saks fifth avenue

Ask the MB: Tweed Blazers

October 12, 2010

Vince Herringbone Blazer via Saks Fifth Avenue, $595.00 — Vince Herringbone Blazer via Saks Fifth Avenue. $595.00.

Q: I was wondering, what do you think about tweed blazers? I was thinking about picking one up for winter. If it's indeed MB, perhaps some recommendations would be nice.
--Tyler

A: Tweed blazers, particularly herringbone, are a F/W necessity as much as a whiskey-filled flask in an MB's breast pocket. Wear them often, and not just for shooting clays, fox hunts, or teaching English.

This season we haven't had much luck finding good ones, with the exception of Vince's somewhat pricey classic-with-a-twist slim, short, stretch wool version with patch pockets and functioning buttonholes. It also comes equipped with leather elbow patches so you don't wear holes there while leaning on the bar (in the cases when the flask is in the shop).

Loomstate at Target

April 30, 2009

Loomstate's printed tees are about as fresh as Sarah Palin jokes (Sarah who?), but there are some gems available as a result of their collaboration with Target, like this chambray shirt for just $27.99 (top). Damn near the exact same shirt (bottom) is now for sale at Saks Fifth Avenue for $178.00.

Ask the MB: Swimming Suit Recommendation

April 1, 2009

Tommy Bahama Hold 'Em Swim Trunks via Saks Fifth Avenue, $51.90 — Tommy Bahama Hold 'Em Swim Trunks via Saks Fifth Avenue. $51.90.

Q: I'm trying to find a swimming suit. Do you have any suggestions?
--Matt

A: Normally we bag pretty hard on Tommy Bahama ... after all their shirts are #5 on The Toolbag List. But you know what? They are really good at swimming suits, like these hibiscus printed "Hold 'Em" swim trunks. The elastic really grips your waist and is surprisingly slimming.

MB Endorses: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer with SFP 15 Sunscreen

March 23, 2009

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer via Saks Fifth Avenue, $24.50 — Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer via Saks Fifth Avenue. $24.50.

Now that it's officially spring, we highly recommend Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer with SFP 15 Sunscreen. Apply as the last thing before you head into the office. Protects an MB's face from damaging UV rays, and also has enough zip for you to skip the morning cup of coffee.

Ask the MB: Crocs as Gift?!

December 10, 2008

Kielh's 'Ultimate Man' Collection via Saks Fifth Avenue, $55.00 — Kielh's 'Ultimate Man' Collection via Saks Fifth Avenue. $55.00.

Q: My boyfriend recently discovered your site and now it's his dogma. The problem: I was going to get him Crocs for his birthday next month, thinking he would like a comfortable, lazy-day alternative to real shoes like I do, but now he's all against them because of you. So what should I get a newly minted MB-wannabe for his b-day? It doesn't have to be shoes, but it has to be cheap. Like probably any clothing recommendations you would make would be too much for me.
--Breda

A: How about a pair of Uggs? Kidding!

Clothing or footwear is such a dicey proposition in the first place. In the Crocs price range we recommend the Kiehl's "Ultimate Man" Collection. It's 55 bucks and he'll smell nice, be clean, have soft hands, and kiss-worthy lips. In fact, this gift is more for you than it is him, and those are always the best kind.

Ask the MB: Tucking In

November 3, 2008

Edun Brando Military Shirt via Saks Fifth Avenue, $155.00 — Edun Brando Military Shirt via Saks Fifth Avenue. $155.00.

Q: Is it ever acceptable to wear a button up shirt untucked? I always tuck my shirts in, but my friend always tries to get me to untuck them. Should I ever listen to him on the topic of shirts (or anything else)?
--PO

A: We have discussed this issue before in a post entitled, "The Tyranny of the Untucked Sport Shirt." Unless the shirt is designed to be untucked, like this "Brando Military Shirt" from Edun, your shirt should be tucked in. In other words, ignore your friend in all matters, not just sartorial.

Ask the MB: Flared Dress Pants

October 30, 2008

Theory Thomas Avenue Pants via Saks Fifth Avenue, $185.00 — Theory Thomas Avenue Pants via Saks Fifth Avenue. $185.00.

