The British Persuasion

Man At London Fashion Week from Street Etiquette on Vimeo.

TopMan's about to hit New York. No time like the present to start familiarizing yourself. Here's a look at Fall '09.

Might Look Better On Her...

... But American Apparel's new spring line of neckwear -- just endorsed by Valet Mag -- is really meant for you. Though, at just $18-$25 a pop, there should be plenty to go around. [ValetMag]

"To Hell With It"

Brooks Brothers Warehouse Sale

Now through Tuesday, March 9, get to the Brooks Brothers' Warehouse Sale where you'll find:

• $400 suits for $100
• $600 suits for $200
• $800-$1,100 suits for $300-$400
• $1,600+ suits for $400 (prices actually reach $700, say readers.)
• $270 sports coats for $100
• $400-$1,100 sports coats for $150-$200
• $250 trousers for $70
• $400-$450 outerwear for $200
• $500-$900 outerwear for $300

**Unlike Barneys Warehouse, prices are NOT expected to drop throughout the sale... but we'll keep an eye on it.**

***Early reactions: "Good stuff, some stuff is made in Italy ... cheap alterations too," writes one reader. Writes another: " Black Fleece suits were mostly on the large size. Almost no size 1 (i.e. 40), no size 0 that I saw. Also, they were $499 and $699, notwithstanding the advertised price of $400."***

Brooks Brothers Madison Ave - 346 Madison Ave at 44th - 4th fl - 212-682-8800 - Map

Muji Spring Review

Just sent a correspondent to inspect spring arrivals from Japanese lifestyle brand Muji. Unfortunately, the bags -- an area where the brand's had success in the past -- scream "summer intern." The knits, too, are thoroughly unremarkable. But, take heart. The synthetic sports jackets and raincoats are both respectable purchases. For about $100 each, they're cut and seemingly constructed well, and will make nice additions to any spring -- and summer, and fall -- wardrobe.

Muji Times Building - 620 8th Ave nr 40th - 212-382-2300 - Map

Muji Downtown - 455 Broadway between Grand & Howard - 212-334-2002 - Map

Century 21 Spot Check

Last night, we scoped out some new arrivals at Century 21, which were brought to our attention by one clandestine reader. He alluded to a fresh shipment of YMC, which we didn't find. But, while Adam Kimmel at 85% off is but a sweet memory, we did encounter some of solid deals. Underneath the "Designer Jackets" sign (above), underneath the main staircase, is always a particularly sweet spot:

There we found Generra spring-friendly jackets for $120

And Armand Basi jackets for $200

Meanwhile, just up the stairs, we spotted Martin Margiela raincoats for $550

Marc Jacobs hooded raincoats for $650

And Marc Jacobs raincoats for $500

Also, find YSL suits (yes, they're made in Italy!) for $450

And Ralph Lauren Black Label suits for $600

Century 21 - 22 Cortlandt St between Church & Broadway - 212-227-9092 - Map

A Swagger Shrewd

He owns way too many clothes -- filling over five closets?! -- and from some questionable brands -- Kenneth Cole, Aldo, Madden, Dragonfly?!?! -- but Esquire's "Best Dressed Real Man" in America is still shrewd beyond his years:

• He makes about $150,000 a year, but, to him, "Spending conspicuously right now seems a little tasteless."
• He has always shopped for deals, continues to do so.
• He gets online coupons for stores that he enjoys, like Saks and the Ralph Lauren outlet.
• On Black Friday, he was up and out of the house by 5:00 A.M., hunting bargains.
• He scoffs at people who buy the exact outfits off the mannequins in stores.
• He's always looking for ways to maximize his wardrobe, ways to recombine or recycle.
• From his college roommate he learned that if you buy cheap, you're going to pay more.
• His philosophy has always been "Money can buy you fashion, but it can't buy you style," neither talent nor class.
• He believes that having something that screams "I paid a ton of money for this" pales in comparison to someone saying, "Wow, I never thought of putting those pieces together that way."

Ted Baker 65% Off

Still plenty of spring-friendly Ted Baker gear to be had at Gilt.com. HERE's your invite to the members only sample sale site. Get it while its hot.

Built By Wendy 75% Off

Monday through Wednesday, Nolita boutique Built by Wendy is hoping to exorcise previous seasons' stock with an online sample sample featuring markdowns of up to 75%. Prepare to pick up a few Chambray work shirts for just $40.

First Among Equals 70% Off

Orchard Street boutique First Among Equals is now taking a full 70% off outerwear, knits, and the like from Filippa K, Hyden Yoo (pictured), and Corpus. While supplies last.

