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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2012 – The Picks

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Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale – The Men’s Side

If Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly-Sale is like catching a movie that’s been out for awhile at a budget theater, then Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is like an advanced screening of an up and coming flick.  Next season’s styles, available now at serious discounts.  And it’s not just never been seen before stuff either.  Classics like well known cuts of suits, styles of shoes, and the like all get put on sale in an attempt to get you to spend your hard earned cash on fall gear well before the weather cools off.  And more often than not, it’s well worth getting in early.  Proof is below…
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BOSS Black Silver Dial Watch – $129.90 ($195)
“Boss” (sorry) looks at entry level price.

Quartz?  Yes.  All class with a flawless dress style?  That too.  $130 with free shipping and free returns is actually a pretty good deal.  Of course the cheaper option is the well loved Bulova minimalist, but this one comes with a bit of texture inside the hour markers.  40mm diameter and again, ships and returns free.

 

Allen Edmonds McTavish – $196.90 ($295)
Dark denim is calling.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale might be one of, if not the best event to get your hands on Allen Edmonds first-rate shoes for less.  The McTavish is part of their Rough Collection, so while it has a bunch of dressed up details, it’s a dressed down shoe.  And one that looks to be able to take a wallop.

 

Calibrate Trim Fit Gingham Dress Shirt – $38.90 ($59.50)
A favorite. Also available in navy and light blue.

And just in time for the sale they come back with black.  Also available in navy and a light blue.  One of the better trim fit dress shirts you’ll find out there.  How to wear it over here.

 

Jack Spade Davis Brief – $219.00 ($325) | Wayne Duffel – $279.00 ($425)
Images not to scale here…

Throwing myself on the mercy of the readership here.  There are some of us who are absolute suckers for the Jack Spade look.  Sure, most of their stuff is made in China, and while the quality is solid, these won’t be coming with a 100 year warranty.  But if you like the modern but not overly serious/cold look, it’s hard to go wrong.  Brief is 16.5″ wide and 3″ deep.  Duffel is 2160 cubic inches, so not huge, but not dinky either.  Both are still a bit of a splurge.

 

Red Wing 6″ Round Toe Boot – $159.90 ($240)
Not a pretender. The real deal.

If you’re looking for a wear-it-every-weekend, beat the snot out of them, tough as nails boot… this Red Wing 6″ is a classic that won’t let you down.  Made in the USA and should become a best friend for your feet.

 

1901 Trim Fit Crew Sweatshirt – $29.90 ($45)
Made in the USA

You don’t see the words “Trim Fit” and “Sweatshirt” in relation to each other that often.  Nor do you find a lot of Made in the USA sweats out there.  An upgraded sweatshirt for sure.  Hopefully it really is closer to the body than a standard Champion sack.  Made from a poly/cotton blend that should feel pretty soft.  Hard not to like that darker color.

 

Brooks Brothers Rectangular – $62.90 ($95) | Aviator Sunglasses – $56.90 ($85)
Both not an average pair of shades.

Two new Brooks Brothers designs for fall.  Now in that hard to find mid double digit price range.  Which is a good place for them.  BB sunglasses, in general, look pretty friggin’ good, but in your hands they feel a bit lighter than you’d like.  In person review with a couple of pairs over here.

 

Tumi Bravo Evertte Tote – $199.90 ($295)
The hybrid.

Won’t be confused with a woman’s bag.  Has more of a tactical look to it.  Ballistic nylon, and space-wise it’s somewhere between a brief and a weekender.  1196 cubic inches, 16″ wide but a real deep 6.5″.

 

Timex Easy Reader in Tan – $42.90 ($65)
42mm so it’s on the bigger side.

Nice.  A new color scheme for this much appreciated basic and simple design.  Gunmetal case too.

 

Cole Haan Air Grant Driver – $89.90 ($138) | Polo RL Suede Terence Driver – $64.90 ($99)
A step above sneakers.

One reviewer complained that the toes wore out really fast on the CH, but the rest of the reviewers loved these things.  Not a bad price, and the penny strap keeps it from getting to out of control.  The Suede Terence Driver is just another incarnation of the well loved Polo Driver that comes in many forms.

 

Original Penguin The Earl Trim Fit Pique Polo – $36.90 ($59)
Rare price for these.

Wow that’s cheap for The Earl.  Ships and returns for free of course, and there are plenty of sizes/colors for now.  This would be a prime example as to why the Anniversary Sale is as good as it gets.

 

Marc New York Distressed Leather Jacket – $299.90 ($448)
Not your Dad’s JCPenny Bomber.

Hell of a color and not too overdone on the zippers.  Reinforced shoulders look pretty solid too.  Says it’s a regular fit, so if you’re inbetween sizes maybe size down?  Maybe?

