What are we, Kmart? Throwing Christmas displays up before the first piece of Halloween Candy has gone in one end and out the other? But it’s been a particularly long hot summer
CANTON! Prepare thy gigantic orange juicer. It’s game time.
Meanwhile, you might want to prepare for some sticker shock. Prices are always higher heading into a season as opposed to when we’re on the way out (there are exceptions). But most of these are going to get a cut at some point. Here’s to speeding through the next month or so and getting to the best season of them all.
Suitsupply Super 120s Lazio Fit – $469.00
Super 120s is getting into that “this is noticeably softer” range. Remember, the higher the number, the finer and softer the fibers, but at some point it gets so fine and soft that it become damageable. 120 is darn near perfect for wearing often. Has a bit of a marled look to it, so it’ll look a little like a tweed, without the scratchy bulk. Made in their Lazio fit, which fits trimmer than the Napoli.
Zara Suede Double Monk Straps or Cap Toes – $99.90
After the stunning success of their Spanish made, tan, suede single-monks, Zara is now fully on the shoe-radar. Both of these shoes aren’t going to bat first, second, third, or cleanup in your rotation… but that’s fine since they’re so inexpensive. And they should get more inexpensive with sales. No word on where they’re made or construction quality.
Brooks Brothers Striped Ribbon Belts – $48.00
Who says the striped fabric belt should be limited to summer only? Key is to retire the brightly colored versions you’ve had wrapped around your shorts, and instead trade them in for something that’s more toned down like these. This is Brooks Brothers, so it might pay off to hang out for a site wide code, or an extra % off accessories code or something.
Boden Quilted Wool Blend Jacket – $178.20
British retailer Boden continues to be sneaky good in the ways of casual outerwear. A bit on the spendy side, but if the nylon version of this from last year is any indication, then it’s going to be one hell of a jacket. Boden is definitely a step up on the quality side of things, and while much of their stuff is “imported”, they don’t cut corners on craftsmanship. 80% wool herringbone exterior, nicely lined, and a corduroy collar. Simple in look + design but has just enough extras. They also seem to run 10% and up off codes/promos quite often. So, might be worth getting on their email list.
Allen Edmonds “Promontory Point” Football Leather Boots – $350
Whoa. Well they ain’t cheap, that’s for sure. But whoa. Maybe they’ll be just different enough that they’ll hit clearance at some point? Meanwhile, they’re now making the Dalton in the “bourbon” shade. And those Red Wing Beckman boots are still on sale for $199 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. … C’mon JC Penney… could use some new Stafford boots to save the ol’ checking account from self destructing. Boots aren’t your thing? Allen Edmonds just released a new wholecut.
form•function•form’s new leather colors
Pretty sure this website crossed over into (slightly) annoying FFF fanboy territory a while ago, but the small USA made leather goods maker just got their hands on quite a number of new shades of leather. And they’re something else. Especially the deep burgundy #8 chromexcel when made into the the architect’s wallet. (Finally took the leap. Couldn’t be happier.)
More Claiborne Slim Suit Separates: Like this Charcoal – $179.99
First it was the smooth navy cotton suit. Then it was the dirt-cheap khaki cotton suit. Now, we move on to winter with wool and dark shades like charcoal. These wool suit separates are new, in a fall ready dark charcoal, and here’s to hoping they fit as extremely well off the rack as the previous cotton suits. Claiborne, along with the more casual “jcp” brand are going to be the canary in the style coal mine at JC Penney. It’s those two brands that’ll tell us just how long the stylistic tail of Wooster really reaches.
J. Crew Factory Quilted Layering Vest – $44.50 ($74.50)
“Hey kid, what’d you do… jump ship?“ Aw. Remember layering? Prost to slim vests as outerwear.
American Eagle Barn Jacket – $99.95
No, it’s not a store most of us spend a lot of time in (or even feel all that comfortable going in, if you’ve got a diploma or two already), but they can make some real winners every once in awhile. You just have to play the “where’s the logo?!?” game. Doesn’t look like there’s a visible one on the exterior of this jacket, and the tri-color thing it has going on (top, bottom, interior) is a nice touch.
jcp Stafford Blazers – $200 – $300 (full retail)
These haven’t come out quite yet (jcp PR page said October for their release) unless someone has seen them jump the gun in store somewhere? High full-retail price, but we’re now back to the coupon game. At half off, would you consider either? Here’s to hoping they don’t have crazy high arm holes or thick shoulder pads, which was the bane of the Stafford blazer line’s existence last year.
GAP Colorblock Merino Crewneck Sweaters – $35.72 w/ GAPWOW
Colorblocking isn’t just for the ladies. Another way to step up your style when you’re off the clock. Laid back, but not boring. Does the color block thing without getting obnoxious. Skip the hoodie and wear this.
“The Monuments Men” Starring Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, & Clooney (12/18)
An action thriller based on a book
BONUS: In case you win the lottery… Billy Reid Bond Peacoat – $695.00
Back in stock for the first time in something like six months. And if six months ago you started setting aside $115.83 each time you turned a page on the calendar, well… now you’ve got enough to pick one up. Made in Italy. Natural horn buttons. Has all them hidden leather trim do-dads. Bond approved.
Are you done with summer and got an eye on fall? What’s at the top of your list? Already pick up something fall-ready that you’re happy with? Leave it all in the comments. May this season of sweat come to a speedy conclusion. Top Photo Credit: Cory Doctorow
Impressed by that AE barn jacket. I never go in there, but I’d wear that.
