Here's a great example. I was recently in a J.Crew store and noticed they had a sale section. These ACK red chinos for example, originally retailed for $75.00.
They had been marked down to $50, and then again $40, as you can see on the tag.
Now the day I happened to be in the store, all men's sale items were an additional 40% off. That brings the price down to $24. But it gets better, as I learned that the student discount would apply in addition to the previous markdowns, (an additional 15% off in-store purchases) knocking the price down to about $20.
So by careful selection (and some luck) I was able to get these for less than 1/3rd of their original price
Even better were the grey herringbone trousers which (origionally $88) only ran me $15 after the discounts.
A similar story can be had at a recent trip to a Brooks Brothers "factory store" where I picked up this D-Ring belt (A mainline Brooks product, not made for the outlets) for under $10. The MSRP was around $58.
Continuing with Brooks, who hold frequent sales, I took advantage of a recent sale which offered (If I remember correctly) an additional 40% off on clearance items. I'd been eyeing this particular OCBD with a grosgrain ribbon trim on the placket.
 |
This ribbon-trim feature I had only previously seen on shirts by Thom Browne (The designer behind Brook's Black Fleece line of what-the-hell fashion). These retail for over $300 so finding a more affordable version (with details such as flap pocket and a slim fit) was a real treat. With the discount applied, I got the shirt for just under $30, and for fun added on a cotton pocket square that was under $10 with the discount applied.
Further taking advantage of 2-day free shipping (offered when you sign up for a trial of ShopRunner) my $100+ dollar order was reduced to under $40 for an incredible shirt and square...saving me money for future purchases.
A word on ShopRunner...
One must be careful when signing up as the whole ploy is that this subscription based service will be happy to charge you on a monthly basis even if you aren't buying anything. A discerning consumer however, will be able to cancel before the trial period ends. When I did this, they offered an extension for a few months. I'll have to make sure they don't end up charging me after that but in the meantime it's free shipping so I'm content. Certain American Express cardholders are eligible for a free membership as well so check it out if you've got one.
So what's next? Well Brooks should be having their summer semi-annual sale soon, which in the past has been ~40% markdowns store wide in mid-late June (after Fathers Day).
Here are a few items look for:
 |
| THE Brooks Brothers OCBD Must-Iron, 100% Supima Cotton Made in USA. |
 |
| Madras Flip-Flops |
 |
| Bow Ties, including some of the reversible variety |
 | |
|
 |
| A variety of boat shoes that may spark your interest. I know these got my attention. |
Aside from retail, thrift finds haven't been particularly amazing lately, but here are some things I did catch.
 |
| J.Press Oxford in yellow. I sold it due to the extra-baggy fit but these are a trad holy-grail item, and to think that I found it in a ratchet part of Worcester Ma is even more baffling. Paid $5. Retail $101. Sold. |
 |
| 5-Pocket shorts by Rugby Ralph Lauren. Since this (beloved to some) brand doesn't exist anymore, eBay and thrift stores might be your only way to shop for it Retail ??? (estimated ~$80) Paid $6. |
 |
| An L.L. Bean Made in USA sweater- Again, a product I don't think is made anymore. I practically want to buy everything I find that's made in America given the rarity at this point, and the fact that it's pretty close to my school color didn't hurt. Retail ???. Paid $4. |
No comments:
Post a Comment