Paul Stuart-- one of America's best

I had the opportunity to visit the Paul Stuart store in Chicago last Monday, and had forgotten just how great this store is! I don't know of any other store to get great ideas for my own wardrobe combos, see corporate casual done stylishly on mannequins, and a place for a huge selection of clothing!

The sportcoat selection alone was fantastic, and the ties this trip were really something (a dark navy blue with thin purple stripes was extremely nice, another customer was purchasing this one as I looked thru the selection).

True, there is not a lot of stuff with handwork (like buttonholes and lapels, although there IS a line of suits with these details, about $2k) but still looked great. the phineas label didn't impress me at all, actually-- no handstitched buttonholes to be found, nor were the lapels handpicked.

I bought the PERFECT pair of light grey trousers there, in what I would consider a true medium weight (unlike the feather weight wool I usually find, which wrinkles too easily) wool, flat front, and well made.

*I also visited ralph lauren, but I think the only section worth looking thru is the Purple Label; some casual stuff is nice but overpriced (Those interested in Black Label, there are a few suits popping up on ebay now)-- but found paul stuart to be far superior in look, display, quality, and "things I would actually wear" categories.

Did you visit George Greene, Saks or Despos on your visit to Chicago?

nope-- only made two shop-stops, ralph lauren and paul stuart. mostly, because I'll be in NYC this coming weekend. Wanted to save Saks, etc. for that experience (and I never seem to make it over to paul stuart in NYC for some reason).

I don't think I remember George Green, can you tell me about the store? Is that on Oak Street, and they carry Kiton maybe?

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

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I bought the PERFECT pair of light grey trousers there, in what I would consider a true medium weight (unlike the feather weight wool I usually find, which wrinkles too easily) wool, flat front, and well made.


But you didn't get them cuffed!

I think Paul Stuart is great, but it's too expensive for me.

I have to say that I have never been much of a fan of Paul Stuart. It has always struck me as a store that sells a style that is too precious and perfect without encouraging much individual style.

That said, some of the pieces are very nice.

I have three complaints against Paul Stuart: (1) nothing fits me, (2) the prices are high, and (3) I've always gotten the cold-shoulder in the Chicago store.

But, I like the style. Great colors.

Originally Posted by iammatt

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I have to say that I have never been much of a fan of Paul Stuart. It has always struck me as a store that sells a style that is too precious and perfect without encouraging much individual style.

That said, some of the pieces are very nice.

It's pre-packaged taste.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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It's pre-packaged taste.

Pre-packaged, perhaps. But do you like it?

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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Pre-packaged, perhaps. But do you like it?

Yes, I like some of the pieces. The double-breasted suits in particular look nice but probably nothing would fit me.

I only receive the catalogue though, but I suspect size 34/36 is something they don't have.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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I only receive the catalogue though, but I suspect size 34/36 is something they don't have.

Nope, they surely don't. I like a lot of the more casual offerings, but even the small sizes are far too large on me. All in all, though, I like the way they coordinate pieces together more than I like any individual thing. I definitely see how the look is very 'pre-packaged'. I would never actually dress that way; it's just a little too precious and requires a little too much effort.

I love the place. they have a particular bend on the classics and their quality of sportswear is especially excellent. I don't buy their tailored clothing or dress shirts, but I stock up on the sweaters, outerwear, gloves, scarves, trousers, socks, ties and pocket squares.

Their collection of enamel cufflinks is also the best I've seen.

The department stores have become more and more cookie cutter. Bergdorfs, Saks and Barneys virtually carry all the same labels and have morphed into one mega store. I walked the 6th floor at Saks last week and almost feel asleep from the lack of anything remotely interesting.

Of the three, Bergdorfs is by far the best merchandised and most interesting but it used to be better.

How about H.Herzfeld? Is anybody a fan?

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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How about H.Herzfeld? Is anybody a fan?

Yes, and Peter Elliot,too.

I like Herzfeld. More 'honest' than Paul Stuart.

Saks has always had a knack for being uninteresting. NM and BG are slightly better.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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How about H.Herzfeld? Is anybody a fan?

Love the merchandise but I've never been to the new location. FWIW, I think I have a very high tolerance for pushy salesmen and I think they're on the pushy side.