Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Men – June 2013, The Picks

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Men – Over 7,000 items

Yep, seven thousand. That’s a lot of browsing. The Half-Yearly Sale for Men happens every year right after the holidays, as well as in the middle of June. It’s sort of a mid season clearance, but it’s more than just leftovers and extreme sizes. Nordstrom always cuts prices on a ton of desirable staples, and plenty of splurge items lurk in this event as well.

Keep in mind that Nordstrom runs more expensive than Macy’s, so not all of these picks will be seen as cheap (or all that affordable) to many. Items below had at least a good size selection at post time unless otherwise noted. Meanwhile, all items do ship and return free.

Calibrate Trim Fit Gingham Dress Shirt – $38.90 ($59.50)

One of the best off-the-rack shirts for fit and construction out there, and now under $40. Not crazy tight / skinny, but nicely tapered at the waist and the arms have been slimmed down as well. Terrific collar. Non-iron finish could be a touch softer, but it’s not itchy stiff either. More on this shirt over here. From the younger leaning Nordstrom house brand “Calibrate”.

 

To Boot New York ‘Mason’ Double Monk Strap Slip-On – $199.90 ($325)

Tough to find well made double monks under two-hundred. Especially with some half-brogue details like the medallion on the cap toe seen here. Also available in black.

 

Bonobos Cotton Blazer in Navy or Grey – $184.25 ($275)

Ah. That’s right… Bonobos is sold at Nordstrom. Interesting that these blazers are labeled by Nordstrom as a “Regular” fit instead of Trim. Limited sizes in the navy.

 

Brooks Bros. Milano Fit Trousers in Oxford Cloth or Seersucker – $65.98 ($98)

The Milano fit is the trimmest of all Brooks Brothers fits, and is even a little too trim for some. A couple of summer pant option here, two in oxford cloth and another in seersucker. Not bad for a Gatsby party if you have one coming up. Casual cloth, but not casual thanks to the pressed crease.

Meanwhile, over at Bonobos, you can get their Oxford Pants for $78.40 when you use the 20% off code OXLEY20. Code is good through Sunday 6/16, and works only on the Oxleys (still works even if they’re on sale).

 

Transcript ‘Sandoval’ Buck Shoe – $72.90 ($110)

Assuming the quality is as decent as their grey suede tassel loafers… then these would be a steal. Nice and trim shape, three colors to pick from, and a great price when you include the free shipping & returns.

 

Bonobos Chambray Blazer – $199.66 ($298)

Would you? Or is this shade of chambray just a little too Mom-Jeans like?

 

Sperry Cut-Edge Leather Belt – $36.85 ($55.00)

Interesting buckle. Casual for sure. Meanwhile, there’s also a woven cotton option (different buckle) over this way.

 

Brooks Brothers Slim Fit Non-Iron Gingham Dress Shirt – $58.96 ($88)

Just the “Slim” fit, not the “Extra Slim” fit. Green, pink, and purple over here… while the light blue can be found over here.

 

Cole Haan Air Stanton Cap Toe Suede – $129.90 ($198)

Always nice to have a pair of suede cap toes on hand. They go extremely well with jeans.  The right play when your regular, polished leather dress shoes look a little out of place up against a summer suit or other warm weather clothes. These also claim to be waterproof.

 

Dockers Alpha Khaki – $39.53 ($59)

Not your Dad’s big, balooning Dockers circa 1997. Quite the opposite. Trim enough that some think they’re too trim. But if you’ve been curious, now’s not a bad time to take them for an in-home spin, thanks to the free shipping and returns. Tons of colors, sizes are scattered depending on which shade you want. More shades and sizes over here for $66.

UPDATE: Check out Urban Outfitters for the Alpha at $29.99. Hat tip to jmp4080 in the comments. Free shipping doesn’t kick in until $50 at U.O., but you’re not on the hook for return fees. They send along a pre-paid label.

 

Allen Edmonds Players Wingtip – $223.90 ($335)

An awfully well loved wingtip from Allen Edmonds. Not a true oxford, so that makes them a bit more casual with all that broguing, but still made here in the States and built like a tank.

 

1901 Cotton Knit Tie – $16.75 ($25.00)

Cotton. Not silk, and not poly. Nine colors of stripes to choose from, including a nice and subtle grey.

 

John W. Nordstrom Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $49.90 ($79.50)

Y’know how plenty of us have a couple white dress shirts, but one of them is the “good” shirt? This might be your new “good” shirt. The Johwn W. Nordstrom line is upgraded materials and construction, and the herringbone pattern on this white dress shirt gives it a subtle depth.

 

Brooks Brothers Stripe Canvas Belt – $32.16 ($48.00)

A summer staple. Also available in red/blue.  Another option is the ribbon belt which comes in a bunch of other color combinations.