Very tempting list. I’m moving back up North in the next two weeks and recently realized how much colder it is going to be in Pittsburgh compared to ATL. Have been looking for fall stuff for about a week now. So far I have gotten a new USGI peacoat, tweed jacket (both eBayed for a total of about $80!) and a few BR sweaters. Looking to scoop some new corduroy pants and a pair of boots too. I definitely will keep this list in mind as well. Thanks Joe.
My saving up for the Lazio Super 120s starts…. NOW.
Great stuff. Posts like this remind me that new stuff never stops coming.
I bought the Boden wool jacket last season and wore the hell out of it. Fits like a glove and I got a lot of compliments. There were a lot of stray threads and one of the patch pockets started to come loose at a seam. So I was a bit disappointed in the quality, but the few issues were easily remedied and I’ll be rocking it again this fall. That Billy Reid though…damn. Still on my “Not gonna happen, but wouldn’t it be so nice if it did” list.
I’ll definitely have to check out what JC Penny has for the fall since it’s most likely the last hurrah for the Nick Wooster stuff…
I bought the Boden waxed cotton jacket last year and while the finish was great, the arms were at least an inch or two too short. Don’t know if it’s the same fit and measurements across all of the outwear but might want to check it out.
Last year I bought a few AE things. Always online and Always 40% off. The removed the giant logo and make a few nice things. I stopped by the store a few weeks ago and could only spend 30 seconds in there before I had to leave.
We push so hard for slim wallets and phones in jackets in the name of preserving the silhouette. Isn’t it a little contradictory to espouse carrying an extra wallet and bulky pen when a phone overlaps most of its functions anyway?
With three FFF button studs in the arsenal, I am holding out for an FFF iPhone case!!!
Did you take your normal size? I tried sizing down on the Poacher jacket for a slimmer fit and the sleeves were borderline too short. My regular size fit OK in the body and was fine in the sleeves.
I’m 5′ 10″ and 148 lbs and I went with a small. If I got a medium, the sleeves would have been better but I think it would be too boxy/bulky then. I spoke with them on the phone and they also recommended the size Small. They said the fit is comfortable but not boxy by any means.
Seconded.
The JCP pants say they are polyester but if I had to guess, I would say this is another mistake on the website. JCP has one of the worst websites that I have seen for a retailer.
Great points. I don’t carry my phone with me much, and I’m horrid at hammering out long winded ideas on a touch screen. Old school I guess. That said, it’s about the same size as a smartphone, and seems to weigh less in my jacket pocket.
http://www.selectism.com/files/2013/06/levis-commuter-fall-2014-00.jpg
This, some olive chinos, a few more shirts, and a pointer barn coat and I’m done for Fall.
…
I swear.
Lol the funny thing about that Bond coat saving is that that is exactly 2x what I’ve been doing every month since last year. I’ll be done in September, Bond coat time baby.
Bond Peacoat. Need.
Those Zara dubs are intriguing. Wish they made a non-suede version like they did last season.
AE Barn Jacket is sweet, I will keep an eye on it. Thanks Joe!
I get your love affair with Fall – layering and thicker wools and whatnot are great.
But I love summer fashion too! Enjoy it while you can. Enjoy the linen and the cotton and the gingham and the seersucker and the bright colours.
I never even heard of Zara… Good Quality?
I don’t own any of their shoes personally so I can’t fully comment but Joe reviewed a pair of their monks recently. It’s a European brand, similar to gap/BR/ etc.
I totally agree with you. However the most of the men who go to JC Penney are dragged there by their wives or girlfriends or they are they kind of guys looking for fashion forward stuff. I would know because I used to work at one. The whole #menswear thing hasn’t hit a lot of middle-american males or the as many older men, who are make up most of JC Penney’s male customer base. To be honest I think they went too fast with the transition for the male line. I think they could have gone slower and marketed it better. If they had done it slower they could have maybe picked up a more fashionable male customer without completely alienating their average male customer
I hope I didn’t offened anyone who considers themselves to be an average middle american male or older man but that’s the way I see it.
NO. … (okay fine.)
Looks good except for the Gap sweaters. They look like Star Trek uniforms without the badges.
Was that because you were in a rush? Or because you couldn’t stand the clothes?
I don’t know what pens you use but mine slips into my trousers without any issues. It helps that I do not wear skinny pants. The pen is nowhere near as bulky as a wallet and I never know when I need to sign or write something.
Picked up the Boden jacket with 15% off with code 2A02, which ended up being $168.30 after discount. Had wanted to snag the charcoal herringbone version last year, but it went out of stock very quickly and never came back – so was really excited that it was back and was able to jump on it this year.
Couldnt stand the atmosphere. The unbranded clothes are great for the money and fit almost perfect. The 13 year olds covered in axe flirting with each other makes it too much to shop in store. Online Only from now on.
Fisher Space Pen, ftw.
Completely agree with women in sweaters! Oh no not the Bond one, I am a mere college student, I bought it off ebay.
If you haven’t picked up the Beckman 6″ boots in cherry…go now! Most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn.
I checked out the jacket in a store today and was a little disappointed. At first I thought it was the wrong jacket because the contrast is barely noticeable. The whole thing actually looks like it’s entirely the lighter shade, nothing close to the contrast shown in the picture above. The fit and material were both pretty good, though, I just wasn’t impressed enough to purchase, even at 40% off.