Now look what you've done!

[frankie lee]

Just kidding.

But here's the thing: After reading this forum for several weeks and learning a great deal from all of you, I've realized that I need to overhaul certain parts of my wardrobe. And suits are right at the top of the list.

A nice charcoal and navy suit are staple items. I've tried on Italian sutis (Canalis and Cornelianis) and find that they look good on me. But they're pretty steep at retail, and plain charcoal/navy suits in these brands don't seem to show up at Filenes/Century 21, or even on eBay.

Should I just suck it up and spend $3,000 on a couple of suits? Or perhaps I am overlooking other solutions?

 

[Duveen]

How urgent is your need?

If you have servicable suits and are upgrading, I would suggest doing so slowly as deals occur.

The only time I would consider shelling out near-retail prices is as one enters the job market for the first time.

Don't let your dissatisfaction with the current state of your wardrobe spur a spending spree. If you stretch out purchases over time, you'll both get better deals and allow your taste/knowledge level to continue to evolve.

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by Duveen

How urgent is your need?

If you have servicable suits and are upgrading, I would suggest doing so slowly as deals occur.

The only time I would consider shelling out near-retail prices is as one enters the job market for the first time.

Don't let your dissatisfaction with the current state of your wardrobe spur a spending spree. If you stretch out purchases over time, you'll both get better deals and allow your taste/knowledge level to continue to evolve.

I agree with this completely. A little patience can save you a lot of money. And don't assume these staples won't show up on sale. Last month I picked up a charcoal gray Canali (in 38L no less) at Saks Off 5th, during their sale and stacked a discount coupon. Total price including tax and shipping (I found it during pre-sale) was $530, not bad for a wardrobe staple.

 

[tiger02]

Lots of Corneliani (and slightly more expensive Belvest and Isaia) on STP.

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by frankie lee

Just kidding.

But here's the thing: After reading this forum for several weeks and learning a great deal from all of you, I've realized that I need to overhaul certain parts of my wardrobe. And suits are right at the top of the list.

A nice charcoal and navy suit are staple items. I've tried on Italian sutis (Canalis and Cornelianis) and find that they look good on me. But they're pretty steep at retail, and plain charcoal/navy suits in these brands don't seem to show up at Filenes/Century 21, or even on eBay.

Should I just suck it up and spend $3,000 on a couple of suits? Or perhaps I am overlooking other solutions?

have you tried oxxford, isaia, or belvest? you can get nwt oxxford for 800 at filenes, and maybe 500-1000 on ebay (i just picked up a solid navy for $600, nwt). isaia and belvest as mentioned by tiger02 are good choices as well - they're about $1000 on stp. mostly patterns and pinstripes, though.

I agree with thinman and duveen - take your time and get a feel for what you like.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Keeping checking Filene's Basement, as they do have most makers over time. Bloomingdale's, Saks, NM, etc are no sale now. RL Polo carries some of these makers under their blue, black and purple label.

 

[DocHolliday]

There's a Corneliani in charcoal on STP at this very moment. If they have your size, and if you can scrounge up a 20 percent coupon (they're not uncommon), you could snag one for about $720.

A few weeks ago, they had an additional 20 percent discount on big names, including the Corneliani, and that brought the cost down to $575 or so. Which goes to show that while such deals aren't found every day, they're out there. Don't get dispirited.

 

[dirk diggler]

what about a made-to-measure suit ? For $600-800, you can get your sizing down pat.