[M_Six]

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

I like the 2nd one too although the 1st could easily take the win with a good tweed jacket. (And perfect for University is it not?)

I picked up a nice Harris Tweed jacket in the UK last fall. Need to get another one.

Originally Posted by RandomHero

This is a pretty accurate list of general "Do's" and "Do Not's."
http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/unspok...now#.obYzKgBeA

The only one I don't agree with is #16- always go with a windsor.

There are plenty of instances when a 4-in-hand knot looks more aethetically pleasing. In fact, the picture they included (for #16) looks to be a 4IH knot rather than a half or full windsor.

Agreed, especially with wide collars.

I usually go with a half Windsor because I'm tall and a full Windsor makes the tie too short. I have some longer ties that work with a full Windsor, though.

[bing240sx]

i'd be down with this and am already active on styleforum.net

my thing the last couple of years has been hunting ebay, high-end consignment stores or high-end outlets... getting rid of all of the mid-tier disposable clothing (selling it at consignment or other places or donating it) and filling my closet exclusively with staple items that are exceptionally high end.. but picked up cheap.

1/3 MSRP is the high end of what i'd pay and prefer to be around 1/10th msrp.

once you do this for a while you really start to see the difference between the high end stuff.

with cashmere sweaters i've gone through well over 40... the $400 and under stuff doesnt last.. they become throw aways after a year and a bit. but when you get into the $800+ garments you start understanding why they are top of the line but i'll still never understand what kind of person pays $1600 - $3k for a loro piana cashmere sweater... if you're patient on ebay though you cop some serious stuff for pennies.

[Billup]

I'll never understand someone that spends more than $100 on a sweater.


I understand it's kind of a feel good thing, and I respect that, but outside of that..., what's the point?

I'll admit though, I do like your idea of using Ebay. I usually go to Outlets and get some decent deals, but nothing to rant and rave about.

[bing240sx]

some people don't understand why BMW M3's are better than other cars... you have to drive them to get it right?

i'm also pretty much only buying Tom Ford shirting these days.. bought 9 in the last year and a bit, and holy crap... i wouldn't pay $550 - $700 for one but when you catch them on sale or at the outlets you will look forward to getting dressed again.

here are a couple articles that broach the subject of fabric quality and the lengths to which some companies go to get the best:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014...32472424083020

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014...92441000440092

fabrics, like metals, are not all the same and there are exceptionally high grades of them.

i mentioned before, a $400 and under cashmere sweater is going to wear out, pill, deform and shrink unpredictably. i have worn through the elbows in a Saks housebrand cashmere ($250ish) in one year working in the office... just elbows on the table kind of thing.

good cashmere ($800+) is incredible. It never pills and when it ages it gets softer. you dont need to wash them more than a couple times a year and after you wear it hard you just lay it down and let it breath and it goes back into shape... no ironing. i've had sweaters like this that would have been crazy $, picked up NWOT off ebay or another source and they are a few years into their life and they keep getting better whereas all the low end stuff i received as gifts is garbage after maybe 20 wears and a few washes. kenneth cole, saks, club room, lord and taylor... the department store grade stuff.