Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
What makes Mad Men’s Don Draper always look so sharp? The key to Draper’s style is a well cut suit (then again, his dashing good looks don’t hurt either). But while we can’t all look like Draper, you can dress like him.
Brooks Brothers and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant collaborated on a limited edition suit that sold out in a snap, but you can just look for the following details when you’re shopping for (or custom tailoring) your next suit:
Slim Cut Silhouette: Just say no to shapeless suits. The trim silhouette makes you look slimmer and taller, no matter what your personal architecture.
Medium Gray Sharkskin: If you have only one suit in your wardrobe, make it a gray one. A gray suit goes everywhere, and it works even when a black suit is too somber. That extra sheen is from the sharkskin fabric, a popular material in the 1960s and 1980s.
Diagonal Pockets: The slight diagonal of the pockets adds to the slimming effect of the suit.
Narrow Lapels: Notice the trimmer than usual notched lapels on this jacket.
Side Vents: Instead of a single vent at the center back, this jacket features two side vents–all the better for the fitted silhouette of the suit.
Sleeve Length: The perfect sleeve length for a jacket shows about a half inch of shirt sleeve.
October 20th, 2009
Guys, it’s time to beef up your outerwear wardrobe and fill your closet with an assortment of versatile coats and jackets that will take you through fall. What will you need? A mix of casual and tailored styles in neutral, go-with-everything colors. Here’s six versatile jackets (all under $150, and most under $100) that will complete your fall outerwear wardrobe:
The Peacoat
Chino Peacoat | $34.90 at Heritage 1981
The Duffle Coat
Jersey Hooded Duffle | $91.19 at ASOS
The Field Jacket
Field Jacket | $99.50 at American Eagle
The Bomber Jacket
Pinstripe Bomber | $82.07 at ASOS
The Casual Blazer
Charcoal Shawl Collar Blazer | $80 at Topman
The 3/4 Length Coat
Long Length Double Breasted Coat | $127.66 at ASOS
What jackets will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 6th, 2009
Guys, it’s time to start embracing Fall Fashion. Key menswear trends include a strong Americana vibe that gives a nod to quirky British style. Think preppy classics with special details - but details that don’t take themselves too seriously. Our sartorial recommendation for the season? Invest in classic pieces that will keep your look sharp not only for Fall 2009, but for Fall 2010 and beyond. Here’s five pieces that you’ll want to have in your wardrobe for seasons to come:
The 3/4 Length Duffle Coat
Gloverall Made in London Duffle Coat | $459.75 at ASOS
How to wear it: Make the bright red color really pop with a pair of dark denim jeans.
The Classic Flannel Shirt
Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $34.99 at Gap
How to wear it: Pair this cozy flannel shirt with gray denim and distressed boots for a look that’s urban meets rugged.
The Bright Layering Tee
Cotton Waffle Knit Crewneck | $40 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: Let a bit of color peek out from under your gray or navy cardigan. Added bonus for you? The extra soft waffle knit fabric.
The Slim Shawl Collar Cardigan
Cable Knit and Sweat Cardigan | $64.37 at ASOS
How to wear it: Wear this shawl collared cardigan over a slim fit shirt. We love the texture of the cable knit pattern, which pairs nicely with other coarse textures like a medium wale corduroy.
The Sporty Quilted Jacket
Quilted Four Pocket Jacket | $200 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: We love how you can take this chic quilted jacket anywhere this Fall. Whether you’re catching a game or strolling downtown, this jacket is a practical, stylish choice. Pair it with a bright scarf for a playful look.
What will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 8th, 2009
We turn to Gap for casual classics - and this season, Gap is really delivering. We’re seeing the key pieces of the season at Gap - and in that sub $100 price range we love so much. Here’s our five favorite picks from Gap’s Fall 2009 collection:
Authentic Fit Jeans in Resin Rinse | $34.50 at Gap
How to wear it? There’s a reason why we love dark denim - it’s so versatile. You can pair these dark jeans with both casual shirts (like your polos and tees) and more formal fare (like your button-down shirts and blazers).
Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it? The key to not looking like a lumberjack is to pair this flannel shirt with fitted, tailored pieces and accessories.
Fitted Chambray Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it? We love the classic chambray button-down paired with sand colored khakis and a belt.
Field Jacket | $98 at Gap
How to wear it? Work with the outdoorsy feel of this jacket and pair it with a rugged, chunky sweater for Fall.
Cord Jacket | $68 at Gap
How to wear it? Play with color - pair your cord jacket with a brightly colored sweater. Let the color peek out by wearing the jacket open.
Thoughts on Gap’s Fall 2009 collection? Have a favorite that we missed? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 19th, 2009
It’s no secret that we’re fans of J Crew’s classic American style. We’ve reviewed their Fall 2009 collection and edited it down to the staples that you’ll be reaching for over and over again. Here’s our six favorite picks from J Crew’s Fall 2009 menswear collection:
Fatigue Jacket | $168 at J Crew
How to wear it? Wear your fatigue jacket with a bright color inside to get a look that’s thoroughly inappropriate for boot camp.
