Category Archives: Shopping

Deals to look out for on Black Friday

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Black Friday is here, and unless you’ve been making meticulous spreadsheets tracking your intended purchases, you might be a little bit overwhelmed. If you’re browsing our Black Friday sales list and you’re wondering where to start, here’s what to buy so that you look awesome.

1. Kanata ‘Swooping Crane’ cardigan from No Man Walks Alone – $296

My own Kanata cowichan is one of my most-worn, most-loved pieces of clothing. It sits in a beautiful place between cozy knitwear and heavy outerwear, and I like to layer underneath it for both chilly days outside or when I’m sitting and reading.

This particular model was designed by Styleforum member @g transistor, whose sukajan-inspired ‘Swooping Crane’ motif won No Man Walks Alone’s cowichan design contest. The unique, medium-blue wool will go with everything from denim to trousers, and is perfect for those days when you don’t feel like wearing a structured coat or jacket.

You won’t find anything else like this out there, and at $296 this is a hell of a deal for a piece of serious clothing that will last you years.

 

2. Eidos x Vanson black shearling jacket from Mr. Porter – $2,096

At two grand, this isn’t exactly pocket change, but a good shearling jacket isn’t just incredibly comfortable and hard-wearing – they’re comfy as hell. They’re comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, and while you can easily wear a shirt or tee and nothing else when the weather’s naught but a bit chilly, layering a thick wool sweater underneath will keep you warm in serious cold.

Plus, this is one of your last chances to get what will soon be referred to as “OG Eidos,” as Antonio Ciongoli has moved on from the brand.

 

3. Shockoe Atelier “Relaxed Kojima” denim – $212

Recently, I realized that I have gone back to wearing raw denim every other day, which I haven’t done in several years. Since these days I, along with everyone else, am singing the praises of looser, relaxed bottoms, particularly when worn with a pair of chunky boots, it seems only wise to combine the two interests and suggest a pair of raw denim that won’t suck to break in. I mean, this definitely isn’t a pair of balloon pants, but if you’re looking to get back to your raw denim days but don’t want to deal with thigh-murdering stiffness, these offer a happy medium.

 

4. RM Williams Craftsman Boot- $396 at East Dane

These, I’ve actually been looking for, and East Dane’s shipping and return policy makes this an easy purchase. Yes, they’re chelsea boots, but they look nothing like the kind sported by the legions of Kanye fans around the world. Plus, a crepe sole is useless in the winter. Wear them with denim and a heavy knit – you know, I’m just realizing that everything I’ve put on this list would go really damn well together. So you’re welcome for that.

 

5. A handful of fragrance samples from The Perfumed Court

Jasper's best Black Friday deals picks styleforum

If you’re interested in experimenting with a new fragrance this winter (say, Serge Lutens’ Ambre Sultan), this is a pretty good time to do it. The Perfumed Court sells small decants of most of the fragrances you’ve ever heard of, and rarely offers discounts – let alone 25% off. I’d expect fulfillment to take a few extra days, but it’s totally worth it to smell really, really good all winter long.

The Styleforum Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2017 Guide: Best Menswear Sales

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Styleforum Black Friday 2017 Guide Best Menswear Sales

Welcome to the Styleforum Black Friday 2017 guide to sales and coupon discount codes for all the men’s clothing and accessories that are fit to buy (and some more to boot). We will be updating this list throughout the weekend, so drop in often, or just keep on hitting F5.

P.S. This year, we have (and will be expanding) a women’s sales section, directly under the menswear sales listings.

7Liverpool

Cyber Monday markdowns.

 

Acrimony

Use code BLACKFRIDAY to take 35% off almost everything.

 

Adidas

Holiday Sale up to 50% off

Get 30% OFF with code CYBER17

Sign up for newsletter to get 15% off

 

A Fine Pair of Shoes

Use code blackfriday2017 and get 25% off everything!

 

Alpha Industries

Visit the site for up to 50% off

 

Allen Edmonds

Save up to $200 on factory seconds

 

American Rag

20% off at American Rag on Friday with code CYBER20

 

American Trench

15% off site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY2017

 

Antonioli.eu

Sale on now up to 50% off.

 

Armitage McMillan

25% off denim with code DENIM25

 

Artisan Deluxe

25% OFF sitewide with the code CYBERMONDAY

 

Antic Boutik

30% off a selection

 

Atelier

GET AN EXTRA 10% OFF SITE WIDE WITH PROMO CODE : CYBER10

 

Barbanera

All shoes on sale.

 

Barney’s

40% off designer sale

 

Barney’s Warehouse

Extra 50% off sitewide.

 

Batch:

40% off at shirts with code THANKS till 28th

 

Beckett Simonon

Black Friday starts early! Shoes for 149$ and boots for 159$, no code needed!

Beige Habilleur

Up to 30% off – Free Worldwide shipping starting from 150€

 

Ben Sherman

Ben Sherman Black Friday Sale | 40% OFF sitewide with code: CYBER40

 

Benzak

20% off site wide except denim with code BF17APPAREL

 

Bespoke England

Sale on fine men’s shoes!

 

Billy Reid

20% off sitewide with the cody CYBERUP

 

Black Blue

20% off all seasonal items with code Thanksgiving2017

 

Blackhorse Lane

17% of a customer’s first purchase when joining our email newsletter, Free worldwide shipping over £200.

 

Bloomingdales

Take 25% Off & Shop Great Cyber Deals Throughout the Site + FREE SHIPPING

 

Blue and Cream

Get 25% off with code CYBER

 

Bluefly**

up to 85% off on a selection + FREE SHIPPING

 

Blue in Green Soho

20% OFF Purchases under $500
25% OFF Purchases Over $500
30% OFF Purchases Over $1000

 

Blluemade

20% off site-wide with promocode TURKEYTIME

 

Blue Cream

20% off everything with the code COLDTURKEY

 

Blue Owl Shop

20% off with code TURKEY

 

Bluffworks

30% off

 

Bodega

Save 30% site wide. Use code CYBER17. Ends at midnight!

