Dappered | What Are Allen Edmonds Factory 2nds? In Review: The Factory 2nds Buying Process

[Dappered | What Are Allen Edmonds Factory 2nds? In Review: The Factory 2nds Buying Process]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [What Are Allen Edmonds Factory 2nds? In Review: The Factory 2nds Buying Process](#1) - [The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – July 2019](#2) - [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup](#3) [What Are Allen Edmonds Factory 2nds? In Review: The Factory 2nds Buying Process](r/Dappered/~3/h2Q8aEP3eV8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 13 Aug 2019 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Allen Edmonds Factory 2nds: Available (sometimes) on their site](, or, [Shoebank.com]( Factory 2nds are shoes that came out of the manufacturing process with something slightly wrong with them. A scratch here, a wonky stitch there, and/or perhaps a wrinkle in the leather over yonder. Allen Edmonds claims nothing is structurally wrong with these shoes. The “something’s wrong” is limited to the “looks” department. Yet these shoes are, basically, [destined for the Island of Misfit Toys](. And just like the Misfit Toys, they are not without value! But [the average choosy consumer]( would see the defect, and decline to buy at full, or, a standard sale price. Factory 2nds Nomads upon arrival. Looks close to first quality! [Shoebank]( (phone call) vs. [AllenEdmonds.com]( (not always there) So they get marked down even more aggressively, and are then shipped off to The Island [The Shoebank]( or one of their physical outlet stores. The Shoebank is a frustratingly charmingly 20th century operation. You have to make a phone call to make an order. Sometimes the person on the other end of the phone will describe the defect to you. But sometimes not. I’m guessing that’s not in their job description and I personally can’t bring myself to ask. Also, sometimes AE will put them up on their main site during a “flash sale,” backed by the full e-commerce machine. No phone calls. Click, Buy, Ship. And that’s where I got this recent pair of Nomad Chukkas for $149. Ah HA! Found the defects. A couple messy stitches on the left heel,and some weird dye on the heel tab of the right. The Dreaded $25 Restocking Fee BUT HERE’S THE CATCH: Allen Edmonds, understandably, doesn’t want a bunch of people ordering Factory 2nds and then returning them because they’re unhappy with what has made them Factory 2nds. So they’ve added a $25 “restocking fee.” to any Factory 2nds returned through the mail. If you can hoof it to a physical outlet store? They might waive the fee for you. But for most of us who do things over the web and through the post/UPS, it’s a gamble. If they show up, and they’re a disaster, you could be out $25. But you just don’t really know what the cosmetic screw up is, until the package arrives and the shoes are in your hands. Other than that, they’re good. Still made in Wisconsin, still Goodyear welted. Nomads are a little lighter weight for comfort. How bad are the defects? It depends. And there have been some horror stories. Some, on the internet, have claimed they received Factory 2nds that were so messed up that they were shocked they were allowed to be sold at any price. [But that’s the internet](. What do people do on the internet? Complain and act superior. I’m not saying these shoe disasters didn’t happen, what I am saying is that the ratio of people jumping on the internet to complain vs the people logging on to say how happy they are, is grossly in favor of the former. Ready for “chinos chukkas polo.” Autumn is fast approaching too. What’s a “good” price for Factory 2nds? Here’s what I think most would consider to be “good/great” prices on various types of AE factory 2nds. This is what you can see during big sale events. Not always, not all models, but with some regularity: - Timeless Oxfords (Park Ave., Strand, Cornwallis, Etc) $200ish or less - Timeless Boots (Dalton, Liverpool) $265ish or less - Independence Collection (their higher end calfskin models) $275ish or less - More “Unique” Models (Nomad series, Attempts to stay trendy, etc.) $180 or less That said, prices fluctuate all the time. And if you get a serious dud at one of the prices above or less, don’t come whining to me. This is a gamble. Repeat, THIS. IS. A. GAMBLE. [Full