Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Image Ain't Everything
“Conspicuous consumption” is definitely out of style, says one industry type in this Journal story. More intriguing, however, is her insistence that luxury retailers resist “deep discounts,” because of the irreparable harm it does to their brands. “You’ll get your revenue in, but your brand is really going to be deteriorated.” We've also heard the competing view that discounts help brands maintain their presence "on the ground," i.e., on consumer's backs, during tough times.
Either way, our advice is to generally avoid brands that rest their reputations so heavily on "image." From quality to utility and fit, a product should stand up on its own merits.
The Big Chill
Southern Comfort
If you can't make it to Billy Reid's Bond Street boutique, don't neglect the Alabama-based designer's online sale going on at this very minute. We're talking cashmere topcoats for $840...
Monday, December 29, 2008
Save It
Racked, h(y)r collective, and a string of news outlets all recently picked up on the tricky business of haggling for deals.For the record, we think it’s bad practice. Sure, a nimble gentleman can float the idea without ruffling feathers, but it’s really not the customer’s place to price products.
If a retailer decides to cut prices, that’s their business, and we’ll obviously be the first to tell you about it. But, this business of using the economy as an excuse to badger sales associates only leads to bad behavior, and bad blood between customers and retailers.
It’s no secret that, for any number of reasons, clerks reward some customers with better deals. And, as any experienced shopper with tell you, a good rapport is far more likely to yield such deals than blind hassling.
Get Smart
Through the 5th of January, Brooks Brothers is attempting to move some serious merch at over 50% off retail. If you're in the market for a business suit, we highly recommend the 1818 Fitzgerald line, now on sale for $600. Distinguished by its narrow lapels, high armholes, two-button jacket, and trim fitting plain-front trousers, the Fitzgerald is about as smart as you can get without stepping into hipster territory.Choosy Beggars
In the waning days of 2008, with few sample sales to report, we thought we’d test out our new man-on-the-street feature, “Choosy Beggars.” Now, between The Sartorialist, NY Mag’s Look Book, and Racked's Street Scenes, one might assume that no stylish New Yorkers are going unnoticed. Our unique aim, however, will be to specifically document those (male) New Yorkers achieving a perfect balance of personal style and financial savvy. Take Eddie here -- a longtime West Village resident who makes his living in theater. He swears most of his clothes comes from local thrift shops. The scarf, meanwhile, was a gift… not to mention a perfect color accent to fend off the city's bleak winter months. Every man should possess a few equally versatile and vibrant (without treading into Versace territory) accessories to achieve a similar effect.
Dial M For Markdowns
Sure, nearly every product in the city is at least half its retail price at the moment, but some sales still strike us as unexpected. Take Michael on W 4th -- formerly L’uomo on Bleecker -- which is taking 50% off its fine collection of Italian sportswear from labels like Stone Island, CP Company, and Belstaff. The shop’s broad assortment of Moncler outerwear is closer to 35% off, which is still a rare sight despite the recession. Michael - 271 W 4th St between W 11th & Perry - 212-206-7722 - Map
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Try Your Luck
So, the near 1,000 items that Steven Alan donated to Housing Works on 17th Street failed to draw a crowd this morning. Granted, the city is empty. After today, the nonprofit is supposed to spread the wares to Housing Works throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, but we expect much of it remain on 17th. There, you'll find a full five racks of $50 button-downs, nearly every one size XL. Yeah, not our fit either. Oh, and all outerwear is under $125, save for the down's for $160.
Don't forget that Alan is still taking up to 75% off select items in stores and Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Holidays Call
If you hadn't noticed, we're posting lightly this week partially due to holiday activities, and partially because there's little activity on the sample sale front. You'll find all of the ongoing sale information to your left. (Picture courtesy of our talented friends at What I Saw Today.)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Very Respectable
Right this minute, Polo Ralph Lauren is taking an additional 30% off select sale items, some of which have already been marked down by 65%. This wool herringbone sports coat, for one, is down from $600 to $280. This lambs-wool half-zip pullover, meanwhile, is down from $125 to $55.
Social Armor
Texas Two-Step
Still upset about not finding any Acne at the Opening Ceremony sample sale? Well, Acne Studios is now taking a full 50% off F/W merch down on Greene Street. Acne Studios - 10 Greene Street between Canal and Grand - 212-625-2828 - Map
Alterations
The New Year is right around the corner, which naturally has us reflecting back and looking forward. Since launching this summer, The Choosy Beggar has quickly established itself among tens of thousands of guys as a reliable resource for up-to-the-minute first-hand sale and deal information. For that, we have to thank all of you for reading; for contributing to our growing community; and for spreading the word about the unique service we provide. As for the future, we're very excited about the possibilities, but, to ensure we're moving in the right direction, we need you -- our dear readers -- to TELL US WHAT YOU'D LIKE FROM US. Additional services? A greater focus on particular areas? More of this? Less of that? Drop us a line and TELL US, so The Beggar can better serve you in 2009 and beyond.
