Bargain Cool Wrap-Up

The Gap cardigan talked about way back when both here and at the old men.style.com have finally hit the online market place.  While I was really excited at the time and singing the praises of Patrick Robinson, I'm not that blown away anymore.  I'll be the first to admit that since Patrick took over the creative duties at Gap things have improved greatly, but I can't get behind this (I guess this post's title is a little misleading).  First off, it is a zippered cardigan (where's the buttons) and the design is also kind of lame (not retro cool or whatever).  Anyhow, just tying up loose ends and giving you the chance to check it all out for yourself.

-L.A.S

Eagle full-zip cardigan...$148.00

Monday Morning Bargain Cool

A while back I remember reading something on one of men.style.com's (r.i.p) fall trend reports that went something like this, "This year's fall collection is one of Gap's best".  They highlighted a specific Native American inspired cardigan and that was it.  I remeber being skeptical, but at the same time continually checking Gap.com to see when said pieces would be released.  After not seeing much of note for a few weeks I moved on. 

If you read Jake Davis' blog, and you should, you saw that this morning he shouted out two new cardigans from the American clothing giant.  Intrigued, I headed back over to their website and checked out the new developments.  While I could not find anything as "high-end" as the aforementioned Native American cardigan I did see some pretty good value pieces worthy of the Sart Inc co-sign (I'm so humble, right).  Mostly of the sweater variety, these options are pretty wallet friendly and are fall staples any guy should own.  I can't really speak on fit because half the things I've gotten/tried on from The Gap (and I am talking about the Patrick Robinson era) fit awesome while the other half have been abysmal. 

Some of this stuff is pretty forward thinking like the fair isle hoody and some other stuff is pure American classic, which The Gap claims is their M.O. these days.  I'm particularly fond of the ribbed, shawl collar cardigan as a great outer layer if, like me, you experience a moderate F/W.  Some advice: as with anything else be wary of bold lumberjack buffalo plaid.  This does not work for everyone and I highly recommend getting the opinion of someone else before going all in.  Material is also a deal breaker, especially with mock necks.  If the material is cheap and flimsy you are going to have a limp, lifeless collar, which can ruin the sweater.  Anyway, here is some bargain cool to start off the week.  All sweaters are available here (prices range from $68-$98).

[Update: See The Gap men.style.com snippet here.]

-L.A.S

Land's End Fall 2009

Instead of blowing your hard earned dollars on Fall fashion that is insanely overpriced, why not flip through the pages of your Land's End catalog (Who am I kidding? You're just going to go to the website). You're bound to find some really great pieces with some really great price points. If you're partial, like I am, to the Americana, heritage look, brands like Land's End can help you build up a great wardrobe with plenty of cash left over. Land's End, like most clothing companies these days, it acknowledging that people want timeless clothes that end up being a great value. After checking out the new arrivals for Fall, I came across some great items that deserve the Sartorially Inclined cosign.

Men's Regular Long Sleeve Chambray Workshirt ($32.50)

The chambray workshirt is EVERYWHERE as of recent and I've been wearing my Gap warm weather version for over a year. As the weather cools, I am definitely in need of a thicker replacement. The Land's End model seems perfect and comes in this awesome faded black (almost a dark gray) colorway. Any button front shirt is a crucial part of a layered look and this chambray shirt in a great fall material and color will do just the trick. While everyone else is sure to be wearing too much flannel, you will find me in my chambray. For a look straight out of the McQueen handbook, keep the front pockets unbuttoned. Also, check out the "Wait, is this a misprint" price...$32.50 for a great chambray workshirt, hell yeah.

Men's Brown Suede Wingtip Shoes ($99.50)

In the most recent webisode of men.stlye.com's fantastic "In The Closet" co-host Tyler Thoreson shouts out brown suede shoes as one of his Fall Essentials. Sartorially Inclined has a bad case of wing tip fever so I am loving these brown suede versions. I can already see them going perfectly with some cuffed denim (selvedge, please) or Donegal tweed pants for Fall. It's tough to find any wing-tips under $100 so these are a great bargain.

Lands' End Men's Tailored Fit 2-button Year 'rounder Blazer ($175.00)

Land's End is going all GQ on us and the result is surprisingly impressive. Utilizing everything but an Italian tailor, they have created a designer blazer for about 1/4th of the price. The super 100's wool fabric makes it a year round blazer in a classic navy blue that will never, I repeat, never go out of style. The blazer's side vents, slim lapels and trim cut make it modernized and if you really can't stand the nautical brass buttons, you can take the jacket to your dry-cleaner/tailor and have them switched out. Overall, the blazer is a timeless piece with a modern fit and a reasonable price point.

-L.A.S