retail for 1st quality is $375](. Sales on 1st quality drops them under $300. These Factory 2nds were $150. So should I take the risk? I own two pairs of Factory 2nds. A pair of Liverpool Chelseas and the Nomad Chukkas seen in this post. I honestly don’t know what made the Liverpools 2nds quality. I’ve never found the blemish. And the Nomads at $150? I’m more than happy with what I got for the price. The couple of wonky stitches on the back heel of the left shoe doesn’t bug me, and the weird dye strip on the right heel tab will be hidden most of the time anyway. And if it’s not? Who cares. I feel like I’ve been lucky with my Factory 2nds purchases. You might not be so lucky. And that’s the game. ff/Dappered?a=h2Q8aEP3eV8:tIgg7x-IX2c:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=h2Q8aEP3eV8:tIgg7x-IX2c:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=h2Q8aEP3eV8:tIgg7x-IX2c:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – July 2019](r/Dappered/~3/wtO-kXCbiRk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 12 Aug 2019 02:00 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( A wise man once asked: [“What the hell just happened?”](And for good reason. There is value in looking back. It gives us all a good gauge as to what is good, and more importantly, what is not good, going forward. Sure, the “[clip show](” is mostly a cheap (affordable?) device to create new content out of already published stuff. But it’s also a good way to catch up in case you missed something. So [cue the flashback music](. Here’s the very best from the month that was… [Best Sale: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale]( [Nordstrom Anniversary Sale]( An annual event that’s pretty fun to look forward to. It’s over now, and prices have gone back up, but it was something. Everything from higher-end designers to really solid in-house goods exclusive to Nordstrom. [Second Best Sale: Bonobos 30% off Everything]( [Bonobos]( And the silver medal goes to Bonobos, who ran a 30% off site-wide sale, [that even bumped up to 35% off at one point](. [Suitsupply’s Outlet]( and [Amazon Prime Day]( also happened in July, and those were pretty fun too, but Bonobos takes 2nd place here on the style front. [Best Individual Item Deal: Bonobos Lightweight Chinos – $35]( exp ($78) [Bonobos Lightweight Chinos on Dappered.com]( Expired now, but was eye popping at the time. Along with the big 30% off everything sale, Bonobos also ran [an extra FORTY percent off sale items later on last month](. And the sale section was nicely equipped at the time too. That extra cut dropped their lightweight stretch chinos to thirty five bucks. For Bonobos. Bonobos at Dockers prices. Shown above is the “Tahoe Blue” color in a 34×30 athletic fit on 5’10” / 200lbs. [Second Best Item Deal: Invicta Pro Automatic – $56]( exp ($85) [Invicta Pro Automatic on Dappered.com]( Also expired. [A highlight from Prime Day](. Usually around $85. Secret Agent looks on a cubical worker’s budget. Good feel and solid, 200m water resistance too. Nice stainless steel band and case. Automatic movement. Exhibition case back. 40mm case dial hits the sweet spot for most. Also looks great on a rubber/silicone or leather strap. High end Swiss watch makers? They should subsidize Invicta’s production of this particular watch. This son-of-a-gun is a gateway drug if there ever was one. [Most Patriotic Post: All Made in the USA for the 4th]( [Made in the USA on Dappered.com]( Because NOTHING is more American than co-opting Independence Day in the sake of internet content. Actually, I can think of a lot more things that are more American, but, well, let’s stick to the commercialism. At least it’s domestic based though, amiright?? This was surprisingly easy to put together this year. Hasn’t always been so. So, that’s nice to see. [Thanks Flint & Tinder!]