Nordstrom Winter Clearance Event: 12/25 – 1/4
When Nordstrom decided to do away with their “half yearly” sales, some of us mentally kicked rocks. That was a huge bummer, since the half-yearly sales were a top ten (if not top 5) sale of the year. But Nordstrom said they’d still run a sale after the holidays, as well as in June, and add a seasonal clearance in spring as well as fall. The true test, for us on the customer side, would be to see how it all shook down with their new after Christmas clearance.
Conclusion: It’s pretty much the same as the half-yearly. If not better.
The sale section swelled to over 9,000 items at the sale’s launch (last winter’s half-yearly was 8,000 items), it’s still free shipping and free returns, and there’s still plenty of sizes to pick from for most items. Now remember, this isn’t Kohl’s or Macy’s, so prices can be steep, even when on sale. Cream of the crop (the “crop” = 92 page long sale section) picks are below.
Polo Ralph Lauren Quilted or Ribbed Gloves – $58.96 ($88)
Excellent. Been waiting for these to take a significant dip, and the free shipping and free returns policy from Nordstrom is a huge help. Sometimes it’s tough to find a good fit with gloves. Both styles come in black or brown. Same sale price. Both are lined with wool and thinsulate. Real nice, mid-weight gloves, that should keep your hands warm in everything but extreme conditions.
Wolverine 1000 Mile McClean – $237.85 ($355)
McClean indeed. Cleaner than the board of health. But still plenty tough. Got down to $229 during the once a year in July Anniversary sale, but these are at a very, very nice price considering the time of year, and the slop on the streets that comes with it. UPDATE: These are going quick. Sizes were plentiful at the start of the sale, but are quickly becoming scattered.
Ledbury Shirts – $74.90 – $89.90 ($125 – $155)
The lowered second button. The superior fabric and buttons. The solid construction and nice collars. Ledbury is one of those shirts that a lot of us put on our “WANT” list for when we’ve saved up. And now, they’re on sale. Major hat tip to David L. for being the first one to point out that these are part of Nordstrom’s winter clearance sale. A reminder: Ledbury sleeves tend to run a bit long. So be prepared to shell out a bit after the purchase on tailoring unless you have longer arms than most.
Todd Snyder Made in the USA White Label Suits – $532 – $599 ($795 – $894)
Right. Pretty pricey. But Todd Snyder is an American Designer who wanted to make a new line of suits here in the United States. And the White Label collection is the end result. Manufactured in Chicago. Half Canvas. Not too traditional, not too trendy. Certainly appears to have non functioning buttons. A splurge, but an investment at the same time. There are sportcoats too, and those’ll run in the high $300s with this sale.
1901 Merino Wool & Cashmere Shawl Collar Sweater – $76.80 ($128)
An awfully tempting 30% cashmere, 70% wool blend from one of Nordstrom’s younger, more trimmer fitting lines. Also available in the obviously versatile black and grey.
Bonobos Straight Leg 5-Pocket Cords – $83.75 ($125)
Currently going for $98 over on Bonobos. Not a ton of shades to pick from, but they’re wheelhouse uber-versatile colors. 5-pocket styling. Famous Bonobos rear-end fit.
Calibrate “Reno” Plain Toe Derby – $83.75 ($125)
Sometimes, all you want (or need) is a plain brown lace up. And these’ll do just fine. The shoeist shoe to ever shoe in shoedom. Or something.
Nordstrom 80% Wool / 20% Cashmere Topcoat – $331.65 ($495)
A total and complete classic. Extremely well reviewed. Really nice chunk of cashmere in that blend. Available in black, navy, or grey.
Timberland Earthkeepers Side Zip Boot – $118.62 ($170)
A long time favorite. Some have complained that the soles wear out pretty quick, but some of us just haven’t seen that be the case. For $120, you’re getting a lot of boot here. Nice and flexible, comfortable, and good looking. Can handle some light trail work (say, an hour or so with the dog back in the hills) and then a meet up with pals for beers right after.