 

Bon Homme

worldwide free shipping

 

Braun

Up to 50% off cashmere.

 

Bread & Boxers

40% off + free shipping!

 

Bridge and Burn

20% off all Bridge & Burn goods

 

Brooks Brothers**

10% off + free shipping on all orders

 

Browns

extra 20% off with code BLACKOUT

 

Caliroots

30% off everything!

 

CAMO

30% everything

Code: CAMOBLACKFRIDAY

 

Carmina

FREE matching belt and a cream with every order, plus an extra 20% discount on outlets with the code: BLACKFRIDAY2017

 

Century 21

25% off one item + free shipping

 

Christian Kimber

ONE DAY ONLY: 20% off with code BLKFDY

 

Cloggs

Up to 40% off selected styles + 10% off with the code BFXTEN

 

Club Monaco

Black Friday code: SHOPFRIDAY

25% off $150+
30% off $250+
35% off $400+

 

Coach

50% off select styles

 

Cobbler Union

20% off boots with the code BOOT20.

 

Coggles

30% off with the code CG30

1 HOUR ONLY: 40% OFF SELECTED LINES WITH CODE CG40

no

Corridor

20% off site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY2017

 

Cruvoir**

Additional 20% off select sale items

 

Cultizm

20% off with code BF20

 

Daad-Dantone

30% OFF with the code BLK3017

 

Da Luca Straps

25% OFF with the code cyberweek

 

Daniel Wellington

free strap with any watch

 

Dapper Classics

30% off socks with code WEB17

 

Deveaux

Sale is on!

 

eHaberdasher

Up to 80% off a selection.

10% off across the site with code ‘SFBLKFRI‘ for SF members only.

 

East Dane

Extra 35% off sale items with code WOW35

 

END.

20% off with the code BLACKFRIDAY

 

Envoy of Belfast

Our weekend promotion starts now, enjoy 20% off select styles with discount code BLACK20

 

Epaulet

Take 30% off sales items on Cyber Monday only with code FINALSALE30

 

Equus Leather

SF members enjoy 20% off everything with the code NOIR2017

 

Everything Hip Hop

25% off everything

Code: BFW25

 

Fairends

30% off site-wide with code FAIRENDSGIVING17

 

Farfetch

Up to 50% off, plus 10% off with code X1017

 

Feature Sneaker Boutique

50% of with code FINALSALE

 

Frances May*

25% off with code BOOKSMART

 

Frank + Oak*

35% off everything with code CYBERMONDAY35

 

Frank Clegg

Spend a minimum of $500 and receive a complimentary gift at checkout.

 

Freenote Cloth

25% off sitewide & free shipping over $500

 

From Japan

10% off Rakuten sale!

 

fwrd*

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: Up to 65% off.

Code: PLUSH, BLUE or CANDY for extra 10% off most brands.

 

Gamine Workwear

10% site wide free shipping with code bluejeanbaby

 

Gentlemen’s Footwear

Final sales on a selection of items.

Styleforum members can use code ‘extra15‘ for additional 15% off on already marked down sale products (sale items only).

 

Gilt

20% off with code CITYCYBER20

 

GIIN

Free International Shipping with the code THANKS

 

Golden Fox

Up to 50%, no code necessary.

 

Graduate

GRADUATE STORE​
BLACK FRIDAY GOES STRONGER ! ​
ROUND 2 !
40% OFF ON NEW SELECTED ITEMS

 

Grant Stone

30% off all boots and selected bluchers.

 

Gravity Pope

20% off sale items with code EXTRA20

 

The Hanger Project

Cyber Monday Sale | Up to 20% OFF Sitewide

 

Hoteveli

Take an additional 10% off * when using code “CyberMonday17” at checkout, MONDAY only.

 

House of Fraser

40% off for Cyber Monday

 

Helmut Lang*

Up to 40% off

 

Hunting Ensemble

30% OFF All New Collections (Norse Projects, A.P.C, Our Legacy, Nanamica, New Balance, Han Kjobenhavn and more) w/ code: Cybermonday30

 

Hussars Madrid

50% off Black Friday sale

 

Ibex

30% off select styles

 

Idol Brooklyn

Additional markdowns!

Use the code CYBERWEEKEND to get 15% off sitewide. Valid from Black Friday – Cyber Monday.

 

Independence

20% Off Sitewide, no exclusions.

 

Isaora

YOU ARE IN – 30% Off Entire Site – CYBER30

 

J. Crew

40% off everything, plus extra 10% off your purchase with code SHOPFAST

 

J. Crew Factory

50% everything, price as marked

 

J. Fitzpatrick

20% off all core products.

 

Jeeves

All products 15% off or more through Monday, 11/27!

Vass RTW 15% off

 

John Elliot + Co*

20% off code JEFW20

 

Jos A. Bank

20% off entire order with code CYBER

 

Julevu

20% off all bracelets until Sunday.

 

Julian Fashion*

Friday is black at Julian up to 40% off on selected items

 

Jungmaven

20% off site-wide

 

Kiriko

20% off site-wide with code KINYOUBI + all purchases on Friday receive free gift

 

KNYEW*

30% OFF everything

 

Kurt Geiger

20% off selected styles including Crockett & Jones

 

Krammer & Stoudt

60% off past collection with code BLACKFRIDAY

 

Lalonde

All Allen Edmonds at 30% OFF with code CMAE30. Free shipping from Canada, no duties in North America.

 

Lanieri

Up to 30% off a selection

 

Lanvin

50% off Winter collection

 

Lazzari

BF10 -10% for orders under 500€

BF15 -15% for orders from 500€ to 1500€

BF20 -20% for order over 1500€

 

Levi’s

40% off with everything with code CYBER40

 

Le Rayon Frais

40% off a selection

 

Lexdray

25% off sitewide with code BLACKCYBER

 

L’inde Le Palais

Get ready for BLACK FRIDAY! Start your shopping today with our up to -40% with code BLACKF40

 

Linjer

Every day from Wed Nov 22 to Mon Nov 27 inclusive, one lucky customer shops for free.

