Need a suit for interviews QUICK!

Short story- Since my house in Galveston is pretty much destroyed and my wife and son are shell-shocked by the whole hurricane thing, I've decided to move to Ft. Worth. I put out my resume online and in person over the past two days and am starting to get calls.

I don't have a proper suit and haven't worn one for about nine years- where can I get one quick? I don't have time for tailoring and I don't want to spend more than $500 unless someone here gives me a good reason; my finances are up in the air right now. I need something that looks sharp but won't bust my budget. Again, I'm in Ft. Worth so I need a chain or somewhere local that someone is familiar with.

Thanks in advance!

 

Thanks, FFB- that's exactly my kind of store. I don't know anything about the styles. What's good?

bejezuz- I'm in IT. I'm interviewing for Network Admin/Engineer and Senior System Admin jobs. I'm guessing that my everyday attire will be business casual at most (khakis and polo). I wouldn't mind looking sharper than the competition for interviews.

 

I went by Jos. A Banks since it's close and they have some nice suits, but nothing i liked was under $500. I may be able to work it if a couple of friends here want the two free ones and we split the deal, but that's doubtful.

I also went by Target and checked out the Meronas. I actually liked them but to buy the jacket and pants it costs around $150, so I figure I might as well spend a little more for better quality.

Thanks for the tips on the wool and tailoring- I'll keep that in mind.

I'm certainly not slim- I have a 36-inch waist and wear a 46L jacket. I think I could pull off the Merona style suits but I have a pretty big head too, so I may look funny if I'm wearing something too form fitting.

I think that's going to break the bank, but keep talking.

I'm going to hit SYMS next and then K&G if I don't like what I see at SYMS. They're on opposite sides of Fort Worth, but it's laughable how small this place is after growing up in metropolis Houston.

Keep the tips coming- I'm keeping my laptop w/ wifi card in the car. Thanks again!

 

Sure, no problem. I'm about two blocks from UTMB, and about 1/4 mile from the beach at the shortest distance. I haven't been back yet, but I've had friends go by and take pictures. The water mark on my house was around 5-6 feet, which means I got 3-4 feet inside. The structure looks solid, so that's a positive. I think i may have a tree on the separated garage in the back, but the pictures are a little ambiguous.

As far as interior damage, I had hardwood floors, which I know are ruined, the drywall has to go 2-3 feet above the waterline, and when you couple that with mold that's had two weeks to grow and toxic poop water, I'm not going to bring my family back in.

A lot has to do with what the insurance company/FEMA pays me. If they pay me enough to pay off the note, I may sell it cheap to someone who has the time and inclination to restore it. If it's just enough to repair, I'll get in there and do a quick and cheap repair and turn it into a rent house. I figure housing that close to UTMB will be in high demand.

I was going to post more once I had the full story, complete with pictures. I'm not very upset about it. I have my family, pictures, data...everything important except a few things, and I have a place to live in Ft. Worth for now. So things could be worse. I'd say the worst part about the whole experience is the not knowing and spinning my wheels doing nothing. I hate that.

 

SYMS was a slam dunk. I can't believe what good prices they have there. I walked out of there with a Ralph Lauren suit, dress shoes, shirt, tie, etc, for around $370. More than that, my salesguy was a retired Norstrom's suit salesman and knew his stuff. Awesome advice, Fatty. Thanks- if you're ever in the area, I'll buy you beers. In fact, you guys were all a big help. I'll buy you all beers.

Freaking awesome- thanks so much.