Post: #26

I just spent money getting my shirts tapered in. When these damn shirts are in XL they just go straight down, I took them to this asian lady and told her what I wanted, came back less than a week later and they all fit great. Totally worth it imo for you bigger dudes.

Post: #27

Gmac,

All I wear are Mark Nason brand shoes and boots. I always get compliments on them. They're a little pricey vs the quality of the material (part leather part synthetic) but the design is great and depending on the style you choose it will definitely set you apart.

Post: #28

I made a trip to San Francisco two weeks ago specifically for clothes.

I'm 6'4" and ~200 lbs

Stores to visit:

H & M - bought two slim fitting light sweaters (XL), 4 pairs of chinos (my waist is 32 but at that size the pants were skin tight in the legs, so I got a 34 and the pants fit great in the leg, but loose in the waist so I have to wear a belt). Maybe I'll have the waist taken in by a tailor.

Zara - I ended up buying a slim fitting leather bomber jacket here, unexpected purchase (XL). I had been looking into getting a custom leather jacket made through Aero Leather, but I saw this bomber jacket on the rack. It's not the highest quality construction or leather, but the fit is perfect. Fit matters most, I've learned.

Cafe Coton - This little shop sells only button up dress shirts. I bought a white, light blue, and a striped. Honestly, these shirts make you look classicly stylish. Feels great wearing them and people notice.

Shoes - I bought my first nice pair of shoes. I've had my eye on the Allen Edmonds (AE) Walnut Strand for some time via their website. Anyway, I tried them on. They look great and are a very versatile shoe. AE, as a brand, is on the lower end price-wise of quality shoes. English made shoes and certainly Italian made are going to cost much more and are most likely better constructed.

Barneys - I went in here just to browse. They have clothes by a lot of different designers. The only thing that drew me in was their selection of raw selvage denim. I had a pair of Levis 515 which fit too tight in the waist and looked bad on me. So I tried on a few indigo selvage jeans and purchase a pair of weird guy Naked and Famous. Fit is excellent. I encourage all to look into raw selvage jeans.

Sunglasses - I purchased a pair of Persol tortoise shell shades a few months ago. It the first purchase in my style upgrade. Persol is classic and I love mine. With sunglasses, always try them on first. A style that looks good on someone else may not look good on you.

For the longest time, I didn't care about style.

Changed my mind about that recently.

After purchasing only a few well-fitting classic pieces of clothing, I'm noticing things. Men give me respect. Girls I would want to bang look my way. One afternoon I sat on a bench in Union Square and just looked at how men dress. It's a wasteland of style and sexiness. In two days of shopping, I elevated my style above almost all the men around me.

Post: #29

if you are in the dc area i've been using vmclothiers.com for custom stuff. 4 custom shirts (good quality) for $200 is well worth it.

Post: #30

(04-10-2011 06:20 PM)Brian Wrote:  if you are in the dc area i've been using vmclothiers.com for custom stuff. 4 custom shirts (good quality) for $200 is well worth it.

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely look into them

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #31

For outerwear that looks designer, but is significantly cheaper check out Cos (http://www.cosstores.com). It's owned by H&M, slightly more expensive, but better fit and look.

Post: #32

I dont want to start a new thread just for this, since it is related to this one anyhow.

Whats the verdict on over dressed vs under or "overly casual" dress?

If you're at a dive bar would rocking a Gmanifesto style get up with nice shoes, slacks, and a sharp button down shirt hurt you?

Part of me thinks yeah, because you'd be very out of place, but then Im also thinking that standing out is a good thing, and standing out for the right reason a better thing.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #33

(04-10-2011 12:00 PM)Fisto Wrote:  Gmac,

All I wear are Mark Nason brand shoes and boots. I always get compliments on them. They're a little pricey vs the quality of the material (part leather part synthetic) but the design is great and depending on the style you choose it will definitely set you apart.

That kind of stuff is exactly what I'm looking for, thanks.

Unfortunately, it's also well out of my price range. I just can't justify $200-$400 on a pair of boots where I am now. Maybe I can find something used or on ebay...