Nordstrom Reversible Leather Belt – $33.16 ($49.50)
A classic dress belt minus all the severe shine and edges you find on most other dress belts. Reversible. Strangely difficult to find that rounded off buckle/not so chrome finish combination. Ships & returns free like everything else.
1901 Slim Fit Washed Chinos – $34.75 ($69.50)
Dressed down, relaxed fabric (but not necessarily in fit) chinos. Tapered legs. Another offering from one of Nordstrom’s house brands which runs trimmer/younger than others.
Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $42.90 ($65)
And forty two bucks, this is probably the best bang-for-your-buck white dress shirt on the market. Sizes, unfortunately, are a bit scattered, and are moving pretty fast.
Allen Edmonds Walnut Strands – $327.25 ($385)
Nope. Not the best discount. Just 15% off. But what many would consider to be AE’s flagship (with some flash) dress shoe doesn’t go on sale a ton. Plus, if you find it for less somewhere else, Nordstrom is excellent about price matching, while still delivering on the free shipping/free returns policy. Just call customer service and tell them where you saw them for less in your size. Also available at this price in black. UPDATE: Looks like the walnut strands are no longer on sale? The good news is that Brooks Brothers has just launched their semi annual sale, and you can get their version of the AE Strand (made by Allen Edmonds too) for $247.35 through tomorrow, 12/27. Extra 15% discount happens at checkout.
Wallin & Bros Trim Fit Corduroy Blazer – $176.98 ($295)
Wherever there is injustice, you will find us. Wherever there is suffering, we’ll be there. Wherever liberty is threatened, you will find…
Ernest Alexander Bedford Carry On – $234.49 ($465)
A bit of an investment, price wise, but a lot of quality for the price. Made in the USA. Fantastic leather accents. Waxed canvas exterior. Solid hardware. And at 2340 cubic inches, it’s not some dinky little thing, yet it still meets carry on size restrictions.
Hugo Boss Square Dial Chrono – $198.49
(via Amazon) ($295)
AKA, the “I’d like a Monaco but I’m on a Milwaukee budget.” $250 through Nordstrom, but much, much cheaper through Amazon. Look, watch snobs… this one’s for looks. And sometimes? Just for looks is just fine.
Brooks Brothers 1818 Flat Front 100% Wool Pants – $112.56 ($168)
For the conservative office, trouser wearing crowd who wants a pair of pants that can hold up over time. Certainly not the slimmest things ever, but… again, for the conservative office crowd.
Nordstrom Flat Front Wool Gabardine Trousers – $65.98 ($98.50)
Or…. there’s these. For a heck of a lot less. Also 100% wool.
Wallin & Bros. Wool Flannel Flat Front Trousers – $72.49 ($149)
The pants parade continues! But these are flannel. So, expect a more fall/winter weight and texture. From a Nordstrom house brand, so the quality should be solid.
To Boot New York Brentwood Wingtip Boot – $259.90 ($395)
A cheaper, sleeker alternative to the well-loved Allen Edmonds Dalton. Not a darn thing wrong with the Dalton, but they’re pretty hefty in construction, and that can carry over visually. To Boot New York shoes aren’t quite as beastly, and along with slightly less broguing, these “Brentwood” boots look a little slimmer. Rubber sole will hopefully help keep you upright on slippery sidewalks.
Ernest Alexander “Watson” Briefcase – $212.99 ($355)
Casual but still quality. Made in the USA. Fits most 15″ laptops. A little bit cheaper than a Filson Original Brief with a slightly different look.
Billykirk Schoolboy Satchel – $192.49 ($385)
Meanwhile… You don’t see these dip under $200 all that often. A warning though: These things are SMALL. Only 14″ wide. It is called the “Schoolboy” satchel after all. Great looking leather. Made in the USA.
