tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post1698232990752573635..comments2024-03-15T04:27:26.708-07:00Comments on An Affordable Wardrobe: Breaking the ChainJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17212956969066796818noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-67815059109008333622011-05-21T20:25:23.177-07:002011-05-21T20:25:23.177-07:00Agreed. You articulated my sentiments exactly. T...Agreed. You articulated my sentiments exactly. The first time I visited a Men's Warehouse in downtown Minneapolis, I was, shall we say, more than somewhat underwhelmed. I've really enjoy surfing through your blog by the way. Lots of useful and interesting stuff on dressing stylishly without dropping a bundle. Keep it up.<br /><br />Best RegardsWSTKS-FM Worldwidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14173042438761572040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-44948388432987527902010-08-27T08:44:01.614-07:002010-08-27T08:44:01.614-07:00I shopped for a suit in one of their Indianapolis ...I shopped for a suit in one of their Indianapolis stores in 2009. I told them what I wanted: gray or navy, flat front pants, etc. The sales clerk stared at me like I had just asked for drugs and a hooker. He showed me the ONLY pair of flat fronts in the entire store: they were dark YELLOW.<br /><br />I applaud your decision to not take their money and promote their overpriced dreck.Jay C. Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08752297349651092753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-74731501166739257172010-08-26T15:57:11.880-07:002010-08-26T15:57:11.880-07:00Giuseppe,
I agree that a lot of what MW sells is ...Giuseppe,<br /><br />I agree that a lot of what MW sells is crap and should be taken out and fed to the hogs. That said, I feel obligated to point out that there's precious little decent affordable menswear out there. Young guys with no time for thrifting and less know-how are left with few options. I know the good stuff from the bad, but that's because I worked for S&K the summer before it closed and learned which was which. <br /><br />That said, if you want good stuff, you can get it: Jos A. Bank sells a decent product for a decent price--at least for suits (they charge an arm and a leg for most other things) and most small cities (at least here in the south) have at least one reputable haberdasher.<br /><br />The other thing I'll say is that one is perfectly able to shop at MW and look like a million bucks just like one can shop at J. Press and look like a slob. It's all in what you do with your resources, not in what brand name you buy.PFPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-7998418409504846002010-08-25T15:21:39.207-07:002010-08-25T15:21:39.207-07:00What initials CG said.
One suggestion: save up, a...What initials CG said.<br /><br />One suggestion: save up, and buy from a quality store during a sale, or at their outlet. You should aim higher than Macy's, like, for example, Nordstrom, if you're looking at a department store.Young Fogeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-39590021483439019722010-08-25T10:53:42.715-07:002010-08-25T10:53:42.715-07:00In the very earliest days of MW, it seemed they ha...In the very earliest days of MW, it seemed they had stuff for the "clearasil" crowd that might've passed muster in the dark. Now, I'm frightened.<br /><br />Basseq brings up a good point. "where does a young man with limited means and sartorial know-how buy a reasonable suit?" <br /><br />First, expand the sartorial know-how. Your father should have beat this into your head, then your mother, then your 5th grade school teacher (you remember your feelings for her? redhead, nice...", then your girlfriend, then... <br />I mean learn about it! Enjoy the study! Stop asking for simple answers. It's complicated. It requires introspection. It requires stamina, knowledge and determination. Guys, there's nothing better than learning about dressing well. Why do you think women are naturally attracted to well dressed men so much?<br /><br />AAW is one place to get an idea of how to do it. There are lots of other sites, books, movies, out there that will help you develop it. MW exists, like many other chains, because of an inherent human frailty: laziness. They call it convenience. Think about all the convenience in your life. How much of it is truly elegant?<br /><br />Second, expand your means. You save up for a nice car. Some guys study Consumer reports until they know the origin of the alloy used in the brake wheel. You make an informed purchase. Do the same for your appearance. Frankly, a good suit will get you laid faster than a Porsche 911. Especially if you’re married….initials CGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16676097755038091712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-24655417504372519922010-08-24T19:09:17.079-07:002010-08-24T19:09:17.079-07:00MW is good place for your first suit during your C...MW is good place for your first suit during your Clearisil days. Once your face clears up find a real men's clothing store in your area.W. Hineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07642966474307349126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-47249870440623882572010-08-24T12:09:54.616-07:002010-08-24T12:09:54.616-07:00I've tried MW a couple times a few years ago, ...I've tried MW a couple times a few years ago, with similar results. I won't turn this into a MW rant, though.<br /><br />More to the point: where does a young man with limited means and sartorial know-how buy a reasonable suit? MW and their ilk are really just low-brow; thrifting is too difficult and time-consuming for most; branded shops (e.g., Brooks) are expensive; department stores are either low-brow or expensive.<br /><br />Is there anywhere that sells a variety of reasonably-made, relatively inexpensive suit styles in clean, classic styles with a relatively knowledgeable staff? Or is the answer simply, "Suck it up; it's going to cost you $500+"?Basseqhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10071392290758927096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-44879342415800397642010-08-23T20:03:42.903-07:002010-08-23T20:03:42.903-07:00I'm surprised you would even consider it. WTF?...I'm surprised you would even consider it. WTF?!Laguna Beach Fogeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08027025872132699493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-70274023046039594812010-08-23T19:05:42.762-07:002010-08-23T19:05:42.762-07:00I think the part that amazes me the most is that a...I think the part that amazes me the most is that anyone from that company could read this blog and think for a moment that any sort of cooperation between the two would make sense.The Glengarry Sporting Clubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18197185769835720007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-65488739251083954452010-08-23T17:26:34.502-07:002010-08-23T17:26:34.502-07:00The charm of your blog is its celebration of the q...The charm of your blog is its celebration of the quality clothing that can be found at thrift stores and through DIY suppliers. Embracing Men's Warehouse would have poisoned the well. Far better to stay true to yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-29850681093840861512010-08-23T11:46:36.753-07:002010-08-23T11:46:36.753-07:00Excellent post.
