Louis Boston, winter sale

Don't go out to do much B&M shopping usually, but I try to stop in to Louis for their bi-annual sales. Was not too impressed this go round: mostly dull or ill-fitting (see: Brioni) sport shirts and dress shirts, no sport coats in my size, no interesting shoes besides a couple (literally) pairs of nice Mantellassi's. I ended up picking up a few staples: a pair of slim, flat front grey flannels from Neil Barrett (who I'm told will be outsourcing some or all of their manufacturing to Japan (I think?), and for that reason Louis will no longer carry their line), an end-on-end medium blue Fray shirt, a substantial Kiton tie, a very casual black cotton blazer from Transit, and a few pairs of funky wool socks. It's funny, but I've become so accustomed to getting things at such steep discounts, here at B&S, on teh 'bay, and various other etail sales venues that the 50% off at Louis just doesn't seem like that big (or good) a deal. I mean, you do get 1st crack at whatever didn't sell that season, after which the remainders get jobbed out to various discounters to be pored over by the "vultures" (used to all go to downtown F.B. before they shuttered it, now it just gets scattered to some of the suburban outlets I gather). Half of $625 for a pair of pants is still over $300, and a $425 shirt is still over $200. Lately I tend to think more in terms of $200 for a $600 pair of pants, or $140 or so for a $400 shirt, more like 2/3 off than 1/2, or even 20-25c on the dollar. But what the hell, there's something to be said for paying a little more for something you really want, rather than making a status- item purchase simply because it's dirt cheap (lot of times there's a reason for that). I know some here espouse "go out and buy what you really want whatever the cost" philosophy (Socal mayhaps?), but without deep pockets, one must generally be more resourceful. Hmmm, I appear to be rambling again. Did I mention I went to Louis Boston winter sale today...??

Was the half-brogue in a kind of textured or treated leather? If so, it actually did catch my eye and I thought it was pretty cool looking, just not what I was in the market for. Also, I did see the Oxxford flannels and they were standouts among the dress pants rack. Never tried them on though, cause I had already put on the Barretts which fit me to a T. I might have to get back there and give them a second look/ try on since you speak so glowingly of them. Frankly I was surprised when I opened up the waistband and saw they were Oxxfords, so I guess in a way you could say I was impressed as well.