Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Winter 2015/16
It’s arguably one of the better sales of the year. No codes to wrangle. No extra % coming off once something hits your cart. The price you see is the price you pay, and since it’s Nordstrom, everything ships and returns for free. Everything. Plus, Nordstrom is the rare department store that has curated some really nice, upper scale brands, and balances those more expensive items with their solid quality, house-brand goods.
So what’s the catch? When they do a sale, it’s always huge. As in inventory. As in… there are more than ten thousand items to browse. Ten. Thousand. Over a hundred pages of scrolling and clicking. And we went through all of it. Even had to put some new batteries in the wireless mouse about half way through (apparently they were on their last legs). As always, the picks below are limited to those with at least a decent size selection at post time.
Ralph Lauren Insulated Leather Racing Gloves – $43.98 ($88)
Half off. Nicely lined and warm without being bulky. Walks the line between a not warm enough dress glove, and a too bulky super-insulated glove. Seems to run pretty true to size. The free shipping & free returns is key, since gloves can sometimes be an odd fit, depending on hand shape. Also available in Brown.
Ralph Lauren Insulated Quilted Gloves – $43.98 ($88)
Same gloves, different trajectory of the lines. A quilted pattern here, instead of the all-one-direction lines of the “Racing” gloves. Black or brown available too.
John W. Nordstrom Trim Fit Solid Dress Shirt – $58.90 ($98.50)
From their upgraded-in-quality JWN line. Appears to be a royal oxford when you zoom in on the weave? All cotton. French placket keeps it simple and sleek down the front.
Nordstrom ‘Sydney’ Wool Twill Topcoat – $331.65 ($495)
Dead simple, and since it’s Nordstrom, you know the quality should be there. All wool with a three button front. And unlike a lot of other options, this one doesn’t come with a covered placket. Some will like that, some won’t, but it sure seems easier to button.
To Boot New York Brentwood Wingtip Boot – $197.49 ($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. Sizes are moving fast.
1901 Colorblock 70% Merino / 30% Cashmere Sweater – $58.80 ($98)
That’s a pretty substantial amount of cashmere in that sweater. 1901 is a Nordstrom house brand that leans a little younger and leaner, so finger’s crossed that the fit is on the trimmer side?
Michael Kors Trim Fit Wool Blend Overcoat – $174.98 ($350)
Not as dead simple as the Nordy’s topcoat above, but some might like those extra details like the trench-inspired tabs at the cuffs and that extra line of fabric on the lower back. Available in Charcoal, Navy, or Black. 70% wool.
Trafalgar Cotton Web Belt – $26.98 ($45)
One of those casual belts that looks perfect in the summer, but shouldn’t be shelved for the colder months by any means. Three different colors to pick from.
Nordstrom 100% Cashmere Shawl Collar Sweater – $95.90 ($160)
All cashmere, easy to wear, and five different colors to pick from. A little bit of casual luxury for the long cold months. Sizes seem to be a bit scattered, depending on what color you’re after.
1901 Plain Toe Suede Boot – $76.90 ($115)
A lighter tan suede boot that you won’t be too worried about mucking up in the bad weather. Decent looking traction on the sole as well. First mentioned over in this style scenario.
Jack Spade “Fletcher” 54mm Sunglasses – $100.80 ($168)
Jack Spade, once again, excelling at the just-different-enough factor. Aviators but with slightly thickened rims. 54mm, so gonna be better for the guys with slightly larger faces.
John W. Nordstrom Cashmere Blend Cable Knit Socks – $24.75 ($49.50)
Even at half off, twenty five bucks seems awfully steep for a pair of socks. But… they are 75% cashmere. I know. I know. A lot of us react with a “so what?” Yet there are others who have pulled on a pair of cashmere socks before, and like treating their dogs to that kind of quality.
Made in the USA Todd Snyder Trim Fit Wool Blazer – $272.49 ($545)
The only hesitation with Todd Snyder suit jacket and sportcoats is the button stance. It looks a touch high for most tastes… but maybe that’s not the case in real life? Could it be just the photography? This is where the free shipping & returns policy by Nordstrom really comes in handy. Made in the USA of imported fabric.
Wool Blend Duffel Coats from B. Sherman – $197 or Black Rivet – $119
Duffel coats are a heritage design for the nastiest of weather. Originally $329 and $198 respectively, both of these are at least 60% wool, have the classic toggle closure, and patch pockets up front for storing winter essentials. Personally, I’m a fan of having those chest high hand warmer pockets on the Black Rivet option, but that’s just me.
Lambswool Quilted Jacket – $266.66 ($398)
A complete and utter splurge, but caught a few eyes when it hit the Brooks Brothers site with the new fall arrivals. Made from lambswool, with Italian Flannel front panels. The quilting and the buttons and that stand up collar make for one outstanding looking casual jacket. And it better be, for that asking price. Hell, it better be for the sale price.
To Boot New York Double Monk Straps – $199.90 ($325)
Not going to be Allen Edmonds Quality, but still nice leathers and good construction. Made in Italy.
Bonobos Slim Fit Wrinkle Free White or Blue Dress Shirt – $57.90 ($98)
Solid white or a blue end-on-end weave. Couple of basics from Bonobos. Or, you could go with the Nordstrom house brand option, with a very slight tonal herringbone pattern to the weave, for $20 less…
Polo Ralph Lauren Double Face Scarf – $28.98 ($58)
A straight up dashing scarf. You heard me. Straight. Up. It’s like a power tie, only much more effective at keeping the frigid winter temps off your neck. Even if you don’t wear a tie. Especially if you don’t wear a tie.
