In the throws of the holiday season, GQ decided to dispatch their fashion editors to eight of the biggest department stores in America. Their mission was to find selections amongst the racks and racks of stuff that a style conscious guy in 2009 would be proud to give, and would also be pretty darn excited to receive.
Seems like whoever they sent out couldn’t find anything on sale. Or for much under $100.
The first three items are as follows: A $280 Cashmere Sweater, a $165 Denim shirt, and then a $40 pair of… get this… SOCKS. $40 for a pair of socks? C’mon guys. That’s ridiculous. What percentage of their reading audience actually has this kind of money? Not everyone makes the sweet salary that GQ Fashion Editors apparently seem to haul in.
Not all of us have access to a Barney’s, a Bloomingdale’s, or Saks Fifth Avenue. And if you’re on this site, chances are you couldn’t afford even some of the smallest purchases in those upscale anchor retailers. So we tried our hand at what GQ set out to do… only we kept affordability, and accessibility in mind. Here are our picks for the best of the best from the Department Store World…
Is it warm enough for this time of year? Not if you live in an area where it’s bitter cold. Will you want it when the spring thaw starts and the rains start to fall? Absolutely.
You can never have too many button down shirts that can pass for both your layer under a sweater, or by themselves. A slim fit and shorter tail makes this shirt good for untucked, or tucked-in occasions.
White Face, sporty black silicone strap, big ol’ numbers. And it’s cheap. What’s not to like?
Standing out without demanding attention is one of the keys to having a good sense of style. While every other well dressed guy will have black leather gloves… these add a twist with wool herringbone tops. And they come in a host of sizes (S, M, L, XL) as opposed to the usual M-L and XL, so you can get a precise fit.
If it weren’t for Cost Plus and Target, I don’t think people with real jobs and real (low to middle class) paychecks could afford to furnish their home. 5 shelves, big solid construction, dark wood. Classic and modern, all at the same time. Know a bibliophile that you want to splurge on? They’d love a big fat bookcase for their collection.
Merino Wool offers warmth without being too bulky. Great for layering under a blazer.
It took them awhile, but one of the world’s largest Khakis makers finally realized that not everyone likes wearing relaxed fit pleated pants. Slim Fit, flat front, good details. Perfect for work or weekends.
Can it really be Christmas if you don’t open up at least one package of underwear that was wrapped and under the tree? Only difference is these look way better than your classic tighty-whiteys. And they fit immensley better. Used to classic fit higher waist briefs? Try these and you’ll never go back to your previous diaper like-fitting underwear ever again.
A space for everything you need to make a Martini, while on the go. Comes with two martini glasses, cocktail shaker, jigger, tongs, strainer, two olive picks, two napkins, and a vermouth spritzer & stirrer. All in one hell of a good looking case.
Now only if we could come up with a way to make sure you can get a parking space at any of these places at this time of year. It may be the season of miracles, but… we’re not that good. Happy Holidays…
From Target clearance t-shirts, to 43% off Brooks Brothers 1818 line Italian suits.
Linen-wool sportcoats, UK made dirty buck chukkas, and longingly looking (very) forward to fall.
In person with BR's flagship suit separates.
Significant savings. While they last. Which usually isn't very long.
One of the best affordable watch releases in recent memory. Yours to win. Perhaps.
Nordstrom Rack extra 25% off clearance, Billy Reid Summer Sale, Allen Edmonds, etc.