Brooks Brothers: 2 for $899 Summer Suits & Shoe/Accessories Event
This is an odd one. The graphics in their emails and on their website really seem to push the 2 for $899 summer suit deal, but then barely make mention of the 30% off select shoes & accessories event that’s going on at the same time. And it’s the latter that most will find appealing.
Nine hundred dollars is a LOT to lay down at any given time, especially if you’re limited to suits in the Brooks Brothers “summer” collection. That said, there are a couple of suits that are maybe worth taking for a spin, and it breaks down to $450 a pop. So, Suitsupply territory. Those suits are at the bottom of the post. First though, the shoes & accessories worth a look. A warning… this is Brooks Brothers, so it’s not gonna be cheap.
Allen Edmonds for Brooks Brothers Cap Toes – $257.60 ($368)
Basically the AE Park Avenue. But you get a rubber sole at no extra charge (it’s an extra $50 if you go through AE and want a rubber sole). Also, if memory serves, the Brooks Brothers AEs have a different insole with more padding. Available in a classic dark brown, or black. Not gonna go out of style anytime soon.
Brooks Brothers Perforated Cap Toes – $257.60 ($368)
Pretty much the Fifth Avenue. A quarter brogue. Like the plain cap toes above, these come with a rubber sole that should provide a bit more grip than a standard leather sole. Available in black, brown, or the walnut shown here. Now, why these aren’t labeled “Allen Edmonds for Brooks Brothers” is beyond me. Pretty sure they’re made by AE though?
Brooks Brothers Medallion Perforated Captoes – $257.60 ($368)
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd these would basically be Strands. Also comes with a grippy rubber sole here, where you’d pay for that to be applied through Allen Edmonds. Made in the USA, Goodyear welted, etc…
Rancourt & Co. Boat Tie Moccasins – $173.60 ($248)
That profile? Get Low. How much though? WHAT? But made in the USA. YEAHHHHHHHHH.
Brooks Brothers Unconstructed Nubuck Tassel Loafers – $117.60 ($168)
Seems like the older you get, the more accepting you may be to tassel loafers. (Y’know how they’re kinda like Mail Planes, right?) Made out of nubuck, a sleek enough looking shape, and what sure appears to be stitched soles. Oh, a little fugly for you? Really? You want something real fugly? You shall get it then….
Suede Kiltie Tassel Loafers – $208.60 ($298)
…WAIT. Before you freak out… hear these things out. If you’ll be spending more of the spring & summer in lightweight chinos, a dress shirt, and an unconstructed blazer (instead of shorts and a polo)… these could make quite the Italian-Gent impression. Made in Italy too. Right… no, you’re right. These are proof of the Boring is Bad and That’s Bad Theory.
Silver Plated Made in the USA Snapper Links – $157.50 ($225)
You’ve seen em’ here before. For all the brides-to-be out there, scouting out gifts for the future husband… maybe these? If he wears French cuff shirts?
Matte Tortoise Plastic Green Lens Sunglasses – $59.50 ($85)
Y’know? Not bad looking at first glance. Although it’s sorta hard to get a read on how these would look in person (since there’s just one angle to look at). Looks like they’ve got a style-forward sporty thing going for them? Made in Italy.
Cedar Shoe Valet & Essentials Kit – $89.60 ($128)
A real nice setup for someone who’s looking to upgrade from the ol’ Kiwi travel kit. A made in the USA Cedar shine box, two horsehair brushes, two daubers, and black and brown shoe creme. BUT HOW MUCH EXTRA CAN IT HOLD?!? Well I’m glad you asked. The video above demonstrates. Full review over here.
Golden Fleece Embossed Card Case – $68.60 ($98)
Yes, that’s a lot of money for a card case. And while there are some with a zero-tolerance for logos, those who have a tolerance for logos (or, “gasp” allow a guilty pleasure every now and then) will probably be pleased with the tonal embossed golden fleece pattern on this one.
Fitzgerald Fit Navy Linen + Italian Wool/Cotton Melange = $899 ($1396)
Yes, a dark linen (or any summery fabric for that matter) suit seems to be a bit contradictory. Why wear a super summery, breathable fabric in a dark color that’ll soak up the sun’s rays? Because warm summer evenings’ out happen, and they’re surprisingly wearable in our air conditioned 21st century world. Plus, the wrinkles that happen don’t stand out as much on darker fabrics. It’s a big leap of faith, but a dark navy summer fabric suit is one of those things you might find yourself wearing, a lot, if you get it.