(04-11-2011 04:10 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  I dont want to start a new thread just for this, since it is related to this one anyhow.

Whats the verdict on over dressed vs under or "overly casual" dress?

If you're at a dive bar would rocking a Gmanifesto style get up with nice shoes, slacks, and a sharp button down shirt hurt you?

Part of me thinks yeah, because you'd be very out of place, but then Im also thinking that standing out is a good thing, and standing out for the right reason a better thing.

I'd ask G on this, but I'm sure he will tell you that venue is everything when you dress up or down.

Post: #34

(04-11-2011 04:40 PM)Gmac Wrote:  I'd ask G on this, but I'm sure he will tell you that venue is everything when you dress up or down.

Alright, thats what I was thinking. It hurts me though because personally I think my big frame looks bets in a button down, but at a beer and whiskey kinda bar you'll see no one dressed like that.

Maybe I need to just stay in a few weeks and sit on the cash and then just go gangbusters on a big weekend out in DC where I'm sure I'd do better in all respects.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #35

These aren't bad
http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...064&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...97&sr=1-42

Post: #36

(04-11-2011 05:19 PM)Fisto Wrote:  These aren't bad
http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...064&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...97&sr=1-42

throw on your ed hardy shirt and you're good to go with those shoes. Wouldn't be caught dead in those.

Post: #37

(04-11-2011 06:20 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 05:19 PM)Fisto Wrote:  These aren't bad
http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...064&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...97&sr=1-42

throw on your ed hardy shirt and you're good to go with those shoes. Wouldn't be caught dead in those.

Glad we got that sorted out, I was real fucking curious as to what a guy who hasn't contributed shit to this site does and doesn't wear. Want to share any other gems?

Gmac is looking for Mark Nason shoes under 200 bucks. There's two options for under 200.

Post: #38

How comfortable are those Mark Nason kicks? I have issues with my feet (crazy flat) so I have to be careful with what I buy.

Also:

http://stores.ebay.com/Rocking-in-Nasons...581&_pgn=2

One more edit, same as the boots Fisto posted, little cheaper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Mark-Nason-Loung...746b2be9f5

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #39

Obviously not for everyone, but if you happen to be in Hong Kong / China / Thailand get some custom shirts made from the tailors there. $25 lets you pick out the fabric, get an initial fitting, and then get adjustments. You're basically getting a $250 shirt for 90% off. Plus, once they have you're measurements, you can pick out the fabrics over the internet and have them ship the shirts to you.

Post: #40

http://www.gilt.com/sale/men

This shit is fucking money

Post: #41

(04-11-2011 06:32 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 06:20 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 05:19 PM)Fisto Wrote:  These aren't bad
http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...064&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...97&sr=1-42

throw on your ed hardy shirt and you're good to go with those shoes. Wouldn't be caught dead in those.

Glad we got that sorted out, I was real fucking curious as to what a guy who hasn't contributed shit to this site does and doesn't wear. Want to share any other gems?

Gmac is looking for Mark Nason shoes under 200 bucks. There's two options for under 200.

I contribute when I have something to add, not for the sake of being seen and heard but if you base the relevancy of ones opinions based on post count feel free to continue disregarding mine.

I'll admit my post was probably unecessary, I only meant to say they are not my style, I find them a little flashy with the designs etc but thats the nason style and if thats your thing awesome, whatever works ... I should've offered some sort of alternatives to look at, so I'll do so now.

I'll prefice this by saying I tend to stick to a brand like fiorentini and baker for my boots, they're not the highest end or anything but I love the styles they put out but they do run 500+ easily and even on ebay you can't find them for much cheaper but the quality and styling is worth it to me and if you do run across a good pair for cheaper online theyre worth looking at imo. For a lower priced alternative a brand I've been wearing is John Varvatos, guy who designed for converse I believe but his designer collection has good quality stuff and looks good enough that you can dress it up or wear it casual. Retail they get jacked up but you can find good deals on ebay if you look for around 200-250.

something like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-John-Varvatos-Me...25624716e7

but other brands in the same range as varvatos that i try to find on sale or on ebay are Ksubis or Chronicles of never, retail they'll fall in the 500 range but you come across good buys it's a matter of keeping an eye out I wouldnt pay the 5 bills for them but 2-300 sure.

