Sticky: MA guide to bargain hunting...how to build a nice wardrobe on a budget

[kengs]

Needed a new suit, so went shopping today. Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks.

Neimans and Saks had a LOT of really nice suits, but nothing under $800 (on sale) caught my eye (or was my size: 38R40R).

I did pick up some ACQUA DI PARMA @ Saks; this stuff smells terrific - been using it for 12+ yrs. $104 for a 3.75 ounce spray. OUCH.

Went to Off 5th (Saks outlet) and scored this fantastic Alfred Dunhill 3-button suit. Made in Italy, made by Corneliani iirc - cut just right for me. I saw another Dunhill suit @ Saks very similar that was $1400. Got this for $349.99 with a special 30% promotion (for new Saks charge cardmembers)

Then i went to NM Last Call (Neiman Marcus outlet) and found this nice Paul Smith sportcoat - it is a really nice cotton material and, typical of Paul Smith stuff, the finishing is absolutely exquisite. Originally $1,000.00, marked down to $408.00, then another 20% off & bonus 5% off because I have a NM account

cliffnotes: Kengs goes out and spends $$$, but gets great value and is a happy camper

[Lan]

The day I start buying clothes like that is the day I know I've made it

Very nice threads Kengs

[kengs]

Imagine my wardrobe if i didnt have to wait to buy things on sale

PS - this Acqua di Parma smells SOOOO good.

[TIFOSI]

The Paul Smith coat is nice. What do you do Kengs? I see you enjoy the finer things in life

[kengs]

i import multifunction tools & related items from China

[TIFOSI]

Ah I see... Import business

[kengs]

Actually i havent worked all that much the past 3-4 yrs., been busy raising my kids. My parents had to work ALL the time when i was growing up so i promised myself i would try to spend as much time as possible with mine.

Now they are growing up, so it's time to get back to work and earn some $$$$$.

[QUIGTASTIC!]

I found a very nice pair of Calvin Klein jeans at Costco.

(Seriously though. $20)

[Knightsport]

Very nice Shane. Thanks for the PM, I may have to hit up Off 5th this weekend.

I have a whole bunch of weddings and special events coming up including my 10th Anniversary.

The sad thing is, i just lost like 27lbs. so a lot of my clothes aren't fitting well anymore. lol So my logic isn't to go have my suits altered but to buy new stuff. ha!

Went to Nordtrom's myself this weekend for a new suit I have to get for a cocktail party this weekend. Ended up sweet talking this little sales girl into giving me 15% on this nice Varvatos 'Sullivan' suit. 38R didn't need to alter a thing.

I can't believe you got that Paul Smith for $300 bucks. lol I'm jealous.

[kengs]

Quote, originally posted by Knightsport »

The sad thing is, i just lost like 27lbs. so a lot of my clothes aren't fitting well anymore. lol So my logic isn't to go have my suits altered but to buy new stuff. ha! Went to Nordtrom's myself this weekend for a new suit I have to get for a cocktail party this weekend. Ended up sweet talking this little sales girl into giving me 15% on this nice Varvatos 'Sullivan' suit. 38R didn't need to alter a thing. I can't believe you got that Paul Smith for $300 bucks. lol I'm jealous.

I'm with ya, major alteration of suits never turn out right imo.

I've got a couple of CASHMERE sportcoats (Canali, Valentino) in 42R i can't wear anymore - sucks. I guess I'm gonna give em to my brother.

I'd like to see that Varvatos suit.

[DIRT NASTY]

Quote, originally posted by Knightsport »

i just lost like 27lbs.

must be from the stress of being banned from HT

[C LICIOUS]

nice

[kengs]

UPDATE:

I returned the Paul Smith jacket after I realized it had NO vent in the back ; gave it too much of a Miami Vice vibe for me - shame, as the workmanship was exquisite.

I did find this very nice Alfred Dunhill suit @ Off 5th (Saks outlet) today:

Shirt is from Ralph Lauren Purple Label (very bling), tie is from Gucci.

Knot is sloppy because I tied it on @ 3AM

[Lan]

Wow man, that suit is blingin!

[kengs]

Quote, originally posted by Lan »

Wow man, that suit is blingin!

It's REAL nice. Made for Dunhill in Japan. Very nicely cut.

I ended up paying $224.00 for it(!) after all the markdowns

Bargain hunting Kengs-style

[Lan]

Quote, originally posted by kengs »

It's REAL nice. Made for Dunhill in Japan. Very nicely cut. I ended up paying $224.00 for it(!) after all the markdowns Bargain hunting Kengs-style

Prices like that are still beyond me, but I can appreciate the price you paid for it. I don't have any suits, someday I will get some

[kengs]

Quote, originally posted by Lan »

Prices like that are still beyond me, but I can appreciate the price you paid for it. I don't have any suits, someday I will get some

You can spot a quality suit by the feel of the fabric and the construction.

Buying a suit that was originally $1300 for less than $225 > $300 suit @ a normal dept. store

The trick to buying @ outlet stores is you have to go often. You usually have only a few things that will appeal to you, but damn you can find some incredible bargains.

When you get ready to buy a suit for an interview, PM me.

[kengs]

[PLAGUED]

Nice....I dont have to dress up for work that much any more cause I really dont have any meetings or any of that, but I can tell you I had a Geoffrey Beene collection of dress shirts that I miss wearing so much. I will wear them for the hell of it, and the wife gets mad thinking I am doing it for someone at work.

Dunhill is

[kengs]

went to get the Dunhill suit altered by my favorite tailor here in Atlanta (Gill's Alteration, owned by a Taiwanese couple); the lady seamstress said [the Dunhill suit] was one of the nicest constructed suits she's seen in a long time

Fit like a glove too, even in the armpit, which is rare for a suit I buy here in the States. All I needed was 1/2 in off the sleeves and the trousers hemmed