Nordstrom Clearance Sale – February 2015
It seems odd to say that a sale featuring over 3,400 items feels a bit on the lean side, but compared to their post Christmas “winter clearance” event, it is. That winter clearance had over 9,000 items in it. Twas a monster, that one. And while this pre-spring clearance event doesn’t quite stack up, it’s still Nordstrom. That means great brands (both in-house and otherwise), reasonable prices now that these items are on sale, and free shipping & free returns. No “final” sale nonsense either.
They say this event runs through 2/22. What happens then? Prices on a few items may return to normal. Prices on other items may get reduced further. Who knows. As always, picks below are limited to items with at least a decent size selection at post time unless otherwise noted.
Bruno Magli ‘Maioco’ Oxford – $284.75 ($425)
These have a tendency to show up during Nordstrom sales. Very simple, but a fantastic shoe for under $300. Extremely comfortable. And as long as they haven’t changed the leather they use on these things, they should be close to glove-soft out of the box.
1901 Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $28.90 ($49)
From the younger, trimmer leaning house brand 1901. Non-iron finish. Looks to be a true spread collar. Available in white or light blue. Well reviewed. Neck & sleeve measurements instead of the not exact enough (for most) S/M/L/etc.
Allen Edmonds 5th Ave. in Walnut – $299.95 ($385)
The quintessential quarter brogue. Now just under three bills. Only on sale in walnut though, and this is the only pair of Allen Edmonds lace ups in the entire sale (there is a chunky looking penny loafer for those interested in a super traditional style).
Topman Wool Blend Trench in Navy or Grey – $89.99 ($180)
They changed the design on these, ever so slightly, from last year (the grey) to this year (the navy). See the position of the button on the gunflap? It moved. Still has chest high hand warmer pockets, but this year the lower pockets went from patch pockets to welt/slash pockets. Still a great looking, well fitting wool-blend trench. Especially for $90. Not the warmest thing, but not flimsy either. Size UP if you’re in between. The navy is a size large on 5’10” / 180. Review here.
To Boot New York ‘Aaron’ Oxford – $216.90 ($325)
Like the Bruno Magli oxford, this one seems to be a stalwart of Nordstrom sales. Unlike the Bruno Magli oxford, the leather isn’t quite as good (it’s fine for the low $200s price tag) and the toe here has a bit of a chisel to it. Still an attractive dress shoe, and if your commute can get hairy due to weather, the sole on this one provides some grip.
Todd Snyder White Label Cashmere Tie – $59.90 ($95)
There are neckties, and neckties. These are the latter. Good gravy, those are something. Even for the most ardent, tieless proponents, one of these 100% cashmere, made in Italy numbers might get em’ to wrap one of these around their neck. A total splurge, but… c’mon.
Skagen ‘Strand’ Watch – $80.98 ($138)
Not going to be everyone’s style, but now very cheap without looking it. Super modern. Blue tipped second hand. A decent way to mix it up when it comes to dress watches. Full review can be found here.
Calibrate ‘Tiberio’ Cap Toe – $77.98 ($138)
WOW those look… shiny. But the shape looks terrific, the details look nice, and Calibrate has delivered on some nice dress shoes in the past. Just don’t expect the leather to be amazing quality (they’re $78 for cryin’ out loud).
Nord. Cashmere Scarf – $49.75 | Andrew Stewart UK Made Cashmere Scarf – $74.98
Pick your herringbone cashmere scarf poison. Fifty bucks for the Nordy house brand, or, $75 for the made in the UK luxury option. Both are 50% off.
The Rail ‘Kingston’ Chelsea Boot – $59.96 ($99.95)
Not sure about the options with the orange or red elastic gore side panels, but the grey “ash” with the navy panels might look awfully good with jeans. Especially for sixty bucks.
Vince Camuto Wool Blend Topcoat – $199.90 ($398)
Just about out of topcoat season, which is precisely why these are on sale. BUT… twas tough to find a camel colored topcoat for a decent price this year. Seems like not too many places made them for an affordable price. Enjoying that ticket pocket as well. Shell is 63% wool, 21% polyester, 10% rayon, and… wait for it… 6% of that mysterious substance known as “other.” Size selection was plentiful across the board at post time.