Cotton Cashmere Cardigan | $69.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? We’re loving a fitted navy cardigan worn just as it’s shown - with a pair of white jeans. So fresh and so clean.
Thermal Henley | $42.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? Pair this supersoft henley with your rugged fatigue jacket for a look that mixes soft and hard.
Solid Tweed Sportcoat | $265 at J Crew
How to wear it? Mustard yellow (as shown) or blood orange, with a splash of pure white, will make this grey tweed sportcoat shine.
Secret Wash Button Down Shirt in Scholar Tartan | $59.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? The pattern of the season, tartan plaid, works great under a fitted cardigan and dark rinse jeans.
Straight Fit Jean in Black Resin Crinkle Wash | $98 at J Crew
How to wear it? Take a break from your standard blue jean, and try these inky black jeans. Best paired with vibrant colors, like this bluish purple.
Thoughts on J Crew’s Fall 2009 collection? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 12th, 2009
Q: During the summer, I basically feel like I’ve got two choices for footwear with shorts: Teva brand flip flops or Chaco brand sandals. I’d like to get something in more of a ’shoe’ that I can wear without socks. What are some stylish "boat-shoes" or alternatives to boat-shoes?
A: You’re in luck - there are a number of warm weather shoe options open to you that aren’t sandals. If you want to step out of the house without socks, we’d recommend four types of shoes: boat shoes, tennis shoes, canvas shoes, and driving moccasins.
The Boat Shoe
Broken In Sperry Top Siders | $98 at J Crew
Sperry makes the classic boat shoe, and their collaboration with J Crew makes these traditional shoes better than ever. Between the distinctive custom dark wood color, the off white soles, and the cotton chambray lining, you won’t find a more unique boat shoe for under $100.
The Tennis Shoe
Springcourt Low Cut Canvas Shoes | $88 at Steven Alan
Springcourt shoes are the original French tennis shoe , but they’re anything but traditional in terms of features. We’re loving the convenient four hole ventilation channels - so your feet can breathe easy.
The Canvas Shoe
Zuriick Jakob Mid Top Canvas Shoes | $98 at Oak
These sleek canvas shoes remind us that casual footwear can be as sophisticated as its more formal cousins–and tons more fun. Love, love, love the ever-so-subtle striping and the bright purple shoe soles. Editor’s Note: Sizing is limited at Oak, since these shoes are selling fast. But they were fantastic enough that we wanted to feature them anyways.
The Driving Moccasin
Millbrook Leather Driving Mocs | $128 at J Crew
We’re digging the rich Italian leather on this driving moccasin. You’ll also enjoy the rubber sole, which gives you extra traction while driving - or just walking around.
Guys, what are your favorite summer shoe picks? Share them with us in the comments!
May 27th, 2009
From a fresh Gingham shirt to classic grey jeans, here are seven Spring wardrobe essentials to add to your closet:
The Gingham Shirt
Baird McNutt Linen Shirt in Classic Gingham | $79.50 at J Crew
The Pocketed Polo
Military Polo | $39.50 at Martin + Osa
The Go-Everywhere Sweater
All-Son Full Zip Sweater with Pockets | $68 at Urban Outfitters
The Layering Hoodie
Heavyweight Slub Jersey Hooded Henley | $59.50 at J Crew
The Rugged (yet Urban) Jacket
Military Jacket | $88 at Gap
The Grey Jeans
Vintage Slim Fit Garment Dyed Denim | $98 at J Crew
The Classic Sneaker
Jack Purcell Distressed Sneakers | $65 at J Crew
What are your favorite Spring essentials? Share them with us in the comments!
March 18th, 2009
Spring 2009 at J Crew is all about vintage-inspired All American style from the American West. Big Sur, Joshua Tree, and the California desert collided with 1950s classics to create J Crew’s very wearable wardrobe for Spring. Keeping versatility and budget in mind, we picked our five favorite pieces under $100:
Cotton Cashmere Campus Stripe Cardigan | $79.50 at J Crew
Glen Madras Shirt | $69.50 at J Crew
If Green’s not your color, do check out the shirt in Navy.
Secret Wash Button Down Shirt in Medium Gingham | $59.50 at J Crew
Feeling adventurous? Try the gingham shirt in a Pale Pink.
Retro Stripe Knit Tie | $49.50 at J Crew
Vintage Slim Fit Garment Dyed Denim in Wheat | $98 at J Crew
February 11th, 2009
by John Liu
Black Signal Flag Watch | $85 at Nautica
Can you say classic…with a twist? The black strap and silver case are nothing new, but the flags, in place of numbers or roman numerals, are a nice touch.
