Brooks Brothers just made their high-end, high-style Black Fleece collection for Spring / Summer '08 available online, and it's certainly stimulating, if perhaps not to everyone's taste. The line, designed by controversial but undeniably au courant designer Thom Browne, features twisted takes on preppy classics with eyebrow-raising pricetags.

Highlights of the men's looks include a "Fun" red, green, yellow and blue patchwork seersucker jacket for $1,900 with matching pants for an additional $700; a suit of cotton madras plaid (jacket $1,500, pants $600); a $2,500 morning coat with grosgrain tipping meant to be worn with a top hat; and an Irish linen trench coat with grosgrain tipping for $2,000. For women, there's a patchwork seersucker shorts suit to match the men's model (jacket $1,900, pants $500) and a cotton piqué patch pocket jacket with grosgrain tipping and sterling silver buttons for $2,100.

While the classic influences are obvious, this isn't exactly the kind of thing one associates with the traditional wares of Brooks -- but that's exactly the point of Black Fleece. Whether you can a) afford it, and b) pull it off is another matter entirely.

We've all seen our share of super expensive chess sets, but now that poker has become many executives' game of choice, Brooks Brothers is offering a $2500 box set. With that kind of price tag, you're likely to expect a bit of gold or something, right? Sorry, nope. The accent hardware is polished brass and, while the wood is Italian and the leather is British, you may join us in wondering where the $2k+ premium over last year's edition comes from. Still, it is quite handsome, isn't it?

Looking for a present for your golf junkie? Brooks Brothers has a golf package as one of their ultimate gifts for this season. The package takes place on May 13-16, 2007 at Keswick Hall. The Virginia resort is a 48-room Tuscan-style hotel next to Keswick Club and its 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course. The three-night package includes the chance to play with PGA tour pros Scott Verplank and James Driscoll, who will join you for a day of personal instruction followed by an 18-hole playing lesson. They will also hang out with your for lunch. The golf excursion includes three nights in a master suite at Keswick Hall, four individual spa treatments, dinner each night and a special welcome package. The trip costs $7,200 per couple.

Heart-strewn boxers are as classic as roses for Valentine's Day. Avoid the cheesy ones with naughty sayings and head for these understated versions from Brooks Brothers instead. The boxers are made of a fine woven cotton broadcloth and come in three patterns: red ground stripe, navy with hearts and Golden Fleece and red plaid. The box of three in a gift box sells for $48.