First Among Equals - 177 Orchard St between E Houston & Stanton - 212-253-2202 - Mon-Fri 1-9pm; Sat, Sun 12-8pm - Map

Final Markdowns Hit Barneys Warehouse Sale

Here's the latest from the Barneys Warehouse Sale, which runs through Sunday. These (close to) final markdowns are summoning the city's expert bargain-shoppers, and the place finally seems to be buzzing with some energy.
Barneys Warehouse Sale - 255 W 17th St between 7th & 8th - 212-450-8400 - Map

Rogues Gallery 60% Off

Online, the salty knit specialists at Rogues Gallery are unloading remaining F/W merch at 60% off.

Gargyle Footwear 50% Off

"This is great," as Tony Bennett would say. "Just great." Through Monday, our favorite L.E.S. boutique Gargyle is taking an additional 25% off already marked-down shoes from Common Projects, United Bamboo, and Surface to Air, among others. Get your fill online or in-store. We're loving these brown suede Rachel Comey Trigger Derbey's down from $300 to $150. Oh, and you'll need the code "soletrain" to get the deal online.

Gargyle - 16A Orchard St between Canal & Hester - 917-470-9367 - Map

Breaking The Seal

In the wake of the steepest markdowns in years, the International Herald Tribune asks whether big-brands can ever again charge full-price for luxury goods. The answer? No one knows, but experts are observing a fundamental shift in the way consumers value products. [IHT]

"The longer [the recession] lasts, the better [consumers] will feel about a more permanently frugal and wholesome lifestyle," one industry type tells the paper. "This may last an entire generation," ... "like the period after World War II," the IHT adds.

"We haven't seen a fundamental change in human condition but a shift in social conditions and human psychology," another analyst notes. "There is a much greater examination of what constitutes value and authenticity. People are buying with wisdom. And the big trend is guilt. Shopping is social, it is part of a trend. And people now want guilt-free shopping."

The Beggar abides.

Fortunoff Down

Forgot to get the ladies in your life something nice for Valentine's Day? They'll forget all about it when they hear about how you braved the blood-thirsty crowds at Fortunoff's liquidation sale to bring home some belated bling. The ugly business begins today at 20 locations along the Eastern seaboard. [Crain's via Racked]

Fortunoff - 681 5th Ave - 212-758-6660‎ - Map
Fortunoff - 3 W 57th St‎ - 212-292-8800‎ - Map

Don't Fake The Funk

Thursday through Tuesday, Skunkfunk is taking 50% off its regrettably-named athletic hippy gear.

Skunkfunk - 181 Orchard St between Houston & Stanton - 646-478-7785 - Closed Monday - Map

Barneys Spot Check

At the request of some anxious readers, we're just coming back from a spot check at the Barneys Warehouse Sale. No need to get riled up, fellas, no further reductions since our last visit on Monday.

***Update: As of Thursday after, sportswear has been reduced to 40% off, according to one loyal reader.***

100% Soul

Red Wing Classic Lifestyle's For $100!

As far as we know, Red Wing "classic lifestyle" boots rarely go on sale, and certainly never by nearly 60%! Yet, online and in store -- on Broadway, anyway -- find them for $100 (!), along with some similarly amazing deals at Upper West Side boutique Tani. And thanks to one golden reader for the amazing tip.

We'd also pick up a few pairs of Sperry Chukka top-siders for just $70

Tani - 2020 Broadway between 69th & 70th - 212-873-4361 - Map
Tani - 131 W 72nd St between Amsterdam & Columbus - 212-595-1338 - Map

Gruen Eyes 30-70% Off

Through Sunday, March 15th, Gruen Eyes high-end eyewear boutiques are taking 30-70% select frames and sunglasses from the likes of Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith. Also score 30% off prescription lenses.

You can also get $50 off you next purchase at a Gruen store by signing up to their newsletter online -- but we doubt this deal applies to discounted frames.

Gruen Eyes - 599 Lexington between 52nd & 53rd - 212-688-3580 - Map
Gruen Eyes - 1225 Lexington at 83rd - 212-628-2493 - Map
Gruen Eyes - 1076 3rd Ave between 63rd & 64th - 212-751-6177 - Map
Gruen Eyes - 740 Madison between 64th & 65th- 212-988-5832 - Map
Gruen Eyes - 2009 Broadway between 68th & 69th - 212-874-8749 - Map
Gruen Eyes - 2384 Broadway between 87th & 88th - 212-724-0850 - Map

Runnin' On Empty

The economy's taking a serious toll on the dating game, according to THIS story in the Washington Post. Some guys are cutting back, "spending more time at networking events, happy hours, with their guy friends -- trying to get leads on jobs, rather than spending it on women," while others are soldiering on despite lighter wallets, and the weaker game that can result.



Networking or dating, here are some quick tips to keep up appearances during these tough times:



• Buy distinctive accessories. Watches aside, they're the least expensive way to punch up a wardrobe.

• Get your tailor and cobbler to breathe new life into old gear. And don't forget about the master tie tailors at Tie Crafters.

• If you haven't already, invest in a pair of dark fit raw-denim from, say, A.P.C. They look sharp with everything, go anywhere except the boardroom, never need to be cleaned, and last forever.