 

LN-CC

30% off: Use code EXCLUSIVE30 at checkout | Up to 30% off a selection

 

LOIT

20% off everything with the code LOITCM

 

Lost and Found

Free shipping over $200

 

Luisa via Roma

20% off with the code BF20

 

Luxeswap

New listings on eBay

 

Maison Margiela

40% off F/W 2017.

 

Malford of London

75% off, up To 90% Off Kilgour, Hardy Amies, Gieves & Hawkes, Hackett & Richard James. Code “BLACK75“. New Items Added!

 

Man of the World

50% off everything

 

Maple

20% off entire site, Free shipping on orders over $200, promo code: CYBER

 

Matches Fashion

Up to 50% off!

 

Miloh Shop

Black Friday sale is live now!

15% off all Raw Denim with promocode “RAWFRIDAY”
25% off everything else with promocode “BFMILOH” (excludes Viberg and Private White V.C.)

 

MISMO

20% off with code BF17

 

Mission Workshop

Receive 20% off your purchase, a $20 gift card for future use, and a free bag of Bicycle Coffee with the code MISSION20

 

Mohawk General Store 

Black Friday Sale starts 12am PST Thursday
20% Off Fall Apparel & Shoes
Use code BLACKFRI17 at checkout

 

Monitaly

15% off sitewide with orders > $100 with code THANKS15

 

Mott & Bow*

10% OFF $150+

15% OFF $300+

Coupon: CYBERMONDAY2017

 

Mr Porter

30% off until November 27. Select items only. Applies at checkout

 

Namu shop

We’re having our Thanksgiving sale run from now until Monday (11:59 PM Central). Please enjoy 30% off sitewide with the code “TURKEY“.

 

NAQP

20% off select seasonal items found in the ‘Black Friday Sale’ page with code BFSALE17

 

Neighbour

NEIGHBOUR BLACK FRIDAY CONTINUES THROUGH THIS WEEKEND. ENJOY 15% OFF FW17 COLLECTIONS + FREE SHIPPING OVER $500.
SALE ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH AT MIDNIGHT.

 

Ne.Sense

Cyber Monday 30% of with code CYBER30

 

Need Supply

Cyber Monday 20% Off with code SHOP20

 

Neiman Marcus

clearance up to 70% off and up to $750 gift card with code GC4YOU

 

Neiman Marcus LAST CALL

Extra 40%–80% off everything + FREE SHIPPING with code CYBER

 

ne-sense

Cyber Monday 30% of with code CYBER30

 

New Balance*
25% off & Free shipping

 

Nifty-do

20% off with code CM17

 

Nike

TAKE AN EXTRA 25% OFF SALE STYLES

 

Noble Denim

25% off site-wide with discount code BFCM25

 

No Man Walks Alone

Up to 30% off hundreds of styles!

 

Nordstrom

Black Friday Sale: save on pretty much everything an extra 20% off sale items.

 

The North Face

up to 25% off select styles for a limited time, online and in-store.

 

Notre Shop*

Save 30% off your order.

Code: BF30

 

Nowells Clothiers

20% off

Code: CYBER

 

OAK NYC

50% off everything

 

Oki-ni

black friday 25% off use code: CYBER25

 

Oliver Wicks

$150 off custom suits, shirts, and ready-to-wear suits

Code: BLACK

 

Orvis

Up to 50% off + free shipping with code SHIPFREE

 

OSB

20% off sitewide

 

Other-shop

25% off with code: WINTER25

 

Pierpont Leather

15% – 60% off a selection.

Styleforum members get an additional 25% off the already discounted prices with the code SFHOLIDAYDISCOUNT.

 

Post Imperial

40% off

 

Quality-Shop

10% off all orders above €100 Code: black10

20% off all orders above €200 Code: black20

 

Rag & Bone

30% off with the code TAKE30

 

Raleigh Denim

15% sitewide excluding Original Raw jeans

 

Ralph Lauren

30% OFF when you spend $125+ CHEER

 

Ravis

Styleforum members can purchase Four Custom made mens Shirts and 2 Neckties from the classic collections for $260 instead of $330 with FREE Shipping.

 

Red Wing Shoes

20% off all models in store only. must sign up email for coupon code.

 

Revolve

Sale now up to 65% off. 20% extra off final sale with code CYBER20

 

Roden Gray
use code CYBER-10 for an extra 10% off

 

Rogue Territory

30% off SELECT STYLES with code RGTBLKFRI2017

 

Rone*

20% off with BLACKFRIDAY2017

 

Rooney

25% off FW collections with the code blackfriday

 

Saks Fifth Avenue*

40% off designer sale + earna gift card up to $750 with code CYBER17

 

Saks Off 5th

Shop top deals! Use code CYBERMON at checkout for up to 60% off cold season styles.

 

Sara Barner

25% off with the code SWEETPOTATO

 

Sartoriale

On Friday, 25% OFF out non-discounted items with the code “BF25”,

On Saturday, 20% OFF out non-discounted items with the code “BF20”

On Sunday, 15% OFF out non-discounted items with the code “BF15”

Styleforum members will enjoy 10% OFF from all our Clearance and SALE items with the coupon code BF2017

 

Self Edge

Coupon Code for 16% off along with free shipping worldwide: BlackFriday2017

 

Shoebuy

30% off Code: CYBERMONDAY

$40 off $99 + Free shipping

Code: EMLTHANKFUL

 

Shoes.com

Black Friday sale, up to 75% off

Extra 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY at checkout

 

Shockoe Atelier

15% off site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY2017

 

Shop the Finest

International: use the code $1000BLACKCYBER2017 for free shipping on entire order, minimum purchase of $1,000.00, Nov 23 to Nov 27

Domestic: use the code $500BLACKCYBER2017 for free shipping on entire order, minimum purchase of $500.00, Nov 23 to Nov 27

 

Skoaktiebolaget

Get 10% off everything with code CYBER17.

 

SlamJam

Use BLACK40 to get 40% off full-price items.

