter hats.  Probably going to be soft enough that you’ll want to wear it out on early morning runs for coffee and the paper.

RL Slim Leather Card Case in tan – $56.25 ($75)

Stated as "understated." Well stated.

Okay, it’s a splurge.  Especially when a card case from Saddleback will set you back half this, but the Saddleback just isn’t as sleek.  And that very light tan is nails.

Polo RL St. James Spots Tie – $33.74 ($115)

Light grey suit, light blue shirt, & this.

The tie that eats skinny, limp, cheap ties for lunch.  Now not that much more expensive than a cheap tie.  Made in Italy, 3.5″ at its widest, and has a “fully fitted interlining” and a silk twill lined tip.

Rugby Striped Elastic Surcingle Belt – $29.99 ($59.50)

Also makes for a handy tourniquet.

Something about this reminds me of an ACE bandage, but not in a bad way.  And yes, that’s the first time that sentence has been either written or spoken in the history of the world.

Rugby Chino Newbury Jacket & Vintage Chino University Pant – $200.63

Buying both w/ code = you basically get the pants for free.

That’s just over two hundred for the pair.  Could make an upgraded, relaxed, not too expensive cotton summer suit.  Three button front on the jacket but it looks like it’ll handle a lapel roll (or at worst, a pressing) to make it look like a two button.  Patch pocket on the chest and flaps on the lower part of the jacket.

Rugby Straight Relaxed Chino - $37.49 ($79.50)

But how "relaxed" is relaxed?

Not as trim as the University Pant.  A few colors including white are available.

Rugby Enamel Tie Bar – $29.63 ($39.50)

Solid tie, patterned tie bar?

The tie bar, re-thought.  Also available in a blue and gold stripe or a white and green stripe.  Might be able to double as a wildly skinny money clip.

Rugby Linen Striped Trouser – $96.00 ($128)

Slide buckles at the sides for adjustable fit.

Expensive, but consider an all linen pair of pants like this the warm weather version of donnegal tweed trousers.  The fabric is hugely appropriate for extremes, and finding a good looking pair for under $75 is going to be near impossible.  Just shy of $100, and the stripes could look pretty sharp against a navy cotton sportcoat or solid polo.

Rugby Skull & Bones Card Case | Checkered Card Case – $26.25 ($35)

Not boring for $30ish shipped.

A bit of an impulse splurge.  Flat rate shipping would be $5 on top of this, so at just above $30 shipped, both of these could add a little bit of character to your jacket pocket for an affordable price.  Is the skull and bones thing overdone?  Yeah.  But if it’s limited to a card case that’s hidden 99% of the time, then why not?

Rugby Cotton/Linen Fisherman’s Scarf – $44.99 ($89.50)

74" x 12", 55% linen & 45% cotton.

Plenty of us believe that a scarf worn in warm weather looks just as silly as a knit cap worn with a t-shirt.  But for cool spring & fall weather that calls for a light jacket or blazer, a linen cotton chunky scarf like this might do the trick.  When winter rolls around, it might still be thick enough to pull duty then.

The Ralph Lauren 25% off code PINKPONY12 / RLGIVE2012 & Rugby code GIVE2012 expire on Fri. 4/6/12.

Note:  The above Lands’ End code also gets you free shipping NO MINIMUM.  The code on the LE sites is a $50 minimum for free shipping.  Code/pin is set to expire on  2/28.  Ccredit to reader Chris for the style tip.

Old.  Out.  New, c’mon in.  Ralph Lauren has marked down some of what’s left of their winter sale stock with an extra 30% off.  Lands’ End and Lands’ End Canvas on the other hand are offering 25% off full price items (so, basically their spring collection) with SPRINGSHIP and pin 6212.  Both sides have limited stuff on hand since this is a transitional time for retail.  But when combined, the whole does do that greater than the sum boogiedown.
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R.L. Wool-Cashmere Plaid – $41.99 ($135) & Lambswool Argyle Scarf – $24.49 ($65)

13" and 8" respectively.

