Good shoppers find good deals

Priding myself on being a good shopper is not always about finding sales on items at J Crew, Ben Silver and Nordstroms, but sometimes it is about finding the right piece at a discount store. Most of the clothes at discount stores do not fit right or are out of style, but sometimes they get it just right and for a really good price. My two favorite stores to watch for deals are Target & American Eagle Outfitters. Take a look at the items I found at American Eagle, really cool stuff for great prices.

American Eagle Trench Coat - $99 - It has the same style as all the top designers for considerably less. Most of the designer Trench Coats are between $800 - $200 a coat, this one for only $100 is a great deal.

American Eagle Brown Leather Oxfords - $54 - As any faithful reader of this blog knows these are not Oxfords but instead Bluchers. But whatever you call them they are a good shoe for casual wear. They are useful for a night at the bar or any sporting event, and considering the circumstance could be great for a date or a casual Friday at work. I think the silhouette on these shoes are very cool, chunky where it counts and slender everywhere else. I of course love the patina and distressing, which will only improve with time. Not to mention the great price for shoes that have a wooden sole.

American Eagle Desert Shoes - $34 - These are exactly the same look as the desert shoes you will find made by Clarks, but a lot cheaper. We all know how important boots are this fall and these are a great deal on a classic shoe. Why pay more when you can get the same shoe for considerably less?

American Eagle Shawl Collar Sweater - $59 - I do like the sweaters at American Eagle quite a bit. This Shawl Collar sweater fits in with the current fall fashions and has a great accessory in the leather buttons. I would definitely think about adding this sweater to the collection.

American Eagle Woodsman Boots - $79 - These boots have a very similar look as the Red Wing boots made for J Crew, but are a lot less expensive. If you are buying boots because you need them to trudge through snow and rain and really test them in extreme conditions, go with the Red Wing boots, they are some of the best made. But if you are buying boots for fashion purposes, plus they are useful on a rainy day, these might be the boots for you. They are nearly $200 less expensive then the really nice Red Wing or Frye boots and they look pretty damn cool.

American Eagle Boat Shoes - $39 - Boat shoes never go out of style. The ones made by AE are very cool looking and significantly less than Sperry Topsiders. While I think everyman should eventually own a pair of Topsiders, these suede boat shoes are a great addition to the closet.
American Eagle College Cardigan - $49 - Cardigan's are great, they are versatile sweater that can be worn over a t-shirt or a button down, can be worn with a tie and slacks or jeans. This cardigan from AE has a cool accent of double stripes on the sleeve. It comes in Navy or Gray. For the price it is definitely worth picking up.

Chucks & Jacks - How to wear them, Suit and all

Today's Post is all about Converse Shoes. Chuck Taylor & Jack Purcell Converse Shoes have been a part of the American ethos and fashion since the early 1900s. Chuck Taylors have been made since 1917 and Jack Purcells have been produced since 1935. The shoes rose to prominence in an athletic since in the 40s & 50s. The shoes have been culturally significant for a long time and are a rare fashion statement that passes through multiple generations.

In recent years, Chucks & Jacks have made a resurgence in modern fashion; a resurgence not in the sense of a comeback, since they are ubiquitous, but instead in their use as not only a casual shoe but also as a companion piece for suits. I love wearing slip on Jacks or Chucks with shorts or jeans, but I like wearing them with a suit even more. Once again this is where style has to be personal. If you don't like the look of Chucks with a suit, I am sorry for you, but just don't wear it. It personally fits my style and are shoes that I will wear with any outfit. As long as you aren't wearing Jacks into the office with a suit, anything will fly.

The pictures above are some of my favorite ways to dress up chucks, done by common folk and celebrities. I love the pictures of Pete Marovich and others playing basketball in Chuck Taylors, its really the bees knees. James Dean as always looks so laid back and natural in his style and the pair of worn in Jack Purcells add a great ease to the style.

I like them worn with a simple suit that has good clean lines. Loosen the tie a bit, un-button the top button and don't forget the pocket square. Wear a casual belt or a casual watch, but not both. Leave the socks at home for the day and enjoy that you have comfy shoes on your hogs. Its old school cool with a twist, now act like it.

Chuck Taylors or Jack Purcells - How do you roll?

Here are my favorite Chuck Taylor & Jack Purcell Converse styles. I am a big fan of the slip on Chucks & Jacks. I really dig the slip on Jacks in white with the black accents, as well as the black Jacks with white accents. They are super clean and neat looking, but with enough visual appeal to be interesting. I like Jacks more than Chucks, since they are less common, but I own both. I also like to go with interesting options (flannel gray or seersucker) staying away from the common basic model, but sometimes you just need to stay true to the original and rock it because it is the original way to roll.

Whatever your style, find a pair of Chucks or Jacks that you can make yours and wear them! Wash them or don't wash them. Wear the low tops or the high tops. Wear Chuck Taylors or Jack Purcells. But have a pair in your arsenal. You will need them at some time.

Uniqlo - We need more

I recently found Uniqlo and I want more.  After spending too much time on the website, I have created a resentment that there is only one Uniqlo store in the US, in Manhattan.  I want Uniqlo in Los Angeles and I want it now.  From what I could tell by the website, it is a even less expensive version of H&M.  Who doesn't need quality clothes for less money?  I know you don't have your hands up.

I love the slim fit suit jackets, especially the blue cordlane jacket.  To think this jacket is only $79.95!  I might need to fly to NYC, just for this jacket.  The matching trousers are only $39.50.  Less than $120 for a great summer suit, even if you only wear it a few times this summer it is worth the investment.

I will be visiting Uniqlo soon.  That is for sure!