Nordstrom Driving Gloves – $34.75 ($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. Also available in black.
USA Made Todd Snyder Trim Fit Wool Sport Coat – $272.49 ($545)
From his “White Label” line carried by Nordstrom. Made in the USA. Check pattern has some color to it but it’s not drunk uncle obnoxious.
Nordstrom Trim Fit Smartcare Check Dress Shirt – $38.90 ($69.50)
Pretty much the perfect example of a bold check dress shirt (how to wear it here, with a black/white example, navy/white is even more versatile). Nice quality on these as well. Especially for the sale price. Neck & sleeve measurements. Good collars.
Bonobos Slim Fit Moleskin Jean – $92.46 ($138)
Fair warning. These will be less expensive through Bonobos IF you can hold out for an extra 20% – 30% off sale items code. They were running one pre-Christmas, and a pair was picked up for the personal collection. They’re impressive. Buttery soft cotton moleskin in that well liked by many Bonobos fit. Ninety bucks for a pair of pants is steep. No question. But they’re something else. So, keep an eye out for other deals if you’re in the market but not of the budget at the moment. Also, Nordstrom is only offering the slim fit at present.
7 Diamonds Quilted Panel Lambswool – $89.40 ($149)
First mentioned in the SPECTRE Steal the Style post and got another mention in the annual outerwear round up. Ribbed lambswool collar, sleeves, and back, with a quilted torso. Solid quality knit too. Tightly woven, and seems to keep the wind at bay. Not super warm, but good as an extra layer or when outside and on the move. Ships and returns free via Nordstrom. Also available in navy. Size shown is a medium.
Bonobos Raglan Crewneck Sweater – $72.36 ($108)
Description seems to indicate that this is their “slim” fit? 40% acrylic, 30% wool, 20% nylon, 10% alpaca blend. Also available in a deep red “wine” shade.
LaMarque Suede Bomber Jacket – $315 ($475)
Shade’s of Bond’s Tangier jacket from Spectre? A suede jacket, in a shade like this “stone brown” one, is an easy way to get into the leather jacket game without looking like a wayward member of The Village People.
Todd Snyder Trim Fit Dress Shirt in Check or Navy – $69.90 ($125)
From the American Designer Todd Snyder who’s been making some waves lately. Just dress shirts, but also just different enough? For example, that navy (is it an oxford weave?) shirt would look great under a grey suit with a dark knit tie for a monochrome kinda look.
Topman Bird’s Eye Wool Blend Trench Coat – $99 ($200)
Looks to be pretty darn similar to last year’s belted wool trench. 53% wool, 38% polyester, 7% acrylic, 2% nylon. If memory serves, they’re not the warmest things in the world, but they’re not UNIQLO thin either. And no, you don’t have to wear the belt with it if you don’t want to.
Jack Spade Anchor or Plain Card Case – $38.90 ($78)
Embossed Anchor case comes in either brown or a deep navy, while the plain card case comes in that super-light “charcoal” shade.
Cole Haan Cambridge in Java Grain – $149.90
($258)
From one of Cole Haan’s higher quality lines. Still not Allen Edmonds quality, but better than many of their other offerings. Grain leather on this one with a bit of broguing. Stitched sole. Gold/Brass tone buckle might not float everyone’s boat. Made in India.
Upstate Stock Wool Blend Mittens w/Deerskin Palms – $29.98 ($60)
Made in the USA Mittens for grown ups. Deerskin palms help with grip, while the 70% wool ragg knit base helps keep your hands warm. And don’t scoff at mittens. They trump gloves in terms of warmth all day every day.
Skagen Leather Card Case – $20.98 ($35)
Simple. Very simple. Stamped branding is super subtle as well. Nice light tan color will look good coming out of a navy suit jacket or blazer pocket.
Grayers Herringbone Two-Button Wool Blend Blazer – $130.65 ($195)
Would probably look a lot better with just the center button buttoned. Appears to be more of a field/workwear style of sportcoat, and less of a polished blazer. 75% wool, 25% nylon. Down to just Small and XL at post time.
Nordstrom Plaid Scarf – $24.75 or Polo Double Sided Scarf – $28.90
The Nordstrom scarf is all wool while the Polo option is an 80% wool / 20% Nylon blend and made in Italy. Not a bad way to work either some pattern, or, a bit of camel into an otherwise dark and simple coat (if that’s how your coats lean). Both are half off. Not a bad price for either, especially if you left your prior scarf in a cab or on the subway during the holiday rush.
Wallin & Bros. Trim Fit Wool Blend Sweater – $58.96 ($88)
A mechanic’s style wool blend sweater from one of Nordstrom’s better house brands. 80% Wool and 20% Nylon. Six button front with a neck high enough to keep you warm when the bitter temps hit. The trimmer fit is extra welcome here, since most of the time this style of sweater can be enormous through the sides.
John W. Nordstrom Creased Wool Pants – $65.98 ($98.50)
All wool with a 16″ leg opening. Flat front, crease down the legs, and that medium blue “”navy peacoat heather” shade looks pretty darn good.
The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale runs through Sunday, January 3rd. After that? Might want to check their sale section again to see if there are any further markdowns.