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What width makes a tie "skinny"? Is 2.5" a good width? I don't like fat ties but I don't want to look like a hipster

Oh sages,

Two weeks ago I bought a new BB 1818 Regent's suit for $375 from their website ($440 tax and shipping included, picture below). At the time I bought it figuring it was going to sell out in my size soon (which it did), so I jumped on it.

Now that I've had a little more time to look around and reflect, I'm wondering if I got the best value for the $400-500 price point. The suit fits as well as an OTR suit can, but I wonder if I should just just go MTM from Thick as Thieves or one of the other favored SF merchants.

The suit will be one of three (maybe four) work suits I have, and I wear a suit every day for work.

Merci beaucoup, ya'll.

Does anybody know if there's a premises in central London that will sponge and steam suits/Jackets - as an alternative to dry cleaning?
I have a reluctancy to use dry cleaning.
Does anybody do this themselves? If so, what steamer is appropriate for a decent job? Maybe it's worth investing in one and doing it yourself?
I would appreciate some advice pleas,
Thanks.

Florida halp!
Business casual or even casualler: I have no experience with linen or panama hats, but I'm think of buying both just because it's so ****ing hot here. People usually wear polo shirts and khaki slacks at the office, but I find polo shirts make me hotter than a loose-fitting white button-down shirt. Will linen shirts and slacks be sufficiently formal for this environment? Will they be cooler than other alternatives?

What should I know about them, as a beginner?

Can anyone tell me what size I would be in Allen Edmonds Park Avenues? Im an 8.5 in Aldens on the barrie, plaza, and aberdeen last, and a 9 in bass weejuns, 9.5 in nike, 9-9.5 in new balance. Thanks.

Hey all, SW&D refugee here.

I've got a job interview and I figure now's as good a time as any to splurge on shoes. What should I go for? Right now I'm looking in the $300ish range, and I'm leaning towards Brooks Brothers Captoe Blutcher (w/ F&F) or Allen Edmonds Park Avenue.

I'm in NYC, so my in-store options are pretty wide.

Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by Scope

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Can anyone tell me what size I would be in Allen Edmonds Park Avenues? Im an 8.5 in Aldens on the barrie, plaza, and aberdeen last, and a 9 in bass weejuns, 9.5 in nike, 9-9.5 in new balance. Thanks.

I have the Fifth Ave. (on the same last) and they run a bit long a narrow. I'd start with a 9 D and go from there.

how big should a duffle/weekender be? Rather, what is the cutoff for unnecessary largeness? I'm trying to decide between one that is 22 X 10 X 10 or 27 X 11.5 X 11.5. I'm guessing the larger one may be more unwieldy and/or less practical, but the extra space is nice.

Originally Posted by Troilus

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Oh sages, Two weeks ago I bought a new BB 1818 Regent's suit for $375 from their website ($440 tax and shipping included, picture below). At the time I bought it figuring it was going to sell out in my size soon (which it did), so I jumped on it. Now that I've had a little more time to look around and reflect, I'm wondering if I got the best value for the $400-500 price point. The suit fits as well as an OTR suit can, but I wonder if I should just just go MTM from Thick as Thieves or one of the other favored SF merchants. The suit will be one of three (maybe four) work suits I have, and I wear a suit every day for work. Merci beaucoup, ya'll.
Ah yeah, I purchased the same suit over the winter. I find it nice enough, especially since it's the rare double-vented BB cut. And if you take it to a store, you get free basic alterations (i.e. trouser hemming, sleeves) and you can also get them to slim the body up a little for more waist suppression. After these adjustments, I've found the suit fits quite well, and it's a solid workhorse suit, though I agree that MTM from someone like TaT is probably better for those of us who are slimmer than the standard BB customer.

I am looking for a navy blue tie with a dark gold vertical stripe down the middle and I was wondering if there is a specific name or term for a tie with one solid vertical stripe? and does anyone know of anywhere that would sell such a tie?

Thanks,

-Terry

What color suits / situations can AE park avenue merlot colored oxford be worn with?

Can it be worn with a charcoal gray or blue suit?

I am probably getting these in black...is there any way I can get a new pair without paying 325 bucks??

Originally Posted by LRMD

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What color suits / situations can AE park avenue merlot colored oxford be worn with?

Can it be worn with a charcoal gray or blue suit?

I am probably getting these in black...is there any way I can get a new pair without paying 325 bucks??
Merlot (which is a burgundy color) can be worn with navy and charcoal as well as other colors. It's less formal than black but acceptable in most situations. Park Aves are often difficult to find on discount in regular sizes because they are among AE's most popular shoes.

I'm starting to build a business casual wardrobe (sometimes a sportcoat, sometimes not, no ties). I already have several pairs of tan/khaki trousers and chinos. What are the next two most essential colors of pants to get? Also, I have no decent shoes at the moment. What would be the two most essential and versatile pairs of shoes to start my wardrobe?

Originally Posted by MJPond

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I'm starting to build a business casual wardrobe (sometimes a sportcoat, sometimes not, no ties). I already have several pairs of tan/khaki trousers and chinos. What are the next two most essential colors of pants to get? Also, I have no decent shoes at the moment. What would be the two most essential and versatile pairs of shoes to start my wardrobe?

Chinos are not office pants. Try some wool pants. As for shoes, brown bluchers would be a good start.

Originally Posted by LRMD

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I am probably getting these in black...is there any way I can get a new pair without paying 325 bucks??

The best way to get PAs at a discount is to get your business to sign up for the corporate discount at Joseph A Bank and buy them there. I believe the discount is 25%.