Use BLACK20 to get 20% off sale items

 

Spence

25% off sitewide

 

Spier & Mackay

20% Off Sitewide, includes bundle pricing (excludes MTM Suiting) with the code: CM2017

 

Spring

10% Spring credit with your purchase on Cyber monday

 

Spruce Shop

Up to 50% off

70% off sale from 8-10pm Central. FLASH70 is the code.

 

Ssense

Up to 50% off. SSENSE sale is live. Add item to cart for sale price

 

Standard & Strange

20% off select brands and items and Free International Shipping with code COMRADE

 

Stock Mfg. Co.

Up to 40% off, extra 20% off with code TURKEY20

 

Superdenim

10% off sitewide

 

Superdry

30% off sitewide, no code needed

 

Supply & Advice

Extra 20% off with the code BLACKFRIDAY

 

Taylor Stitch

30% off with $30 credit to any second purchase through Jan-9-2018

 

Tanner Goods

20% site wide minus Mazama, Danner, Rancourt and Alden

 

Ted Baker

50% off selected items

 

Tellason

20% off with code BFCM17

 

The Arrivals
$50 off $200

$100 off $400

$200 off $800

$300 off $1100

 

The Hill Side

30% OFF Site-wide (including already discounted items) with code BLACKFRIDAY

 

Theory

Up to 30% off with the code THANKS

 

TheRealReal

20% off with code REAL

 

The Next Door

up to 50% off

 

Timberland

Extra 30% off!

 

Todd Shelton

30% off everthing

 

Tom Clothes & Goods

20% site-wide with discount code EATDRINKANDGIVETHANKS

 

Tommy Hilfiger

30% off with code STAYWARM

 

Totokaelo

Up to 50% off a selection of items.

 

Très Bien

Up to 25% off all items

 

Uncle Otis

20% off with the code BLKFRDY

 

Understudy*

Understudy’s Black Friday Saale starts Thursday night. 20% Off with discount code: BFCM20

 

UniformLA

25% Off UNI/FORM with code BLACKFRIDAY17

 

Unionmade

Additional 25% off Sale Items with code Extra25.

Spend more save more! 15%-30% off

 

Uniqlo

CYBER MONDAY DEALS!

 

Unmarked

30% off site wide with code BLK30

 

Vathir

Up to 50% off

 

Velasca

15% off on everything with code 15BLACK till 28th.

 

Venque

15% off with code CYBERMONDAY or free shipping with code FREE SHIPPING

 

Vestis

20% off with code SBS2017

 

Voo Berlin

Up To 50% OFF

 

VRNTS

40% off a selection

Code: BF40 

 

Welcome Stranger

25% OFF SITEWIDE – CODE: 25FORALL

 

Will Leather Goods

Up to 25% off until Nov 28

 

Wilson & Wily’s

20% off site-wide with code SMALLBIZ

 

Wings + Horns

30% off the Fall/Winter 2017 collection until Monday, November 27th, with free shipping anywhere in North America.

 

Winter Session

20% off sitewide with the code THANKYOUSALE

 

World Jeans Shop

20% Off Holiday Sale
Select items only: 11.23-11.27
Find our “Holiday Sale” category
under each page and
use code HOLIDAY2017 at checkout

 

Wrong Weather

30% off a selection

 

Yoox

30% OFF everything on app & mobile

 

Yuketen

25% off site-wide

 

Zadig & Voltaire

40% off selected styles

 

ZFactorie*

Up to 50% off

Styleforum EXCLUSIVE: 50% Off everything (excluding leather and some outerwear) for the next 24 hours with the code: SFORUM50*Final70 Code is reactivated for all Final Sale items including SS17 Womenswear items that have been added to Final Sale

*Free Shipping on all US based Orders for the weekend

As a part of our Black Friday into Cyber Monday promotions, we have created a category on Zfactorie specifically for Black Friday promotions
It can be viewed here: 
All items in the section can be bought at an additional 15% Off

 

WOMEN’S BLACK FRIDAY SALES

Though many of the above sell both men’s and women’s clothing, the below are strictly retailers of women’s clothing, footwear, and accessories.

 

Ann Taylor

Extra 40% off sale styles

 

GAP

50% everything with code BLKFRIDAY

 

Kate Spade

30% off everything with code GIVEJOY

 

La Garçonne

Up to 40% off, plus new markdowns

 

LOFT

40% off everything

Code: GIFTITUP

 

Lululemon

Up to 75% off

 

Madewell

ENJOY 25% OFF YOUR PURCHASE.
USE CODE DONTSTRESS.

 

Michael Kors

25% off

 

www.net-a-porter.com*

Up to 50% off

 

New York & Company

50% off sitewide

 

Nine West

20% off heels

 

Parker

30% off everything

Code: CHIC30

 

Quality Shop

10% off all orders above €100 Code: black10
20% off all orders above €200 Code: black20

 

Rebecca Minkoff

25% off orders $100+

 

Shopbop

UP TO 75% OFF SALE, 30% OFF FULL-PRICE

20% OFF 200+
25% OFF 500+
30% OFF 800+
Code: MORE17

 

Tory Burch

30% off $250+

Code: THANKS

 

Totokaelo

SALE up to 40% off. You can also stack ‘welcometototo‘ for 10% off.

 

Vestiaire Collective

VARIOUS DEALS

Jasper’s Favorite Chunky Boots for Autumn

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I’m a boot guy. The only laced shoes I wear outside of weddings are sneakers (and even then, I wore loafers to the only two weddings I attended this summer), and if I’m not in sneakers I’m in boots. Granted, it’s less pleasant for me to stick to my guns during the Colorado summers, which regularly crest 90 degrees for months on end, and getting to slip back into my favorites is one of many reasons I love dressing in autumn and winter. These days, my tastes are running to chunkier silhouettes, and I’ve largely phased out my collection of sleek side-zip models, and with that in mind I hope here’s a selection of some of the chunky boots I’ve both enjoyed wearing and looking at online, ready for adoption into your autumn wardrobe.