 

Bonobos Straight Leg Washed Cotton Twill Pants – $58.96 ($88)

Their flagship pant in a few ready for summer colors (which aren’t bright red).

 

Sassetti ‘Catania’ Monk Strap Slip-On – $264.65 ($395)

Never underestimate the power of a single monk (even though plenty just plain don’t like em’…) Perfect for going tieless. Limited Sizes.

 

Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton Shawl Collar Sweater – $63.98 ($128)

A nautical look made from cotton that’ll work real well on cool summer nights. Now half off.

 

Antony Morato ‘Duchessa’ Cotton Blazer – $150.75 ($225)

Has potential to become a good throw-on-and-go sportcoat for the spring, summer, and early fall. Lapels are awfully slim though. Cotton, and claims a trim fit. Partially lined.

 

Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit Dress Shirt in Stripe or Small Check – $42.90 ($65)

Terrific dress shirts. Neck & sleeve measurements, good fabric, and great collars. Could be slimmer through the sides and arms, but perfect for wearing under a blazer or suit jacket.

 

Emporio Armani Swim Brief – $77.05 ($115)

Just wanted to see if all of those who are quickly scrolling through are still paying attention. Carry on.

 

Element ‘Caicos’ Board Shorts – $49.58 ($74)

That’s more like it.

 

John W. Nordstrom Ethan Loafer – $116.90 ($175)

Grey suede tassels! Don’t write em off. A defense for a similar shoe can be found over here. These are made in Italy though, for the upper scale house-brand of Nordstrom.

 

Michael Kors Trim Fit Plaid Suit – $356.98 ($595)

Hard to find a deep, dark plaid like this. Construction? No word on canvassing. Assume it’s fused then. But if you want something trimmer fitting off the rack that you can wear every once in awhile with some personality…

 

Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe – $59.96 ($89.95)

Classic with a twist, in the form of red laces and that red sole.

 

Joseph Abboud Extra Trim Fit or Trim Fit Wool Suits – $465.65 ($695)

This might be one of those items to see if it makes it through the sale period and thus drops further in price. Button stance looks a little high, no word on the canvassing (if any)… but Joseph Abboud has made a bit of a comeback as of late. Keep an eye on the brand as a whole. Made in the USA. Also available in an extra-trim fit plaid and a trim fit pinstripe.

 

Cole Haan Air Garret Cap Toe – $129.90 ($198)

As basic as it gets, and obviously closer to $100 than $200. Ships & returns for free.

 

1901 Rigid Twill Blazer – $66.66 ($99.50)

Looks chopped doesn’t it? Maybe the model is tall? Nice price for sure, and it returns free.

 

Fossil Estate Briefcase – $99.16 ($148)

Fossil can make some really nice stuff, but they have a tendency to slap their logo all over everything. Good to see that’s not the case here. A casual workplace basic for under a hundred bucks.

 

1901 “Maui” driving Shoe – $59.90 ($89.95)

Bit of a funky driver, with just enough character if you go with the dark blue & red laces/sole.

 

Dekko Mode Cotton/Linen Blazers – $197.65 ($295)

Looks like these lean to the showy side. Think there’s that much of a sheen in person? Tails don’t look chopped, the one review online is promising, but this is another item that might drop in price further in the coming weeks.

 

Billy Reid Henley – $46.80 ($78.00)

How much would you be willing to spend on a henley? Billy Reid is top notch stuff. Reviews are solid, fit is trim.

 

1901 Carson Lace-Up – $66.96 ($99.95)

Already a good deal at a hundred bucks, and now marked down by a third. Nubuck upper, rubber sole.

 

Bonobos ‘Travel Jean Straight Leg Jeans – $65.66 ($98)

The well loved Travel Jean from Bonobos. White and a bright true-blue available. Sizes are all over the place.

 

Hugo Boss Round Case Watch – $176.98 ($295)

Mean! Quartz… and expensive. But Mean! Might want to hold out for a further reduction. 44mm case diameter.

 

ALDO ‘Arellano’ Wingtip – $82.95 ($125)

Beater casuals. The kind you keep around for wet and cold days in the fall, when you don’t want to risk mucking up a pair of nice shoes.

 

Gitman Silk Knit Tie – $56.90 ($95)

Expensive even when on sale, but nails it on plenty of fronts. Not a cheap-o tie. You’ll be able to feel the quality with this one. Also available in a green as well as a royal blue. More on-sale Gitman ties can be found over here.

 

To Boot New York Wholecut – $289.90 ($395)

Good gravy.

If previous Half-Yearly sales are any indicator, these prices usually last for a couple of weeks, with further reduction being taken on some of whatever’s left once its been picked over. Everything should ship and return free.