 

BOSS Black Derby Cap Toe – $149.90 ($225)
$150 still feels a little high?

Looks good enough, nice cap toe with the subtle line of brogue details, but might want to take a real long hard look at the Mike Konos Luca, since that one is a true oxford with closed lacing.  Does have quite a bit more broguing though.

 

Will Leather Goods “Marlow” Suede Belt – $49.90 ($79.50)
Also available in black, navy, and tan.

Not cheap, and while it’s “imported”, Will Leather Goods does make some solid stuff.  Four color options and a brushed/matte looking buckle.

 

Nordstrom Plaid Poplin Hidden Button Down – $45.90 ($69.50)
Casual shirt with all the options.

They’re really trying to make this as easy as possible on the wearer.  Non iron finish, hidden button down collar, and a casual plaid pattern that’s ready to be layered over with a cotton blazer or a sweater come fall.  Bit expensive, but they’re throwing in all the bells and whistles.  Maybe floor mats too?

 

Timberland Earthkeepers Side Zip – $119.90 ($170)
Blends in more than the Red Wings.

And look what’s back.  Only available in the “burnished tan” yet the other views (other than the one shown here) seem to show off the darker brown version.  Review of those here.

 

BOSS Black Round Chrono | Rectangular Chrono – $196.90 ($295)
Sharp and clean here.

Another couple quartz watches from Hugo Boss.  Yes, quartz.  But they’re both chronos, they’re both sleek as can be, and at least they’re both under $200.  (Bite your tongue automatics/mechanical or nothing guys, we hear you.  We know.  We got it.)

 

Hart Schaffer Marx cotton blend flat front pants – $65.90 ($85.90)
Dressed up but not quite to suit territory.

Cotton/polyamide but no word on the % on either.  Dark tonal plaid pattern should look great at the office with most of your solid blazers/sportcoats.  Should do just fine with a sweater too.  Update:  Thanks to Nate in the comments who passed along the cotton to polyamide ratio: 78% Cotton/22% Polyamide

 

1901 Trim Fit Neck & Sleeve Dress Shirts – $32.90 ($49.50)
Maybe not your best shirt, but a good shirt?

From Nordstrom’s younger, more casual leaning house brand.  Which makes it sort of strange that they’re now making neck and sleeve dress shirts?  Haven’t seen these in person.  Could be a bit of a risk, but they ship and return free.

 

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe – $219.90 ($335)
Incredible price.

As conservative as it gets.

 

Allen Edmonds Walnut Strand – $219.90 ($335)
Incredible price part II

Really, really not the Park Avenue.

 

To Boot New York Warwick Oxford – $269.90 ($398)
Slimmer profile, higher price, not as classic.

Honestly?  Stick with the Strand.

 

THE NIGHTMARE: Cutter & Buck Pleated Microfiber Golf Pants – $59.90 ($90)
Not real flattering.

Polyester/Rayon, pleats, billowy… old-school sales managers are drooling somewhere.  Pair em’ with these and there’s a look that’ll scare the hell out of the beer cart girl.

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale ends in a few weeks, with prices going back up August 6th.

Comments

  1. The TBNY shape is sooooo much sleeker than the Strand.. Thank God that I already own the Strand so that I don’t have to make that decision. I hate when sales this good come up, I just know that I’m going to drop a ton of money 🙁

  2. Tempted by those Timberland boots. But are laces plus a zipper a bit overkill ? What’s the use of having both ?

  4. Ugh…I really hate that I can’t swing $200 right now, or those Strands would be on their way to my place.

  5. I was curious about where Will Leather Goods imported goods were imported from so I asked. Apparently, they are good friends with the owner of a factory owned in Mexico who have been doing work for generations.

  6. “Bite your tongue automatics/mechanical or nothing guys, we hear you. We know. We got it”
    no you dont. 🙂

  10. I need another gingham dress shirt like I need a hole in my head. I’ve already got them in black and light blue, but boy is that navy tempting.

  11. Been waiting for that gingham shirt again. Only thing is now there are three colors? Ugh, decisions, decisions…

    Joe, did you mention at some point that Calibrate sleeves run a little short?

  12. I was getting really excited about those RL drivers til I saw the picture of the backs…

  14. I have them and really like them. Although the soles wear a bit fast. You dont really notice the zippers when wearing them. So they really look more like lace ups. I brush and polish them frequently to keep them clean. I wouldnt pay more than the sale price for them. And sometimes you can snipe them on a crazy sale for under $100 on certain websites.

  15. If it were me, I’d go with the navy one. I feel like it would be the most versatile.

    Also, I’ve got a Calibrate Trim Fit shirt and the sleeves are pretty standard, as far as I can tell.

  18. Depends on what you think you’ll usually wear them with. Jeans and chinos? Probably a little too flashy/dressy. Dress pants (creased)/suits? Maybe not.