Combat boots

Most combat boots that high street brands release still tend towards the dainty, and while a sleek silhouette can be nice, I think it often comes at the expense of character. I’ve been very happy with the pair of Visvim 7-Hole ’73 combat boots I bought a couple of months ago. Despite the hefty shape, they’re very lightweight, and the addition of a side-zip appeases my lazy side (it also makes them just fine to wear in an airport). Visvim has done several iterations of this boot, and past releases have sported commando soles instead. It also comes in three colors: the black, shown below, brown and khaki, and black and olive. The price of a pair of these boots is fairly high (though you can, as I did, find ways to score a deal), and in combination with the somewhat distinctive styling they’re certainly not for everyone.

To me, that’s part of the charm. It’s easy to end up with a giant shoe wardrobe with no variation in it – for example, owning 5+ pairs of near-identical side-zip boots (guilty) allows you to swap out your pairs depending on your mood, but it’s not particularly interesting. These days, I much prefer to reach into my closet for something that’s more distinctive, as it lets me change up silhouettes more than the alternative. Take, for example, these admittedly absurd Feit combat boots – they’re something of a hybrid shoe that, despite their bulk, nonetheless seems possible to work into an outfit built around a tweed or flannel trouser. Nonnative’s recurring ‘Wanderer‘ boot offers similar styling to the Visvim model, but it’s a bit too 1:1 for my tastes. Of course, if you’re after something sleek that’s a surer bet for classic and classic-casual wardrobes, I’ve always thought that Carmina’s ‘Jumper‘ boots seemed attractive.

best chunky autumn boots styleforum

Visvim boots shown with Monitaly x SF mountain parka and Niche patchwork jeans.

 

Chelsea boots

I’m not really a chelsea boot person, and that’s mostly because I’ve never loved the rocker/mod aesthetic, especially as it’s been presented in recent years. I’ve also never been certain of how I feel about an elastic gore which, despite my love of easy to put on shoes, I’ve always found a touch off-putting. Recently, this has changed somewhat, largely because I’ve taken the time to look at different silhouettes. Takes such as those offered by Common Projects and YSL have never held much appeal for me, but once again, expanding my world a bit has revealed some attractive options.

On the more affordable end of the spectrum, you’ll find boots such as the Clark’s Clarkdale Gobi. I purchased these on a whim about a month ago, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve worn them. They’re a good middle-ground in terms of silhouette, and crepe soles remain comfortable. The problem, of course, is that they don’t do great when the temperature plummets, and really aren’t wearable in the snow. Even so, the lower price makes them an easy pair to test out.

 

best chunky autumn boots styleforum

Gobi boots shown with Kapital Century denim and a vintage chore jacket

If you’re looking for a longer-lasting, leather-soled model, you’ve probably already been sent in the direction of RM Williams boots. I’ve been keeping an eye on these for the better part of this last year, and there are two different models that have retained my interest: the very classic Comfort Craftsman and the Yearling, both of which are wholecuts, but which have very different silhouettes thanks in large part to the height of their respective heel. While the ‘Gardener’ model is a bit too blobby for my tastes, I appreciate the relative heftiness of the silhouettes on offer. If you, like me, are a fan of Western and Western-inspired footwear, there are a few models – such as the  – that, especially for an American, offer a wearable twist on Western wear. Sporting a pair of cowboy boots really takes some commitment (more on that later), and it’s a world I haven’t quite dived into yet, but RMW’s designs are perhaps a bit more forgiving than a full-on croc boot.

Another option that has caught my eye recently is Viberg’s chelsea boot. They’re not brand new this fall, but they offer – as does RMW – a heavier take on the chelsea. As is the case with most Viberg models, you can find it with a variety of leather and sole options, and if you want a workboot that you do’t have to lace yourself into, this is an attractive – and long-wearing – possibility.

 

 

 

 

Work Boots

By now, I’d be surprised if any forum member hasn’t heard of Viberg, and they’re still a go-to for heavy workboot styles. Every season, you can find a huge range of models at Viberg’s many retailers, but right now the makeup I have my eye on is this Scout Boot that Viberg is selling through its own webstore. Perhaps that’s because it’s fairly similar to the other boot I’ve had my eye on, which is Visvim’s now-venerable Virgil. Unfortunately, my feet don’t seem to play nicely with the Virgil’s last shape, and Viberg models lack the lightweight, sneakerboot feel of Visvim’s footwear, which is part of what makes the latter so appealing to me. New webstore Miloh Shop is also offering what I think is a pretty handsome ‘Triple Black‘ makeup that would work well with olive chinos, among other things.

If that’s not your style, you might prefer Alden’s classic moc- and plain-toe models, but I feel I hardly need to mention them here. One budget option is Timberland, a brand my cousin (a field researcher) swears by, so if you want something that might actually keep your feet dry and warm this winter they’re not a bad bet. This fall, both Nonnative and Sophnet have done a Gore-Tex and an all-black zipper-finished model, respectively, and I have to say – both look really good. Unfortunately, if you have large feet, you’re probably SOL.

 

Western boots

As mentioned earlier, I haven’t quite had the courage to dip my toes into a true Western (read: cowboy) boot – there’s a lot of cultural baggage for me there, and I am endlessly undecided as to whether I think I’d actually wear a pair. Even so, there are some boots out there I think are undeniably cool, and there are others that are likely a bit more accessible in terms of shape. If you’re interested in a true-blue cowboy boot, I think that Heritage Boot Co. is making some designs worth your while. They’re far more interesting than most designs you’ll find from big makers like Lucchese, and from what I’ve read they’re made to a much higher standard as well. My only experience with Lucchese resulted in two returns do to two separate QC issues, and plenty of boot people on the internet reckon that Heritage Boot is making some of the nicest boots on the market, especially considering what they’re asking for them. A few stand out to me in particular; their basic black ‘Apache,’ the French-toed ‘Ranch hand,’ and the exotic ‘Stingray.’ The first two options seem the like relatively low-risk and low-effort ways to give a boot like this a shot, while the stingray boot requires a step up in commitment. Some of the inlaid models are worth a look as well, although I imagine most people would find them a little harder to work into a regular rotation.