Even though we’re sneaking up on March, there’s still a good amount of time left to wear a scarf.  Especially one with lighter tones like the cream in the cashmere blend plaid, or the overall oatmeal tan of the argyle.

Ralph Lauren Academy Wool Peacoat – $150.49 ($495)

Black and Navy still hanging around.

Who’s buying a peacoat in late Feburary?  Not many.  Is that why it’s dropped this far?  Yup.  This has been coming and going from the extra 30% off section, so it might actually be stuck around $214.

Ralph Lauren Buffalo Check Henley – $41.99 ($145)

Green this time is awfully good.

$42 for what’s essentially a layering piece seems like a lot.  $145 is flat out ridiculous.  But the pattern on this thing is something else.  Perfect for the weekend over a t-shirt on its own, or layered under a button up and maybe a blazer for a casual night out.  Sadly doesn’t have the closer custom fit.

Denim & Supply Black Chambray Shirt – $31.49 ($98)

Maybe pair it with the henley?

Anyone else getting the idea that this sub-brand Denim & Supply isn’t doing as well as they had hoped?  Black chambray work-shirt without the little tab collar do-hickey that comes on most chambray work shirts.

Ralph Lauren Wool Bomber – $167.99 ($495)

Do your worst... March.

Again, getting a little late for wool, but a bomber style jacket is a nice transitional piece for the guys who live in cold weather climates, where spring is especially stubborn about showing up.  This one’s all about the details.  Nice sized pockets up front, and that storm collar is something else.

Lands’ End Canvas Trip Bag – $105 ($140)

Tough with plenty of room.

Good sized.  Tough.  Waxed canvas exterior that does a great job at keeping water out.  Good sized leather grab handles, and a handle on one end if you really just need to pick it up and swing it somewhere.  Sort of a hybrid of a tote + duffel.  Doesn’t go on sale all that often and available in two colors.

Lands’ End Canvas iPad Case – $37.50 ($50)

iRugged

iPad cases are expensive (but then again, so are iPads).  Seems to be made from the same, tough, waxed canvas of the trip bag.  Padded interior with elastic band corners for your device.

Lands’ End Canvas Pencil Stripe Supima Sweater – $45.00 ($60)

Stripes without the mime-ness.

Sixty is a lot for a sweater, but $45 shipped for something light and spring-ready like this seems about right.  Wear a light blue button down under it, dark denim, suede boots, throw on a field watch, and go grab a coffee with your significant other.  Easy stuff but not boring.

Lands’ End Canvas Heritage Oxford – $37.50 ($50)

It can be tough to get these colors on a discount.

Sure the other odd colors might go on sale from time to time, but these two?  The White and the Blue?  Never friggin’ happens.  With cotton prices up, under $40 shipped for a basic oxford cloth basic like this ain’t half bad.  Could be a little more fitted, but not crazy loose on most.

Lands’ End Color Stripe Cord Belt – $37.50 ($50)

Flexy.

Made of elastic cording with a bit of spring to it.  Three different color combinations available.  Lots of nautical style.

Allen Edmonds McTavish – $221.25 ($295)

Not available in the darker shade. Just this option.

Unlike previous sales, Lands’ End has allowed their collection of Allen Edmonds shoes to be available for the discount.  More often than not they’ll take them down, but this is just 25% off, as opposed to a 40% off one item sale.  The McTavish could become a casual staple, and while still expensive, they’re not the easiest to find on sale.  Yet.
UPDATE:  Nope.  They just switched it out.  Code was working on these yesterday, and now they’re not.

The Lands’ End & L.E.C. code  Springship & pin 6212 expire 2/28.  No word on when the RL sale ends.

