Wilkes Bashford Sale in SF -- picked up a couple of Gravatis

[malat]

Wilkes Bashford is quickly becoming my favorite store in the bay area for quality clothing and shoe shopping. So far this year, I've bought an E. Zegna suit, a pair of cap toe Bontonis, and now 3 pairs of Gravatis -- black slip on loafers, brown wingtips, and a pair of pretty trick brown suede cap toes that I managed to pick up for a little less than $300. The sale at WB is pretty nice with great sale selection at 40+% off. No throw-away items in the bunch. The guys working there are all top notch (both Palo Alto and SF) and quite helpful without being pushy. Anyone else struck gold at WB?

pics added below

 

[btinl]

Anything else worth checking out there?

 

[malat]

Other than shoes? I didn't check out their clothing on other floors, but I know they have some suits, shirts and sweaters on sale. It appears that they take a serious slash to some select goods rather than meager price cutting to the whole store. When I find stuff in my size, I definitely feel I'm getting a pretty good deal. With respect to the shoes, there were quite a few others that I wanted to talk with me. Some nice Santoni and Bontoni shoes in various sizes. The John Lobb and Barett shoes were not on sale (or at least they had no more sale stock left...)

 

[Gus]

Everyone I know that owns Gravates says they are their most comfortable shoes. At <$300 that is an excellent deal. I especially like the brown cap toes. Good haul.


I was in WB today looking around. I didn't really need anything. They had 30-40% off all fall items. Not like the old days (pre Mitchell owners) where WB would hold on to something for 2 - 3 years before marking it down. Now every season gets cleaned out. However, like most retailers, inventories are leaner than in previous years and will continue to be that way. The SA in Neiman's said his biggest problem the last 2 months was being out of stock on customers sizes. He also said they have about 1/3 the suits and jackets for their Sale this year dissapointing customers. I stopped in at Saks, same report from the SA. I think that will be the trend for upper end fashion sales.

Hey, does anyone know if Bill is still at Wilkes? I haven't seen him in a while. I always liked him a lot.

 

[binge]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I was in WB today looking around...

How come you never call anymore...we could've had lunch.

 

[Bartlebooth]

I popped in the other day for a quick look when I was in the area. I'd heard (or misheard, since I couldn't find any) that WB sells Richard James socks, and he had a few patterns I saw online that caught my eye.

First time I'd ever been in the store (I'm new to SF), but everyone seemed very nice. I lusted over some G&Gs and then left to get polish at AE.


How's the sale in February? That's probably the only time I'll be able to afford to even breath the air in that store.

 

[Bartlebooth]

BTW, love those wingtips. Nice and understated.

Hard to tell: is the vamp (?? Still learning my shoe terminology...) a slightly different shade, or is that the stitching, my eyes, and your lights playing tricks?

 

[Pantisocrat]

I don't remember they ever had 40% off on anything. Must be a major change under new ownership.

 

[malat]

The Gravati's are indeed very comfortable. I believe the ones carried by WB are all on the same last as well. Therefore, I quickly grab them when I see a pair on sale.

Originally Posted by Bartlebooth

BTW, love those wingtips. Nice and understated.

Hard to tell: is the vamp (?? Still learning my shoe terminology...) a slightly different shade, or is that the stitching, my eyes, and your lights playing tricks?

I think that's my poor camera skills and the odd lighting. They are a chocolate color all the way around.

 

[Gus]

Originally Posted by binge

How come you never call anymore...we could've had lunch.


Must do that soon. New years resolution #1 , call binge for lunch..........