Etro Textured Paisley Print Trim Fit Woven Shirt – $245.98 ($410)
WAKE UP. Yeah, no. Just wanted to see if the quick-scrollers were still paying attention. Wait a minute, is the model wearing plaid pants along with that shirt? There’s already a lot (read: too much) going on with the torso. I mean, at least have the good sense to wear that shirt with, say, these jeans. Also. That price. What in the world?
Nordstrom Cashmere V-Neck or Crewneck Sweaters – $92.46 ($135)
Yes. Expensive. But not all cashmere is created equal. One of these is probably gonna kick a Macy’s Club Room cashmere sweater all over the yard. But then, there are those of us who stick to merino.
1901 Cashmere V-Neck or Crew Neck Sweaters – $68.98 ($115)
For those who prefer something cut slimmer, this would be the Nordstrom house brand that’ll deliver that fit in a cashmere sweater. Now under seventy bucks. Cheap enough that those of us who do, in fact, stick to merino, may consider a quick after Christmas retail treat. Lots of colors to choose from. Sizes are scattered depending on what color you want.
Nordstrom Driving Gloves – $46.56 ($69.50)
Terrific price. And despite the dandy connotations drivers come with, they really are useful for high 30s – low 50s. Also, if you drive a stick. And if you have the opportunity to acquire a vehicle with a manual transmission, give it strong consideration. They’re a friggin’ blast.
1901 Slim Fit Cotton Chinos – $34.75 ($69.50)
All cotton and certainly look like they lean towards the casual/rumpled side.
To Boot New York ‘Stark’ Cap Toe Derby – $199 ($325)
To most, TBNY shoes are nice quality, but don’t quite measure up to Allen Edmonds. Yet they’re priced right up there with good ol’ AEs. Now, with a sale, these basic cap toes with a medallion drop to under $200. There’s a bit of a squaring to the toe, but it’s not that noticeable in person. Made in Italy.
Wallin & Bros. Trim Fit Plaid or Check Wool Sport Coat – $197.49 ($395)
One drawback to these Nordstrom House brand sportcoats is that some can have a harder shoulder than most would like. But still, under two hundred for a solid quality wool sportcoat isn’t half bad.
Cole Haan Cambridge Single Monk – $172.86 ($258)
A bit spendy for a Cole Haan, but boy it stands out (for those of us who like single monks, probably in a good way, if you hate single monks or monk straps of any kind, then these obviously won’t float your boat). Great texture with that grain, and a very, very nicely shaped buckle. Soles sure appear to be stitched. Probably from one of their higher quality factories in India?
Barbour Tinford Regular Fit Quilted Jacket – $119.93 ($179)
Limited sizes in the olive option, but plenty in the blue. It is a true regular fit, so expect some boxiness. Does have tabs at the sides though, so, you might be able to cinch it in a bit.
Nordstrom Cashmere Scarves – $65.90 ($99.50)
Winter might have just technically gotten underway, but the scarves are all on sale. If you’re going to drop some cash on cashmere, might as well be on something that you wrap around your neck.
John W. Nordstrom Lucas Wingtip – $130.65 ($195)
JWN shoes are solid quality. This one certainly leans more spring/summery (especially so in the “sand” nubuck/suede looking option) but could do duty now with jeans. Made in Italy.
Romeo Gigli Shawl Collar Knit Cardigan – $77.98 ($130)
Pretty much the definition of a “house sweater”. Chunky. Larger gauge knit. 51% merino / 49% acrylic. Made in Italy.
Billykirk Leather Belt – $62.49 ($125)
To plenty of guys… belts just aren’t that exciting. To others, they’re an accessory worth investing in. This would be an investment worthy, made in the USA, just different enough buckle, casual belt that you can now get for half off. Yahtzee. Want something a bit more… traditional looking? Sure. Here.
Nordstrom Made in the USA Cedar Shoe Trees – $14.95 ($19.95)
Ships free. Didn’t have to get up off the couch. Sure thing.
The Nordstrom Winter Clearance Event “ends” on January 4th. What happens on January 4th? Who knows. Maybe some items get removed from the sale section, while others get a further markdown? Not sure. We’ll find out together.