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Tuxedo (NYC) - 30 days, up to $3,000, and a plea for help.

ginger84

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Overview.
Circumstance compels me to obtain a tuxedo within 30 days. Circumstance also dictates that the tuxedo fit well and be of high quality. Please tell me what to buy and where to buy it. I will listen/be grateful.

A bit about me.
I'm in my 20s, I live in Manhattan and I work in finance. I dress at a style-forum beginner-corporate level. Cego, C&Js, RLBL 38R (which fits me well off the rack).

About what I need.
I'm starting from nothing. I need a shirt and a tie, and I need shoes, unless you think I can get away with well polished black captoes.

Budget
$3,000 is a more than a healthy amount of money for me, but it's doable if necessary. (Sidenote - $3,000 for everything is my ceiling, not $3,000 for the tux alone.)

Expected Frequency of Use.
Two to three times a year for the next five years. Thereafter, unclear.

Closing Question.
Can I punt on this? Does anybody have a recommendation for a very (very very) nice tuxedo rental shop, where I can drop $500 so I can put off the decision? I feel like my timeline is going to force me to pay full retail and spend close to $3,000 on a get up that I could have for $2,000 if I wait until sale season.

I love you guys, please, please help me, thanks.
 

BrianVarick

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Step one: Go to the mansion
Step two: try on RLPL and RLBL
Step three: But the one that fits better.
 

Concordia

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If CEGO can turn around an order in a month (and you're happy with their work), that would be a logical place to get a shirt. If that doesn't work, there are the usual places in the Brooks Brothers neighborhood who could fill in the gap.

Crockett& Jones have some fairly decent, cheap shoes for the task. Pumps are more stylish, although oxfords will be safer in more circumstances. Try to get plain toed oxfords-- the cap-toed models are somewhat of an oxymoron. Brooks Brothers might also kit you out in that department.

Don't know RTW for the suit. RL is generally in line with Anglo tastes, so if they fit that might be a decent first stop.

Don't overpay for studs/cufflinks in this round, as that can eat up a lot of the budget. You might find some nice vintage ones on eBay for not much.
E.g., these are cheap but will get you through the weekend: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Mens-Dec...item5639fbb6e3
 

SkinnyGoomba

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I'd probably buy a Polo label tux, your going to use this what 2-3 times a year, it'll certainly look fantastic for many years at that rate.

They price point will allow you to take care off all the needed accessories correctly.

Go purple label on the formal shirt.

all this adds up quick.

Tux $1500
Cummbund + bowtie = $115 at sale prices
RLPL Shirt $200ish on ebay
Thurston formal braces $75
Paul Stuart black laceups: $375 or velvet slippers $200ish
Silk formal socks $80

$2170-$2345
 

Gus

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+1 for Paul Stuart.

Go with classic collars, shirt, bow tie. get fancy later on once you are doing this on a regular basis.
 

chas

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+1 for Paul Stuart.

The RL black label tux has notch lapels so (in my opinion) that isn't a good option. The RL purple label Tuxedos are over $3K.

Paul Stuart will have what you need.
 

The_Foxx

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If you can't get a RLPL for that pricepoint (the one with ribbed silk peaked lapels-- and you may well find one for $3k if you call the polo beverley hills store for those still sale marked), I would suggest the following for this long-term investment piece.

peaked, ribbed silk lapels [NO SATIN LAPELS PLEASE! IF YOU'RE BUYING, GET RIBBED SILK!)
one button
double vented jacket is nice, slightly unconventional but a good addition IMO (not all will agree, but i hate a ventless jacket of any kind because it forces me to sit on my jackets)


unfortunately, i've never seen the Isaia tux I like so much marked down at Saks NYC or NM stores....ever. but, serves as a nice example anyways:

http://www.stanleykorshak.com/infost...etails&pid=904

I'd also recommend trying the Polo brand tux, as another poster suggested-- I've tried them on, not a bad cut and has ribbed silk lapels which are hard to find at this price-point-- you'd just have to ensure you keep the lower pockets' flaps tucked in (why did they make the dinner jacket with flap pockets???)

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...entPage=family


**get your formal shirt from www.virtualclotheshorse.com or www.shopthefinest.com no need to spend retail on this item, your $$ will go far on both these sources in terms of shirts**
 

ter1413

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Paul Stuart will steer you right!
Also, DON'T spend that much on a tux and wear cap toe shoes. Get proper formal shoes!
 

JohnnyCrockett

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Paul Stuart is indeed the place that fits the bill. They have slimmer-cut stuff than BB at better quality and with excellent tailors. They'll make anything you get there fit you very well. They have also rush-tailored full suits for me in the past (i.e., 18 hours). A Paul Stuart mainline tux should be offered in peak or shawl lapel, single button, for around $1000 or $1100 after tax. Add a shirt from PS or BB or somewhere else for $80-150, the tie and cummerbund from either of those places for ~$100, and you're at $1300-1400. Next you need studs. I think the best place to get great-looking studs fast is the Men's Wearhouse on Madison (I'm not joking). Just get simple black (faux) onyx studs for something like $25. Pair with a pair of simple sterling or even knot cufflinks (which you probably already own). Highly-polished black captoe oxfords are just fine, even though not technically correct. You should be able to find patent leather plain-toe oxfords at BB for under $400. As to opera pump, I would suggest only going for opera pumps if they're in black calf rather than black patent. These are very difficult to find. PS used to have them (made by Grenson) for $500 or $600. Final point - Brooks Brother will have tuxes both above and below the PS quality and price point. Their Golden Fleece tuxes are probably slightly better in quality (but it will all come down to fit). Similarly, their 1818 tuxes will be lower price and quality. One more point - satin lapel facings (+ cummerbund and tie) are, of course, fine. Even better is grosgrain, which could be harder to find. PS may offer it on their "Stuart's Choice" line tux (made by Isaia??) which will be closer to $2500 or $3K. BB may also have it on their Golden Fleece tuxes. Remember that if your lapels are grosgrain, your tie and cummerbund must be also. AND PLEASE AVOID NOTCH LAPELS!!!
 

JPHardy

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Shop the Finest
Call Ian
Borelli Tuxedo ($1500)


Shirt - you like Cego, he is willing to make in time...can't get better than that.

If you can't get to Cego, Shop the finest... Borelli shirt
 

nmprisons

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C21 in Manhattan actually has a decent selection of tuxedos. I would go there for the Tux and then right to a decent tailor (30 days is plenty of time)

Shirt from CEGO is a no brainer.
 

NewYorkIslander

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If you call Ercole's in Brooklyn, you can get one bespoke and ask if he can have it ready quickly...he prob can. He is also in Manhattan once a week so you can do fittings there. For 3k I'd go that route.
 

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