    The leather is pretty bright, so they’ll get noticed, if that bothers you.

  19. Damn, those Strands are handsome. Some great choices here Joe. If I wasn’t already set on wingtips and boots I definitely would grab those RWs and AE’s. That Calibrate shirt is the business as well. Too bad I bought that Gap non iron version from a few weeks back. (Which, coincidentally, was an awesome purchase and huge bang for the buck at $30 on sale or whatever it was.)

    For guys considering the Timberlands, I have a different version of an Earthkeeper boot and they are great. Really comfortable and have lasted well in the year I have had them.

  20. I’d wear those with anything, even jeans but that’s just me. I really like a wingtip with jeans. Do you wear slacks or chinos to work every day? If so, I think that is definitely worth the purchase for a go-to

  21. Just a note. I tried on one of those Calibrate dress shirts a few weeks ago and the fit was terrible. Sleeves ran short, armpit area was super baggy, and around the chest had a good deal of extra room. The pattern was excellent, but the fit was just unacceptable.

  23. I disagree. The TBNY is more fashion forward while the strand is sleek but maintains a more classic shape. Plus, TBNY shoes are way over priced and the burnishing is ugly.

    Not that I have an opinion or anything…

  27. My personal style tends towards the more elongated and narrow shape, but I can easily see the contrary view. The quality is what I like about TBNY, and I like the burnishing. I guess we differ in every way, lol.

  28. Bah, I’ve been eyeing the black PAs for months now as my one pair of black dress shoes (I’ve got some square toes I need to retire), but I really don’t need to be spending that money right now…decisions, decisions….

  31. Haha well I don’t mind cordial disagreement. I don’t disagree that they are nice looking, but the strand is a better price and will remain in style much longer in my opinion.

  32. I’ll wear them with anything! For with jeans where they are maybe a little more likely to get more of a “beating” I prefer the Elgin though (and the McTavish in black, which is on special…)

  34. Thanks for the tip Joe, picked up the Timberland boots (hopefully they fit), the calibrate shirt and the sweatshirt. I have a Calibrate slim fit shirt, and I know you’ve referred to it as slimmer than a 1mx fitted, which it is definitely not. It’s closer to a 1mx modern, so hopefully the trim fit shirt fits close enough.

  38. I might stop by nordstroms on my way home. I like those mctavishs. Don’t know if I $200 like them though… I dont really get the strands love. The toe part just looks ugly to me

  39. Does anyone how the sizing fits on the Cole Haan loafers? etc: if it runs small or true to size? Also, I have a pair of the AE McTavish in black 9D which I got as a gift a few months ago, but have never worn and would the tan version instead. Anyone wanna trade and I’ll throw in a few more extra bucks to make it worth your time?

  42. Just wanted to pop in and let you know that the Hart Schaffner & Marx trousers are 78% Cotton/22% Polyamide.

  43. Same feelign. I bought Navy and Black. Planning to return one at my local Nordstrom when they arrive.

  44. Might have to stop by a local Nordstrom.

    Love my TBNY shoes, and have been looking for something in tan. This could be the right fit.

    Also looking to supplement my recent Blue Claw Worton Weekender 00 Agent Edition purchase with a similar brief. Seems to match fairly well.

  45. I have them. I wear them constantly. Great thing is after 1.5yrs of hard use, they have some wear on the heal, but thats about it. Things are terrific.

  46. Snagged two of the Calibrate gingham shirts (black and light blue) at the Santa Monica store over the weekend (cardholder preview sale). Wore the black one on Monday, and this young woman says to me as she is exiting the elevator, “I just want to let you know, I really like your whole outfit. Great style.” Thank you Nordstrom!

  50. The Calibrate Navigator sunglasses are on sale for $45, regularly $70 which I paid months ago. Great sunglasses for those of us with medium sized heads that most aviators are too big for.

  53. I’ve gotten over the 8 hour hump without buying them…I think responsibility wins today!

  54. I have a pair of Cole Haan’s size 11 and they fit like a glove. I have a pair of Strands size 10.5 and they’re just a bit loose.

  55. I just went in and tried one on. I thought it fit great. Not sure how the sleeves run short for you when you can choose your sleeve size.

  56. Also, another tip on those gingham shirts – if you go in to the store, they can order them in about 8 different colors for you. I can’t remember all of them but I believe there was pink, orange, purple, grey, and some others.

  57. Incidentally, as soon as I saw the C&B Golf pants I immediately thought “Now here’s a guy with a background in sales.”

    He’d probably pair them with a ‘relaxed fit’ company-logo’d blazer…or maybe even a sweater vest.

  58. I’ve been eyeing the black Park Avenues and the Strand for awhile now so I ended up going down to my local Nordstrom and dropping a cool $560 on the PAs, Strands, and a belt to go with the Strands. The Strand is just a beautiful shoe in person; I don’t think the pictures do it justice.

