Style Scenario: Valentine’s Day – Casual Night Out

What are you going to wear?  Sometimes there’s an easy answer. Sometimes not. Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and three scenarios will be tackled before then. This one is for the couples who are skipping the fine dining circus on Valentine’s Day, but still heading out. Maybe you’ve been together for awhile and want to share a pizza and beer. Maybe you’re a new couple and don’t want things to feel rushed or overly serious. The white shirt and blazer keeps it sharp, but the jeans and suede boots dress it down.

The Blazer: J. Crew Ludlow in Italian Tweed – $230 ($328).  Nice ticket pocket.  Just marked down with a surprisingly large array of sizes.  If J. Crew lets loose with another extra 30% off code, be prepared for these to evaporate. Cheaper alternative would be the lighter in color and easier on the wallet jcp wool blazer from this past fall.

The Shirt: Nordstrom Trim Fit – $65.00. Meanwhile, this one is cheaper, but if memory serves, the finish is stiffer.  If that’s too dressed up for your date, try a light purple OCBD from jcp.  Check the clearance racks.

The Jeans: Levi’s 514 Slim Straight in Tumbled Rigid – $39.99

The Boots: Ciro Lendini Brown Suede – $98.10 w/ VALENTINE. Made in Italy via Yoox.  Want to try Monks?  The inexpensive, suede single monks from Florsheim are on sale at HauteLook for $64.00.  More on those here.

The Gloves: Orvis Lambskin Drivers – $69.00.  Skip the coat.  These and a scarf.  Save $10 thisaway.

The Belt: Gap Basic Leather Belt – $22.46  w/ GAP25

For Her: Embellished Brass Purse Mirror – $29.95.  Via Red Envelope.  Get it monogrammed for $6.95.  And if your date is a fella, consider one of those button stud weekenders from Form Function Form.  Update:  You can save 20% w/ a click through via RetailMeNot.  Hat tip to Sal in the comments.

The Watch: Orient Vintage Auto – $297.50 w/ WINTER2012. Full review here.  (A cheaper alternative would be the… wait for it… FFF button stud weekender in “midday” and Chromexcel Natural)

The Pocket Square: TheTieBar Dark Plaid Hunter/Navy Cotton Pocket Square- $8.00