I apologize for offending Fisto not my intent but I did word poorly

Post: #42

(04-12-2011 11:16 AM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 06:32 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 06:20 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 05:19 PM)Fisto Wrote:  These aren't bad
http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...064&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...97&sr=1-42

throw on your ed hardy shirt and you're good to go with those shoes. Wouldn't be caught dead in those.

Glad we got that sorted out, I was real fucking curious as to what a guy who hasn't contributed shit to this site does and doesn't wear. Want to share any other gems?

Gmac is looking for Mark Nason shoes under 200 bucks. There's two options for under 200.

I contribute when I have something to add, not for the sake of being seen and heard but if you base the relevancy of ones opinions based on post count feel free to continue disregarding mine.

I'll admit my post was probably unecessary, I only meant to say they are not my style, I find them a little flashy with the designs etc but thats the nason style and if thats your thing awesome, whatever works ... I should've offered some sort of alternatives to look at, so I'll do so now.

I'll prefice this by saying I tend to stick to a brand like fiorentini and baker for my boots, they're not the highest end or anything but I love the styles they put out but they do run 500+ easily and even on ebay you can't find them for much cheaper but the quality and styling is worth it to me and if you do run across a good pair for cheaper online theyre worth looking at imo. For a lower priced alternative a brand I've been wearing is John Varvatos, guy who designed for converse I believe but his designer collection has good quality stuff and looks good enough that you can dress it up or wear it casual. Retail they get jacked up but you can find good deals on ebay if you look for around 200-250.

something like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-John-Varvatos-Me...25624716e7

but other brands in the same range as varvatos that i try to find on sale or on ebay are Ksubis or Chronicles of never, retail they'll fall in the 500 range but you come across good buys it's a matter of keeping an eye out I wouldnt pay the 5 bills for them but 2-300 sure.

I apologize for offending Fisto not my intent but I did word poorly

http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/upload...9052195000

^ This is more my style. Sophisticated, but not too flashy. Unfortunately, they're sold out on that website. I'll keep looking around.

Post: #43

(04-12-2011 11:41 AM)Gmac Wrote:  

(04-12-2011 11:16 AM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 06:32 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 06:20 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(04-11-2011 05:19 PM)Fisto Wrote:  These aren't bad
http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...064&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Lounge-Mark-Nason-...97&sr=1-42

throw on your ed hardy shirt and you're good to go with those shoes. Wouldn't be caught dead in those.

Glad we got that sorted out, I was real fucking curious as to what a guy who hasn't contributed shit to this site does and doesn't wear. Want to share any other gems?

Gmac is looking for Mark Nason shoes under 200 bucks. There's two options for under 200.

I contribute when I have something to add, not for the sake of being seen and heard but if you base the relevancy of ones opinions based on post count feel free to continue disregarding mine.

I'll admit my post was probably unecessary, I only meant to say they are not my style, I find them a little flashy with the designs etc but thats the nason style and if thats your thing awesome, whatever works ... I should've offered some sort of alternatives to look at, so I'll do so now.

I'll prefice this by saying I tend to stick to a brand like fiorentini and baker for my boots, they're not the highest end or anything but I love the styles they put out but they do run 500+ easily and even on ebay you can't find them for much cheaper but the quality and styling is worth it to me and if you do run across a good pair for cheaper online theyre worth looking at imo. For a lower priced alternative a brand I've been wearing is John Varvatos, guy who designed for converse I believe but his designer collection has good quality stuff and looks good enough that you can dress it up or wear it casual. Retail they get jacked up but you can find good deals on ebay if you look for around 200-250.

something like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-John-Varvatos-Me...25624716e7

but other brands in the same range as varvatos that i try to find on sale or on ebay are Ksubis or Chronicles of never, retail they'll fall in the 500 range but you come across good buys it's a matter of keeping an eye out I wouldnt pay the 5 bills for them but 2-300 sure.

