Don’t Forget About Dad!

Back in April, many New Raleigh readers (myself included) discussed the state of retail on West Street in Downtown Raleigh, and specifically – menswear.

The thread sadly was about the upcoming closing of Get Dressed, a funky Downtown Raleigh consignment boutique, which always offered an enjoyable shopping (or just browsing the cool collection) experience.

Commenter KateT noted:

I was at another consignment store last weekend and was looking for a men’s suit or jacket. They didn’t have much so I asked the cashier where else in Raleigh to go for young men’s clothing. She suggested maybe Get Dressed and I said I wasn’t necessarily looking for vintage. She shrugged and said “the mall?” Seriously, can’t this area’s growing population support better options than chain stores?

I responded with:

^ Seriously! Women’s retail is in ok shape, but guys are out of luck. Mall is such a dirty word! And while I think Glenwood can be a decent location for retail, I think West street is just “too far off the beaten”, sadly. You know, unless you’re Ornamentea. But they are specialty, and people will go out of their way for a specialty retailer.

(My comment, by the way, was really enjoyed by Cynthia over at Ornamentea {Raleigh/online} ;-))

You can check out the entire conversation online at http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/get-dressed-closing-in-may/.

Coming just a few weeks after that conversation, the N&O’s Jen Bringle noted some timely advances for local menswear in her Stylin’ column:

Big changes are also afoot at Ciao Bella Boutique {Cary}. The boutique recently partnered with Peter Millar to offer a new menswear line. Ciao Bella carried Peter Millar shirts and sweaters for women, but this new line will be the first men’s offering at the store.

Ciao Bella Boutique is at the Arboretum in Cary, 2055 Renaissance Park Place.

Something for the guys, part 2
In the past few years, upscale consignment shops have popped up all over the area, offering shoppers high-end clothing at an affordable price. But unfortunately for the fellas, most of these shops focused mainly on women’s clothing – until now.

The Men’s Kloset {Cary} specializes in men’s consignment, featuring brands such as Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Abercrombie & Fitch and Johnston & Murphy shoes. The store also is accepting new and gently used designer pieces. The Men’s Kloset’s is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 124-C SW Maynard Road, Cary. 919-467-7117

So, fair readers, where do you shop locally for the men in your lives?

And PS – This post is here to serve as a reminder of Father’s Day… happening this Sunday!

Lisa Jeffries

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