Barbour Made in the UK Fair Isle Scarf – $59.40 ($99)
Awesomely traditional. Made in the UK as well. Just enough Fair Isle, just enough stripes. Probably going to be a favorite for many, many years to come.
TBNY ‘Brooklyn’ Double Monk or ‘Stark’ Derby – $199.90 ($325)
Another couple of Italian made options from TBNY. Still has that slight chisel toe though, so know that going in. Awfully expensive at full price, but a nice deal now that they’re down to under $200.
Nordstrom Buffalo Plaid Cashmere Scarf – $49.75 ($99.50)
Nice. Good way to work in a third color on what is traditionally a two color pattern. All cashmere here.
Navy/Grey Sperry Original Boat Shoe – $58.77 ($97.95)
I mean… winter has to end at some point, right? Maybe? Limited size availability on these.
John Varvatos Star USA Drivers in Suede (?) or Deerskin – $62.49 ($125)
Appears to be suede on the left? Despite the name of the brand, these are NOT made in the USA.
1901 Canyon Chukka Boot – $69.90 ($99.95)
From the younger leaning Nordstrom house brand. 1901 shoes can be decent quality, especially for the price, but sometimes they can go a little overboard with burnishing and design details. These look like they might fall victim to that. Maybe. Good thing there’s free shipping & free returns.
Todd Snyder White Label Knit Wool or Knit Silk Tie – $59.90 ($95)
Multiple color options for each of these. Wool & tipped for a more casual vibe, or silk and solid for a more dressed up feel. 2.25″ wide and made in Italy for the American Designer.
Made in the USA Apolis Chore Jacket – $178.80 ($298)
Described as an extra trim fit here, so consider sizing up. 60% cotton, 30% wool, 10% nylon. Buffalo horn buttons. Prepare thyself for accusations of lumbersexuality? Who cares.
Gordon Rush ‘Thornton’ Chelsea Boot – $136.80 ($228)
Certainly pretty slick looking, but Gordon Rush shoes can sometimes be suspect in terms of quality and comfort (especially for their full retail price). But the sale price here, plus the free shipping/returns policy, gets them down into the mention-worthy zone. More on Chelsea boots (and more chelseas) over here.
7 Diamonds ‘Glasgow’ Double Breasted Peacoat – $147.49 ($295)
60% wool, 40% polyester blend for the shell, and a lot of details that some guys look for in a peacoat. Handwarmer pockets at the chest. A good sized collar for turning up. Does have epaulets as well as tabs at the cuffs, so if you don’t like those traditional details, best to look elsewhere (such as the J. Crew dock peacoat, which has gone on sale plenty as of late). Appears to be a bit on the shorter side in terms of length?
Fossil ‘Mercer’ Brief – $214.40 ($268)
Dropping over two hundred bucks on a Fossil briefcase seems counter-intuitive for some of us, but this one is all leather, nice and slim, and the branding (unlike on most FOSSIL goods) is at least somewhat subtle. Just an embossed logo in the lower corner. Very well reviewed.
Boemos Wingtip Boot – $157.45 ($235)
Boemos? Beats me. Made in Italy though, and they appear to have a stitched sole. Some rubber/synthetic/danite-like studs on that sole too. Might be a more affordable option for those that have their eyes on the AE Dalton?
SMELL THE GLOVE(S) (4 pairs to be exact)
- John W. Nordstrom Drivers – $34.75 ($69.50)
- Nordstrom Perforated Leather Gloves – $24.75 ($49.50)
- UGG Genuine Shearling Gloves – $77.49 ($155)
- Polo Merino Wool Gloves – $27.49 ($55)
Late winter = prime glove buying season. Good for those who might have lost a pair (or, just one glove, rendering the other useless) over the last few months. Sizes are a bit scattered on all of these. Big fan of the just-different-enough perforations on those black dress gloves.
This latest Nordstrom Clearance Sale is set to expire on Feb. 22nd. Everything, as is always the case with Nordstrom, ships & returns free.