Help me spend a BR gift card.

[Mentos]

I've got $125 to spend at BR, and I want to spend it this season. I'm trying to choose between a corduroy jacket and the chesterfield. I'm looking for a jacket or coat. I'm willing to spend the approx 200 difference on the items, but which would you choose? Or just get $125 in boxers? http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...445&pid=433385 http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...scid=409759012 I kind of also like this DB top coat: http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...445&pid=433447

 

[briancl]

I had a BR giftcard for a long time.. I eventually just bought a bunch of socks. The fit and quality of BR stuff is really not worth the money, even when you've got a giftcard to offset the cost.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

BR sells a beige moleskin topcoat (not pictured on website, likely to be in store, featured in GQ a few issues back) that is the perfect coat for early fall when you want an extra layer but it's not cold enough for a heavy wool coat. I would get that.

 

[j]

None of those are a particularly good value, but I actually like them all. If you don't have a coat, get the Chesterfield.

BTW, I hate to say it considering how much I dwell on "real" or authentic stuff when it comes to leather, but I checked out this jacket and I actually really like it:

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...799&pid=416566

 

[Vintage Gent]

If you're going to buy from BR, make sure you use this coupon:

http://hotjobs.promotions.yahoo.com/...coupon_en.html

 

[EL72]

I had the same problem with a $150 BR merch credit. For the life of me, I could not figure out what to buy and went several times to a store next to my house. I would stay away from their tailored clothing and topcoats. The coats feel stiffer than cardboard when you try them on. Boxers and socks are nice but I always get them on sale. Their chinos and some casual wear are fine too. In the end, I got some stuff for my wife as she likes their fit and women buy more disposable clothes and a pair of jeans for me that were marked down to $30 from $120.

 

[DocHolliday]

I haven't seen the Chesterfield, but I was very disappointed with the quality of the Heritage line in general. BR offered a covert coat last winter that looked great on the Web site but absolutely terrible in person. And the Heritage stuff I've seen since hasn't impressed.

 

[DocHolliday]

I picked up a surprisingly nice pair of BR gloves on deep markdown last winter. I haven't seen these, but they might be a decent choice, if you need gloves:

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...d=433372&vid=1

Or you could visit the sales rack at your local store and see what you can find. Even if there's nothing you like, maybe you could flip some stuff on eBay.

 

[hossoso]

I love that a BR gift card is considered a problem on this forum. I would spend it on socks and underclothes.

 

[EL72]

j, I tried on that jacket and felt the leather was very stiff.

btw Mentos, if you're interested in converting the card to some cash. I need a brown suede belt and am willing to pay $25 for this one. (size 34) http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...294&pid=416313

 

[hossoso]

Wait..gloves are a good idea too.

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by j

None of those are a particularly good value, but I actually like them all. If you don't have a coat, get the Chesterfield.

BTW, I hate to say it considering how much I dwell on "real" or authentic stuff when it comes to leather, but I checked out this jacket and I actually really like it:

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...799&pid=416566

looks good on the site, not as good in real life.

I'd go with the Chesterfield too. but size down since everything there seems to run a full size large

 

[Mentos]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

looks good on the site, not as good in real life.

I'd go with the Chesterfield too. but size down since everything there seems to run a full size large

Yeah, BR stuff is huge. I'm a small-medium in most labels, but a BR small fits me like a tent. So the chesterfield might be out of the question, anyway...

The gloves are a good idea...

Someone out there apparently pays retail for BR stuff, b/c the good stuff in my size never makes it to the sale season.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

looks good on the site, not as good in real life.

I'd go with the Chesterfield too. but size down since everything there seems to run a full size large
I saw it in real life and I thought it looked pretty good, actually. And I like stiff leather jackets, so...

Anyway, maybe you can get some gloves, some boxers and undershirts, and then buy some gifts.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by j

I saw it in real life and I thought it looked pretty good, actually. And I like stiff leather jackets, so...

Anyway, maybe you can get some gloves, some boxers and undershirts, and then buy some gifts.

Personally I like BR for certain things, like polo shirts with no logos, corduroy jackets, sometimes nylon windbreakers, and other stuff. JET thought that that M65 from them looked good, it was like $198 though. I checked it out last night and it was a cool design but the wool was really scratchy.