( [Most unexpected place for good lighting: A boiler room]( [Propeller Garment Duffle on Dappered.com]( Taking pictures of… things… is harder than you might think. Capturing what something truly looks like, in person, on “film” can be challenging. Especially where color, texture, etc. is concerned (as is often the case in clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.) It’s incredibly frustrating to be excited about a thing, and then the thing shows up, AND IT LOOKS NOTHING LIKE IT DID ONLINE. I’m with you there. I hear you. Happens to me too. So lighting can make or break a shoot. But who knew that some great lighting exists inside of boiler rooms?? I didn’t. [Thankfully, our man Adam did](. [Most Seasonally Instructional Post: How to wear bold print shorts]( [How to wear bold print shorts on Dappered.com]( It’s easier than you think, because the rest of your outfit should be dead simple! Unless you’re gonna go full Magnum PI and rock the print on print look. And if you do, good on ya. And don’t forget your Detroit Tigers ballcap. [Most Welcome Return: Chinos Chukkas Polo Series!]( [Chinos Chukkas Polo Series on Dappered.com]( If nothing else, it instigated someone on Facebook to accuse me of “trying to make chukkas happen.” Which is one of the dumber things I’ve ever read. Lordy I wish I had that kind of influence. Most regularly asked question: Why no faces? [Dappered.com] This gets asked with some regularity, and was asked again over social media this month. There’s also [a separate, somewhat similar discussion going on over on Dappered Threads](. I can’t speak for other sites or individuals, but here’s why there will never be faces on Dappered: most mannequins don’t have faces. Why don’t mannequins have faces? Because humans have a TON of biases, and I appreciate you subconsciously giving me the benefit of the doubt! (Yes, I know the tattoos aren’t helping here but I’m older and I care less than I used to. Sorry.) Also, modeling from the neck up is hard. A lot can go wrong, and taking pictures from the neck down is already a pain in the butt. So, no faces is a hell of a lot easier. Faces can also lead to a temptation to write for the “personality” on display, instead of writing for you the readers. It would slowly become about “Joe,” instead of the shirt. Or the shoes. Or whatever. And that’s an ugly crutch to lean on. “Here’s what I wore to XYZ event which ASDF corporation flew me out to on their dime!” Gag me with a garden spade. You don’t care. I don’t care. We’re not Kardashians. We’re not Logan Paul. And I think that’s a really, really good thing that I’m highly protective of. Thanks for understanding and respecting that. [Most Uncomfortable Discussion: I’ll give you $ if you show me your underwear]( [Men's underwear review on Dappered.com]( [Me, to not just one]( but [TWO]( contributors last month: “Hey, so, how about you take pictures of your underwear, you send them to me, and I’ll pay you for it? Cool?” … “Yeah cool!” [Best Buckets: These Two.]( [Dappered.com]( Classic. Timeless. Able to withstand and resist the ebbs and flows of bucket trends in favor of the rock solid dependability that is pure bucket style. Third bucket to the right is more of a pail, and while the dark shade is highly attractive and much, much more effective at not showing cosmetic blemishes like buckets one and two, pail has given way to some unknown force of which it winced under the pressure of. Perhaps they just don’t make pails like they used to. But buckets? Buckets gonna bucket, man. Yeah. Buckets. [Best home decor item: Groot & Rocket Planters – $34]( [Groot & Rocket planters]( Your air plants and succulent want some of this action. Looks like the Etsy shop that sells them is running low, but the artist makes them by hand and they’re best sellers, so I have the feeling they won’t disappear forever. Sold by [RedwoodStoneworks](. More [Dappered Space goodness can be found here](. [Best Suggestion: Books from The Weekend Reset]( [In Cold Blood by Truman Capote]( I recently dove into two of Tim’s recent suggestions in the Weekend Reset ([Catch-22]( and [In Cold Blood](). Absolutely loved both. I couldn’t put down In Cold Blood, and that never happens to me. I’m hardly a bookworm. I wish I was. Maybe I’m on my way to becoming one, and these are helping. [Biggest challenger to the White Sneaker Throne? adidas Continental 80]( [adidas Continental 80 on Dappered.com]( I’m still a Stan Smith man myself, but [Jason made a hell of an argument over here for the adidas Continental 80](. I think for me, personally, it’s the toe tops. Not quite my deal. I think they remind me too much of the 1980s. [Most accurate representation of Joe’s work life: MS Paint “Selfie”]( [A self portrait of Joe of Dappered.com. The only time you'll see his face!]