10.18.2007

The Perfect Pants...nope, not this time

How hard is it to find the perfect pants? That's a rhetorical question. I found the perfect jeans before I can find the perfect pants for work. Funny, huh?

Work pants are pretty standard in colors. I have a lot of black, and they serve faithfully for years. But black starts to get boring after a while, and contrary to conventional wisdom, black doesn't go with everything. I wanted to find something gray, or brown, or beige. The ones I have now are starting to fray or no longer fit right.

Last weekend I was actually ready and willing to shop, but alas, I ended up spending a lot of time in traffic and wasn't able to find what I was looking for. A perfect pair was found at the Banana Republic outlet, but alas, it was $80. Sure, I may be ready and willing to shop, but not that willing (they call that an outlet price?). I did, however, find a pair of olive chinos. They're comfortable, durable, and even though it isn't perfectly tailored, the fit is amazingly good for $12. Besides, a "drab" color like that is the perfect counterpoint to jewel-toned shirts:


(And here's the entire ensemble)


Banana Republic isn't the first place I'd go for great deals, but when I get lucky, I get really lucky. Several years ago, I found a nice striped top for just $5. It's still a regular in my outfits. And now I've scored again. Unfortunately, a sweater I've been eyeing is no longer available, and the dress shirt I got on sale last time is no longer on sale. Oh well...we can't always win.

It's gonna be a while before I can buy those $80 pants. November is approaching, which means my private student loans are coming due. Unless I pass the bar and get that attorney's paycheck, it's back to belt-tightening again. At least this time there's a little bit more breathing room.

12 comments:

Alison said...

I agree...finding prefect work pants is hard. I like Express and Benetton for work pants. They tend to be pricier, but its a good investment if they fit well.

I love the fit of those green pants on you!

Anonymous said...

Ah, too bad about the BR pants. But the chinos look great on you. Good luck with the bar!

Muttersome said...

I love Banana Republic - for some reason, their clothes fit me really well and I find that they hold up to more than the average number of wearings. You're right, though - I can't afford to shop there usually, but when there's a sale, there's really a sale!

Chinos look fab, by the way.

Anonymous said...

look at you, great ensemble! you have a great sense of style.

Mars

Sales Rack Raider said...

Thanks, everyone!

Alison--I've gotten quite a few colorful dress shirts from Benetton, and I agree that their pants are great...I couldn't afford them back then, but hopefully things will change after next month =)

Anonymous said...

i like your plaid coat, btw. is it by benetton?

mars

Sales Rack Raider said...

Nope, not Benetton. It came from the Goodwill. Seems like that's where my interesting and well-fitting clothes come from nowadays.

Blooming Lily said...

Great jacket! I worked at BR for 7 years (while I was in law school!)...I love their clothing. I haven't worked their in 6 years, and everything still looks great!!

Anonymous said...

oh wow! what a great find!

mars

Sales Rack Raider said...

Elleabelle--Wow, you juggled law school and retail? That's pretty impressive. I was pooped with school alone.

I didn't use to shop at BR much, but now that I have to work, I like going there. Whatever I got from BR have held up quite well.

continuum said...

I assume the fact that I paid $39.50 (full price) for a sweater at BR this weekend would give you a heart attack?

Sales Rack Raider said...

Hehe...no, not quite as much as a shock. Mens' clothing tends to cost more, even on sale. You seem to keep your clothes in good condition anyway, so it'll last for a while and worth the money.