I'm rather proud that I've resisted all the sales so far. Not that it's been easy. There's been a pair of navy and white oxfords in my size at Edward Green London that are 50% off. And a twill Arnys Forestiere jacket at Maus & Hoffman that is also half off. Between the two I could 'save' about $1,200, and that's nothing to sneeze at.
Of course, saving $1,200 would mean I've spent $1,300 and I don't have the money for things that aren't on my list.
You see, I plan my shoe and tailored clothing purchases a year or two in advance, and I consider the funds committed whether I've ordered the items in question yet or not. Sometimes I leave room for unexpected finds (like those navy and white oxfords) but not this year. This year I am spending the entire budget on tailored clothing while the English pound is temporarily trading at $1.50.
So I could have had the shoes and the jacket (Sigh, I do love the Forestiere) but that would leave me without the budget I need to have the cloth that's already sitting in my office made up.
That's what I call planning my purchases until it hurts.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Plan Your Purchases
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7 comments:
Happy New Year. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Speaking of budgets, I'm in a bit of a conundrum. I rarely wear suits anymore, but am in the market for a classic navy blue midweight to wear when business occasionally calls for it. I've honed in on a Zegna. While the off-the-rack fits me well enough with minimal alterations, at $2,100 I feel I can get something bespoke of the same quality that fits me perfectly. The tailors you mention in your blog seem to price quite a bit more. I'd rather use those incremental funds for other items I wear more frequently or have been lusting for (like a midnight blue tux). Would you recommend the Zegna? Are there tailors in the New York City area that could create such a garment for around $2,000? Would you recommend mytailor.com for a suit? Or blow my budget on the bespoke? Thanks.
Will....your restraint is admirable. I wish I possesed same. I have, so far, this year only because I flat out don't have the extra "play money". I'm not pleased that retailers must drastically reduce their prices amidst the current economic unpleasantness. However, the bargains abound.
I was in NYC on the 30th and the Paul Stuart/J. Press/Polo "Mansion" markdowns were seductive. My 8 year old daughter talked me out of shoes at Paul Stuart! They had these burnt orange and dirty yellow (can't find the words to illuminate the colors) suede ankle boots...two eyelet...crepe rubber bottoms... for 60% off....fun weekend shoes to accompany Levi's 501's...alas.
I got fitted for my Flusser cavalry twill suit, saw Shrek on Broadway and said 8 year old gal and I took the train home to D.C. I didn't buy as much as a pair of socks. Had I dropped in on J. Koss, my resistance might have failed me.
For JAB...not certain what Will obliges re advice but I'll give you my two cents worth. I would NEVER pay 2100 bucks for a blazer off the rack. The made to measure/bespoke experience is worth the additional 5-6 hundred bicks you may need to add to the 2100 to make it happen.
My gripe with off the rack is that 2100 so closely nudges up against MTM and bespoke that I expect a level of knowledge and professionalism from the "seller" that no longer exists. I was just measured for a navy wool serge blazer by Thomas Mahon...Will knows him. Save a bit more dough and have Thomas make a blazer for you. 600 more bucks and you get the passion, commitment, skill, prfessionalism and Anderson and Shepard training that 2700 deserves.
All the best for a great 2009
JAB, email me.
Happy New Year Will.
I think the two items you mentioned are nice but certainly not worth the price even at 50% off.
Delayed gratification gives off a greater sense of satisfaction... or that's what the proverbs say. Bonne chance with your temporary period of sartorial trial.
As for myself, I'll be sticking to my plan to buy printed silks and making up the summer-weight suiting cloth on my own. Cheers and I wish you for a good year ahead.
I think that high end RTW has gone out of control, it costs more than bespoke, which is a nonsense.
Happy New Year, Will.
I'm not so convinced that this dip in the pound will be short-lived. I've been holding back much of my clothing budget for deeper sales and better rates. I may be wrong, but I'd rather be on the more frugal side of wrong.
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