How do most U.S. Citizens passively celebrate a holiday that’s not named what we think it’s named and doesn’t even fall on the day of the thing it’s actually named after?  They hit retail sales.  The markdowns are a bit scattered this year.  Here’s a few that might be worth a look this weekend with a pick or two for each.
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Indochino End of Season Sale – Save on select suits/blazers/etc…

From left: Some guy, Steve Nash.

Consider: The gray shadow plaid suit for $299 (was $399) and the Steve Nash Nailhead 3-piece for $429 (was $579.) Indochino hasn’t been doing that many sales or promotions in the last year, and this one isn’t half bad if you’re in the market for a suit that’s a little off the wall. Suits come with that $75 re-tailoring credit. Not really a President’s Day weekend sale, but instead just an end of season clearance.

Banana Republic – Extra 25% off already reduced styles w/ BRPRES25

Lots of sizes left too.

Consider: The Black Wool Top Coat for $97.49 (was $250) Sure pitchers and catchers are reporting to spring training, but a coat this good looking doesn’t come along for under $100 all that often. If you limped through this winter with an old beat up coat, now might be the time to upgrade. Not the thickest thing out there. More over here.

Gap – Up to 40% off Select Styles online & in store.

"Up to" is key here.

Consider: Trying in store.  Online is kinda mneh.  “Up to” and “select styles” are being used to describe the same sale?  Could be a bit of a smoke screen.

Express – $15 off every $60 with 1095 and buy one get one 50% off everything

One of the best.

Consider:  The new Express Signature polo.  Specifically, two of them, which when combining the buy one get one 1/2 deal and code, it comes out to $52.35 or $26 per polo before shipping.  This year’s version has a contrast placket.  Some will like it, some won’t, but the springy (but not clingy) fabric and fit makes these one of the best values in polos every year.  Credit to reader Shaun for sending in a style tip about these being back.  He said they felt a little longer in the body than in the past, which will be good for those who think they’ve been a little chopped in previous years.

Endless – Up to 50% off Site wide

Ships and returns free.

Consider:  The John Varvatos Varvatos Dress Medallion Chukka for $178.54 (was $298) or Cole Haan’s Air Colton in Taupe for $115 (was $198.)  Both of these were much, much cheaper when they were available during CLAD’s first couple rounds of markdowns.  But they’re long gone.

Tommy Hilfiger – Extra 30% off sale with THPRES30

Hilfiger is getting there.

Consider:  The Cap Toe Boot, now $55.99, or if you’re looking for a darker cotton/poly mix trench, their navy blue option is down to $140.  Looks like there might be a small logo on the left sleeve, and no word on the fit.  Overall the brand is looking better these days, but their website still seems to clunk around.

Ralph Lauren – Extra 20% off Select Sale Items

No code needed either...

Consider:  The Italian Yarn Cable Knit Shawl Collar for $79.99 (was $165) and the buffalo check large media case for $35.20 (was $125).  Also worth a look, this lambswool argyle scarf for $27.99.  The new prices should show up in your cart.  More of an ongoing thing than a President’s Day Weekend sale.

The Random Rest:   French Connection – 30% off sale with FCPRES, Macy’s – 15% off with PRES or in-store savings pass,  Kenneth Cole – $25 off $125 with SHOP9, Bloomingdale’s – Big Brown Bag sale / various markdowns.

What else?  Feel free to drop any codes and tips in the comments section below…

Top Racing Presidents Photo Credit kellygifford

The hell is a February?  We’re a solid chunk through winter already, which means spring lines (yes, spring…) will be showing up in stores soon.  That means retailers like Ralph Lauren are looking to get rid of the stuff they’ve had on hand since Kyle Orton was still quarterbacking the Broncos.

No code is necessary for the extra 20% off here.  It is a select items sale though, so know that not everything gets that extra bonus treatment.  Picked items had at least a solid selection of sizes at post time.
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Lambswool Chalk-Stripe Italian Made Scarf – $31.20 ($55)

Lambswool with time left to wear it.