On the shallower end of the pool you can also find models such as the Lucchese Shane and Cannon, both of which are available via Huckberry. Both are roper-style boots with an un-embellished shaft and a rounded toe; obviously at home with denim, but potential options for textured trousers as well. At under 400$, the ‘Shane’ strikes me as a sensible entry-level attempt, especially given Huckberry’s easy return policy – I’ve seen the same model available through Amazon before as well, though you’ll have to check the shipping and return terms on your own. The Lucchese Jonah was also briefly popular on the streetwear side of the forum, and is a much, much easier boot to work into a variety of wardrobes. It’s a pricier zip roper, with a hefty sole and a slightly wider shaft that accommodates a straighter-leg jean or trouser. Unfortunately, I’m one of several people who, as mentioned, had some issues with QC, so if you’re interested in these boots make sure that you have the option to exchange or return.

 

 

 

How to Style an Overshirt, with Erik Mannby

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how to style an overshirt styleforum erik mannby overshirt

Overshirts, or ‘shackets’ – as our friend Kyle refers to them –  are often the province of casual-wear. Leave it to Erik Mannby, friend of Styleforum and editor of Plaza Uomo, to make the garment shine in a semi-tailored context. In this case, the added length of the overshirt helps balance out the proportions of the outfit. You might call it cheating, and if we’re being honest it’s about the same length as a short jacket, but as far as I’m aware there’s no universally agreed-upon length for an overshirt, so in my mind it’s fair game. Beneath that, the outfit is a well-considered blend of autumn textures, noticeable largely because of the light colors. Many of us – myself included – gravitate towards darker tones once the days begin to grow shorter, but I like the use of the cream cardigan in particular. Also worth noting is the brown tie which, as the sole point of saturation outside the overshirt, stands out in a good way and looks very nice against the striped shirt. I find it difficult to wear shawl-collar cardigans as a mid-layer, but again, I like the way it’s done here. Erik has really mastered the slim-but-comfortable silhouette, and it’s nice to see layering that doesn’t get bulky.

We haven’t addressed the best accessory, which is of course the puppy. Experts have long known that dogs make an excellent counterpart to a good outfit, and Mr. Mannby has perhaps found the ideal complement to his autumn tones in a dark-haired companion. The sheen of the fur goes well with the overshirt, and the tiny, adorable nose adds some welcome gloss to an otherwise matte ensemble.

 

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Get Ready for Black Friday on Styleforum!

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It’s time to get ready for Black Friday! Make your spreadsheets, track your garments, and most importantly, sign up for Styleforum’s weekly newsletter to receive first notice of our massive Black Friday menswear sales guide.

Every year, we put together the internet’s largest list of Black Friday menswear sales, with coupon codes and discounts for over 200 stores and brands. It’s the single largest list of its kind, and it’s only available on Styleforum. You’ll know as soon as the list goes live, so that you can score the best menswear deals on the internet before they disappear.

Until then, make sure you’re subscribed to the Sales Alert Thread to stay up-to-date on the best menswear sales.

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Embracing The Styleforum Uniform, with @jcmeyer

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The Styleforum uniform security guard look styleforum jcmeyer

Ah, the Styleforum Uniform, affectionately (and sometimes mockingly) referred to as “The Security Guard Look.” At its core, it comprises a navy jacket and grey (or neutral) trousers, with the option of rotating a wide range of colors and styles of footwear, neckwear, jacket silhouettes, and other accoutrements. In this case, @jcmeyer has opted for a trouser that tends towards ‘oatmeal’ in coloration, which helps to take away some of the flatness that pure grey can bring to an outfit. It’s a nice touch, and offers a pleasant depth of color. The tie is a good choice as well, as it’s fall-friendly without being costume-y, and finally, take a look at that collar roll! Finished off with a pair of brown suede chukkas, this is one of the most versatile combinations you can have in your wardrobe. All that remains for you to do is nail the fit and finish of each item – easier said then done, but you can see how much of a difference it makes.

Here’s what @jcmeyer has to say about his take on the Styleforum Uniform:

“I probably do some version of the security guard every week or two. It’s especially good for a few reasons: 

  • one, it takes very little brain power to put a successful combo together with this as the base, which is especially nice now that I don’t get to sleep through the night with an infant in the next room
  • two, it’s akin to a grey or navy suit in that it’s basically invisible to people at the office – in other words you could wear it just about every day and no one would really notice
  • and three, it allows for easy, nearly infinite, variations by accommodating a wide range of ties, shoes, and shirts (collar styles too) and it also gives you the option to change the color of the trousers to oatmeal (like in the pic), tan, and even subdued patterns

As for how to make it distinct, I kinda have to dodge the question by the nature of what I said in my second point above. To me the best part about this look is that it isn’t distinct. Fit and the quality of the items/fabric is going to make you feel good about it, and maybe a few people will notice that, consciously or otherwise, but in the end the best thing is that you blend in. For those of us who wear #menswear to work, that’s actually pretty important!”

Now, the relevance of that last point will of course depend on your job and lifestyle, but I’m not sure I completely agree with @jcmeyer’s impression of the results – buddy, if you didn’t want to stand out, you shouldn’t have done such a good job.

How to Buy Direct from Japan

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By Brad Tiller

Have you ever browsed a Japanese webstore and wished you knew how to buy direct from Japan? Follow along as Brad Tiller talks you through the basics of using a ‘proxy’ service.

 

how to buy direct from japan styleforum japanese proxy zenmarket

This article first appeared on Styleforum in 2015.

Publisher’s note: Zenmarket is a Styleforum affiliate. However, this article is not sponsored, and predates that relationship. If you are interested in signing up for Zenmarket via Styleforum and get your first purchase fee free, please go here.

Review: Holden and Green Shoes

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New shoe companies seem to be popping up all the time these days. The market today for Goodyear or Blake-welted shoes in the $200-400 price point makes the days of hunting for decent-looking Allen Edmonds Seconds seem like ages ago. Into this mix has entered a new UK-based company, Holden & Green. I received a complimentary pair of their shoes to review for Styleforum’s Journal, and commenced wearing them regularly for a month to get a feel for their quality, fit and value.

