Things that you know are "inferior" but still prefer - Page 3

Prada: shoes, cords, shirts
GA: trousers and sweaters
Etro: probablly way overpriced, but I still buy it.

If I wore links more often, I might feel that way. But it's such a rare event that I don't mind the extra effort.

Oh yeah: I don't spend top dollar on suede shoes. I've had plenty of luck finding nice ones on sale, and I don't need EG to be happy.

+1. Fountain pens are way too much trouble.

Also: Plastic hangers are fine for my shirts.

I do. I like the way they hold cuffs better. I write with a pencil if I am not signing something. I'd never use a fountain pen. Too much of a pain in the ass. I also admit to preferring "low end" shirt fabrics. Oxford and chambray are good enough for me.

I've never found fountain pens to be difficult.

Plastic hangers work well for my shirts, too. I use them for everything except suits and overcoats.

+1, especially the modern fountain pens.

J Crew v-neck merino sweaters.. Have about a dozen of them, love the fit, colors, everything..

I really dig my LL Bean V-neck sweater vests. I think I paid $25.

^ +1 I love my fountain pens. Refilling them is not a big pain and the cost of an ink bottle vs. the cost of roller ball cartidges makes the extra time worth it.

To the OP, Loake shoes. I have a pair of these brown peeble grain full brouge derby boots from CT and my feet love them.

Lands End overstock dress shirts when they are on sale in the $19.99 range too. Whites, blues, and especialy some of the checks.

I have always wanted more sweater vests, but for some reason, J Crew rarely does the merino in a vest, which sucks.. I have tried Brooks Brothers, but there's always excess material unless I size down to a size S, which ends up looking like I threw my sweater in the laundry.. J Crew always does their sweater vests in that peculiar "cotton cashmere" blend that shrinks like hell..

BB non-iron shirts in the Luxury line feel much better than the base-line junk. And they're just so easy. When you can get them for $65 on sale--hard to beat. Also, I rarely wear wool odd trousers. Chinos are just so much easier to deal with. In fact, I can't remember the last time I wore them.

VG, I am with you, my garter-wearing brother.

gdl: I have no problem finding OTC cotton socks in NYC, nor do I have your bad luck with wool socks shrinking. I do hang dry mine, but that is pretty easy to do, and it does not take a lot of time.

I guess my answer to the OQ would be that I still wear a college-era Land's End braided belt sometimes. Not with suits, but with odd jackets.