BrooksCool Fitzgerald Blue Tic Suit + BrooksCool Solid Navy Suit = $899 ($1396)
From their website: “BrooksCool® is a unique line that features an innovative blend of natural wool and engineered fibers in order to create a garment which is ultra-lightweight, breathable and both crease and water resistant.” Hmmm. Well, first, a reminder that not all synthetics are bad (you think there’s a Gore-Tex tree out there?), and if this one is really engineered to be breathable & lightweight… what’s to say you couldn’t wear the thing year round? Has anyone gotten their hands on and torso (& legs) in one of these BrooksCool suits?
The Paul Hogan Special: Alligator Gloves – $1398.60 ($1998)
Excellent! Perfect for spending… half of the average tax refund. Yeah. No.
The Brooks Brothers 2 for $899 summer suit / 30% off select accessories sale runs through Monday 4/21. A reminder, Brooks Brothers shipping can be steep.
A little tip I thought I’d share: there’s a site called “ShopRunner” which allows you to get FREE 2-day shipping at participating online stores. Brooks Brothers is one such store (and it’s just about the only one too, sadly). If anyone wants to splurge on any of these items, ShopRunner will get you free shipping. I think there’s an annual fee BUT there’s a free trial. I used the free trial to make a BB purchase then I went to delete my ShopRunner account. When I did that, they offered me something like a year long trial to “change my mind.” I haven’t used it again, but if I decide to splurge on BB again, it’ll be free shipping.
The cap toes are definitely AE. I got these as seconds from AE last year (I think AE called them “Brooks Fifth Avenue walnut”). Terrific shoes.
If you have an American Express, then Shoprunner if free! At least that is my understanding as I just signed up last week. Personally, I think there are LOTS of stores of interest….Toys R Us, American Eagle (for the wife), Moosejaw, Newegg, and more.
https://www.shoprunner.com/americanexpress
I bought a couple of the brookscool suits last year during their sale and I have to say that they are very nice suits. The fabric is super lightweight, moves easily and really does breathe. Very nice for warmer weather. I also found that they work year round since almost everywhere you go will have the heat on during the colder months and you are likely to be toting around a topcoat so you want your suit to breathe a little. As for the visual/feel quality of the fabric … it is actually really good, resists wrinkles and doesn’t have a polyester feel. If you are in the market for suits, even year round, I highly suggest checking these out.
I have the Brooks brothers perforated captoe aka AE fifth ave. It does have extra padding for the insole. VERY comfortable!
Awesome. Thanks Michael.
The dark linen suit would also be great for a person like me who wear suits to work all the time in a place like DC. I’ve clearly got a decision to make today…
Thanks Joe! Just ordered my first pair of Allen Edmonds for a total of $269! My first pair of quality American made shoes!
Just want to add that there is an extra $10 off if you register with Brooks Brothers for the first time with the code “REG1X”.
Those sunglasses made me think of this picture of Harrison Ford that seems to pop up on r/mfa at least once a week.
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0193/6253/products/8259_872fbef3-7c35-4e50-9779-4858ac0c9262.jpg?v=1379456311
Is this about as cheap as Park Aves get (for firsts)? I’m in the market for black Park Aves, but I’m also not in a hurry. I could, for example, wait 3 months for the Nordstrom Half Year Sale.
Thanks
Black Park Aves were on sale at last year’s Nordstrom sale for…$239, I think?
Really liking the Suede Kiltie Tassel in gray (taupe)! Hmmm….
They got down to $235 during the Semi-Annual sale in December, so it’s a good bet that they’ll hit get back down there again during the next sale in June.
Though you have to ask — what’s ~$20 in the grand scheme of things, especially for shoes that will last you many years with care? These stay well-stocked, but it’s possible your size will sell out before June.
Based on price and being made in the USA, I’m guessing that the “Peal & Co.® Straight Captoe Bluchers” are made by Alden. http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Peal-Co.%C2%AE-Straight-Captoe-Bluchers/065H,default,pd.html?dwvar_065H_Color=BLCK&contentpos=1&cgid=0522
Does anyone know which English shoemaker is making the “Captoe Bluchers” http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Captoe-Bluchers/136H,default,pd.html?dwvar_136H_Color=BK&contentpos=2&cgid=0522
OR the “Peal & Co.® Double Monk Strap Shoes” http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Peal-Co.%C2%AE-Double-Monk-Strap-Shoes/MH00231,default,pd.html?dwvar_MH00231_Color=BLCK&contentpos=79&cgid=0522
I agree 100%. AE prices have gone up by $20 too, so the Nordstrom sale price might be a bit higher this year as well.
Anyone know if the corporate membership discount stacks?
Thank you for the Lil Jon references+links. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the Lil Jon talking to Lil Jon sketch.