First, let me get something out of the way: while the shoes were given me for free, the opinions below are my honest thoughts.

Initial Impressions

My initial impression of the shoes was very positive. It is evident from the first that the construction quality is very good, with a fit and finish that shows very close attention to detail—no stray or crooked stitching hastily trimmed off, no varied discoloration. The construction strikes me as akin to some “mid-tier” bench grade shoes I’ve owned and handled—something along the lines of Crockett & Jones or Alfred Sargent.

The leather of course looked great out of the box, but even the cheapest shoes out there look great brand new, so a month of wear would help in determining its quality. The last shape is an attractive, elongated, European silhouette. And the soles feature a beveled waist and red-painted channel-stitched sole.

Some Background on the Brand

H&G is so new that you can scarcely find anything about them on the Internet. I reached out to the owner and founder of the brand, Frank Clune, to get some information on the company and the product they make.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the West End shoe world for the last five years and to meet some of the legendary characters—genuine one-offs who seem to be disappearing from the world of work, who thrive in this business,” he says. He has no shoemaking training himself, but worked at legendary London bespoke shoemaker Foster and Son, where he met Terry Moore and worked with John Spencer, Emiko Matsuda, Emma Lakin and Lucy Smith. Frank owns the brand, taking guidance and advice from some of the people in the business he met during his time there.

Before starting Holden & Green, he started an eBay business selling overstock from UK retailers. The experience there taught him which styles and colors sell well (black outsells brown, for instance). Once he launched H&G, the aim for the brand was to make “quality at a good price, which means European-tanned leathers and excellent making,” he says. But to hit the price point he wanted to hit (below £300, or about $400USD), “it also means that we need to use non-European makers. This has been the most interesting and challenging part of the process to-date.” The shoes are made in two workshops: one in the Far East (not China, he says), and the other in North Africa. “We cannot speak highly enough of their attention to detail and their responsiveness,” he says.

holden green shoes review styleforum

The shoes I was given to try are definitely outside the typical business wardrobe of most non-menswear-enthusiasts. If the split toe and elongated last don’t catch your eye, the red painted sole and beveled waist just might. However, the rest of their models, which fall under what they call the “City collection,” are a bit more conventional for a conservative business dress environment (albeit with contemporary, European silhouettes). That conservative design bent, alongside the lessons learned from his prior overstock business, may mean the average antique museum calf-obsessed Styleforum member won’t find much to get his heart racing. But from Frank’s perspective, “getting City-Boys out of their curly-toed abominations feels like the right thing to do morally; for every City gent in his Henry Poole suit and Edward Green’s, there are two dozen others who need more than a little help.” All told, the niche he’s aiming for “is a retail price point beneath £300, using European leathers and tanneries, and getting the right maker to work with the best lasts we can find.”

Impressions After One Month

I kept a running mental checklist of how I felt about the shoes, typing occasional notes, over the course of a month, wearing them 2-3 times per week. At the end of that time, I treated them sparingly using Saphir Renovauteur, and a polish. I personally do not like the shiny fresh-out-of-the-box look of shoes, preferring instead a nicely broken-in and freshly polished look. I wanted to see how the leather reacted to a polish.

First, I was pleased to find the initial new-shoe stiffness disappeared very quickly—within the first two weeks. They still aren’t completely broken in, but that uncomfortable period of new leather shoes is gone.

Second, the leather’s appearance maintained its attractiveness. The factory-new shiny finish didn’t completely go away by the end of the month, but it had dissipated somewhat. I can’t speak to how well these will age over years of wear, but my experience in the time I’ve had them is positive.

Third, the completely subjective matter of fit: these are the best-fitting leather-bottom shoes I’ve ever owned, and are far more comfortable than any other leather shoe I’ve owned. Around the same time I received them, I purchased some Crockett & Jones-made Peal & Co. shoes from Brooks Brothers—they are much more to my liking stylistically, but fit-wise they don’t hold a candle to these.

Fourth, the other completely subjective matter, which is of style and design: I personally find these ugly. Their “City collection” designs are better, more along the lines of something I’d wear. The red sole and beveled waist are a nice, but a purely aesthetic touch, and aesthetic appeal is of course in the eye of the beholder.

Speaking of the differences in design between the channel-stitched, beveled-waist shoes I received and the more prevalent City collection (with neither of those aesthetic features), Frank says they are both of the same quality of make: “We’d say that they’re very good benchgrade shoes.”

All said, I’d say they are a good value for the money. They come in slightly higher than mainline Meermin, which I own and think are an excellent value. But for that extra $100 or so, you get considerably better construction, and noticeably better leather quality. Compared to more-expensive Crockett & Jones or Alfred Sargent, you get comparable quality at a much more attractive price—assuming H&G makes a style you like. They currently sell five styles, with ten more slated to be released in time for the holiday season.

This is not sponsored content. To read Styleforum’s review policy, please click here.

Holden & Green shoes are for sale on their website www.holdenandgreen.co.uk.

Gus’ Guide to Casual Autumn Style

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I always look forward to the change in wardrobe that comes with cooler weather and the colors of autumn. Fall is the time to enjoy plush corduroy, cavalry twill, moleskin, rich tweeds, heavy flannels and deep-colored suedes and leathers. Whether your personal style is modern or classic, great fall menswear allows you mix and match fabrics, neutrals and earth tones with very little effort required to put together great seasonal looks. The following are some of my seasonal favorites to combine with year-round staples for comfort and casual autumn style.

Quilted Vest

Casual Autumn Style styleforum

Worn with any shirt or sweater and paired with jeans or corduroys, a quilted vest projects an air of warm nonchalance. This isn’t the tailored vest look of your three-piece suit. Instead, the quilted vest has a country pedigree that is ideal for travel, football games or a visit to your favorite café on a chilly morning. It is an ideal transitional garment from cool to cold weather – so when winter arrives, it also becomes a practical layering piece worn under your favorite coat. A few of my favorites are the green Barbour Waxed Cotton Vest at Sierra Trading Post ($179), Parisian label Kitsune’s quilted grey herringbone tweed vest ($399) and Paul Stuart’s quilted, down filled, dark brown leather vest with a wool lining($1,487). And my favorite? These exclusive Monitaly quilted vests, shown above, $365 at No Man Walks Alone. Perfect with cords, jeans and a chambray shirt for your next craft beer tasting event. Any of these will serve you well for years to come.

