Travelling to NY, In search of Shoes, Jacket, Dress Shirts

[SirSpiegs]

First, pleasure to finally post something on this forum. Long time lurker. Second, I will be heading to NYC for the weekend and I am in serious need of professional shoes, jacket and dress shirts. I am transitioning from college to the professional environment and have to upgrade my wardrobe considerably. Im fortunate enough to have an BB outlet not far from my house and the salesperson there calls me when their 1818 shirts come in. My question to you all is this: Where should I go for the respective items? My old university had clothing made for them by Brooks and Vineyard Vines, just to give you an idea of my sense of style. My general budget is around $1500. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[upr_crust]

Congratulations on your maiden voyage of posting.

Were this later in the season, during the clearance sales period, you might get more for your money, but, as it is, from how you've described your personal style, you should concentrate your efforts on shopping along Madison Ave. north of 42nd St. Brooks Bros. is at 44th and Madison, with a branch of Allen-Edmonds across 44th St., and one for Alden around the corner on Madison. (AE has a larger branch on Madison and 55th, and J & M, if you are interested, is at Madison between 43rd and 44th, and at 54th as well).

For shirts and ties, you have the option of Paul Stuart (the very upscale option) at 45th and Madison, then Joseph A Bank (the downscale option) at 46th and Madison, with Charles Tyrwhitt (somewhere in between) diagonally across Madison from JAB.

I am sure that, among them all, you'll find things that will fit the bill.

 

[SirSpiegs]

Thank you for the reply! As a bit of a primer I should add that my father, and his father have always shopped at Brooks. I know that they aren't that highly regarded here (from what I have seen). So, to refine things a bit, I am partial to Brooks (its familiar, I know it) but open to other suggestions style wise. I know very little, to absolutely nothing about shoes. So any/all input is appreciated. I'm not too familiar with Paul Stuart outside of a few college friends mentioning them from time to time. Anything in particular I should be on the lookout for?

 

[upr_crust]

For the budget that you've stated, and the things that you're looking to buy, I don't think that you're going to be able to afford much more than tie(s) from Paul Stuart. Think of Paul Stuart as Brooks Bros. at a higher level of refinement, and a higher price point. You should take time to see the place, even if you won't be able to afford all that much - it will give you ideas for the future, certainly, and should incite a fair amount of retail lust (it usually does with me when I walk in the place).

PM me if you want the names of any of the sales help at Stuart's with whom to work.

 

[SirSpiegs]

Thank you for the comparison. I did a quick google on Paul Stuart and will be stopping in. Even if it is just to look/envy. I have a client that is extremely well dressed, and they can, and do appraise people in my field based on appearances. The one compliment they gave me recently was on my old college BB shirt and tie combo. Not being a native to NYC (Im in the Albany area) this is all extremely helpful, do you have anyone in particular you work with at Brooks? I will PM you about this as well.

 

[Mr Engineer]

What stores would you find deals on great dress shirts in NY?


I only know of Century 21

 

[JackFlash]

If you are on Madison Ave, I strongly suggest stopping by Kamakura Shirts for shirts and ties:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/333221/kamakura-shirts-madison-ave-store

 

[SirSpiegs]

Wow, thank you. I will add that to my list. Should be a very busy Saturday.

 

[AdamWill]

I wouldn't say BB is badly regarded here, from what I've read. I think it's more just that they mostly do fairly conservative basics /classics with decent quality: that's a bit boring for the long-term veterans here, who graduate on to more 'esoteric' stuff, but for someone in your situation and budget, I don't think you'd be going wrong by going BB at all. I don't think anyone ever got fired from a 'professional' workplace for wearing BB.

 

[SirSpiegs]

My claim that BB isn't highly regarded here is cursory at best. That said, I've grown up with BB. Just never owned a jacket or suit from them. They did design some clothes for my university that I do own and am quite fond of. However, this upcoming trip is needed for my wardrobe and new position. So, while I was able to get by rotating a few dress shirts and pants previously; it's time to grow up (Employer and family). My only concern is that I am not a small individual. I have what many consider to be a 'swimmers' build. Very large chest, wide shoulders and a small waist. Ive been warned by a few people I work with that my particular build can make shopping a bit of a pain. Is there any truth to this?