It’s no secret that I bemoan the men’s shopping options in Wichita and the general lack of fashion that it creates, but I do occassionally find a hidden gem from time to time.  Here are the places I check regularly to update my style:

• Von Maur Shoes – Each season, Von Maur finds something unexpected and I try to take advantage. Sometimes I’m even lucky enough to catch that item on the sales rack. My favorite pair of saddle brown Allen Edmunds were a Von Maur sale item.
• Dillard’s Shoes – You have to hunt for things because it’s a huge selection of mostly so-so stuff, but Dillard’s occasionally drops a surprise in my lap. Found a pair of Jack Purcell Converse there. Lucked into a pair of crepe-soled desert boots before they got all trendy and popular. Just like Von Maur, you have to know what to look for, but it is possible to get lucky.
• Banana Republic – Again, this store is really hit or miss. Sometimes an entire season can be mistaken for Express Mens, and other times it feels like the Banana Republic of old. I mostly like Banana Republic shirts because they understand what slim fit means. Nothing irritates me more than the giant balloon like shirts that you get anywhere else. I tend to avoid the ultra-trendy stuff, because I don’t like to look like I’m still clinging onto the “metrosexual” style (i.e. Kenneth Cole and Perry Ellis) and their polo-style shirts shrink at the nearest sign of warm air, but they can make a sweater and a button-up that don’t look like they are made for a 250 lb. dude. (Editor’s note: No offense to 250 lb. dudes intended.)
• Brooks Brothers – This one is dangerous if you’re not REALLY sure what to look for, because without a lot of effort you will leave looking a grandpa. The Wichita location notoriously forgets to order anything in the slim fit, or plain front. If you get tricked into listening to a few of the ladies that work there, you’ll be convinced to buy a men’s dress shirt that will be about 12 inches longer than necessary (also making it impossible to leave untucked). What you want: Slim fit or extra slim fit button up Sport Shirts (look for the blue label inside the collar). Avoid the Country Club label unless you like your shirts/sweaters roomy throughout the torso. If money is no object, check out Brooks Brothers’ shoes. They are a great choice for your staple loafers and laceups.
• Red Wing Store – That’s right, we have a Red Wing store, and Red Wing has some of the best boots around. The updated Iron Ranger is fantastic, and despite becoming trendy, I still totally love them.

Who didn’t make the cut:

• Gap – I’m tired of crap quality and far too generous fits.
• Gentry – Sorry guys, great store for the right clientele, which I am not. Shirts are too loud, pants are too “dad”, the style is more “updated accountant” or “older sales guy who deals with really high end corporate accounts but has no idea how to dress.” They did have some rocking bow ties, which they get credit for, but my wife shot down the idea.
• Bricks – Seriously, Bricks is like the stories everyone tells about Paris. When I go in, I feel like the stupid American who doesn’t speak the language. And frankly, it’s the same basic style as Gentry.
• Section 37 – It’s basically a more expensive version of the Buckle. If you like style, skip it. If you want to represent BRANDS, shop there.

I’m sure I’m going to get flamed for this, and that’s OK. I want to hear opposing view points or, God willing, a place I haven’t found yet!

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4. [shop] Pink Saloon
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