Donegal and Fair Isle Socks

Casual Autumn Style styleforum

Paired with your favorite boots, moccasins, or LL Bean Hunting boots, thick wool and alpaca or mohair-blend socks are guaranteed to keep you warm. Donegal flecks or Fair Isle patterns add autumnal color to your wardrobe, and no one will confuse these with your typical dress socks. My favorites for many years have been from the British mill Scott-Nichol where they know a thing or two about avoiding chilly feet. An excellent source is O’Connell’s in Buffalo, NY, which carries several brands including Scott- Nichol ($28-$35). Paul Stuart also offers Donegal socks and a heavy wool mohair blend in rich fall colors ($42.50).

Brown Rubber-Soled Shoes

Casual Autumn Style styleforum
For casual comfort and classic fall style it’s hard to beat a pair of dark brown chukkas or derbies with a substantial rubber sole. My favorites have Dainite, Ridgeway or similar style rubber soles originally intended for field use but are equally practical in urban settings especially in rain and snow. You can dress them up with a tweed jacket or corduroy suit, and they will always look great with your favorite leather jacket. I take a pair on fall and winter trips to battle the cobblestoned streets of London or Paris, and with silicon waterproofing, suede is as weatherproof as anything out there. Take a look at the Paraboot Chambord Tex Gringo ($511) at Unionmade and Heschung Ebene Leather Derby ($485) at Mr. Porter. Or, for an altogether lighter look and modern aesthetic, check out Bontoni’s brown leather sneaker ($595) at Wilkes Bashford.

Scarf

Casual Autumn Style styleforum

A scarf isn’t only practical for warmth; it also offers an opportunity to add an accent of color or texture. A few of my favorites for fall are simple herringbone patterns or multicolored prints in burgundy, purple or a muted “paprika” color. But it’s also nice to have at least one colorful mixed print. For casual style avoid shiny silks and reserve those for formal business attire. My favorite expressive scarves seem to come from the Italian brand Etro ($270), which is available at Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. There are also more whimsical options such as the Drakes London animal print scarves($470) at Barneys or 19 Andrea’s 47 colorful prints (GBP295) from Exquisite Trimmings.

Fair Isle Sweater 

Casual Autumn Style styleforum
You probably already have plenty of solid navy and grey in your wardrobe so why not add some pattern? Popularized by the Duke of Windsor, Fair Isle sweaters originated on the tiny Shetland Islands and are a cold weather favorite. My wife grew up on the Islands and has fond memories of local women hand knitting these colorful sweaters, gloves and hats. Their distinctive rows of multi-colored geometric patterns add punch to Fall’s typical, muted solids. There are many copies, but to be a true Fair Isle it must be knit on the Shetland Islands, as is this one by Jamieson’s ($195), available from No Man Walks Alone.

Knit Ribbed Hat 

Casual Autumn Style styleforum

A classic fisherman’s knit ribbed hat seems to make any guy look bit more manly. I especially like the look of this Donegal tweed example in navy wool and cashmere by Inis Meain ($100) at No Man Walks Alone. For those who like cotton, try the black indigo dyed watch cap from RRL ($85).

This article was originally published on Styleforum.net in 2015

How to Style White Jeans with @eddiemczee

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style white jeans

I think that a pair of cream trousers is one of the most enjoyable and versatile garments to be had in a man’s wardrobe, and I’m likewise a fan of white or cream jeans. That said, some men may struggle with how to style them. It’s understandable, given that denim is a relatively rugged fabric generally associated with workwear, and as white is usually a warm-weather color, not many people are interested in wearing denim when it’s hot out – especially as it’s not known for being breathable.

Fall, then, is really the perfect time to ignore the rule about white after Labor Day (we all know it’s bunk anyway) and pull out your white jeans. That means, however, knowing how to style them. Ignore the advice about heavy boots and denim – nothing looks more awkward than a heavy workboot and white pants. Instead, opt for either a slim, lighter boot, a pair of sneakers, or as @eddiemczee shows here, loafers. His are cuffed, but white jeans usually end up being easier to hem than washed denim, as the stitching is less noticeable and you’re less likely to alter the wash in a funky way. Don’t be afraid to buy white jeans with no or minimal break, as they arguably work better for these purposes than dark jeans do. Just don’t buy white jeans too slim, as not only does it mean you’ll run hotter, but white denim has a very real sausage casing effect when the thighs are too tight.

If you find a comfortable fit, however, you’ll realize just how versatile they can be. As Eddie says:

“The great thing about white jeans is that they can be worn casually and with tailored clothing. In the summer, I like to wear them with a linen button-down and navy blazer or denim jacket. In the winter, I’ll sometimes wear them with a navy sweater and olive field jacket and boots…I wear jeans over trousers when I want my outfit to look more casual. For white jeans, I feel like they’re the perfect middle ground between standard indigo denim and trousers. Plus, if you wear them to a picnic and get some stains on them, you can just throw them in the wash instead of having to dry clean them.”

This is another look that doesn’t need to break the bank, and exemplifies the standard Styleforum philosophy of spending your money on shoes and outerwear. White denim and chambray shirts can be found anywhere, including the Levi’s sale rack. The Land’s End model that Eddie’s wearing has a comfortable rise and leg, however, and is a good choice if you’re planning to wear loafers regularly. While a nicer leather jacket is almost always worth the expense, there are of course models that won’t set you back quite as much. Eddie let me know that his A-1 came from Schott’s ‘Perfecto’ line, from which you can often find steals. Unfortunately, that has since sold out, but if it is ever restocked you can expect to pay a bit less than you would for the Valstar jacket featured below.