The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was

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: All the Presidents Day Sales

Really? Yes really. Presidents Day Weekend sales were pretty darn good this year for the mens style crowd. Spier & Mackay got new core suits in, BR went exclusion free, and even Nordstrom had a winter sale. Note to self. Don’t ignore the Presidents Days sales next year. It’s kinda a late winter clearance + very early new spring arrivals deal-zone.

Best Individual Deal: Woolrich Yankee Boots for $125 ($325) expired

Made in the USA from gorgeous Horween leather. Goodyear welted. Classic work boot shape that isn’t hugely clunky. And they were marked down for $125? That was a rare one indeed. Coming in a close second was the select (read: mostly stripes and plaids) Brooks Brothers made in the USA suit sale that had some 1818 suits down to $360.

Biggest Addition to the Site: Dappered Essentials Shop

A true, why the hell didn’t we do this earlier addition to the site. Huge thanks to everyone who suggested we put one of these together. It’s kinda like the $1500 wardrobe, only expanded. And we’ll try our best to keep on top of it, and update it seasonally.

Best Magna Carta Reference: Social Studies Teacher Style Scenario

Best and only reference. Just think. I could have been useful to society. HA! Yeah right.

Most Surprising News: Gap Inc. splitting off Old Navy from company

I am not a lot of things. One of which is a Social Studies Teacher. Another is the holder of an MBA. Never saw this coming, and I’m a bit worried about Banana Republic. Banana Republic has been on a role style-wise. But Old Navy has been the money maker. And Old Navy is getting split off from GAP and Banana Republic, to forge ahead on its own. Look, the middle has been hit hardest in this transition to a 21st century retail landscape, where people either want a lot of cheap stuff (H&M, Zara, Old Navy) or super high end stuff (luxury high fashion brands). So, who knows what happens next, now that BR has the millstone that is GAP hanging around its neck.

News that wasn’t News to Everyone: Target’s App Charges more the closer you get to the store?

Select users on Social Media: “This isn’t new, Target has been doing this for a while.”
Me: WELL THEN WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SOMETHING?!?

New Arrival Most Loved by the Cool Kids: Burgundy Killshots

I still don’t get it guys. The #menswear crowd goes bananas over everything Killshot related. The fellas on Reddit went ape-turds for these things. Nylon mesh uppers this time instead of leather. By the way, original Killshots are still in stock. And if you want alternatives, head here. UPDATE: Looks like these new burgundy killshots are back in stock. For now.

Most Thurston Howell III Approved Post: J. Press Sale

Heavens a YALE Man!

Best Annual Advice: Smartly Single > Stupidly Attached

Alone bear is alone. And alone bear is just fine with that. Why? Because if you’re not fine with being alone, you’re destined to “find” nothing but the wrong matches. Doesn’t mean you can’t be looking, but alone has to be cool too.

Most Wheelhouse Post: How to dress down a charcoal suit

If we’re gonna suggest charcoal over navy as your first suit (despite what most of the menswear geeks would say…) then we best show you how to wear it to something other than a job interview or a funeral.

Most Impressive New Affordable Boots: Banana Republic Arley Workboot

If you can impress our shoe expert, who spends most of his days in Aldens and the like, then you’re doing something right.

Question that needed to be asked: The hell is going on with J. Crew?

A new head of women’s design. Crazy fire sales. Killshots (the original) in stock and no longer artificially scarce. Not great news about debt as well as brick and mortar store closings. It’s rough going for J. Crew right now. Has been for a while. Who knows what’s next.