It seemed reasonable at $55, and now it’s on sale with an extra 20% off.  Sure it’s February.  But if you’re in the market, it’s tough to pass up.  Something awfully similar is available over at Nordstrom for less.  Free shipping through Nordstrom too.

Denim & Supply Ragg V-Neck – $31.99 ($85)

Thicker. Apparently pirate worthy.

Is this a sign that Ralph Lauren’s Denim & Supply line just isn’t working out?  One theory about why this one is on such a drastic sale:  You can’t see what it looks like thanks to Captain Jack Sparrow draping his arms, hair, and other accoutrements all over it.

Cotton Shawl Collar Pull Over – $47.99 ($115)

Wearable clear into spring, and then maybe cool summer nights.

Started out at $115.  Ouch.  Now down to under $50.  Not GAP sale prices or anything, but sometimes an extra detail like that stripe (or the bright red color) makes something stand out.  In a good way.

Black Label Satin Spots Tie & Barathea Dots Tie – $63.99 ($115)

Ties for tie guys.

Make no mistake.  Paying sixty bucks for a tie is a ton of cash.  But some guys out there appreciate well made ties more than others.  From the Ralph Lauren Black Label line.  Each is 3″ wide with a black background and white dots.  Both are made in Italy with some fancy pants details.

Nappa Lined Belted Gloves – $47.99 ($78)

The glove. Smell it.

No quilted tops on these, but the leather strap and brass tone strap at the wrist helps separate them from the crowds of isotoners.  The lighter “luggage” color is going fast.  Plenty of time left to use these, especially if you subscribe to that whole gloves + scarf instead of a light jacket thing.

Custom Fit Long Sleeve Cotton Polo – $39.99 ($89.50)

Lean towards earthtones.

Even with the extra 20% off they’re a bit pricey at $40, but there’s so many color options and there’s also plenty of decent sizes left.  That, and it’s their much trimmer “custom” fit.  If you’re in good shape, always look for that.  Otherwise, you risk swimming in just about anything that’s a regular fit from a Ralph Lauren line.

Richmond Quilted Vest – $87.99 ($225)

Not too life preserverish

The key to vests: keep them slim.  And don’t use it as a fashion piece (here’s looking at you big belt buckle.)  Just wear it as an alternative to a light jacket.  That means when you walk inside, and unless it’s unusually cold wherever you’re at, take it off.  The corduroy and suede accents on these help the look out quite a bit.

Canvas Duffle – $31.99 ($125) | Buffalo Plaid Duffle – $47.99 ($145)

And now even cheaper.

Cheap.  Damn cheap.  Again, from the “Denim & Supply” line which is seeing lots of deep mark downs.  Both claim to be around 1600 cubic inches.  So not massive by any stretch.

Shetland Button Mockneck – $79.99 ($185)

Carlton Banks called. He wants his shirt & tie back.

Wooden buttons, shetland and angora fabric, and a suede lined placket make this thing light-years ahead of some old cotton quarter zip.  90% merino.

No word when RL is going to yank the extra 20% off deal.  No code is necessary.  Prices show up in your cart.

Westford Suede Shoes – $62.99 ($120)

Mneh?

They’re not the sexiest things ever, but seeing that they are made in the USA (update… nope.  they’re not.  See comments from mixto down below.) and with the extra discount, they get dirt cheap.  A big, big warning here:  looks like the RL polo pony is on the back of the heel in a slightly contrasting color.

Black Chambray Newsboy Cap – $17.49 ($35.00)

Paging Christian Bale.

The vast majority of us can’t pull off hats, especially this one, without looking contrived.  But if you’re the type that can?  Lucky you.  Sizing says “one size” so that makes it a risk.

Custom Fit Double Stripe and Rugby Stripe Polos – $41.99 ($89.50)

Waiting for spring.

Ralph Lauren Polos are just flat out nasty expensive if you’re just fine with those $10 Mossimo athletic fit Target specials.  You’re paying for that pony in many ways.  But the RL Custom fit is a true trim fit, and these stripes are dead on.  Not real weather appropriate for just after New Years, but that’s why they’re on sale.

