This is a guest post by Nick, husband of Jean.
While Jean was at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last week, I stopped by to make sure she was staying hydrated during her rigorous day-long deal finding expedition. I also did a little shopping of my own, in addition to playing with all the gear in the baby section and then setting up camp at their cafe for a drink. Like I said, hydration is important at these things. Here are my picks.
(For reference, I’m 5’9″ and last I weighed myself I was 165 lbs—that was pre-pregnancy, FYI.)
KICKIN’ IT
Greats Royale Sneaker ($119.90; regularly $179)
TTS but size down if you’re in between half sizes. I’ve been looking for a while for a nice white leather sneaker that isn’t ridiculously expensive. And these were winners. They look and feel like sneakers that cost over twice as much, plus have a nice colored accent. The Good Man ones are around the same sale price but squeaked the whole time I tried them on. The Greats fit true to size and were wide enough for my somewhat wide feet. Also, I like that they’re off white, which should help mask the pain a little when they’re repeatedly run over with dirty baby stroller wheels.
For a white sneaker at a lower price, I also tried on the Nike Blazer Low LX ($55.90; regularly $75) which are a good value for guys with narrower feet.
Nordstrom Men’s Shop Bradley Chelsea Boot ($79.90; regularly $125)
TTS. These are comfortable and low-profile. Basically they are grown-up slip-ons.
Sperry Gold Cup Original Boat Shoe ($106.90; regularly $160)
TTS. These are on sale every year in some color, and this year’s colors are classic. Tan or dark brown. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: once you go Gold Cup you can’t go back.
VANS 59 Classic Slip-On Sneaker ($39.90; regularly $59.95)
TTS but size down if you’re between half sizes. I’ve always loved Vans, and I liked these as a more refined version, so I asked Jean what she thought. She said “they are nice…for someone in their 20s.” I am getting them anyway.
Winter is Coming (and so is Fall)
Ted Baker has some good light jackets or sweaters every year. I like Ted Baker for its quality, as well as the subtle pops of detail (lining, buttons, etc.) that make it stand out more than everyday brands.
Ted Baker Trafjam Slim Fit Track Jacket ($129.90; regularly $199)
All of these are nice, but this is my favorite of the bunch and came home with me. It’s got a lined torso area for a little more weight but without being bulky. I’m normally a size 2 (Small in Ted Baker), but the size 3 fit me too.
Ted Baker Multy Slim Fit Fleece Jacket ($129.90; regularly $199)
Knit fabric, and lighter weight than the above. I tried on a size 3, and it ran a little long in the torso and arms. The textured vest area is more subtle than it appears in the stock photo. The charcoal color is nice while the blue is lighter than a true navy.
Topman Anthony Bomber Jacket ($56.90; regularly $85)
You can pretty much count on Topman to have a reasonably priced bomber jacket every year. This one is a light canvas-like material, and a little boxier cut in the shoulders. Topman is great for guys with a smaller frame because they’re one of the few mens brands that carry sizes XS and XXS. I’m trying on size S below.
Patagonia Better Sweater ($109.90; regularly $149)
This feels even more slim than when I tried it on last year. It’s still a solid light jacket for early fall or layering piece in winter.
Patagonia Fleece Pullover ($85.90; regularly $119)
This is very roomy, especially compared the other Patagonia sweater on the list. If a looser fit is your thing, then this is super comfortable.
Barbour Lowerdale Vest ($89.90; regularly $180)
Barbour’s fit can be all over the place. This vest is more trim than the popular J.Crew Walker vest, and has really nice zipper and button detailing. It also comes in the format of a slim fit quilted jacket which I couldn’t find in store to try on. It may be July, but I can’t help but think winter is coming (RIP GoT).
Left: Patagonia Better Sweater Right: Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
2 SLEEK Yet COMFORTABLE Basics
1901 Slim Fit Washed Oxford Shirt ($39.90; regularly $49.50)
I was really surprised how well this fit in the arms and chest. The sleeves were just the right length on me and it was trim through the chest without causing the buttons to pull. The white is a little see through, but the gray is perfect for everyday wear.
Bonobos Jetsetter Slim Fit Blazer ($234.90; regularly $350)
Every Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I look for a blazer at a good value. I tried the Nordstrom Mens Shop one, and it was solid. But then I tried on this one. And I really think the Bonobos one felt worth the premium price. It’s sleek and sharp, but has some stretch to the fabric. It’d be great for anyone who wears a blazer when they travel. The 36R fit me perfectly (snug but not too tight – similar to how my 36S J.Crew Ludlow blazers fit me). It’s only partially lined and is a knit blazer, but it still feels well made and nicely structured.
The last item I want to recommend isn’t from Nordstrom and never goes on sale, but oh well. I only get to write these guides like twice a year. I’ve been wearing these Lululemon ABC pants (more inseam options) almost every day for the past few months (I’ll let you look up what ABC stands for…it has nothing to do with the alphabet). They are exceptionally comfortable and stretchy—like almost sweatpants comfortable—but don’t stretch out and still look presentable for most everyday situations. Plus if you take them to the store, they can hem them for free. The only thing Jean doesn’t like about them is now when we’re in public I always want to show people I can do a full squat while wearing skinny pants. Anyway, happy squatting and happy shopping.