This photo is proof that true style is timeless.
That…and beards are manly as hell.
Crockett & Jones is the current Peal & Co. manufacturer for the Made in England items, as far as I know. Pretty decent prices for C&Js, but still a bit rich for my blood.
It shouldn’t – Corporate discounts are off of original prices (unless there is some technical glitch – in which case definitely let us know!)
I. as well. Echoing the hmmm. But man. That ain’t cheap.
The poron (extra padded) insole in the BB/AE shoes *can* lead to some fit differences from normal AEs. FYI. I personally had issue with some of BB’s “Strands” (shoebank seconds) being too tight across the instep, and also some heel-slippage due to that foot-raising feature. Just something to keep in mind, if/when ordering any of their AEs.
Just about. For all the comments about lower prices below (or above?) keep in mind the combination sole is probably not included (+$50). I’d say this is a very solid deal.
In-store, you might find a generous associate that will do it. But from my experience, the website won’t even stack deals that are stack-able.
I really don’t like the brooks version of the AE shoes. the leather part of the heel makes no sense- it’s more slippery than the standard AE heel, and instead of a cork insole, which eventually molds to your foot and becomes really comfortable, the brooks version uses a poron insole with an extra heel pad, all covered by a leather insert. all this padding means WAY less volume in the shoe for your foot, and can prevent balmorals from being able to close the lacing, which looks weird too me
yeah, i actually pulled the leather insert up and peeled off the heel insert. more room now, and my heel doesn’t slip. it looks kinda crappy inside the shoe now, but of course is not noticeable with your shoes on
They are pricey (maybe too pricey for Brooks Brothers?) but I don’t necessarily shy away from AE or Alden….LETS SAVE UP TOGETHER!
I still can’t get into the “tassel” loafer. I want to like them, I just don’t. Anyone else? I go with driving mocs as my substitute for the tassel.
Those kiltie loafers might be my new favorite pair of shoes.
Interesting to hear. The poron (brilliant word, btw) is news to me but I haven’t had any issue with room, and I wear the shoes with an insole (albeit a narrow plastic one designed for dress shoes).
My biggest criticism of the non-BB AEs is how quickly the rubber part of the heel wears out and in this respect the BB seems much better,. It may be a quirk of my gait (not helped by my 30-minute daily walk to work on city sidewalks) but I get 3 months at most on new AEs before I need the cobbler to re-do the AE heel rubber. By contrast the BB heel rubber seems to much stronger — nearly a year of wear and it’s still going strong.
I glanced at the price of those gloves and saw $139 which I thought was pretty damn expensive, but hey, alligator.
Then I read the description and re-read the price.
Wat.
I just purchased the Blue tic brookscool suit during their 40% off sale. It’s currently being tailored so I don’t know how the finished product is going to feel but the look of the suit is great – the website captures the color accurately. When I tried it on (in its un-tailored state) it was both breathable, lightweight, and well-constructed.
It’s their fitzgerald fit, so a bit slimmer than the standard BB suit. The jacket body didn’t have as much taper as I like so I’m getting that taken in a bit so the suit is more form-fitting. BB does free basic alterations on the pant waist, pant length, and jacket sleeve length so if you’re an off the rack kind of guy this will really work out in your favor.
Also, its full-canvas which the product description doesn’t mention.
I bought a pair of the Ralph Lauren Elric tassel loafers with the same nubuck unfinished leather as the BB ones above. I’m pretty sure the RL ones are either made by Raincourt or AE. They were somewhere between $150 – 200 at Nordstrom Rack and retailed for $495. I was skeptical but I find myself wearing them regularly. The look exactly like the BB ones minus the lack of the front leather strap being weaved down the side of the shoe just below the top side seam.
I’ve gotten mostly positive comments. Anyone who has cracked a joke at them but isn’t wearing a nicer shoe I generally disregard. Venetian Loafers from DSW or tennis shoe at work everyday guys are often insecure around those of us with nice kicks.
Congratulations, and welcome to what will become an expensive habit. You’ll find you can never put a pair of lesser shoes on your feet again!
It evokes a very specific style, so naturally it won’t be for everyone. Just like those ribbon drivers from RL that was posted about a week ago. I personally love tassel loafers, but I imagine what you feel about tassel loafers is what I feel about kiltie loafers.
Very true!
Yes, this is about it. Give or take $20. Also keep an eye out on Amazon… every now and then they have select shoes (usually AE, To Boot NY, etc) for 30% off.
Amazon currently has the park ave’s for $260 sold/shipped by Amazon. 20% one time fashion subscription coupon brought them down to $213