Buffalo Check Lambswool Scarf – $31.59 ($59.50)

Affordable luxury just got more affordable.

Made in Italy, 80% lambswool / 20% nylon, and with the late winter many are having, there’s plenty of use left for this thing.  The lowest price (so far) of the season.

Wallingford Ankle Boot – $69.99 ($149.00)

As simple as it gets.

Another made in the USA shoe for a real reasonable price.  Calfskin uppers and rubber soles.  Pretty simple looking, but again, nice price for it being born here in the states.  Also available in Suede which might be the best play.  Credit to Alex W. for the style tip on these.

Tartan Lined Card Case – $34.30 ($75.00)

The, uh, money shot?

Nice detail.  But $75 is asking a lot for what usually looks like a plain’ ol’ card case.  $35 is more like it.

Waterbury Ankle Boot – $69.99 ($149.00)

Also available in dark brown

Probably the best looking of the made in the USA cheap polo shoes trio.  None of them look all that sleek, but for under $70 these should go real well with jeans and an deconstructed blazer.

Canvas Duffle – $41.99 ($125) | Buffalo Plaid Duffle – $69.99 ($145)

Excellent for, y'know, holding stuff.

Both are from the new (and struggling?) sub line “Denim & Supply”.  Both claim to have the same 11″ x 16.5″ x 9″ dimensions.  But they look awfully different in the pics.  The canvas duffle does have some logoing on one corner.  Could make a great backup / upgraded gym bag.

No word on when the Extra 30% off Ralph Lauren sale expires.

Someone might label you a carpetbagger, but then again you’d have to have had carpet made of Lumberjacks.  (The finest of all carpets in the world no doubt.)

It’s a traditional doctor style, with a reinforced bottom and those over the top buckles.  Even though it’s a “plaid flannel” exterior, it doesn’t seem to be natural.  Polyester and with faux leather polyurethane trim.  But that’s why it’s under $80 (and ships free.)

At 20″ wide it has almost 2,000 cubic inches of space, so it’s not miniscule.  But would you carry it?  Or is it a little too Al Borland meets Grandma Ma’s over-sized purse?

Leave your vote in the comments section below…

Meanwhile, if you want the plaid in a more traditional duffel style, Ralph Lauren’s “Denim & Supply” line has one on sale for just under $100.  About the same space inside, wool/poly/acrylic blend.

Code is good through Monday November 7th.  And that’s zero-three-zero-seven the way.

Unlike, say, Banana Republic or Macy’s, Ralph Lauren is never perpetually on sale.  They’ll have their goods up at full retail for a lonnnnng time.  And then they drop their prices like wild during one of these private sales.  The code comes from their email list (and is available on the site), and with that extra 15% off some of their stuff gets close to half off:
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Richmond Quilted Jacket – $150.45 ($295)

Quilted but not Stay Puft

A jacket with character in the way that a leather jacket has character.  Only, it’s not leather and doesn’t look like leather.  But different all the same.  Follow?  Not really?  Totally understandable that you don’t understand.  Understand?  Corduroy and suede accents, great looking hardware, and four colors to pick from (consider the lighter tan).  Also available in a vest.

Wallingford Suede Ankle Boot – $94.99 ($149)

Suede and American

Made in the USA?  Under $100?  Sure thing.  Way to go Mr. Lauren.  Not sure how they made that happen, but awfully glad they did.  Quality probably isn’t bombproof or anything, but the price is right on.

Custom Fit Contrast Placket Rugby – $59.49 ($98.00)

Also comes in cream, green, black, and blue.

Could still come down some in price, but Ralph Lauren’s “Custom Fit” is a real modern/close fit through the sides and arms.  That’s not easy to find with rugby shirts.  Perfect alternative to a hoodie.