Q: I love flat front dress pants that appear to have a slight flare at the bottom of the leg (think "Doug" in Mind of a Married Man). But, I have a difficult time finding the cut and fit. I have a great pair by Theory, they are totally MB. Can you point me towards any makers with this fit? Any thoughts on this look?
--Rich

A: Rich, you indeed are an MB. Theory's slight bootcut dress pants make most men look great, and perhaps because of this, fellas have a little extra swagger in their step when they wear 'em. Heck, look at the MB-style pose of the model in this picture! One thing we do not and never will understand is the slim/skinny pant trend, which seems to be peaking (hopefully) in Fall 2008. About 5% of the male population can make this work satisfactorily, and 4% are under-fed hipster doofuses who play in some crap band. For the rest of the guys out there, all this cut accomplishes is making their ass look big.

Anyhow, finding what you want in the slim tsunami is difficult, but John Varvatos is a good option (inset).

Ask the MB -- Fall Wedding

September 2, 2008

Dolce & Gabbana Reversible Cardigan via Saks Fifth Avenue, $475.00 — Dolce & Gabbana Reversible Cardigan via Saks Fifth Avenue. $475.00.

Q: My boyfriend, (who is 30, I am 29) and I are attending a wedding on November 1st. The wedding is around noon, and what to wear then is not an issue. The reception however, is 6 hours later, in the early evening, at local micro brewery's event hall. Boyfriend is a sous chef, and his clothes are either casual, or formal, but we aren't sure what's best in this situation. And what about me? Cocktail dress? Satin slacks and a pretty top? We humbly seek your expertise and guidance. Thank you!
-Dana

A: Dana, you don't need much help. Your hosts are signaling casual with the noon wedding and the brewpub. We like the satin slacks and pretty top idea. Hot. For your hash-slinging beau: casual to go with your un-cocktail dress look. November 1 is officially fall and darn close to holiday, so velvet works. Otherwise corduroy and something nubby, either the tie or the cardigan or the v-neck.

Magnificent Bastard: Steve McQueen

June 23, 2008

Dolce & Gabbana McQueen Cotton Hoodie via Saks Fifth Avenue, $238.05 — Dolce & Gabbana McQueen Cotton Hoodie via Saks Fifth Avenue. $238.05.

Our deep-seated issues with legibility and hoods have officially met their match when Dolce & Gabbana puts an original Magnificent Bastard like Steve McQueen on the front of a sweatshirt. (Note McQueen's rolled sleeves, undone top button, four-in-hand knot, and the absence of jewelery.)

Saks' Golf Shoot Gaffes

March 12, 2008

Jeers to Saks Fifth Avenue for letting this one go out the door:

1. Left-handed golf club not the best option for right-handed golfer.
2. Cross-handed grip typically only used for putting stroke, not bunker shot.
3. Caddy/domestic partner laying in bunker an obvious 2-stroke penalty.

D&G Taking Inspiration From Old Woody Allen Films

November 19, 2007

Dolce & Gabbana Quilted Metallic Blouson Jacket via Saks Fifth Avenue, $2265.00 — Dolce & Gabbana Quilted Metallic Blouson Jacket via Saks Fifth Avenue. $2265.00.

This Dolce & Gabbana quilted metallic blouson jacket ($2,265), inspired by a costume from Woody Allen's 1973 classic Sleeper.

Barney's Blowout a Benefit to MBs

November 19, 2007

John Varvatos Side Zip Boot via Barney's, $299.00 — John Varvatos Side Zip Boot via Barney's. $299.00.

Barney's has decided to put a shitload of stuff on sale and we suggest diggin' in. Don't miss the chance to get into a pair of John Varvatos boots for less than $300. Black boots are an MB closet staple, and this side-zip model is an excellent choice.

The Barney's sale is also an opportunity to get ball-warming, 5-pocket pair of bootcut moleskin pants from Tony Melillo.

Finally, Saks is having a nice early fall sale with free shipping on every order.

Printed Polos Passé

October 17, 2007

Boss Orange Pirat Jersey Polo via Saks Fifth Avenue, $56.90 — Boss Orange Pirat Jersey Polo via Saks Fifth Avenue. $56.90.

Add this to the style scrap heap: the printed polo shirt. Look for these on sale (like this Boss Orange version) and walk right on by.

In Pursuit of the Perfect Pea Coat

September 2, 2007

Just like Lexus is in the constant pursuit of perfection, we're in constant pursuit of the perfect pea coat. Two new contenders:

TOP: Extremely expensive, but in order to look good, you gots to pay. Comme Des Garcons Quilted Broadcloth Coat, via Tobi.

BOTTOM: Polyester, but we trust Theory. Theory Dyson Drake Pea Coat, via Saks Fifth Avenue.