One of the first things I learned when I first started down the path to learning the game was the importance of taking care of the basics. You can't excel in the game if you ignore the fundamental aspects of it, and nothing is more fundamental than taking care of your appearance.
A lot of guys take issue with this because there worried about becoming some pussy whipped metrosexual. Quite frankly I think this is just an excuse to avoid learning about men's fashion, and doing the basic maintenance required to look your best.
This doesn't mean that real problems don't exist when it comes to upgrading your style. For me I knew the biggest issue was going to be money, and trying to strike a good balance between quality and my budget.
After spending several months attacking the problem, I've put together a list of resources that have allowed me to upgrade my wardrobe, and maintain a budget while doing so, so with that in mind let me begin.
1) http://www.ebay.com
This might seem like an obvious one to some, but not a lot of guys really appreciate the kind of good deals you can find here. I've bought everything from pants, shirts, to a leather jacket.
The prices are often cheaper than retail stores, and you can find a much larger variety. There are some downsides, and things I would caution you about when using eBay though.
- Never order a suit, or any used clothing items off ebay. A suit is something you should be there to make sure it fits well, and used clothing... is used clothing and not worth it.
- Always check the feedback score of a seller to make sure they have a solid reputation. Only spend your money on those with a 99% satisfaction rating.
- Always check the shipping dates, because some times they can take up to 15 days.
You can be scammed on eBay if not careful, but you can also save yourself a lot of money to.
2) http://www.amazon.com
Again this is one of those obvious ones you'd think everyone would be using, but they don't. I have used Amazon to buy some really nice dress shirts, jeans, watches, and other things at really good prices.
The same rules that applied on ebay apply here, check the feedback and always make sure to use the search filters to narrow down the results to something within your price range.
3) http://www.zazzle.com
Zazzle is one of my favorite clothing websites to browse, it's a place where people can sell their own custom designed clothing for a profit. This means you can always find some unique, or interesting if you look hard enough.
The prices are budget friendly, and selection is insane. I would like to warn you guys though that there is a potential for you to look like a moron if you choose the wrong piece from here.
So keep that in mind when browsing, but if done correctly this website is a great source for guys to add some unique pieces to their wardrobes.
4) http://www.shoes.com or http://www.famousfootwear.com
Each of these websites offer an amazing selection of shoes, and with prices I haven't seen beaten anywhere. There also good for helping the fashionably challenged find a style of shoes that actually matches what they're looking for.
I would recommend this place as your first stop shopping places for shoes in general.
5) http://www.megasuits.com
I've decided to include this website, because I actually was able to buy a decent suit off here for a good price, and then get it tailored very reasonably. I did this partially because I don't exactly live in the fashion capital of the free world, and finding a good suit place around here within my budget is extremely hard.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, then this place could be really useful for you. As has been pointed out by great guys like Mixx, a tailored suit can really upgrade your game.
6) http://www.sunglasshut.com
Not exactly my thing, but it might be useful for those of you in warmer climates who want to find a stylish but budget friendly pair of sunglasses. They have a pretty good selection, and you can narrow the search down by gradient, anti-reflective, etc.
7) http://www.eflasks.com or http://www.redenvelope.com/mens-accessories-rfmaa or
These are some unique accessory items that you might choose to compliment your wardrobe. I included the custom flask site because of some reports I've read about some guys dealing with the crazy drink prices in some countries.
All of these websites together can help any guy build a higher quality wardrobe then 90% of the guys out there but on a budget. If there is enough interest I might consider doing another one of these posts that focuses on designer brands that can be bought cheaper online.
If there are any questions, then please feel free.
A lot of guys take issue with this because there worried about becoming some pussy whipped metrosexual. Quite frankly I think this is just an excuse to avoid learning about men's fashion, and doing the basic maintenance required to look your best.
This doesn't mean that real problems don't exist when it comes to upgrading your style. For me I knew the biggest issue was going to be money, and trying to strike a good balance between quality and my budget.
After spending several months attacking the problem, I've put together a list of resources that have allowed me to upgrade my wardrobe, and maintain a budget while doing so, so with that in mind let me begin.
1) http://www.ebay.com
This might seem like an obvious one to some, but not a lot of guys really appreciate the kind of good deals you can find here. I've bought everything from pants, shirts, to a leather jacket.
The prices are often cheaper than retail stores, and you can find a much larger variety. There are some downsides, and things I would caution you about when using eBay though.
- Never order a suit, or any used clothing items off ebay. A suit is something you should be there to make sure it fits well, and used clothing... is used clothing and not worth it.
- Always check the feedback score of a seller to make sure they have a solid reputation. Only spend your money on those with a 99% satisfaction rating.
- Always check the shipping dates, because some times they can take up to 15 days.
You can be scammed on eBay if not careful, but you can also save yourself a lot of money to.
2) http://www.amazon.com
Again this is one of those obvious ones you'd think everyone would be using, but they don't. I have used Amazon to buy some really nice dress shirts, jeans, watches, and other things at really good prices.
The same rules that applied on ebay apply here, check the feedback and always make sure to use the search filters to narrow down the results to something within your price range.
3) http://www.zazzle.com
Zazzle is one of my favorite clothing websites to browse, it's a place where people can sell their own custom designed clothing for a profit. This means you can always find some unique, or interesting if you look hard enough.
The prices are budget friendly, and selection is insane. I would like to warn you guys though that there is a potential for you to look like a moron if you choose the wrong piece from here.
So keep that in mind when browsing, but if done correctly this website is a great source for guys to add some unique pieces to their wardrobes.
4) http://www.shoes.com or http://www.famousfootwear.com
Each of these websites offer an amazing selection of shoes, and with prices I haven't seen beaten anywhere. There also good for helping the fashionably challenged find a style of shoes that actually matches what they're looking for.
I would recommend this place as your first stop shopping places for shoes in general.
5) http://www.megasuits.com
I've decided to include this website, because I actually was able to buy a decent suit off here for a good price, and then get it tailored very reasonably. I did this partially because I don't exactly live in the fashion capital of the free world, and finding a good suit place around here within my budget is extremely hard.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, then this place could be really useful for you. As has been pointed out by great guys like Mixx, a tailored suit can really upgrade your game.
6) http://www.sunglasshut.com
Not exactly my thing, but it might be useful for those of you in warmer climates who want to find a stylish but budget friendly pair of sunglasses. They have a pretty good selection, and you can narrow the search down by gradient, anti-reflective, etc.
7) http://www.eflasks.com or http://www.redenvelope.com/mens-accessories-rfmaa or
These are some unique accessory items that you might choose to compliment your wardrobe. I included the custom flask site because of some reports I've read about some guys dealing with the crazy drink prices in some countries.
All of these websites together can help any guy build a higher quality wardrobe then 90% of the guys out there but on a budget. If there is enough interest I might consider doing another one of these posts that focuses on designer brands that can be bought cheaper online.
If there are any questions, then please feel free.
Your best? Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and fuck the prom queen! -John Mason (The Rock)