Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has…
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After a month of raving about the launch of Frank & Oak this past February, the online retailer is already in its second month of sales. If you’ve been a loyal or even semi-casual reader on Men’s Style Pro then you already know I make it my duty to only promote brands or companies that I believe in and wear. Frank & Oak is a brand that I truly believe and is unique because they produce quality garments priced at $50 or less.
The first piece that I’ve added to my wardrobe from Frank & Oak is the Sahara Windowpane Blazer. Thinking of how often I wear blazers, grabbing this one in this specific color was a no-brainer. The colors in this blazer complement a fair amount of shoes that I own in the cognac and oxblood colors. Constructed from light wool with a full cotton lining, the Sahara blazer by Frank & Oak is the perfect weight for the fall and spring.
Blazer by Frank & Oak – Silk Hand-knitted tie by The Knottery – Green & White Gingham Shirt by H&M – Dark Wash Jeans by Levi’s (Slim Taper 521) –
Cabarris Penny Loafer by Johnston & Murphy – I.C.U Socks by Sock it to Me – Substation Work Bag by J.Fold –
The wearability of this blazer will never be questioned because this blazer drapes the body well.The shorter crop style makes it a go-to when pairing with jeans. The faint window paint pattern gives off just enough pin-nosh for some character. At $50, I would never expect to find a blazer with functional buttons on the cuffs, but, the Frank & Oak Sahara blazer does come with this feature. There are many things that I do like about this blazer; however, there are a couple of alterations I would make if were lead designer.
Minor Alteration (if I was the designer of this blazer)
- If possible, I would make the shoulders a bit more natural (just a little less padding)
- If possible, I would taper the arms of this blazer slightly
In all, the Sahara blazer by Frank & Oak gets positive thumbs up from me. If you are the guy looking to amp up your patterns in the blazer department, this would be a great blazer to start you on that path.
Hardback copy of the Handbook of Style by Esquire Magazine
Best,
Sabir M. Peele
Twitter: @MensStylePro
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Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has a deep passion for menswear and all things manly. Selected as one of the "5 Best Dressed Men In America" by Esquire Magazine in 2010 & as #GQFall 2013 Best Dressed Man. As of 2014, Sabir serves as a freelance brand ambassador & executive stylist for GQ Magazine & GQ Report. Outside of that partnership, Sabir serves as an independent brand consultant as well. Reach me directly at SABIR@MENSSTYLEPRO.COM
Again, you knocked it out of the park. The pattern mixing is spot on! Question: I noticed you mentioned blazers having too much padding. I was wondering if that is something that can be altered by a tailor. I have some nice brooks brothers jackets that are really great quality but I like the natural should look much better. Probably stems from the fact that my shoulders are naturally fairly wide.
Hi Keaton,
You can have them removed by a tailor. Depends on how padded the blazer is. If you trust your tailor sit down with them and have that conversation about removing the padding because some suits can not be altered depending out how structural “sound” it may be.
Best,
Sabir
Looks great! I love the subtle pattern on the fabric as well.
Thanks Chaucee!
– Sabir
On point as always!!
Seen a tie like yours the other and was debating on buying it or not.
Sabir – did you have to have the blazer tailored at all or did it fit right out of the box?
Hi Gabe,
No alteration. Straight out of the box.
Best,
Sabir
What is the invitation code for frank and oak?
Here is an invite, if you’re still interested http://foak.co/hwnh/ru6e
I just got mine in today. I am thoroughly impressed with it. Sadly, it is sized too small. As long as a 42 fits me, I’ll be buying from them for a long time.
Great blog! That blazer is amazing!
Jan Marcel Blog
I think that the their blazers are a bit of a switch-and-bait, as they are all always out of stock. That being said, for those that are able to obtain them, they seem to be a great value!
Hi Alan,
It really because they make a limited supply of all of their items. So when people blazer they buy them up especially for $50.
Hey Sabir, what size are you wearing? I’m usually a size 37 (~5’8″, 150 lbs). I’ve heard they run a wee small, but am worried that if I get a 38 it might be a tad loose for me and sleeves too long (and tough to alter with surgeon cuffs). Let me know what you think when you get the chance. Later, bud.
Alex,
If you are going with F&O go with a 38 to see how the size fits. They are tailored well. I am a 38 (5’9″ 165lbs).
– Sabir
Love the look and the blog. I came here looking for an educated take on Frank & Oak (I just joined).
Small quibble: It’s spelled “panache”. 😉
heres a refferal http://foak.co/hwnh/em4u
http://foak.co/I/l/3gyo
http://foak.co/ma8jsx8e3u
the blazers are more then $50, are they $50 if you’re a member??
Hi Crystal,
When Frank & Oak first launched back in February of 2012, all of their pieces were $50 and under. They upped the prices on items like blazers and outerwear (which didn’t offer at first). Hunt club members get a discount.
Best,
Sabir