Cotton Cashmere Jerome Cardigan | $89 at Club Monaco (in stores only)
Cardigans are traditionally found in your grandfather’s closet, and perhaps rightly so. But they were big amongst trendsetters in 2008, and they will stick around through 2009, maybe longer. Here’s your chance to get a great one for a good price (especially considering that it’s part cashmere). Slim, solid and dark, just the way I like them.
Pinstripe Hidden Pocket Shirt | $73 (sale) at Oak
Oak’s signature is to take a classic and add a twist. Here, the store brand takes a simple pinstripe shirt and adds a patch pocket with an enclosure. It’s a great casual buttondown to diversify your wardrobe. After all, you can’t wear Steven Alan shirts every day.
Khadi Check Print Scarf| $99 (sale) at Barneys
Plaid is usually done best when it acts as a highlight to an outfit. This scarf does just that. Speaking of scarves, I love this statement scarf by Henrik Vibskov too, but it’s somewhat more than $100.
Cashmere Knit Tie | $78 (sale) at J Crew
Wool ties were a big Fall/Winter trend this year – and, I should say, they are a cold weather accessory; please don’t wear a wool tie during the summer. At 2” at the widest point, it’s a little on the skinny side, so I’d suggest it as a night-out-on-the-town item, rather than a workwear piece. 2” too skinny for you? This 3” pencil striped tie from J Crew is also wool and still looks fantastic.
Card Case | $105 (sale) at Paul Smith
Guys either love or hate the brilliant color of the Paul Smith stripes. This card case, however, could appeal to both camps, as the stripes are a highlight, not the centerpiece, of the card holder. And yeah yeah…it’s over $100. But just barely.
Suit Hanger| 3 for $74.85 at The Hanger Project
What’s the use of having great suits if you can’t take great care of them? These hangers will ensure that at least, the suit will maintain the shoulders, the one part of any jacket that even the best tailors may not be able to (or want to) fix.
January 14th, 2009
by John Liu
So, it’s official: we’re in a recession. But the silver lining is that the poor economy is chasing out some of the best deals we’ve seen in years. Here’s seven pieces that will allow you to keep stylish and save money at the same time:
Flannel-lined chino | Was $85, select colors now $49.99 at J. Crew.
Every winter, J. Crew comes out with these flannel-lined chinos, allowing men to stay warm and stay stylish at the same time. If you live somewhere cold, these are pretty much mandatory, whether or not they’re on sale.
Barbour Putney Jacket | Was $250, now $129 at Barneys.
Simple and understated, a Barbour jacket is a staple of the traditional man’s wardrobe. Don’t miss the chance to get it at nearly half the price.
Garment Dyed Reverse Seam | Was $178, now $148 at Steven Alan.
Steven Alan has quickly become my default for casual wear. Their dress shirts are the only ones I’ve seen that look better wrinkled than ironed. As a result, Steven Alan has that kind of “I don’t care, but I still look good” vibe to all their shirts—the epitome of American style. Plus, they’re a cinch to pack: literally throw them in your suitcase and then pull them out, wrinkled and ready to wear.
Cotton Shirting Tie | Was $55, now $29 at Steven Alan.
Also from Steven Alan, this plaid tie is more fashionable than stylish. But fear not, the plaid trend will last past this season. At 2.5” wide, this plaid tie is fine for the office or a night out on the town.
Want more? Check out these ties (all were $62 each, now $39 apiece), also from Steven Alan.
Biker Jacket | Was $310, now $155 at Oak.
This biker jacket is from Oak, so it’s no surprise that it’s a bit edgier and more urban than most things in your closet. Traditionally, biker jackets are in leather, but hey, we’re in a recession right now. Also note the white leopard lining detail. Eccentric lining is one of those things that drives true Sartorialists crazy; they love it when these kind of details are known only to the wearer.
Plaid Belt | Was $120, now $60 at A.P.C.
For the most part, plaid is best as a layering piece or a detail. Either way, its best served in moderate doses. This belt is great, but how long you’re willing to wear plaid when its no longer in style is up to you.
Double Layer Waffle Henley | Was $49.50, now $19.95 at Martin + Osa.
If I had my way, henleys would replace t-shirts as the standard casual guy shirt. That is, except for the simple white t-shirt. Nothing beats a simple white T.
UPDATE (12/24): Ok, now I know what you’re thinking: "148 down from 178 may be 17% off, but it’s still not that cheap." You’ve got a point. As Warren Buffet says, "it doesn’t matter if you’re 300 or 325 pounds; you’re still fat!" (it has something to do with investing, I swear).
Enter New York’s Housing Works Thift Shops, a chain of secondhand stores of which profits benefit people with HIV and AIDS. Steven Alan has donated more than 1,000 items from his line and his stock, which is discounted as much as 70%. The items go on sale on December 27th at 11am, and you can be sure that the store will be packed with thrifty sartorialists, so get there early.
Housing Works, at 143 W. 17th St. New York, (212) 366-0820, housingworks.org.
December 24th, 2008
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