  60. Am I the only one that thinks the penguin polos are terrible? *kanye shrug….. wish i could pick up some AEs

  61. The James/Sharp is Boss’s general slim fit with a 6″ drop. It’s a good looking suit. Quality wool, too–it should hold up for a few years.

  65. FYI: waled into the Allen Edmenuds store today, the first thing the lady told me is, “we are matching the Nordstrums sale prices on those models”, so walked out with the Park Avenues othe spot.

  66. Just Picked up a pair of AE McT. Needed black shoes and these fit the bill. Thanks Joe

  67. Just copped the AE McTavish. Too nice to pass up. Been looking for black casual work shoes for a good minute too. Thanks Joe!

  68. Yeah. I tried on the Black/white Gingham “Trim Fit.” The whole body was a very awkward triangle.

  71. Well, went to the local Nordstrom and picked up the 1901 blue suede buck, the Hugo Boss captoe (the store did not have a pair of PAs), the AE strands, and a Hugo Boss blue sweater. The shoes all fit great, but I sized down a bit for a true fit. Had I known AE was matching prices, I would have picked up the PAs at the local store. However, I’ve dropped enough cash today. I tried the McTavish on and felt that it was a bit more brute than the strands, the lines were not as smooth and seemed to lack the finesse of the strands. Nevertheless, a great pair of casual black shoes that is on my watch list.

  73. I like the AE McTavish’s, but even at about $100 off they’re still $196. I opted for a pair of Sebago Brattle’s instead. Similar styling on sale at Amazon for $95 – signed up for Amazon Visa card and got $50 off order. Ended up paying $45 out the door. No doubt AE’s are nicer, but people in my town won’t notice.

  75. Calibrate slim fits are definitely slimmer than 1mx fitteds. Maybe you were trying on the Calibrate TRIM fits.

  76. I’ve actually experienced what Luke is talking about, but it’s NOT like this on all patterns. I bought a Calibrate Trim fit blue, white with grey stripe, and black with whitish stripe – only the white with grey strip has the qualities Luke refers to. The other two fit quite well and have less bag for sure. So, me thinks it differs depending on the pattern.

  77. What belt did you get? I’ve been looking for a leather belt to go with the Strands since getting a set last year. Love ’em

  78. No, it was definitely a slim fit. I think the reason it didn’t feel as trim is because I get the mediums in 1mx fitted, which are actually a little small on me (neck especially, but probably just a little small in the shoulders as well). Not small enough to be uncomfortable, but enough for it not to fit entirely correctly (the larges are too large). Because the calibrates come in neck and sleeve sizes, it’s easier to find a correct fitting size that is slightly bigger, and less slim, than the 1mx.

  81. Received my Timex today, it looks great and am very happy with it. Also picked up the blue soled Sebago spinnakers after seeing them in store. They look much nicer in person will be a nice change of pace from my brown pair.

  83. Just tried on my Calibrate shirt – I don;t see the short sleeves, but the armpit and chest areas are alarmingly baggy. Will probably return.

  84. I can comment on a few of these items as my wife is a stylist manager with Nordstrom and I have alot of their items. the 1901 neck and sleeve shirts are great in my opinion. I am 5’11 170lbs. Since I don’t plan to button the top button in most cases I purchase the plaid, check, and stripe versions for sport shirts. I wear the 15.5×34/35 size. They also come in button down collar which is the only way I like my sport shirts anymore. I find that they are trim enough to not need any tailoring. I usually have the Nordstrom brand Trim Fit and Neiman Marcus Slim non iron shirts tailored beacuse they are too baggy.
    The other item I really like from above is the Strand in walnut. What a fantastic shoe. it is very comfortable and my favorite of 3 AE’s I own. I also have the Delray (very good and never mentioned) and the Clifton (not as comfortable for my foot but gets alot of compliments).
    Just my $.02

  85. I am in a position where my next major purchase (other than possibly the AE strands cough cough) is a staple navy blue suit. I have been researching and scouring ebay/dappered/sf b&s regularly, and my honest advice would be to save up for 1-2 months and buy a completely customized fully canvased Kent Wang suit (
    http://www.kentwang.com/suits). I know that it is 50% more than the boss suit you are looking at, but I feel with a blue suit it is worth the wait for the tremendous upgrade in quality/construction/customization.

    In the meantime while saving up a bit more, I am also holding out hope Joe happens to drop another clad clearance on us but barring that I am almost certainly going with KW.

  86. An update on the 1901 Shirts, I like the chest and waist fit, they aren’t perfect but good enough to be worn without needing the sides to be taken in. The only complaint I can make which is more of a nitpick is the arms are SLIGHTLY baggy. To make the shirts perfect higher armholes would be nice.