( You BET I still use MS Paint for a lot of graphics work on Dappered. Sadly, my keyboard (yes, [that’s a keyboard @bisonwich]() doesn’t levitate. And neither does our orange cat, Captain Cookster. He is not part hovercraft. At least, not that I know of. Most anticipated upcoming “event”: FALL [Fall on Dappered.com] You bet your sweet patoot I’m a fan of fall. [I’m insufferable about it, and I don’t care](. Can’t. Wait. Feeling Nostalgic? [Here’s the archive]( containing previous editions of Best of the Month that Was. ff/Dappered?a=wtO-kXCbiRk:BOBixVmniE8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=wtO-kXCbiRk:BOBixVmniE8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=wtO-kXCbiRk:BOBixVmniE8:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup](r/Dappered/~3/E8gpGCIF0F8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 12 Aug 2019 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Goods – $4.99 – $7.99]( Target’s Goodfellow & Co. brand [has released a full slate of grooming products](, and the prices are cheap. Since none of us have the same bodies or grooming needs, [Ryan]( and [Joe]( teamed up on this post. Ryan took the skincare stuff (Face Wash, Face Scrub, Lotion, Bar Soap) with a wildcard on the conditioner ([gotta keep that buzzed scalp fresh!]() While Joe, who’s [the more follicly forested creature of the two](, took the hair stuff (Shampoo, Beard Balm, Texturizing Fiber). What do they have in store for us (pun intended)? Here’s their reactions to a bunch of Goodfellow’s new grooming goods… [Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedar 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash – $5.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? I think so, yes. Lathers up just fine, smells great (Mrs. Dappered liked it) but not overpowering. Felt like it rinsed clean for me. On the shampoo front, it works well there too. Cleans without drying out. [I was buying this “man made wash” stuff]( (I know, how cliche) but the Goodfellow is more than 3x cheaper per ounce. - Does it smell (good)? Yes indeed. It’s not overly scented, but the woodsy cedar notes are in there, and the clean mint comes through just a touch too. - Complaints? Took me a while to get the darn pump to work, but, other than that, no, no complaints. - Worth a try? Yes. Very much so. [Goodfellow & Co. Kelp & Sea Mineral Face Wash – $5.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? I’m happy with it. Cleans well and pairs nicely with the Face Scrub. - Does it smell (good)? Definitely a beach bum here, so the sea-air this evokes is just fine by me. Some of the reviewers hate it with a fiery passion, but subtle and pleasing to this reviewer. Moss and sage stand out. - Complaints? Honestly, none to really speak of here. Some said that this comes out watery, but I didn’t experience that. - Worth a try? Winner. [Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedar Beard Balm – $7.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? I believe so. I’ve never really, uh, “balmed” my beard. I do feel like my beard felt a bit softer after I used it. Do make sure you apply it when your beard is damp or wet though. Not dry. And go easy on how much you use. Frankly, I feel like this stuff is a way for guys who don’t use cologne ([my hand is raised]() to, well, use something that smells good. - Does it smell (good)? It does. - Complaints? Just be aware that if you don’t usually use any sort of scented stuff, that putting scented stuff into your beard, which is right below your nose, you’ll be smelling it often. Like, all day. - Worth a try? Yes! If you’re bearded and balm curious. [Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedar Face Scrub – $5.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? Yessir. I have sensitive skin and the scrubbing action doesn’t leave my face red, which is a plus. My skin feels a little softer to the touch after using this. - Does it smell (good)? Yes. You can smell the woods in this (cedarwood and sandalwood), as well as the musk base. - Complaints? The scrubbers are actually grain-sized bits of walnut, which work great for scrubbing. What they don’t work great for, though, is removing themselves from my face. Feels a bit like a beach day where you’ve got a few spare bits of sand stuck to you. Be prepared to rinse… thoroughly. - Worth a try? Thumbs up. [Goodfellow & Co. Blue Sage & Tonka Hair Texturizing Fiber – $7.