Italian Made Lambswool Chalk Stripe Scarf – $32.73 ($58.00)

A rare price for Made in Italy.

80% lambswool and 20% Nylon.  “Dashing” is a word that carries with it unfortunate skids of frou-frou.  “Dapper” gets thrown around these parts enough as it is.  Handsome?  That’s a real handsome scarf.  Sure to make you look even more handsome than you already are you dashing handsome dapper devil.  Or something.

St. James Spots Tie – $55.24 ($115)

A break from stripes

Still an investment at over $50, but could very well become a go-to for when you’re in a suit.  Made in Italy, 3.5″ at its widest, and has dots that are larger than pindots but not clownishly big.

Regency Silk Dot Tie – $55.24 ($115.00)

More colors and more serious than the St. James.

Not the same as the St. James Spots.  These dots are a little smaller and therefor let the background color carry more of the look.  More refined than the larger spots.

Leather Roller Buckle Belt – $32.73 ($55.00)

Jeans ready

Not a lot of guys get excited about belts, but this one is just out of the norm enough to stand out.  Barely.  A great looking lighter tan and the buckle has a roller to set it apart.

Lambswool V-Neck – $58.31 ($98.00)

Does have the pony in case you're anti-logo.

Careful with these since they are labeled as a “classic” fit.  They’re most likely going to be a little boxy through the sides (and there’s no way they fit as close as the red one does in the pic above.)  But since it’s lambswool, it’s already got some natural heft to it, so it’s less of a deal here.

Quilted Leather Moto Gloves – $52.36 ($88.00)

As good as a $50 glove gets.

And just like that, they go from a big splurge to just a normal splurge.  But they do hold up well.  Lambswool lined, plenty warm, full review over here.

Straight Fit Five Pocket Chino – $46.74 ($89.50)

Under $50 and 5-pockets

Chino fabric so it shouldn’t be like a canvas pant, but still five pocket jean-like styling with rivets too.  All lighter looking colors except for the navy.

Cashmere Lambswool Cuff Hat – $40.46 ($68.00)

The logo is there, but at least it's dark and subtle.

A little different than your standard watch cap.  On this one the cuff is ribbed.  Good color selection, and the fabric is an 80% cashmere / 20% lambswool blend.

Plaid Hunting Cap – $33.15 ($65.00)

The Wabbit. Kill it.

There’s just not a lot of good looking non watch-cap options if you’re trying to prevent frostbite on your ears.  This one claims to have a fold down flap for warmth, and the darker red and lots of navy keep it from looking too Fuddish.

Contrasting Fleece Jacket – $58.31( $98.00)

Grown up enough?

A love it or hate it type of jacket (full honesty: I’m on the fence about these things.)  The varsity jacket / baseball jacket look came back this year, and while sometimes it can look pretty good, sometimes it can look like you’re in costume.  A relatively small investment of $60 if you want to throw something different into your rotation.  The blue and white combination almost looks like someone stole it from Johnny U’s locker.

Deerfield Italian Leather Card Case – $48.45 (reg. $125.00)

Handlebar Moustache not required.

Apologies to all the zero tolerance logo guys, but that’s a hell of a logo right there.  Looks like it just arrived via pony express.  Under $50 makes it well more than half off.

The Splurge: Danesbury Monk Strap – $280.50 ($550)

Made in Italy.

Go to your hometown and visit the family for the holidays?  Or… blow your airfare on a pair of Italian made monk strap shoes, kick back with a glass of port, and relax while every once in awhile glancing at your shoes on Christmas Day?  Depends on your situation, but for some it’s a toss up.

The Ralph Lauren Extra 15% off private sale code NOV0307 expires, you guessed it, Nov. 7th.

UPDATE:  These just went on sale via the Ralph Lauren Private Sale.  Use the code NOV0307 (those are zeros) for an extra 15% off to get this price through November 7th.

I know.  Ouch.  Expensive.  $90 is a lot for one pair of gloves for many of us, but hear me out.