Cuff 'Em
In stores and online, Levi's is taking at least 50% off some very cool jeans. For starters, Levi’s Engineered Garments 1954 501Z’s are down from $235 to $115. Ever more remarkable, Levi’s vintage clothing 1901 XX 501’s are down from $295 to $100.**Update: Online, likely through January, the sales are up to 75% off**
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Case Files
In stores and online, Jack Spade is now taking up to 40% messenger bags and file cases... and without any unpredictable checkout codes! This here nylon canvas computer file case has been marked down from $225 to $135.Jack Spade - 400 Bleecker St at W 11th - 212-675 4085 - Map
Jack Spade - 56 Greene St at Broome - 212-625-1820 - Map
Structure
At 12 noon today, Tony Melillo goes on sale at Gilt.com. The Beggar has your invite to the members only shopping site HERE.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Flash
A tipster tells us the deals have gotten very sweet over at The News sale, going on through Saturday. “All common projects shoes are 100 bucks ... The entire Woolrich Woolen Mills fall/winter line at 50% off … ALL band of outsiders shirts are 75 bucks! And they have like 10 models in all sizes.”*Update: Another reader reports in that only about half of the Common projects shoes are now $100, while the rest are still $200.*
The News sale - 495 Broadway nr Broome St - 5th fl - 212-925-9700 - Thurs-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm - Map
What's a G Between Friends?
An eagle-eyed reader just brought it to our attention that an earlier prediction of ours has come true. "For the deal seekers," we wrote in our review of Benjamin Bixby's new line in September, "we suggest waiting for the holiday sales and Warehouse event where you’re sure to find plenty of this stuff." Now, along with plenty of other Bixby merch, this leather bomber has been marked down from a whopping $1,600 to about $600! No, it's doesn't take a genius to predict that this type of gear is going to get slashed, but, come on, that's a G we're talking about.
Neither By Snow, Nor Rain, Nor Heat...
The first bona fide snow fall of the year isn't keeping the crowds from the Opening Ceremony sample sale, so expect a little elbow to elbow action. No big surprises. Mostly Opening Ceremony. No Acne in sight. Anything Ervell is still at least $250. And remember, *Cash Only.**Update: To each is own, but many readers are reporting leaving empty handed.*
Most of the outerwear is OC for about $150
We did, however, spot this nice YMC toggle for only $100
Plenty of OC knits for $80-$120
Long rack of TopMan, with a few finds, including this shawl collar for $40
Rachel Comey suede lace-ups for $75
OC ducky loafers for $120
A-String winter-ready lace-ups for $120
Opening Ceremony sample sale - 10 Greene St between Canal & Grand - Basement - 212-219-2688 - Through Sunday - Fri-Sat 11am-8pm, Sunday 12pm-7pm - Cash only - Map
How Low Can You Go
A tipster brings word that Barneys has increased in-store markdowns on much of its F/W stock to 75% off. And a more elaborate tipster tells Racked: "That means suits around $600, shirts between $70-150, blazers for $300 from their most expensive designers ... Much, much better than the warehouse sale." Barneys - 660 Madison Ave at 61st - 212-826-8900 - Map
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Urblassip
This is the third time in so many months that NY Mag’s Look Book has profiled some dude hanging around the south side of Union Square Park. (Remember Bret?) Now, for our money, this locale attracts about as much style sense as St. Marks Place. They’re both destinations for exhibitionists to loiter about, putting on shows, which is all good, but not exactly the effect we’re going for when we get dressed in the morning.
Time Is The Enemy
Severe
Libertine lovers, rejoice! We just came from the sale on Lafayette, and it’s filled with about seven seasons worth of samples -- all priced at next to NOTHING. What does it take to love Libertine? A deep affection for prints and vintage coupled with a healthy disregard for precise tailoring.
Vests for $35
Blazers for $50!
Army jackets for $50
Leather for $175
Overcoats for $75!
Libertine Sample Sale - 187 Lafayette S between Broome and Grand - 7th fl - 212-925-8445 - 11am-7pm daily - MapDangerous Liaisons
Today through Saturday, the Libertine sample sale -- the first one they’ve ever had, by the way -- is featuring blazers for $420, cashmere sweaters for $300, and T’s for $40.Distress Signals
Through the New Year, get to a Barneys Co-Op for huge markdowns on denim. We’re talking $50-$100 for Acne, Earnest Sewn, Surface To Air, PRPS, Citizens of Humanity, 7 For All Mankind, Marc by Marc Jacobs… Some of the deals can also be found online.Co-Op - 2151 Broadway between 75th & 76th - 646-335-0978 - Map
Co-Op - 236 West 18th St between 7th & 8th - 212-593-7800 - Map
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Shawl Together, Now
Friday through Sunday, get to the Opening Ceremony sample sale for up to 90% off F/W items from Acne, Patrik Ervell, Band of Outsiders, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Jeremy Scott, and, of course, Opening Ceremony. Cash only.**Update: At the request of several readers, we stopped by the sale locale this afternoon to make sure it wasn't kicking off a day early. It's not.**
Logical Progression
One of our favorite West Village boutiques, Oliver Spencer, has increased markdowns on knits and outerwear -- from its house label, along with Rag & Bone, YMC, Engineered Garments, and Margaret Howell -- to 50% off.Oliver Spencer - 750 Greenwich St between at 11th - 212-337-3095 - Map
Le Manteau
Cotton Picks
Thursday through Saturday, James Perse will be taking up to 75% off F/W ’08.**Update: Reader on Thursday found sweaters for $85, which he considered "not worth it."**
Rounded Edges
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)