I apologize for offending Fisto not my intent but I did word poorly

http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/upload...9052195000

^ This is more my style. Sophisticated, but not too flashy. Unfortunately, they're sold out on that website. I'll keep looking around.

Gmac, I often see good boots for under $200 at Aldo (http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/men/boots/casual-boots)

Post: #44

(04-10-2011 11:58 AM)Fisto Wrote:  I just spent money getting my shirts tapered in. When these damn shirts are in XL they just go straight down, I took them to this asian lady and told her what I wanted, came back less than a week later and they all fit great. Totally worth it imo for you bigger dudes.

That's pretty damn cool man. I was thinking about doing the same thing. She can also hem all your pants to the proper length. I hate pants cuffed at the bottom. Looks so bad.

Post: #45

(04-12-2011 11:59 AM)Caligula Wrote:  Gmac, I often see good boots for under $200 at Aldo (http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/men/boots/casual-boots)

That's some good stuff too. Looks like they have one in Georgetown, I'm gonna have to make a trip. Thanks all for the links, now I just need to make sure I got the right sizes...

Post: #46

(04-12-2011 03:24 PM)MacNcheez Wrote:  

(04-10-2011 11:58 AM)Fisto Wrote:  I just spent money getting my shirts tapered in. When these damn shirts are in XL they just go straight down, I took them to this asian lady and told her what I wanted, came back less than a week later and they all fit great. Totally worth it imo for you bigger dudes.

That's pretty damn cool man. I was thinking about doing the same thing. She can also hem all your pants to the proper length. I hate pants cuffed at the bottom. Looks so bad.

It's totally worth it. If you've got wide shoulders and a thinner waist, you don't want to be walking around looking like a rectangle.

Post: #47

For the other big guys on here. If you're looking for just plan old tshirts that fit amazingly, look into American Rag. I picked up two of these on Friday from Macy's and they fit like a dream.

I'm 6'3, 220lbs, and the larges fit great. They hug the body enough to show off your gym work, but they're also cut long so they dont stop short at the waist band.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #48

(04-03-2011 06:08 AM)hunter7 Wrote:  Polo Ralph Lauren and Lacoste also have some nice stuff

thanks hunter7 really these are well brands for clothing......

Post: #49

Zara & Guess

Post: #50

(03-28-2011 08:34 PM)Kurupt Wrote:  Lands' End Canvas (NOT main Lands End) -> Heritage Collection -> get polos and button downs/poplins (LEC is what j crew was 2 years ago - affordable with semi decent clothing with decent fit)

Levi's - 511/514 Tumbled Rigid jeans - no distressing or washes, just get dark indigo, solid colour. Other alternative: GAP 1969 jeans.

Brooks Brothers Extra Slim Fit shirts - Get a couple of these if you want to get more formal. Wait for 2 for 99$ BB shirt sales.

Also Brooks Brother Milano Fit trousers/chinos are good.

American Apparel --> Get tri blend tees/undershirts --> form fitting and they last a long time. Hanes and GAP are also options

Most important is shoes anyway. Get Clarks Desert Boots (beeswax) and a pair of pure white canvas sneakers (jack purcell / spring court / superga). Get some walnut/burgundy/tan penny loafers from allen edmonds.

DONE.

Disclaimer: yes there are not balling brands. However this is my 80/20 for dressing well on a budget.

This is it. Period. I will vouch for this all day. The levis 514s are the best jeans out there fit-wise. You need an edge to pull it off though.

Man, thanks for the tip about LEC. I hit up J-crew every now and then since there's one pretty close to where I go to school, but the price/quality ratio is a fucking robbery.

Great tips about the brooks brothers shit, I'm going to look into that.


and balling brands are overrated, really who gives a fuck. it's all about your look and your vibe. dudes in really expensive/designer clothes care way too much/trying way too hard (90% of the time)