They’ll go on sale at some point.  The above pair cost around $55.  And while that’s still expensive when you can pick up a pair of no name leather gloves at Kohl’s for, what like $30 or $40?  Here’s what they have going for them:

• They come with Thinsulate, so they’re decently warm.
• They’re lined with lambswool.  Also a plus.
• The snap buckle at the wrist is keeps them from being boring.
• The quilted pattern makes them a nice mid point between full blown driving gloves, and those generic three stitched line leather gloves almost every guy on the planet seems to have.

For what it’s worth, they’ve held up quite well.  Haven’t babied them in the least either.  They even went through the washer once on accident and came out just fine on the other side.  They do seem to run a little small, and I had to exchange a medium for a large.  Never thought of having gigantic hands, nor are they small.

Available in black and brown, and during a 25% off  sale they’d run $66.

Also an option:  Calvin Klein’s wrist detail leather gloves for just under $50 (update: $39.00.  CK is running a 40% off accessories sale through 11/9)  They don’t have the quilted pattern, but they do have some texture by way of a pebbled instead of smooth leather exterior.  Should get cheaper with a code of some kind the next time one pops up.  What are your go-to gloves?  Leave your pick below.

Free Shipping kicks in at $125 pre-code with $5 flat rate shipping for orders shipped within the continental US.

Rugby is about as hit and miss as it gets.  Sometimes they look like regurgitated Abercrombie and Fitch leftovers.  But sometimes they look like a hybrid between Jack Spade and Brooks Brothers.  Some color, a heavy dose of prep, and… usually expensive.

Most of their clothes are way out of reach, but some of their accessories and smaller items can be had for a pretty decent deal.  Especially now that they’re offering 20% off fall styles with the code FALLRUGBY11.  Their sale section is on extra sale too and the code won’t work there.  Here’s a few picks from the code eligible stuff.
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Canvas Messenger Bag – $134.40 ($168)

They say it's durable...

Not a bad looking alternative to the J. Crew twill brief (which on a side note, is holding up for me real well… so far).  14″ long so it won’t fit all laptops.  Nice top grab handle that’s positioned in the middle, not on a side.  That’s key because otherwise the weight of the bag will kick it to one side, which gets annoying real quick.  Ships free.

Canvas and Leather Weekender – $142.40 ($178)

Small, but slick.

Nice contrast between the light canvas body and the leather accents.  Leather piping on the seams also looks sharp.  No shoulder strap on this one.  Also ships free.  The major issue is it’s pretty small.  If the measurements are accurate (only 5″ deep?  really?) then this thing is skinny.  Half the available interior space of a  Duluth Pack.

Surcingle Striped Cotton/Leather Belt in red or green – $47.60 ($59.50)

Autumnized

The cool weather version of your favorite striped summer belt.  Colors are fall ready, the leather is nice and dark, and if you’re the type who doesn’t wear a ton of color then these can upgrade an otherwise dreary look.

 Wool Shetland and Tweed Herringbone Ties – $55.60 ($69.50)

Fall can't get here fast enough.

Another splurge for sure, but these are both made in Italy with a few construction details that should lead to sturdiness and the ties producing great knots.  They look downright skinny on the web, but they’re almost 3″ wide which is ideal for plenty of us.

Brown Tweed Run Bow Tie – $39.60 ($49.50)

Maybe even non-bow tie wearers could pull this off.

I don’t always wear bow ties (read: never…) but when I do, I prefer bow ties that look like this. 

Vintage Chino University Pant – $55.60 ($69.50)

A favorite for some.

North of fifty bucks is a lot for a pair of chinos that aren’t Bonobos, but plenty of guys swear by these.  No personal experience (yet) on this end to offer, but if you’re an owner and believer, feel free to leave your take on these in the comments below.

No word on when FALLRUGBY11 expires.  Also, this sale seems rare.  It’s been awhile since they did a code that worked on full price new arrivals.