Designer Suits

[festealth]

Alrighty.... but what about socks? Or you hope that people won't see them, lol.

 

[magicmystery]

Alrighty.... but what about socks? Or you hope that people won't see them, lol.

Socks are always the same color as your pants. Except when you wear jeans, you can (and probably should) wear black socks. Sperminator can (and will) correct me if I am wrong.

Mr.PeterNorth I liked some of the shoes that you posted. I already made a shortlist (combining from Sperimantor and Mr. PeterNorth's posts). Sperminator: yes, I am in 20's. If you missed Spring/Aldo kind of shoes thinking I already know about them. Then, let me just say, that is not the case. If you don't post it, I assume it's not a recommended buy. And that I should discontinue buying those shoes.

 

[festealth]

1.) The colour of socks should complement the colour of the trousers. The socks don't necessarily have to be the same colour as the pants (e.g. a patterned sock with a design woven in that has many colours). The entire ensemble should look harmonious, all the colours should look like they belong with one another.

2.) There's technically nothing wrong with the shoes at Spring and Aldo. They're just not the best quality shoes on the market, that's all. Their styles do appeal to a younger clientele but unfortunately, the quality and durability of said shoes leave a lot to be desired. What it all comes down to is quality. Buy as good a quality as you can afford and you will have shoes that will last you for years. Choose classic styles rather than "trendy" and "edgier" styles and, again, you will have shoes that will serve you for years.

Your wealth of fashion knowledge...
Oh.... I am not worthy...

 

[magicmystery]

You are phenomenal, Spermie! Thanks.

magicmysteryman,

You may want to check out the online Ecco store. I've ordered several pairs from them before. Ecco shoes are very high quality and they're very reasonably priced for such high quality. They offer everything from classic to contemporary.

Ecco dress shoes: http://www.eccocanada.com/mens/formal/shoes-1-2-page-full_list.html

Ecco clearance shoes: http://www.eccocanada.com/mens/clearance-1-page-full_list.html

Ecco casual shoes: http://www.eccocanada.com/mens/casual-1-2/shoes-1-2-3-page-full_list.html

The warehouse is located in Markham, Ontario and if, for whatever reasons, you don't like the shoes you order (size, fit, colour, etc.), you can return them pre-paid by Ecco within 30 days.

You may also want to check out the high-quality shoes offered by Orvis in the U.S. Again, these shoes are very high quality and some of their offerings go for up to $600 a pair (e.g. handsewn crocodile loafers). And yes, they sell white bucks:

http://www.orvis.com/store/shopbystyle.aspx?pageType=GROUP&dir_id=885&group_id=909&shop_id=17034

 

[magicmystery]

When does Harry Rosen ever go on sale? I am thinking of doing some shopping from there. Right now, I mostly shop from different stores (Banana Republic, Gap, Levi's, Guess, CK, Mexx, Espirit, Aldo (shoes), Sportchek, Nike ...that's pretty much it).

 

[mimi]

Burgundy shoes go with everything too, just tuff to find the right patina...not too shiny, not too outrageously styled...a good classic that will last...very difficult these days. Everything is junk...trouser creases don't line up properly anymore, hems sag, and a sad lack of hand finishing.

Love that Depp.....gotta see that show

 

[mimi]

But...notice the brown shoes match the brown strap of his weapon, and the same shade of brown is in his tie. Otherwise brown is considered less dressy than navy and could end up looking odd/too casual with his suit.

The weave and finish of the cloth would also affect the decision to wear brown accessories.

 

[mimi]

really? OMG I have such a weakness for shoes! Wingtips are just...wow!

 

[mimi]

There was a shoemaker in Vancouver, Kim Campbell had her shoes made there...he was on Fraser St. about 18 years ago.

I always dreamed of having a pair of shoes made up, but, the kids needed shoes first, and old Buster Browns they must be.

Hey, remember the Buster Brown sneak-o-scope?

 

[Validator]

Well I picked up a boss suit (ya, I know, Spermie). Got it during the harry rosen sale. I find it that I prefer the slim fit line of suits. Never really shopped Harry before and I thought the sales people would ignore the heck out of me being a younger guy and not much of a label whore but I was totally wrong. Very impressed. I love the z zegna (yes I realize its on the entry level end) - they just fit me perfectly but the boss was on sale. Will wait for december sale...maybe pick up the zegna then.

So for basic suit colours what would u recommend? Black, navy, grey (dark and a light). Would that be it?

 

[Validator]

As for seasons - whatever is on sale works for me

Thanks guys for your advice - this whole suit buying experience is a lot like finding the right wine. Lot of variables involved...

My budget for suits would be the $1000 range. I will keep all your guys' tips in mind...

And yea, I'm from vancity. Also, I brought up black suit thinking it could come in handy for some occasions...or maybe a funeral or something.

Let's talk shirts. Shirt budget is lower - can I get anything decent in the $60 range? I feel like they as if they eventually all wear out or get those neck stains (anyone know how to get those out) that its hard for me to justify a $250 shirt. I am a slim guy - I usually find dress shirts are wide in the stomach for my neck size and I find myself always having to adjust the shirt to give it that even tucked-in look.

Discuss...

