December 2011
103 posts
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Final days: Wardrobe reduction megasale remainders
OK, this is it!
One last hoorah after a week of selling this stuff. Final chance to get this stuff before I opt to shove it off elsewhere (probably eBay or StyleForum’s Buy & Sell classifieds, or maybe just the donation bin).
I think these are ridiculously reasonable prices for stuff.
If you’re interested in an item: e-mail me at kiyoshimartinez@gmail.com. I take PayPal, ship...
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Minimal Musings: Mega Clothing Moving Sale →
It appears another menswear blogger, minimalmusings, is moving across the country next month and also is shedding off quite a bit of his wardrobe at amazing prices.
Those of you in search of a deal should check out his listing of items. Lots of great stuff on there like a Sulka tie for $15, a Ralph Lauren Purple Label tie for $40, Charvet shirts for $75, Howard Yount pants for $100, and blazers...
Mystery solved! Owner of the Springfield spectator... →
You might remember the story I posted yesterday about a mysterious pair of black and white spectator balmoral wingtips unearthed in the Illinois Capitol.
Well, the owner has been found! He’s a House Republican staffer who bought them back in 2009 and stashed them after his coworkers ridiculed him:
“A lot of people around the office seemed genuinely concerned about my ability to see.”
He...
Pricedrops: Wardrobe cleaning megasale
Once again, thanks to those of you who have bought some of my stuff. Much appreciated.
I’ve dropped the price on a lot of items. Those shirts and trousers are like at fast-fashion retailer prices now. Even adding on alteration costs, you’re still probably going to come out way ahead.
If you’re interested in an item: e-mail me at kiyoshimartinez@gmail.com. I take PayPal, ship...
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andgodsneezed asked: I'm trying to find a good quality pair of boots for this winter in Wisconsin. I'm a Texas boy so the best pair of boots I have is a set of cole haan's. I've looked through Alden, JCrew (the chippewas look slick) but am trying to stay under 300$. Any recommendations? Or do your followers have any? I don't want to lose any toes while I'm up there.
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Anonymous asked: recommendations for mid rise selvage jeans that still have a decent taper? willing to spend $100-$150. thanks!
It's finally (really, I swear!) coming: The Ramen...
I know I’ve probably said this for months, but the post is at about 2,000 words at the moment. Probably got another 2,000 or so to write, give or take 500 words. Anyway, just an update for those of you who’ve been patiently waiting.
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Anonymous asked: hola, i just had a question about a problem i've had when taking suit jackets to the tailor. when i want the midsection taken in, the tailor pins the suit from the back, which creates a good fitted look when you look from the sides or behind. but when looking in front of the mirror, the jacket still looks a bit boxy, failing to achieve that tapered look. is it the tailor (cause hes pretty old...
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Geezer Style: There are no slobs in France →
I just want to point everyone toward geezerstyle, who doesn’t blog often, but when he does it’s well-written and quite a gem. His latest post on his trip to France is short, but I think gives anyone a great point to reflect on in this simple phrase:
driving up our level of care
I think that’s really tough to do. If you’ve spent a lot of your life just simply not caring...
Again, I'm selling a lot of stuff... →
… and added a bunch of stuff today, too. Shirts, pocket squares, Yu-Gi-Oh cards.
Check it out.
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Anonymous asked: I've had to wear steel-toe boots to work for the past ten years. As of the first of the year, this will no longer be required, but nearly my entire shoe wardrobe consists of Doc Martens. With what would you recommend I start?
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Anonymous asked: in your opinion, whats the least a suit jacket should cover of your rear end? would you just return a suit if the bottom of ur cheeks were peeking out a little?
Anonymous asked: Would you consider documenting the wardrobe you are keeping? I would be very interested in seeing what you have especially considering you are cutting down.
UPDATED: wardrobe cleaning megasale!
I shipped off a lot of packages from yesterday’s listing. Thanks guys!
But wait, there’s more! I’ve re-listed the remaining ones and added a whole bunch of new stuff, including:
Brooks Brothers dress shirts
Hart Schaffner Marx trousers
Pocket squares
If you’re interested in an item: e-mail me at kiyoshimartinez@gmail.com. I take PayPal, ship via USPS w/ delivery...
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idealistically asked: Question from a fellow Chicagoan - I received a new coat and though I love the fit and the style, I'm not too crazy about the length and would like for it to be shortened. Do you happen to know of any reputable tailors in the area that would be able to provide such a service? Thanks and happy holidays!
In case you missed it earlier, I'm cleaning out my... →
Still a bunch of shirts, jackets, ties, and even trousers left. And a worsted wool grey herringbone suit for $140!
Tomorrow I’m posting more stuff, too. Specifically this blazer and several Brooks Brothers shirts sized 15.5/35.
Holla for a dollar!
Wardrobe cleaning megasale
As previously mentioned, I’m cleaning out a large portion of my wardrobe. Many items are being donated away, however, many others are up for grabs.
If you’re interested in an item: e-mail me at kiyoshimartinez@gmail.com. I take PayPal, ship via USPS w/ delivery confirmation. Prices do not include shipping, but I do try to be fair and obviously if you order more than one item...