• Speaking of cleaning, buy and wear shirts that don't come with a dry-cleaning bill from, say, Steven Alan, or Brooks Brothers.

• Stick to the classics -- A fresh and fit white button-down or T; Ray-Ban Aviators or Wayfarers; Sperry top-siders or Bass loafers... it's all good.

• And, last but certainly not least, let The Beggar -- and The Beggar community -- direct you to the best sales and deals at any given moment.

Mountain & Sackett Ties 50% Off

Online, hometown neckwear expert Mountain & Sackett just reduced its fall line by 50%. Some styles are entirely acceptable at least three seasons out the year, like this handmade herringbone solid down to $30.

Are these ties cut too wide for the modern man? If you're Uptown, no. If you're Downtown, perhaps... but rules are meant to be broken, after all, and we often spot the sharpest characters in generously proportioned ties. A seasoned stylist will tell you that it all depends on the cut of the suit and shirt... which, again, is expected to run fuller Uptown, and leaner Downtown.

Hugo Boss 60% Off

Through Thursday, find up to 60% off Hugo Boss suits, outerwear, knits, shoes, and the like at private sale space Soiffer Haskin.

**Update: "Same ol' #%$/," one reader reports. "Lots of regular stuff - looked like lots of suits, overcoats if you needed something plain. Blah," reports another.**

Here's the price list from their sale in November (which we just so happened to get chased out of):

Heavy coats - $400
Light coats - $200
Leather jackets - $400
Leather coats - $500
Sports coats - $300, 2 for $550
Suits - $400, 3 for $1,100
Tuxes - $400, 3 for $1,100
Shirts - $59, 3 for $159
Knits - $80
Dress shoes - $140
Casual shoes - $80
Dress pants - $100
Casual pants - $80
Jeans - $80
Ties - $40, 3 for $100

Hugo Boss sale - 317 W 33rd St between 8th & 9th - Tues-Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-5pm - **Credit cards only** - Map

J. Crew Extra 20% Off

Through Friday, J. Crew is taking an additional 20% all "final sale" items. Just remember to use the code EXTRA20 at checkout.

Bird 75% Off

In store and online, Brooklyn boutique Bird is taking up to 75% off F/W merch. Good all year 'round, this Acne Studios leather belt is down from $175 to $40.

Park Slope - 316 5th Ave between 2nd and 3rd - 718-768-4940 - Map

Watch Your Sacks!

Long before Pharrell graced the cover of Paper's June/July '08 issue with his custom made Hermès Birkin in purple croc, we knew the fashion biz was conspiring to expand the handbag market to include male shoppers. It's just too profitable a business to waste on women alone, particularly now that men's wear sales are miraculously outpacing the growth of women's wear. Now, further evidence of this grand conspiracy has surfaced in a new report from WWD, outlined HERE by The Moment. Our advice to you? Watch your sacks! If an attache has scales, just walk away. If you can't tell the difference between your canvas Jack Spade and your girl's Kate Spade, return it immediately. These days, even an extra glossy briefcase can't be trusted. At this very moment, retailers from Coach to Cole Haan are summoning the dark forces of Madison Avenue, and it's you -- glittery overpriced season-sensitive bag in hand -- they see in their crystal balls.

The Reviews Are In

Here's what readers are saying about BWS '09: "I've attended the last 4 or 5 Barneys WH Sales and this is the first time I left empty handed, messier than usual, more Barney's brand clothes, I don't think I'll be going to any more in the future it wound up being a waste of an hour." "This sale is depressing! Lots of Barney's label, made in China stuff that doesn't sell any other time of the year. If you do buy something at least you don't have to wait long in line as there is hardly anyone shopping. Skip this one and wait till Barney's goes out of business to get better deals." "........If you dig hard enough, you find some really good deals."

"You're Suspect!"

We completely forgot about this priceless interview scene in Good Will Hunting. The matching blue top-siders and tube socks. The Thom Browne three-piece suit, and tight part of the hair. See a job interview in your future? Take notes... then burn 'em.

Barneys Revisited... Again

Here's the latest markdown rundown from the Barneys Warehouse Sale (which already factors in the sale's original 50% discount):

• Take an addition 20% off all footwear.

• Take an addition 25% off all outerwear.

• Take an addition 30% off all "sportswear," including sweaters.

• Take an addition 40% off about half of the sale's suits and jackets. Look for the red tag.

• Take an addition 25% off all sports jackets and blazers, red tag or not.

• Take an additional 25% off overcoats.

• Take an additional 20% off dress shirts.

• Take an additional 20% off belts.

• Still get an additional 10% off all purchases when you open up a Barneys credit card.

Expect further markdowns through March 1st. And, as always, don't forget to follow our Barneys Warehouse Survival Guide, and remember to check out Camouflage boutique right around the corner.



Barneys Warehouse Sale - 255 W 17th St between 7th & 8th - 212-450-8400 - Map