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? Yes. Matte finish and a firm hold without looking gooey or gunky or chunky or stiff. - Does it smell (good)? Yes. Sweeter/more citrus than the Mint/Cedar profile used through much of the rest of the Goodfellow grooming line. Should still compliment that mint/cedar if you’re using the body wash. - Complaints? I would NOT call this a “cream,” despite Target.com describing the “product form” as such. It’s more solid than liquid. Like a putty. And you have to work it pretty good in your hands to get it applicable. But that also means a little goes a long way. If you’re used to using a pomade or a cream? This might look like cement at first glance and feel. - Worth a try? Maybe. Depends on if you’re good with a firm feeling product. [Goodfellow & Co. Kelp & Sea Mineral Face Lotion – $4.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? Yes, with a caveat noted in the Complaints section. It goes on smooth, feels nice, and isn’t greasy. - Does it smell (good)? Pretty neutral for me. I don’t know how much the reviewers are using when they can comment on how it smells on their faces hours later, but I’m not finding it to be an issue at all. - Complaints? Would have really liked to see some SPF protection in a face lotion, especially for something that ideally is your main protection when you walk out the door. - Worth a try? Can’t recommend it without SPF. [Goodfellow & Co. Kelp & Sea Mineral Moisturizing Bar Soap – $3.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? The short answer? Not for me. The long answer? If you like bar soaps, this will probably be a win for you. Made with shea butter and olive oil. - Does it smell (good)? Barely there, but pleasant. - Complaints? Left my skin feeling rubbery and tight, even when worked into a lather as recommended. I don’t feel like my skin is moisturized after using it. - Worth a try? Skip it, unless you’re a bar soap diehard. [Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedar Conditioner – $5.99]( [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( - Does it work? Definitely. As a recent member of the buzzcut club, I’m going a little longer on top for the fall but keeping the sides tight. This stuff left my hair and scalp feeling noticeably softer, and an overall “clean” feeling. - Does it smell (good)? Very very nice. You can pick out the coconut notes in this one. - Complaints? My pump-action bottle was very difficult to get moving (and still is), but that doesn’t speak to the product. No complaints here. - Worth a try? Yes. Final Overall Thoughts What’s good is very good, and that potential is what counts when you’re looking at a launch lineup. On the outside, in terms of the packaging? Like, the bottles and such? [It’s really hard to tell anything apart](. The “apothecary” aesthetic is sharp, but when it comes at the expense of “Is this my Face Wash, or Face Pulverizer*?” at a glance, then it becomes a problem. Why not have different colored caps or something? (*Note: Face Pulverizer is not a real product, unfortunately, but would be a great [name for a WWE finishing move]( Since much of male society has gotten so used to AXE and Old Spice [assaulting our noses]( the subtle scents of these products can seem… underwhelming, at first. Many of the reviews say as much. But your scent shouldn’t speak FOR you, it should complement you. These do that. Also, if it informs your grooming decisions, the Goodfellow line does not claim to be cruelty-free. [This line looks like a win for Target](. The Goodfellow & Co. brand, which started as a clothing line to replace Mossimo and Merona, has exploded into a one-stop-shop for men who want to look good ([and who wanna learn to do other stuff good, too](). Their corporate site even lists a few products that haven’t yet seen the light of day, so expect them to expand and evolve. Off to a great start. [In Review: The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( About the Author(s): Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. Joe? Joe is the the sentient tumbleweed that runs this popsicle stand. ff/Dappered?a=E8gpGCIF0F8:rlvoKsGWkVw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=E8gpGCIF0F8:rlvoKsGWkVw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=E8gpGCIF0F8:rlvoKsGWkVw:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States