Summer Kickoff (Memorial Day) Sales 2011
Above Photo Credit: Robert S. Donovan
Hitching retail markdowns to Memorial Day makes for an odd pairing. It’s not the norm in Canada, and Eddie Bauer caused a huge stir there last fall by having a week long “Remembrance Day” sale. Memorial Day in the states is seen by most as the unofficial kickoff to summer, and the fun of a backyard BBQ doesn’t seem disrespectful at all.
Maybe if the stores were closed on Monday and the names of the sales instead reflected the change of the season. That way Monday would be reserved for, y’know… not going to the mall. We’ll remove the soapbox from under our feet and get on with a pick from each of the major sales, but please feel free to have your say in the comments. And travel safe if you’re on the road this holiday weekend.
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Ralph Lauren Extra 25% Off Select Items: Madras Sportcoat – $187.49 ($295.00)
Madras isn’t for everyone. But at least this pattern isn’t so bright it’ll shred your retinas. Faded just a touch, colors that compliment each other, and certainly not for everyone.
Original Penguin 30% off with code MEMORIAL30: The Earl Polo – $41.30 ($59.00)
Original Penguin Polos are just flat out expensive. The Earl is one of the more affordable ones (at $60?0 but with the 30% knocked off it drops to just above $40. Heritage slim fit and seven color options. Code is good site wide with a few restrictions (swimwear is one of them).
Kenneth Cole 50% off Final Sale: KCNY Suede – $59.98 ($198) | KCNY Boot – $64.98 ($215)
Both come from the Kenneth Cole New York line and now the lower REACTION brand. Both are final sale items so you can NOT return them… making these risky. The Suede boots are “polished” at the heel and toe (tough to tell how they’ll look in person) but the “Mind Control” Boot looks to be dead on. A rounded toe, zip side, one of those casual boots you might find yourself wearing a lot of come fall.
L.L. Bean Signature 20% off Select Items: Canvas Bag – $55.20 ($69.00)
By “select” items they mean fifteen. Fifteen items. That’s it. At least this 12.5″/23″/12.5″ bag is one of them.
GAP Up to 50% off Sale: GAP Windowpane Shirt – $18.75 ($49.50)
Interesting that they chose to drop this particular shirt by half off for this sale. One of those patterns that works well all year round, but especially in summer. Looks like the code NEW expires today. But if you partner this shirt up with say, this pink striped version, you can get both, shipped free (pre-code price is $50 total) for just $37.50.
Macys Extra 15% off with KICKOFF: INC Black Striped Blazer – $44.19
($99.00)
It’s not terrible (ringing endorsement right?) but the fit is a little wonky on the one I tried on. Armholes were a little low, and tailoring will be needed. Macy’s also has a bunch of “Specials” that are all over the place. The extra 15% off code KICKOFF works on all but the usual big name exclusions.
Lord & Taylor 20% off Sale with code HOLIDAY: B/B 1826 Cotton Blazer – $79.99 ($225)
All hail the relaxed cotton blazer. Patch pocket up top with flaps on the bottom. Probably will need tailoring. Code only works on sale items.
B.R. 30% off purchase with BRGET30: Tailored Micro-Stripe Blazer – $105
($150)
Not a bad blazer at all. But when they mean micro-stripe, they mean it. Very thin stripes that only show up when you’re within a few feet. Banana Republic’s “Tailored” fit is quite close. For example, I’m a 38R in their “Modern” fit, but a 40R in the tailored. A 38 in this jacket on me felt like I was going to tear the back. Watch for this jacket to show up again in the coming weeks.
Anybody know how those Kenneth Cole Mind Control boots fit? Are they pretty much true to size?
*waving hand*
“These aren’t the boots you’re looking for.”
I’m a prior service Marine and a combat veteran (OIF), and I don’t really have a problem with Memorial Day sales. Others might. All I ask is that while you’re out shopping, you keep in mind those who were killed in action and are missing in action. Also, please remember that combat leaves mental scars as well as physical, and that for many of us, even if we made it home, the war never truly ends.
The promo code “NEW” works on the Gap shirt. Actually, it looks like it works on any shirt that is half price. Nice…
Free shipping on any Ralphlauren.com order (including that madras sportcoat) with code: EC96577
Uh, ok, thanks I guess. Care to elaborate?
C’mon…they’re called “mind control” boots.
“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”
(Star Wars reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnjaUoR15dU )
Dave, allow me to speak for all of us. Thank you for your perspective and thank you especially, hugely, for your service.
I am selling a new Ralph Lauren Madras Blazer 40R anyone interested? (It’s a little brighter than the one above)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270752795494&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
Really like the BR blazer. How does it compare to the INC super light blazer? (looking for more of a comparison between color vs quality)
I’d say they’re in the same family. The BR blazer is striped, and the stripes are a lighter blue while the check on the INC Super light is darker (but still, overall, extremely light colored). BR Blazer is lined, but still feels pretty good and light. Nice quality to it in my opinion too.
Here’s a super up close of the pattern: http://dappered.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/BRStripeBlazerClose.jpg
By the way, in addition to the 20% off sale for those 15 items at LL Bean Sig, they also just added a few new items to the sale section at significant discounts. Bought myself a 2nd saltwash long-sleeved polo and one of the blazers.
Joe, I’m more of a 37R than I am a 38R…but I usually get a 38R because 36R usually has too narrow of shoulders for me. When you say the BR Tailored fit runs small…do you think a guy like me (who’s more of a 37R) will need to size up still?
No worries, Mike. It only works on the weak-minded.
I’m kind of in the same situation. I’m more a 39R, but usually size down. I tried a 38R in this, but there was no chance for me to wear it without shredding the back Hulk-style. I got a 40, and it’s at my tailor as we speak. I’d go with a 38R and expect some tailoring…
Nice! My current favorite summer suit is now $150 then. Thanks for the tip.
Thanks. I just got some nice slim-cut shirts with that code.
Ok, I completely missed that. Nice.
130; jacket’s 90, pants are 40….
That’s strange. Pants say $59.99 on the site, but once you dump them in your bag they say $39.99. Certainly a good kind of “strange”
I walked into Banana Republic today and was given a card that let me get 50% off everything in store minus their Heritage and Monaco line.
What color are you going with Joe?
I got the lightest “khaki” color (not the dark khaki, the almost white) a couple months back and after wearing it a few times I can honestly say it’s a true favorite. Stupid comfortable. The fabric moves and feels terrific. Needed a bit of alterations out of the box (but what doesn’t?) and the stitching may make it too informal for some. I think it’s great though. Full review here: http://dappered.com/2011/03/l-l-bean-new-traditional-twill-suiting-review/
I got the same, Joseph; that 50% really is a lucky find–Lots of people that came in while I was in there got 30’s.
I bought 4 linen shirts, a sweet light blue pair of shorts, and a light blue/yellow tie. All in all, a stellar trip for $160, florida-outfitted well.