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Sid Mashburn Blazer (or How to Spend $900)

post #1 of 34
9/6/11 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 
Hello gents,

In a dilema. I'm slowly building a basic wardrobe and trying to buy quality this time around. I have a charcoal suit, some brown wingtip shoes, 3 dress shirts, a belt, few ties, and jeans. That's about it. I threw out everything I owned prior or sold it because it didn't fit anymore or was low quality. Most of the above is from Sid Mashburn here in ATL.

I feel like the next step is a basic navy blazer.

First question is: based on the above, would you recommend something besides a blazer as the next piece in the wardrobe? If not, what would you think should be the next step? My office isn't formal enough to wear a suit everyday, but I would like to start dressing up a bit more than present, which is difficult without a good in between like a blazer (i.e. right now I'm either at jeans and dress shirt, sans tie and jacket, or full suit -- at least that's how I feel about it.)

Second question is: I have about $900 to spend at the moment, which is just about right for Sid Mashburn's blazer that they sell for $895. Has anyone bought Sid's blazer (I think there is just one that's actually their brand -- could be wrong)? What criteria besides fit and full-canvas should I look for? I've been considering some of the newer J Crew blazers as well that are on their site and was planning on going to Sid's and J Crew this weekend to try things on. (J Crew being the more affordable option.)

All feedback appreciated.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 34
9/6/11 at 4:20pm
A blue blazer is certainly a wardrobe staple, you can't go wrong. Another option would be to get a fall/winter jacket like a tweed or corduroy jacket for now and then budget for the blue blazer in the spring.

As far as a blue blazer I would get the best made and best fitting one you can afford. You will probably have it for many years. Try on many different ones, Brooks Brothers, Polo, Sid Mashburn, H Stockton. You will be glad you did. There will be differences in fabric quality and fit.
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post #3 of 34
9/6/11 at 4:30pm
Last time I was in there a few weeks ago I thought the blue SC was $995 not $895. The $995 jacket I remember is canvased with LP fabric. Rumors around here are that it's made by Caruso. Assuming we're talking about the same jacket I think it's a pretty solid SC. You might be able to do better on eBay or B&S but this is probably a safer bet for someone new to the tailored game.
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post #4 of 34
9/6/11 at 6:00pm
You can get a good blazer for less, but if you like the look and fit of Sid's jackets (slightly shorter, natural shoulder, etc.), by all means go for it. They are quality garments and will last a long time. And yes, your first sport coat should be a blue blazer.
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post #5 of 34
9/7/11 at 7:04am
Thread Starter 
Thanks, guys.
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post #6 of 34
9/7/11 at 7:51am
I tried one on at sid mashburn. And yea, from what i recall, they are made by caruso. a navy blazer is the BEST option for a first sportcoat. Go for it mang!
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post #7 of 34
9/7/11 at 8:49am
Caruso is an excellent brand and value. But there is something about the cut just doesn't work with my build so I go with other brands and can't wear the Sid Mashburn "house" brand or cut jackets. That is why I urge the OP to try one a variety of brands, cuts and models to find what his best for him. Don't just go for a brand because of quality, it also needs to fit so that you feel comfortable and look your best.
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post #8 of 34
9/7/11 at 8:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy View Post

Caruso is an excellent brand and value. But there is something about the cut just doesn't work with my build so I go with other brands and can't wear the Sid Mashburn "house" brand or cut jackets. That is why I urge the OP to try one a variety of brands, cuts and models to find what his best for him. Don't just go for a brand because of quality, it also needs to fit so that you feel comfortable and look your best.

good advice PSG. the sid mashburn blazer fit me really well. but Id almost go as far as saying a bespoke blazer could be had for around that same price, maybe a little more. I could be way off, but its definitely an option id explore before buying RTW.
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post #9 of 34
9/7/11 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DerekS View Post


good advice PSG. the sid mashburn blazer fit me really well. but Id almost go as far as saying a bespoke blazer could be had for around that same price, maybe a little more. I could be way off, but its definitely an option id explore before buying RTW.

I think around $900 for bespoke is doable. However, since it's the OP's first foray into tailored stuff I don't think bespoke is the way to go. It generally takes a few go-rounds with MTM/bespoke before you know exactly what you want. Especially if this is going to be his only jacket it would probably be smarter to get a well-fitting RTW and have it tailored. From there he can figure out what he wants to do. Just my $0.02.
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post #10 of 34
9/7/11 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bourbonbasted View Post


I think around $900 for bespoke is doable. However, since it's the OP's first foray into tailored stuff I don't think bespoke is the way to go. It generally takes a few go-rounds with MTM/bespoke before you know exactly what you want. Especially if this is going to be his only jacket it would probably be smarter to get a well-fitting RTW and have it tailored. From there he can figure out what he wants to do. Just my $0.02.

another good point.....looks like i need to shut the f*ck up in this thread. hahahaha.

My tailor does good word, I talked to him about a bespoke sportcoat and he said depending on fabric, it would be around 500. not sure how i feel about that. seems too cheap.
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post #11 of 34
9/7/11 at 9:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DerekS View Post


another good point.....looks like i need to shut the f*ck up in this thread. hahahaha.

My tailor does good word, I talked to him about a bespoke sportcoat and he said depending on fabric, it would be around 500. not sure how i feel about that. seems too cheap.

I'd be skeptical.
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post #12 of 34
9/7/11 at 10:02pm
I think DerekS made a good suggestion. If the SM coat is on the short side, it'll look dated in a few years. For 900-1000, I'd go w/ Chan for a basic blue blazer. They can be trusted even if the customer doesn't know a lot. Still, I agree w/ PSG and others in that it's best to try on lots of different coats to determine your preferences.
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post #13 of 34
9/7/11 at 11:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueHorseShoe View Post



I'd be skeptical.


yeah, me too, kind of unbelievable

 

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post #14 of 34
9/8/11 at 6:01am
From painful, painful personal experience - bespoke is not something you cheap out on. If you can't afford it, focus on improving yourself so that someday you can.

3 years on, I see the wisdom of foo in taking a bespoke shortcut and going straight to R, but simultaneously acknowledge that he did hard time with Oxxford MTM and various RTW.

Don't do the half-arsed impatient Gen Y thing (like I did) and go to a miracle cheapo bespoke tailor with a laundry list of things they should do... that better tailors do as SOP. They are cheap for a reason, and that reason is never the intrinsic quality.

Far more often than not you'll just end up with a garment which you'll end up eventually... hating.
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post #15 of 34
9/8/11 at 10:10am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by porcelain monkey View Post

You can get a good blazer for less, but if you like the look and fit of Sid's jackets (slightly shorter, natural shoulder, etc.), by all means go for it. They are quality garments and will last a long time. And yes, your first sport coat should be a blue blazer.

Any brand recommendations for "a good blazer for less" so I can do a bit of comparison?

Thanks everyone for the input.
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