Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Men’s Apparel
It’s been a good week for sales. Banana Republic started on Monday with an extra 25% off their sale items, reader Adam pointed out that ASOS was cleaning house with a 70% off clearance… and now the upscale department store Nordstrom is full swing into their anniversary sale.
Nordstrom is a little ritzier than Macy’s so you won’t be finding any shoes for say, under $40. But if you’ve got a little money to spend and you want something on the upper end of affordable, now’s the time. Sale ends August 2nd.
.
The Suit: BOSS Black Pasolini/Movie suit in Black, Navy & Charcoal – $529.90 (reg. $795)

It’ll cost you twice as much as an Alfani Red or Hilfiger Trim Fit
, but if you’re a suit hound and want something that’s a couple rungs up on the quality ladder… here’s your suit. The modern silhouette is a terrific canvas for your tailor to work with. Flat Front pants, notch lapel, and side vents in the back. One of the best parts? It’s made in the U.S.A.
.
The Shirt: Nordstrom Smart Care Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $38.90 for Solid or Stripes

A warning, one reviewer said these aren’t as slim as they could be, so… think of them as more of a modern-fit cut as opposed to an extra trim fitted model. Meaning, if you’re in decent shape, but not super skinny, they’ll probably fit well. You still might need some tailoring done, but it’ll probably be worth. “Smartcare” finish claims that it’s wrinkle free right out of the dryer. Even if that’s exaggerated, it should iron super easy. Regular price is $60.
.
The Pants: Boss Black Cagan Plaid Flat Front Pant – $99.99 (reg. $155)

Yes $100 is extremely expensive for a pair of pants. But just look at them. They do require a large amount of style bravado to pull off, but add a black blazer with them and you’ve got a setup that’ll stand out much more than a suit.
.
The Watch: Victorinox Rubber Strap – $263.90 | Michael Kors Black on Black – $149.90

The silver tone rubber strap Victorinox is a stellar example of taking something dressed up and incorporating a casual detail without detracting from the formal feel. Wear it with those pants up there. The Michael Kors Black on Black is of the moment (GQ just did a feature on black on black watches in their latest issue) and it’ll only cost you $40 more than… those pants. Regular price for that one is $225.
.
The Bag: BOSS Black Pebbled Leather Top Zip Briefcase – $199.90 (reg. $350)

There’s a school of thought which says if you’re gonna spend large, spend large on your work bag. It’s something you use every day, and you want it to last. And $200 isn’t even that “large.” Are their similar, cheaper canvas options out there? Absolutely. But if you want a top of the line modern, leather work bag, this appears to be a fantastic bet.
Don’t forget. Sale ends August 2nd.
Picked up the Pasolini/Movie suit…its amazing, especially at that price.
They also have a couple nice pairs of leather soled Allen Edmonds on sale in the 200 dollar range that I picked up.
I’m looking to get two pairs of really solid shoes (black and brown)… I like these from BR http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6854&vid=1&pid=514435&scid=514435002
but with all the sales going on I was more inclined to splurge on more expensive ones if they’re on sale (better quality that will last longer). Anyone have any recommendations with all these sales going on (Nordstrom, Asos, Brooks)? I’m ashamed to say I don’t know jack about buying a decent pair of shoes that can last…
Adam,
I was in the same boat last week, as I had grown tired of buying cheap shoes the wear down after a year or so. I looked into those BR shoes as well, but I had found others saying they are pretty cheap in quality. From what I’ve found on the internet, Alden and Allen Edmonds are two of the more popular high-end shoemakers, with AE being the much more affordable brand.
I would look at the few Allen Edmonds models that are currently on sale, specifically, the Park Avenue’s, which are available in Black or Brown. From all the research I did beforehand, these are very good quality and will last 10+ years. AE also offers shoe reconditioning services, which basically entails replacement of all worn areas and a reconditioning of the shoe. So years down the line, you can have them looking like new again for around 100 bucks.
I picked up black Park Avenue’s for my upcoming wedding and for everyday use afterward. I also picked up the Brown Strand model they had on sale.
I’m wearing the Strand in Walnut right now. A beautiful shoe — goes great with a pair of dark denim jeans. I definitely can’t buy any more $100 “cheap” shoes after trying out AEs. Next up is heading to an Alden store next time I’m in SF. I’ll need help before going up to C&J! 🙂