Monday, February 9, 2009

Thrift Store Conventions: Mens Suits

When I think of shopping for mens suits, I’m taken back to “French Fur Trappers”a skit with David Foley and Kevin McDonald from The Kids in the Hall. This show was an addiction of mine in the early 90’s. In some ways it was good that it came to a close. If it hadn’t, I’d probably be laying, dark circles under my eyes, on a ratty couch in some hovel watching re-runs and waiting for a new show to air. Double click on the image to view this masterpiece:


I feel it my duty to announce that we are smack in the middle of suit season. Men, or their wives, have dumped suits at thrift stores like mad and the suits have now been processed, tagged and are rolling out on the racks as I write. Perhaps it’s standard seasonal turnover or perhaps it’s those extra-added inches from the holidays. But, the suits are in. I believe we are presently at its peak and it’s about to dive so act now.

Since it started in early January, I’ve picked up five designer suits for Mr. Golightly and one Givenchy tuxedo. The total cost for all was just under $50. A few needed minor alterations. The suits are Jos. A. Bank, Evan Picone, Kenneth Cole, Nino Cerruti, and Bill Blass (in the right).

I’m not just grasping for suits. I’m very picky and leave many hanging on the rack. I check the quality of fabric, lining and cuffs for wear and ensure the lapel width is classic. It’s hard to determine a suit’s size because the numbers usually aren’t marked on the tag. This can put you in a pickle if the person you are buying for is not present. I take the pants over to the size 33 section of pants and compare waist size to the suit pants. I gauge the jacket based upon years of hugging Mr. Golightly. Finish it off with a once over with Snake Eyes and all's good. Of all the suits, I only had to return one and that one was a tough call. (Yes, thrift stores have return policies, just ask.) It was a French suit and Mr. Golightly has an odd attachment to things French, like Catherine Deneuve.

All of Mr. Golightly’s suits are quality. I mentioned that perhaps he shall wear his classic tux at Poe and Litte Pie’s weddings. He didn’t like it when I said that and gave me the shut-your-trap glare. As much as I don’t presently embrace that thought, time will march on so best to be prepared.

Be assured that no corporate executives were harmed in the acquisition of the suits purchased from a thrift store. No one will wait lurking behind cars to spray paint your thrifted suit in protest.

Mr. Golightly is a lucky man. The reason I had to scout suits was because he didn't take care and guard his suits from the summer moths. If we'd have replaced those suits with new suits, we'd be taking out a second mortgage and a third to a little to build a dog house.

Now is also a good time to stock up for those impromptu '70's and '80's parties too. Or maybe a bolo tie in case you'll be crashing a Dallas party as JR. Like fine wine, it's wise to have a theme party ensemble reserve.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I noticed this too. I bought a Calvin Klein jacket for my husband for $2.50 last week. On some men's jackets, the size is on a tag inside one of the inside pockets.

Anonymous said...

I am glad that DH has 'business casual' more than 98% of the time. The few times he's worn a suit in the last 5 years were all family functions!

Jora

Shopping Golightly said...

I found JR’s suit at the Denver Goodwill at Archer and Broadway! It’s gold and made by Lasso Western Wear. Oh, it’s a mighty fine pick for party wear. Mr. Golightly was with me and said, “No!” So I walked away with slumped shoulders. If anyone needs a snappy Western suit, you better scoot!

Anonymous said...

Chuckling at your comments, S.G.

GOLD! Was it shiny gold? Or more of a muted color?

My DH would be out of the store so fast, I'd be swept along in his vortex!

Jora

Shopping Golightly said...

It had a gold sheen to it. It was an honest find. I could smell the Old Spice as I held it in my arms. Of course I almost gagged but that's beside the point.

Anonymous said...

What's an 'honest' find?

And did you gag from the smell? Or the color?

Did you take a picture?

Jora

Shopping Golightly said...

Honest means it's a true original. No fakey reproduction business. The gag was from le smell, like Pepé Le Pew. No pictures, just:

Memories, may be beautiful and yet
What’s too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So its the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...

Gosh, I wish Streisand and Reford had stayed together in "They Way we Were." Jora, why'd ja make go there! Hanky please.

The Country Experience said...

Is that Mr. Golightly modeling the suit? Because you did great--that suit is an awesome find!

Shopping Golightly said...

Yes. That's Mr. Golightly. The Kenneth Cole suit is really awesome! But it's a summer suit. The Nino Cerruti and Jos. A. Banks are stellar too but I’d yet to find them before this photo was taken. And, you should see him in the tuxedo! Of course I need to find a shirt, cufflinks and a tie.

Unknown said...

Oh this is great! Fathers day is coming. I want to surprise my dad. I bought him a brand new suit. Fathers day discounted suits is a very good idea i come up with to give to my dad.

Unknown said...

Yes that is amazing! Actually last day Ive found some seasonal suits like the independence day mens suits which is good for this coming occasion.

Business Suits said...

i am glaldy that i've found this. so this Mr. G[photo]olightly guy is your designer? maybe he design all of your mens clothing. I think good price has a good design right? what do you think?

Anonymous said...

I often shop for discount suits taking advantage of the sale and promos offered by different clothing stores however, I always saw to it the clothes fit me well and at least, it passed the standard quality. I have this dinner suits I bought last year and I'm kind of happy it lasted even after a dozens of time of wash and wearing.

Anonymous said...

Buy off season! Before I retired from Navy (while stationed in Italy), I shopped during seasonal changeover. If you have opportunity to buy them overseas, snatch em up.
New "Eye"lian suits for 75-90% off.
My boss says I look like a "mafia" boss. If only she knew.

Mens Suits said...

I also often shop for discount suits, specially at MegaSuits cause they offer buy 1 and get 1 free suits.

Review Daddy said...

nice

cowboy boot said...

If you are looking for best suit try Big and Tall Suits for your husband so fashionable.

Anonymous said...

I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day!combatant gentlemen review

Daniel Roberts said...

Certainly a helpful post! Bespoke Suits have always been at the top of my outwear list. These not only give a recognizable perfect fit, but also last longer than the off-the-peg suits. I recently ordered two from a reliable Online Tailoring Service.