misosouper, a shopping blog

If you sidled up to me at a bar wearing this shirt, I’d probably snort.

Then I’d shake your hand and buy you a drink.

I can’t get over the genius of this jacket:  at work, cloak yourself as all cordorouy-ed and sedate; but when quitting time rolls around, flip the coat around to expose your bourbon-swilling inner man-whore.

Esquire’s Handbook of Style remains mum on the subject of man jewelry; but splitting this necklace with a beloved and nestling it close to your heart seems pretty stylish to me.

Thanks to Katelyn for the tip!

When I first met my husband, we were young and broke, two facts which (I now know) shouldn’t have prevented us from dressing well.  I wore incredibly tight capris; he wore shirts purchased from the thrift store–not the funny “Virginia Is For Lovers” kind, but the old-man, estate-sale-leftovers golf polo kind.  Into every wardrobe, a little strain must fall:  we were bursting the seams of respectability.

We grew up, grew old, grew a few more coins to jingle in our pockets.  I spent some of them on Lucky Mag’s first book, The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece,  which changed my life.  After giving me permission to purge every ill-fitting, purchased-on-a-whim outfit I owned, I was down to two pieces of clothing:   a  vintage cashmere cardigan and a  ’50s cropped coat from my grandmother.   Imagine that.

Despite the strides we’ve made over the years, I’ve often wished my husband had the same sort of manual.  We all have room to stride, right?  Enter Esquire’s The Handbook of Style:  A Man’s Guide to Looking Good, whose introduction calls it a “roadmap for a territory that’s familiar and strange at the same time.”  Did you know, for instance, that in the summer it’s OK not to wear socks, but only if you give your shoes a break every other day?  Or that sideburns and a goatee elongate a round face?  Or that Bob Denver (not Jesus, which is a common misconception) is the originator of the modern mandal?

This book would be the ideal Valentine’s Day gift from me to him:  an extension of the “I want the world to see you the way I see you” brand of longtime love that allows us to accept what our mates wear, but still wish for them to present the best version of themselves.

I’m willing to be that there’s a man in your life in need of a few sartorial suggestions (honestly, the book should be required reading for any man old enough to plunk down a credit card for Crocs and/or frayed khaki shorts).  So if you leave a comment on this post describing your biggest fashion faux pas, you’ll be entered to win a copy of Esquire’s book.  Best answer takes the prize:  it’s not random this time, so funny and brief win the day.

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, February 15 , 2009.  The winner will be selected on Monday, February 16, 2009, and notified by e-mail.  Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, February 16, 2009.  Multiple entries will not be accepted, and previous giveaway winners are not eligible.  Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are incomplete, inaccurate, or considered spam.

Here’s the thing about J. Crew’s sales:  they’re pretty much always happening, so you never have to worry about missing one, a la Nordstrom’s semi-annual sell-offs; they’re usually accompanied by some sort of coupon, either for free shipping or an additional percentage off, which can be be tracked down at  J.Crew Aficionada; and the sale section of their website is guaranteed to behave badly, which means non-sale/kids/men’s items will be filtered in with the women’s sale stuff, and half of the sale stock will be, well, out of stock.

I shopped the sale for us today, and because of the overwhelming amount of merchandise, I limited my price range to under $100, which led me to my beloved Quinn Cami, Matchstick Cords, and even some stuff for the guys.  And although I made a big effort to select items that had at least two sizes in stock, things can change quickly (see above), so make your purchase fast.

Long story short:  it’s an ongoing, deeply discounted treasure hunt.  To the patient, nimble-fingered, and eagle-eyed go the spoils.

1.  Wool Jersey Rosette Tank; 2.  Beachcomber Tunic; 3.  Cashmere Tunic; 4.  Men’s Cashmere V-Neck Sweater; 5.  Claudia Crackle-Metallic Pumps (the only item over $100, though not by much…can you blame me?); 6.  Men’s Fleece Deck Jacket; 7.  Herringbone Fiona Jacket; 8.  Merino Lea Cardigan; 9.  Poplin Kasia Blouse; 10.  Men’s Secret Wash Point Collar Shirt; 11.  Silk Chiffon Abigail Dress; 12.  Solid Crawford Blouse; 13.  Stretch Vintage Matchstick Cord; 14.  Mod Herringbone Mini; 15.  Quinn Cami; 16.  Men’s Shearling Scuffs.