Whatnots & Bon Mots

Another Bargain

As complete as my wardrobe is, there are still a few items that I am still on the look out for. Among these are a black belt that can be worn casually, preferably with a black or oval buckle priced less than $40, a cotton sports jacket in green or blue and a new pair of running sneakers.

I took a stroll during lunch over to Saks to see about the belt and found nothing worthwhile (or cheap- honestly $117 for an ugly shirt by Jhane Barnes is no bargain). On the plus side, I did meet celebrity stylist Robert Verdi who I have seen out and about several times before. He was wearing a peak lapel, dark grey suit with white buttons and a pink cashmere turtleneck. Very chic. After exchanging a few pleasantries, I moved on to the task at hand. Walking back up to work, I decided to pop into Dunhill, home of the gorgeous and well made collections for dapper gents. Last year around this time, I found a beautiful dress shirt there for $40, which though it was an anomaly, was still a great deal. I can still remember the fellow in front of me in line commenting that it was a very nice pattern to which I thought, “yes it is, and it also is the cheapest thing in the entire store.”

I had already stopped by Dunhill twice since Christmas just monitoring the stock and pricing. Since most stores are getting rid of their Christmas merchandise by early February to make room for the full priced spring and resort collections, its mostly now or never to find the end of season deals. About mid way through the store, the 75% off sign on a sparse rack of jackets called out. And lo and behold...cotton sports jackets, in green, blue and brown. The brown was quickly dismissed and the blue unneeded. The green was a muted mid-range green, like the color of darkened money, unlined, which makes it perfect for travel and the summer, and two button, indicating a modern fit. The sleeves also featured working button holes (surgeons cuffs)- a nice touch which also adds to the laid back look. While I usually prefer side vents, the center back vent makes sense on a more casual jacket such as this.

With a cotton sports jacket, (as these are not blazers which would indicate a more formal item), I wanted the fit a bit tighter as its likely to only have a light oxford or short sleeve shirt underneath during warmer months. Personally, I don’t wear blazers or jackets over t-shirts as it is too much of a contrast and I think it is a look that screams “Hollywood Follower.” The Medium was all they had out which was a bit too big but I was in luck, there was one Small in the back that the woman remembered. She brought it out, I tried it on and it fit perfectly. The sleeves were the perfect length, the shoulders tight and the color was fantastic against my skin tone. The saleswoman smiled and said it looked great. One minute later I was handing over my credit card and she was lovingly putting the item into a garment bag for me to take back to work.

The price for this masterful wardrobe necessity: $103.75 down from about $425. Ideally I would have paid somewhere close to $80.00 but I was not about to pass this up. All it needs it a quick steam at home and it is ready for the spring/summer.

A word on cotton sports jackets: there is no need to think this can only be worn casually. With a trim fitting oxford shirt, think those by Steven Alan or Theory, skinny tie and slim fit chinos or dark jeans, this is a piece that can be easily dressed up. While a cotton cardigan can, many times, take the place of a cotton sports jacket for something like an art gallery opening, the cotton sports jacket makes a formal statement just that much more. Plus, it has more pockets to store things like a camera, pen or glasses.

All in all, this was a great purchase that has made me quite happy and even more ready for the winter to be over.

posted by UpperWestSideGuy @ 8:10 PM