This is a post that shows us the ...Excellent post.<br /><br />This is a post that shows us the innermost workings of your mind, lets us see what you went through in receiving, and ultimately rejecting, this offer.<br /><br />To the nay-sayers, I have to say that Giuseppe has, as he noted, never presented himself as a journalist. Then again, he has a lot more integrity, and does a lot more investigation, than most of the drones of the ruling ideology who pass as "journalists" these days. Most modern "journalism" consists of little more than using current events as springboards for propaganda, and the creators of such pieces would not have been out-of-place at Pravda (case in point: neither ABC nor NBC identified the party affiliation of the recently-deceased corrupt politian Dan Rostenkowski (D-IL) when announcing his death).<br /><br />Now, G has received some free swag. Heck, I even <a href="http://anaffordablewardrobe.blogspot.com/2010/05/trans-continental-thrift-shopping.html" rel="nofollow">sent him a jacket</a> as a subscription fee! But look at the ethic with which he does so.<br /><br />You made the right decision. And I agree with the assessment that the Men's Whorehouse sells unwearable c®@p, sold by unfashionable, clueless post-teens who are merely keeping time until they get something "better."Young Fogeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-79687537423441951442010-08-23T10:19:30.290-07:002010-08-23T10:19:30.290-07:00G. always go with your gut feeling on things. I...G. always go with your gut feeling on things. If it don't seem right then it probably isn't. And it seems your more happy with your vintage stuff that new stuff anyhow... that's your style.<br /><br />I love it when you get a good deal at the thrift store. I can't beat buying name brand ties for about .03 cents at the stores by me. And blazers for$1.50 vs. $150.00.<br /><br />Since I found your blog 5 months ago I have a new love for clothing and vintage deals. Rarely every go into big fashion stores anymore to shop. Always looking for a deal.<br /><br />Stay true to yourself and you'll be happy in the long run.<br />Thanks man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-6870346855967710982010-08-23T09:37:35.145-07:002010-08-23T09:37:35.145-07:00Good decision.
You'll sleep better.
I guaran...Good decision.<br /><br />You'll sleep better.<br /><br />I guarantee it!David Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04656794645683894339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-25268358998069904992010-08-23T09:25:28.936-07:002010-08-23T09:25:28.936-07:00Zimmer comes across as a real schmuck. I wouldn...Zimmer comes across as a real schmuck. I wouldn't buy a pencil from this guy.<br /><br />There's a knockoff around the corner from my local Mens Wearhouse. I get a similar feeling in my gut upon stepping into this joint:http://www.davelleclothiers.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-87162381468269605602010-08-23T09:02:56.686-07:002010-08-23T09:02:56.686-07:00Interesting, I have been in the store once because...Interesting, I have been in the store once because my oldest son waited until the last minute to rent a tux. We looked around while we were waiting for him to be fitted. The salesman that waited on us presented me with his card before he did anything else. We then fitted my son and went on our merry way.<br /><br />The next day we picked up the tux before his event. The same said salesman approached us and asked that my son try on the tux again to make sure it fit. He did and it didn't. The salesman did some quick tacking and taping and then we were off.<br /><br />When we brought back the tux we were asked by now our repeat salesman how the event went. He looked at my son and me and said, "It would be wrong of me to ask if I could interest either of you in a new suit. I see, based on your dress that we would not have anything to your liking."<br /><br />I was not only impressed by his service but also his forethought not to try and push any merchandise on us. The other thing I noticed was that he himself was wearing a Brooks Brothers wool suit. I wonder now that I think about it if that was why he went out of his way to service us. Maybe this was his part-time job and his full time job was at the BB store in Williamsburg, VA.<br /><br />TWJTWJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09973934388218688553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-14887026711862414202010-08-23T08:52:36.111-07:002010-08-23T08:52:36.111-07:00a very good read. i have had mixed experiences wi...a very good read. i have had mixed experiences with the men's warehouse. they really differ from store to store: both what they stock and the quality of their service. <br /><br />there's a men's warehouse in downtown sf that has great clothes and great staff. there's also one in my town across the bay from sf that carries what might be called "urban" fashion and a staff that wouldn't know classic men's ware if they were beaten with it.