 

[MrPeterNorth]

As a fellow slim-fit guy, who owns more shirts than there are days in 2 months, and from all price-points - if you want $60-80 dress shirts, I recommend Mexx, Selected, and a handful of Armani Exchange shirts. Zara is decent as well - but I think their slim-fit could be a touch slimmer, at least for me anyway.

Just whatever you do, stay the hell away from Le Chateau. Pure polyester and acrylic garbage.

For ties - I swear by Banana Republic. A tad expensive for what they deliver, but the styles are usually always top-knotch with a nice selection to go with just about anything. Price range of anywhere between $50 up to $80.

That said - a shirt and tie are nowhere nearly as important as the pair of shoes you choose with the suit. This is one area you absolutely can't afford to go cheap on, so save, sacrifice one less session if you have to to buy a pair of nice black Italian dress shoes. Who knows, you might look so sharp, girls will be begging to be with you for free

 

[MrPeterNorth]

I beg to differ.

Especially if you have $500 and can only get one pair. Black over brown, every single day.

That said, the last pair of shoes I bought were a great brown pair of Luca del Forte's. Funnily enough, I bought the shoes, to match a belt I already own.

 

[MrPeterNorth]

Ecco shoes don't do much for me... though I suppose here are few examples :

Most of their line... I don't know. Expensive shoes made to look cheap IMO. I've seen more impressive shoes from Aldo. Aldo was decent until recently, but everything is now Chinese manufactured.

Kenneth Cole
Prada
Luca del Forte
Hugo Boss

... are much more stylish I think.

 

[kanyewest3]

Sam Abouhassan would probably be my first choice though. A lot of the
Edmonton Oilers get their suits from him.

His craft is marketing, not tailoring. If you check Samuelsohn's website, he's listed as a dealer of their suits.

Seems odd that a "master tailor" would outsource his work to a huge clothing factory in ontario.

Ecco shoes don't do much for me...

I had some Ecco's... they were dead ringers for some cheaper Transit shoes I had way back when, and fell apart in about the same time. There aren't many good shoes available in Edmonton, or most of Canada for that matter. Canali is one of the exceptions if you're willing to drop $500-$700 a pair.

 

[wet_suit_one]

Holy fucking gayness batman (no offense to real homosexuals).

Who fucking cares this much about men's clothing? WTF? Are you all women? Especially you Spermie, I had no idea!

My god. Wear decent clothes, don't become a woman.

If anyone in here has more shoes than there are days in the year, I DEMAND that you hand over your testicles to the appropriate authorities. Women can get away with that shit. Men, not so damned much.



Christ I thought I was here with fellow pooners, not a bunch of nancy boys screaming about their shoes and underpants.

WTF???!?!!!??!

 

[wet_suit_one]

Holy fucking gayness batman (no offense to real homosexuals).

Who fucking cares this much about men's clothing? WTF? Are you all women? Especially you Spermie, I had no idea!

My god. Wear decent clothes, don't become a woman.

If anyone in here has more shoes than there are days in the year, I DEMAND that you hand over your testicles to the appropriate authorities. Women can get away with that shit. Men, not so damned much.



Christ I thought I was here with fellow pooners, not a bunch of nancy boys screaming about their shoes and underpants.

WTF???!?!!!??!

For the record, I'm just yanking your chains. But holy gayness all the same.

Good advice on the suits. Tailor made is the way to go!

 

[Gille]

In case no one else has mentioned, there's a great tailor from hong kong that comes twice a year and stays in the Hyatt for a week. Maxwell Clothiers is their name. I usually only get shirts but they do suits too and their nice for a good price. $150+duty for 3 shirts made however you want them and add a suit to the package for about $500. They lay out 100's of suit and shirt fabrics of all material types in the hotel room for you to look at even.

I highly recommend them and they'll be back in December. After you go once they remind you when they're coming and that's the extent of my shopping for the year.

Google 'Maxwell clothiers' and you can find their global tour schedule

 

[kanyewest3]

Yes, Abouhassan sells SOME ready-to-wear Samuelsohn sportcoats in his store.

haha. point taken.

I dealt with the guy once to get some shirts and got such a bad feeling from him that I'll never go back. He gave the impression that he does bespoke shirts, but he didn't do much in the way of measurements. Charvet takes 30+ measurements for a bespoke shirt, he took like 6 or 7 and really didn't seem to interested in what I was after. After I walked out of the store when I got measured, I realized he never bothered to ask me if I wanted french cuffs or button cuffs.

There are other tailors in Edmonton quietly producing the same quality product for a lower price. But if you're happy with him, more power to you. You can't put a price on a tailor you can trust.

Please get your so-called "facts" straight before you blab about a subject about which I am clearly the UNDISPUTED MASTER.

You seem like a nice guy, and a big-wig amongst pooners, but I'm not sure I can call anyone who owns square-toed shoes the master.

 

[kanyewest3]

So how did your shirts turn out?

The shirts are of good, but not outstanding quality, and the fit was not what I hoped for. Granted, the fit would have been refined if I went back for more, but his product just isn't good VFM in my opinion. I guess that's the premium you have to be willing to pay for his image.

In terms of construction, the shirts are of somewhat better quality than Harry Rosen's Sartoria shirts, the biggest difference being that his shirts all use single needle tailoring. But his shirts lack other details like thick MOP buttons which I'd expect on a $300+ shirt. But given the impression and vibe I got from him, I won't go back there for any amount of money.