Recent Finds

The following are some finds I've acquired over the past few weeks. There were many times I walked out of a store empty handed, but in the end, it almost felt like there were an equal number of times I ended up scoring a great deal (or two!).  Lesson being, don't give up if you have a few bad days of searching. Change up your game and re-approach. There is always good stuff out there somewhere! 

A new-with-tags J. Crew sweater for only $7.00? I think yes. 

5% Cashmere is nice and soft but not too fragile

The ties I picked up over break.

Offerings from Zegna, Valentino Garavani, Vintage Brooks, Land's End, Gant, and a special one from the Red Lion inn in Stockbridge, MA

1960's era Brooks Brothers BB#1 Repp.  The signature BB tie. 

Yes, I have a bit of a tie obsession, but it makes sense to. The most I paid for any of these ties was $2, yet they would retail from between $50 to $200 (for the Zegna). Typically there might be one good tie at a thrift store for every 50 duds (and sometimes atrocities to mankind). Make sure to check your ties carefully as often there are imperfections that explain why they ended up at a Goodwill in the first place, but thankfully many times, they will be flawless.

Vintage Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Polo, $2.50

I came across this shirt in Boston, MA and was surprised to see an older tag on it. Made in USA are about the most reassuring three words you can find on a trad-friendly garment, maybe only second to 100% cotton. In either case, this shirt was made before America got fat, because as a medium it fits very slim compared to the modern polo shirts which have ample wiggle room....unless you can find a "slim fit". 

Allen Edmonds, shoe perfection?

Perhaps one of the better finds of recently was this pair of Allen Edmonds captoes in very nice condition. SADLY, they were about a size or so too large for me, but if you can find AE shoes, at a low price, BUY THEM. There is a pretty strong market online for these (which retail for $300+ new) online, so if they are under $10 you are almost guaranteed to make your money back, and then some. 

Bought these for $6.50, sold the same afternoon for $55. 

Scoped these out at an outlet, with discounts applied they were $20. each.

Not all thrifty deals need to take place at thrift stores. Outlets can be your friend too. Just have an understanding of what is/isn't a good deal, and the concept of "outlet branded" items. In the case of Brooks Brothers, the "346" line was specifically created for outlets and is of sub-par quality compared to the regular products they sell. However, the outlet stores also will often carry a random assortment of items from the regular retail stores mixed in. In this case, I picked up two slim-fit sport shirts for $20 each, which is a nice markdown from ~$60-$80 each. These were non-346 and had probably been extra stock or moved from a regular retail store for clearance at the outlet. 

Another prep classic, GANT. This one acquired at $3.

Viyella for Lands End. This blend of 20% wool and 80% cotton is about the softest shirt you will ever wear. A steal at $5.

You don't need a Rolex to look good. This Seiko 5 is a preppy timepiece that can be had for less than $60 due to a current sale at Amazon. Automatic movement and a NATO style strap make this one a winner. Hell, you should probably buy a couple as there are several color options-- I went for blue.