<br /><br />they do tailor their stock to the local demographic.<br /><br />but i think that they are the antithesis to what you're blog is about. thanks for sharing both your minds about this!davidslnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-30867834833711390502010-08-23T08:40:40.272-07:002010-08-23T08:40:40.272-07:00I used to shop at Men's Warehouse regularly. I...I used to shop at Men's Warehouse regularly. I haven't been there in years. I don't find them to big big and tall friendly. Their tailoring is also terrible. I used to think the store was great, but at that time I knew very little about men's clothing. Now I put together my own outfits for way cheaper. I think being a man with style is about defining what your style is. MW is OK. I think they're serviceable for a guy who has money and no clue about clothing. But if men took just a little time to learn what our granddads knew, MW wouldn't have any customers.KWCooleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00435244887819938283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-59409754913002473332010-08-23T08:38:40.048-07:002010-08-23T08:38:40.048-07:00Thank you for the article, very good read.
I agr...Thank you for the article, very good read. <br /><br />I agree with you on all points except MW and other big chains ending the existence of haberdashers - people not giving a damn what they look like or the quality of the goods they purchase over the course of the last few decades have done that. MW is a symptom, not a cause.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13124232148534138699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-47222761928923453382010-08-23T08:04:48.327-07:002010-08-23T08:04:48.327-07:00Excelent read! This is why I check out your blog e...Excelent read! This is why I check out your blog every single day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-800536437266309202010-08-23T06:31:37.226-07:002010-08-23T06:31:37.226-07:00You are the man...I guarantee it.
Stay real.
M.W....You are the man...I guarantee it.<br />Stay real.<br /><br />M.W.G.<br />Vashon Is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-54572655561507604072010-08-23T06:10:27.686-07:002010-08-23T06:10:27.686-07:00Great read. Just last week visited MW with daughte...Great read. Just last week visited MW with daughters & her boyfriend to pickup a Navy Blazer for him. That didn't happen. Walked away thinking, it is what it is, and for some guys it works - we're just not one of those guys. Again great read.<br /><br />SwedeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-68476641270746099452010-08-23T06:09:26.812-07:002010-08-23T06:09:26.812-07:00Kitty,
I would never purport to be a journalist. ...Kitty,<br /><br />I would never purport to be a journalist. I'm sorry if you read it that way. But I won't be bought either.<br /><br />Jay B.,<br /><br />My slam was far from unprovoked. The way these kinds of chains do business, the people they shove out of the way, and the increasingly poor quality of the products they offer has been making me mad for some time. Most of my adult life, in fact. True, it may have been a little mis-directed to throw this all on them, but what can I say. You can't be positive all of the time.<br /><br />Red Velvet,<br /><br />In the end, Tin Tin was pretty pleased with my final decision. I think he was just egging me on to see where this would go.Giuseppehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11582043853388196139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-15921564274203255202010-08-23T05:51:43.598-07:002010-08-23T05:51:43.598-07:00This, right here, is why I love your blog. While i...This, right here, is why I love your blog. While it's obvious ethical considerations played a part, in the end it was aesthetics that saved your soul.<br />"Beauty is truth, truth beauty."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-31219641089722501592010-08-23T05:51:05.532-07:002010-08-23T05:51:05.532-07:00I'm surprised you even labored over the decisi...I'm surprised you even labored over the decision...and even more surprised at the advice Tin Tin shelled out, shame on him. <br />Selling your soul for something free is not a good deal, even for a thrift store junkie.<br />Didn't know they're the creeps who took the downtown Filene's Basement away, my grandmother would turn over in her grave...The Red Velvet Shoehttp://www.theredvelvetshoe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-35392050507644724022010-08-23T05:14:17.885-07:002010-08-23T05:14:17.885-07:00good for you; I went in that store once to buy a b...good for you; I went in that store once to buy a bow tie (it was an emergency) only to be told I didn't want a bow tie. I was too fat to wear one. I AM fat, but I did want a bow tie. Plus, I didn't need some cologne saturated guy wearing pleated pants and a gold dress shirt telling me I'm fat; I knew that already.cammiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05280629560480024504noreply@blogger.com