Line Change Breaks Down GQ Shops: The Best of the Department Stores: Macy's

In a previous post, I detailed how to score a deal using Bing.com/cashback at Macy's to combine 2 deals in one and score a solid 35-40% off brands you love, plus free shipping on purchases over $99. In this post I wanted to take time to show you skeptics some examples that Macy's can yield some quality product. And at these prices, you'd be crazy not to pick up something that could fit into your wardrobe. 

I will work off GQ's picks from their GQ Shops: The Best of the Department Stores coverage of Macy's. Hopefully, whether you agree or disagree with the GQ staff's picks, you can see how brand name buys don't have to be premium priced buys. If an item wasn't available online, I chose a similar item available now at Macys.com. And remember, all of these get the best savings by combining the cash back with the Macy's site deal (if applicable) and spending $99 or more to get free shipping. Observe:

Polo Ralph Lauren reindeer sweater: $185 (not available)

Alternate: Polo Ralph Lauren Sweater, Shawl Collar Cardigan: Orig: $265.00 Was: $184.99 Now: $137.99 + free shipping + 20% cash back = $110.39 (total savings = 58%).

Tommy Hilfiger striped scarf: $48 (not available)

Alternate:  Polo Ralph Lauren Scarf, Striped Cotton: Orig: $50 + free shipping + 20% cash back = $40

American Rag plaid shirt: $29.98 (not available)

Alternate:  Sovereign Code Western Shirt: Orig: $58.00 Now: $29.99 + free shipping + 20% coupon + 20% cash back= $19.19 (67% savings)

 

Timberland Earthkeeper boots: Orig: $160 Now: 139.99 + 15% off + free shipping + 20% cash back = $95.19 (60% savings)

 

  

Country Gentleman tweed cap: $30 (not available) 

Alternative: Timberland Hat, Herringbone Military Cap: Orig: $55.00 Now: $46.75 + 20% off + free shipping + 20% cash back = $29.90 (46% savings)

Club Room argyle V-neck sweater: Was: $60 Now: $29.99 + 20% off + free shipping + 20% cash back = $23.99 (60% savings)

 

Nautica pocket squares: $34 (not available in colors)

 

Alternative: Nautica Handkerchief Set, 5 Piece Cotton , White: Orig: $34.00 Was: $25.50 Now: $22.95  + free shipping + 20% cash back = $18.36 (46% savings)

 

North Face puffer jacket: $199 (not available) 

Alternative: Kenneth Cole Reaction Jacket, Quilted Wool Timber Coat: Reg. $295.00 Was $204.99 Now: $147.50 + free shipping + 20% cashback = $118.00 (60% savings)

 

Basically, while you cannot get all the exact GQ swag "item for item" online, you can make some pretty healthy substitutes. All told, I put all my substitute choices (8 in all) in my shopping cart and at checkout it would cost me a grand total of:

Merchandise Total: $605.16
Free Shipping: -$24.95
15-20% off clothing: -$21.35
15% of shoes: -$21.00
Total:      $562.81

Bing cash back: $112.56

GRAND TOTAL: $450.25

If you consider my "starting price" the latest online price of each item, (i.e., count just sale prices the items started at), then the promo codes, free shipping and Bing cash back saved me 26%. If you took the "Original Prices" of everything ($977), then added all the sales, promo's and cash back, then I "really" saved 54% off retail. 

Bottom Line: That's a lot of quality stuff for under $500.

Get 20% Off By Using Bing

Here are some simple steps to getting 20% off some of your favorite brands today at Macy's. I know I know, it's Macy's, but hell, even the gang at GQ.com could find something from the department store to put under their tree. In fact, I will take a look at what many of those items- and some of my own choosing- would cost post-Bing cashback in an upcoming post.

Not to mention, right now Macy's is pushing a promo online to get 15-20% off plus free shipping using promo code: THEBEST- that's up to a total of 40% off (+ free shipping)- and tons of items are already marked down before that. Please tell me you can find something, ANYTHING to warrant these savings. I know I did.

Frye Rodney Chukkas in dark brown- $178 - 15% (shoe dept) + 20% Bing cash back + free shipping = $121.04. Pretty good ROI there.

So here's what to do to get the savings:

1. Go to Bing.com/cashback
2. Search using "Macy's Men's Clothing"
3. To the right you will see a list of sponsored links (like in Google). One of them will say "Men's Clothing at Macy's, get 20% off..." or something similar, followed by a, "get cash back" link.
4. Click on it.
5. It will take you to Bing's account login screen to confirm your link to Macy's. You need an old MS Hotmail account or current Live account to log in. If you don't have one, sign up here, it's free. 
6. Once you sign in, the login page will redirect you to Macy's site and has now cookied your session using bing.com with cash back. 
7. Shop like you normally would, adding items to your shopping cart and then proceed to checkout when you are done.
8. Do not forget to apply the THEBEST code for 15% off (shoes/accessories) or 20% off (clothing). (This is a separate promo from Macy's and unrelated to Bing.)  Make sure you follow SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) as it pertains top online checkout (i.e., check your billing/shipping, payment method, delivery options, etc.)
9. Once you've gone through the shopping process and confirmed your order, you'll get the usual confirmations and email. Additionally, within 48 hours you should get an email from Bing.com about your rewarded cash back amount. (Said Bing email will go to your Hotmail/Live account.)
10. This cash back can be deposited in your Paypal account if you have one. Nice!
    

If you haven't used Bing or are not aware of it, check here for details. Basically, it's Microsoft paying you to go through their search engine instead of Google or Yahoo or any competitors. I've used it to great effect and vouch for it's validity and usefulness.

I do not know how long Bing and Macy's will be running this discount- Bing.com/cashback amounts change frequently, so don't hold me to the percentages involved. But always first go to Bing.com/cashback when buying online to have a shot at a better deal. It doesn't always give you the best price versus some of the more competitive online sites, but even some of the better deal sites have partnered with Bing for cash back deals. See here for Bing's list of partners.

Best of luck finding that little something for less just in time for Christmas.

Closet Staple: life/after/denim Legacy Classic Twill BD

You can argue there is nothing more utilitarian to put in your closet than a button down cotton shirt. Whether using it as a layering option or just as is, now more than ever, the varieties are endless.  Whether you are an Oxford or Broadcloth man, a Pinpoint or Poplin aficionado or even a proponent of the weekend flannel or summer linen varieties, there is something for everyone.  Personally I like a variety in my closet for any occasion.  I can't help finding another reason to buy yet another of this wardrobe staple. Sure, you can get wrapped up in dozens of versions of the safe white or powder blue variety, but more and more we are seeing bolder choices paired in "high/low" styles like a gingham shirt with a suit or a flannel with wool tie and blazer.

A great combination of form, function (and price) in my opinion is life/after/denim's Legacy Twill Button Down in either Black or Brown Plaid. Available at Urban Outfitters (black, on sale now) or IanShop in Seattle, WA (brown) the soft twill cotton, washed out dye and large plaid pattern has a nice laid back vibe. The look is paired with some tailored touches such as the shorter cut of the shirt and its curved and gusseted hem, not to mention a chest pocket with the plaid pattern matched to the shirt's body. (Note: it may be considered a "Regular" fit BD, but life/after/denim's line leans toward a slimmer, more modern silhouette .)

Worn with denim or a pair of chinos (as the label I am sure would prefer), this shirt would wear well "dressed up" with a cotton or wool tie or left un-tucked for a weekend jaunt. And life/after/denim does well by the wallet too- this BD retails for $85- far more palatable than some shirts of similar quality for twice the price.