Linen sport coat or other warm weather pieces

[Reckoner]

I'm presenting at an international professional conference in northern Africa this summer and I need to look smart. (I also live in Florida, no stranger to the heat). I am planning to hit the closest Brooks Brothers during their next friends and family sale, but in the meantime I'm open to recommendations for cheap, lightweight blazers/sport coats. Right now I'm eyeing linen from LL Bean and Uniqlo.

Ideally I'd like to get two somethings lightweight in cream and navy since the conference is a week long (I can mix it up with shirts, ties, and trousers). I'd like to go cheap for the time being since I'm in the midst of a (knock on wood) successful weight loss plan, with another 30 lbs to go. That's why I say linen over summer weight wool, the latter being a bit too dear for my circumstances and hopefully shrinking sizes. Still, the conference is important enough professionally that spending some $$$ on a few pieces will be worth it.

Any ideas on a budget?

 

[rushchairman]

Some heavily discounted designer blazers & sport coats can be found right now @ Gilt.com. I've purchased suits through Gilt in the past, always with great results.
Be sure to check for availability in your size.

http://www.gilt.com/sale/men - Click on "Derby Day Style"

 

[Phog Allen]

If there is a Jos. A Bank factory store close by you may want to look there. I picked up a linen jacket for $58. Of course this was after the season last fall. They are likely now only in the retail stores. And the retail tag on mine was $150. So I saved a lot. You never know what you can find in the factory stores. They have their own web site as well. It is worth a try.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Bob the aged Lurcher]

I do not know what brands are available to you in the 'States, however I would suggest a wool linen mix, I have one from Blazer which I have had over 15 years and it works well in hot weather.