A wise man once asked: “What the hell just happened?” And for good reason. There is value in looking back. It gives us all a good gauge as to what is good, and more importantly, what is not good, going forward. Sure, the “clip show” is mostly a cheap (affordable?) device to create new content out of already published stuff. But it’s also a good way to catch up in case you missed something. So cue the flashback music. Here’s the very best from the month that was…
Best Sale: BR/GAP/ON 40% off w/ very few exclusions (exp)
Looks like the GAP inc. brands were trying to get a jump on your wallet before their competitors. There were very, very few exclusions with this sale. And they even added free 2-day shipping on orders of $75+, which can be easy to do, considering you can pick and choose from all three brands to hit that threshold. So not only did you get stuff for much less than normal (since BR picks, GAP Jeans, and other exclusions weren’t in effect…) you got it fast. Happy fall.
Best Individual, Bang-for-Buck Deal: AE Higgins Mill Boot for $250
This happened during their “Best in class” sale. A hundred bucks off. Just in time for fall. Horween leather, Made in the USA, Goodyear Welted, and comes with a Danite rubber sole. For $250. Not bad. They’ve since gone back to $350.
Best New Sportcoat: Old Navy Brushed Twill Blazer – $44.97 ($74.95)
Best blazer to hit the affordable men’s style market since J. Crew Factory was still selling their basic navy twill. Full review here. Just about sold out, but currently 40% off through tomorrow, 9/29/16. Thanks to Aaron on FB for the tip!
Best Style Scenario: First Day it Feels like Fall (nothing over $100 edit.)
Best in part because the first day it really feels like fall is always, well, the best, and the monetary limitation placed on each item was a solid twist. With costs going up everywhere, $100 isn’t quite as easy to stretch as it used to be. But, a classic dark-denim, OCBD, sportcoat combo was achieved here, with each piece being under a benjamin.
Most over foliaged Pocket: Fall Blazers Header – Take 1
We did tone it down for the final shot. The loudest one in the room, is the weakest one in the room. Even when it comes to leaves.
Best Replacement for a Sportcoat when a Sportcoat would be too much: A merino cardigan
Even the best fitting shirts can get a little wonky at the sides if they start to come untucked. The solution? Usually it’s a sportcoat or blazer. But what if you’ve got something coming up where a jacket, even a rumpled cotton sportcoat, would be too stuffy? Try a cardigan. Yes really. In lightweight, close fitting merino. It’ll breathe, clean up your torso lines, and not look too grandpa-ish, if you go with a muted shade like navy, charcoal, or burgundy. Try J. Crew Factory’s option. They do a nice job with theirs.
Least Surprising Departure: Lands’ End CEO Federica Marchionni is out
Schadenfreude is bad karama, but in all honesty, a lot of us were left scratching our heads about some of the moves Lands’ End has been making. Plus, the former Dolce and Gabbana executive was spending just one week a month in Dodgeville Wisconsin (where Lands’ End is located). Lands’ End still makes tote bags and fleece half zips. Yet they also started making the above coat, selling $419 suit jackets (just the jacket!), launched that weird “circle” membership, and began blowing cash on photo shoots on the Marshall Islands. Lands’ End could use a boost towards a more modern direction, but there seemed to be a pretty odd dichotomy afoot. There’s got to be an in-between.
Image that looks most like the Atari Logo: BR Chelsea Comparison
Pitfall was the best.
Most Wheelhouse Dappered Post: Best Navy Suits
Doesn’t get more classic than a well fitting navy suit. Here’s 9 of the best.
Best reason to buy a cast iron pan: Moroccan Chicken and Carrots
A cast iron pan is kinda an essential for any guy. Single, married, or somewhere inbetween. Make this once and pretty sure it’ll become part of your kitchen repertoire.
Most Divisive Footwear: Allen Edmonds Fairfax – $209.97
User Devastitis on threads: “They’re ugly as sin.”
Me, reading that:
Fair enough. Like I said, they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Still, I love mine. And they sold quick, so, they aren’t butt ugly to everyone.
Best fabric: H&M’s Textured Italian Wool Blazer – $129.00
Amazing fabric. But, the proportions are a bit odd. That shot above actually looks pretty decent, but it probably runs half to a full size small. And sizing up will = drowning in the arms for most. Still, the Italian, sorta looser/waffle weave wool is soft, breathes great, and moves fantastically well. Made in Romania. Frankly, a little stunned this was at H&M.
Further Proof Nordstrom is a step above the rest: 1901 Chukkas
I hate to be an utter fan boy, but between their free shipping and free returns, the 3rd party brands they carry, their every so often major sale events, and the quality/looks of the goods from their in house (such as these chukkas), they’re miles ahead of their department store competition.
Fastest way to have 15 minutes evaporate: What Watch I Wore Today
Less involved than What I Wore Today posts. And fantastic if you appreciate/wear watches. The variety of brands, types, etc. is pretty fun too.
Feeling Nostalgic? Here’s the archive containing previous editions of Best of the Month that Was.