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bbgahman asked: I've gotten some wingtip purchasing advice from you in the past and wanted to again get your take on an issue: I am watching a beautiful pair of Allen Edmond Lombards (rubber sole). I know leather sole is preferable, but I'm more of a rubber sole type of guy for walking all over campus and commuting for internships. Any qualms with this shoe or rubber soles in general from a...
Closet cleaning pre-sale
If you’re interested in info on these, email me at thesilentist@gmail.com with the appropriate subject line. I’m willing to cut pretty good deals for folks willing to buy a bulk amount of stuff. I’m shooting photos of them right now.
UPDATE: All right, got a lot of requests for both, so just know that when the post goes live tomorrow there’s some people who have first shot...
christopherhallphotography asked: FYI, the sale prices are live now on the Brooks Brothers website. (Not including the additional savings for in-store Monday). I just picked up some shoes, didn't want to fight downtown crowds Monday morning.
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Anonymous asked: What is a your favorite place to find some good knit sweaters?
Anonymous asked: Found this blazer on eBay from 'Stuart Hughes' it's looks real appealing to me (grey with colored specs(sp?). Looking to wear it more casually but I never heard of the designer, should I pull the trigger and buy it?
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Anonymous asked: Where can I find a vast variety of pocket squares that isn't sold at a ridiculous price online?
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Anonymous asked: do collar gaps happen because the jacket is too big or too small? same for shoulder divots?
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acollectedgentleman asked: Thanks for the advice I'm 5 8 and you looking and my style posts and how my pants jeans look what would you prefer for me no break or little to no break
Anonymous asked: Just a heads up to your readers - Brooks Brother's Semi Annual Sale will be 30% off everything in the store. Additionally, I was made aware that if you purchase anything in store on Monday the 26th (first day of the Sale), they'll take an additional 20% off. Jackpot.
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Anonymous asked: So in a couple of months, I'll be going to Junior/Senior prom. Do you have any recommendations on what kind of tux, shirt, shoes, etc.? I know that Indochino is one option, but it is still not very cost-efficient for my lunch money budget.
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Anonymous asked: What place do you suggest for some slim, affordable, chino pants?
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Anonymous asked: I'm curious to hear your recommendations with regards to men's suiting. Say that off-the-rack isn't a viable option due to sizing issues (short and slim), would you recommend going with the online MTM route ($379 - $600 range) and learning from ones mistakes, going with the traveling Hong Kong tailor ($1200 - $2000) and hoping for the best, or saving up for a bespoke suit from a...
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Anonymous asked: Any ideas on where I might find a blackwatch sportcoat? Thanks man, appreciate the blog. I wish you well on your move!
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Anonymous asked: Love the look of a plaid shirt under a suit/jacket but I've found most shirts to be button downs. Are guidance on brands that made plaid shirts with spread/cutaway collars?
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Anonymous asked: what's an ocbd and where can I find some good ones? =/ sorry, I'm new to this menswear thing. everybody has to start somewhere, right?
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Chicago Meet up - TODAY!
A final reminder. I’ll be there tonight along with a host of other fine folks. Join us!
Shout out to ordinaryglory for putting this together:
German Beer and Christmas Sweaters…
You couldn’t beat that kind of good time with a stick, especially on the Monday before Christmas.
With that said:
1) Come to the Chicago Christmas Holiday Meet Up, and if you’re not having a good time, have a...
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Anonymous asked: Im a college student looking for a new pair of dress shoes. Unfortunately I have wide feet and tend to destroy or simply not fit into most nice dress shoes I come across. any recommendations?
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Anonymous asked: What are your thoughts on the Nordstrom smartcare and John W. Nordstrom dress shirts? thanks.
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Anonymous asked: College student living on campus. What type of style do you recommend under these circumstances? Any wardrobe tips for it? It's sometimes hard to dress up everyday with having 8 am classes and all.
Wardrobe reduction sale info (revised)
My younger brother is going to get first crack at stuff. I’ll have stuff up post-Christmas. Plus, taking measurements was getting to be a lot more time consuming tonight than I thought it would be. Early count though:
a dozen ties (silk knits, repps, and a six-fold)
four grey/charcoal flannel trousers, two grey/charcoal wool trousers (leg openings slimmed to 7.5”)
10 Nordstrom/John...
Wardrobe reduction sale info
Just to keep questions from flooding later, here’s some background:
Shirt size: 15.5/34-35
Trousers/chinos size: 33 to 34” waist (hemmed around 30-32”)
Jacket size: ~38R
I’ll have several blazers/sport coats, at least one suit, several grey/charcoal flannel trousers, several chinos, ties, squares, and who knows what else at the moment.
Mega post tomorrow.
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Anonymous asked: i was wondering if there are any stylish ways to wear a basic, zip-up hoodie/sweatshirt, like with a button down, as opposed to the basic t-shirt combo?
Status updates
1.) Ramen noodle budget post is actually being written! It’s a Christmas miracle!
2.) Moving to San Francisco soon (like, a few weeks) and I’m going to be selling off a significant portion of my wardrobe. (Also, someone please buy my slim-fit tuxedo shirt?)
