The Basement of the Bargains

The other day I got an email from a reader named Joe who asked why I don’t do more men’s items. I do cover the menswear now and again. In fact, I did an article recently on great deals for Father’s Day…but I do admit I can go a long time without pointing out a good deal specifically for a guy. Well, it just so happens that Nordstrom is having their Half Yearly sale for men as we speak, so this is a great time to rectify that neglect. After all, as Joe pointed out in his email, guys love a good bargain, too.

For instance, if I were a guy, I’d be excited about this handsome, classic dress shirt from Faconnable:

The subtle black and white houndstooth check pattern is contrasted with a pure white collar for a snappy yet work-appropriate look. It’s also machine-washable pure cotton for easy care and breathability. Nice. Oh, and it’s also 33% off right now. Originally priced at $145.00, it’s on sale for just $96.90. Oh, and one more thing I love about this shirt is that it comes in long and extra long as well as regular length…and all at no extra charge.

But this is far from the only great deal for guys going on at Nordstrom right now. Don’t take my word for it. Shop the sale. Whether you’re a man or a woman who loves a man in her life, this is a terrific chance to save money while shopping. What could possibly be better than that?

Father’s Day is nearly upon us. If you haven’t done anything about that, don’t panic! I’m here to help you find just the right thing to make your father - or that special father in your life - happy as can be without breaking your bank account.

Once upon a time, everyone knew what to give for Father’s Day: a tie, an accessory for the barbeque, something car-related…maybe an electronic gadget. What else was there to give?

Well, times have changed and now anything goes. Why not break out and give him something unexpected.

These stylish Fellini sunglasses by Blinde Design will make any dad feel extra cool out in the sunshine. They come in your choice of blue or charcoal grey, complete with a soft black case and cleaning cloth.

You can get these babies from Overstock.com at an incredible deal. The suggested retail price is $280.00, but if you hurry, you can get them for just $49.99! And since they’re unisex in design, you might want a pair for yourself, too.

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A handsome necktie by Hickey, that is.

This handsome and celebratory tie won’t be just another Father’s Day gift. It actually looks like a celebration with its tiny, festive champagne bottles.

And at the price it’s on sale for at Bluefly.com, perhaps you can afford a full-sized bottle to go with it. The retail value is $118.00. Bluefly was selling it for  the excellent price of $71.00, but now they’ve marked it down to just  $54.99!

I say break out the bubbly!

Is there a man in your life who needs to upgrade his work wardrobe? Is there a man in your life who needs a decent interview shirt or two? Are you the man in need of something classy to wear at a bargain price?

Then head over to Paul Frederick Menstyle and take a look at the sale they have going on right now. They’re taking up to $70.00 off business suits and $10.00 off select dress shirts. Or you can visit their clearance racks and find even bigger bargains.

This handsome contrast collar, French cuff dress shirt, for example, usually sells for $59.50.

Right now, though, you can get it for just $29.50 in purple, sky blue, or tan. The brown and the gold are an even better deal at a mere $19.50, but the navy and burgundy are still - alas! - at full price.

Still, even the full price is a pretty good deal. Made of machine washable cotton broadcloth, this shirt is both handsome and easy to care for. I wonder if Mr. Twistie would wear it….

Well it isn’t a pipe. It’s a tie. A tie with a subtle, humorous pattern of pipe stripes, as it happens.

This elegant silk tie by Moschino is dignified enough for the office, but whimsical enough to allow a man to display his sense of humor.

After all, who doesn’t like a good Magritte pun?

And of course I wouldn’t be writing about it here if it wasn’t a good deal, too. Originally priced at $96.00, Forzieri Italia has it on sale for Spring at just $72.00.

With the current popularity of French cuffs for both men and women, a good pair of cufflinks is a great accessory to have on wrist, if not on hand. The key is to pick something both attractive and a bit understated. After all, you don’t want your cuffs to distract attention from your face or what you’re saying.

The solution? This handsome pair of enamlled sterling silver cuff links by LBB.

The soft blue and silver coloring is both dignified and understated, but the polka dot pattern adds a touch of good humor.

The best thing of all, though is the price tag. Saks originally carried these links for $75.00, but they’ve been marked down to just $44.90.

There’s nothing like a great scarf to finish off a great look. There’s nothing as classic in menswear as pinstripes. It was clearly just a matter of time before someone thought to combine the two with a bit of cashmere to make this elegant and luxurious scarf.

Available in charcoal with white stripes or navy with sky blue stripes, this will keep your throat warm and look fabulous at the same time.

I know it’s meant for a man, but I have to admit I would love it, too. On the right woman it would have an amazing sass factor.

What price this bit of glorious? Well, once upon a time, Saks Fifth Ave was selling it for $175.00. Now, though, it’s been marked down to just $43.35. How can you pass up a bargain like that? Where’s my credit card?

It’s Nordstrom’s half-yearly menswear sale!

Now is the time to head over to your local Nordstrom and look for incredible deals on men’s clothing of every description. Or, you know, you could skip the crowds and do your shopping by computer at their website.

For instance, this handsome Hugo Boss leather buckle belt normally sells for $165.00. Right now at the sale, you can get it for $109.90, which works out to 33% off the regular price. That’s what I call a good deal!

Every man should have at least one truly spectacular tie, and this handpainted silk seashell Fornasetti tie from Forzieri.com could easily fill the bill.

While the color is a conservative - and quite attractive - shade of blue, the decoration isn’t afraid to stand out in a crowd. Five elegant seashells in a darker blue are made whimsical by the pale gold shell with the head of a lovely Renaissance lady peeking out at the top. Originally $85.00, it can now be yours for only $63.00.

A leather one, that is.

Bluefly.com features this handsome, classic leather men’s belt by Linea Pelle for only $56.99 (that’s 54% off the regular price of $112.50!). Even better, if you act now you can get a further 10% off. This deal is only good through 6amEST 12/11/07, so hurry!