See Jim Shop

Poor Jim, fumbling around like he's never seen the inside of a department store. Underwear shopping can be tricky, however. With regard to style, any adult male should know where they stand. It's more a matter of cost, quality, and convenience. On all three points, consider Hanes.com. Have any suggestions / preferences? We'd like to hear them.

Aloha Rag 65% Off

As the S/S '09 sale season slowly winds down, we're sad to report that some stores seem unlikely to cross the 50%-off threshold. For one, eschewing the 75%-off markdowns of last season, the city's Paul Smith boutiques are packing up S/S as we speak. Thankfully, though, our favorite “hipster high-end” boutique Aloha Rag is now taking up to 65% off the likes of 3.1 Philip Lim, Lanvin, Ksubi, and Martin Margiela both in store and online.

For under $100, this Scottish-made Lyle & Scott lambs wool sweater is perfect for fall.

And, for under $500, definitely consider this Lanvin document case made of 100% deer skin. (Sorry, Bambi.)

Aloha Rag - 505 Greenwich St at Spring - 212-925-0882 - Map

A Positive Jam

Supreme Canvas

Looking for a boat shoe alternative? The Beggar officially endorses Supreme's $68 canvas lace-ups, which feature a canvas upper with matching laces and eyelets, leather lining and insole, and a gum rubber sole. No, they're not kick-flip-friendly, but -- we're guessing -- neither is your current self.

Supreme - 274 Lafayette St between E. Houston & Prince - 212-966-7799 - Map‎

Looking for another, even cheaper, option? Court's shelves are always lined with Zig-Zag's coveted footwear for just $20-$30. You might also try Alex’s Shoe Repair.

Court - 178 Mulberry St at Broome - 212-925-1022 - Map
Alex’s Shoe Repair - 71 1st Ave between 4th & 5th St's - 212-982-7773 - Map

Jeffrey 40% Off

High-end West Chelsea boutique Jeffrey has commenced pre-sale, i.e., 40% off most spring wear, i.e., still very expensive shopping.

Jeffrey - 449 West 14th St between 9th & 10th Ave - 212-206-1272 - Map

Prada 40-50% Off

Beginning Friday, the city's Prada boutiques go into pre-sale mode, taking 50% off spring read-to-wear, and 40% off shoes and accessories.

Prada - 841 Madison Ave at 70 - 212-327-4200 - Map
Prada - 45 E 57th St between Park & Madison - 212-308-2332 - Map
Prada - 724 5th Ave between 56 & 57 - 212-664-0010 - Map
Prada - 575 Broadway at Prince - 212-334-8888 - Map

"Burberry Day"

In honor of the British brand's new headquarters at 444 Madison Avenue, Mayor Bloomberg officially declared today to be “Burberry Day”... thus moving NYC one step closer to officially changing its name to "Nike Town." [via Selectism]

Nicholas K 50-75% Off

Friday through Sunday, find below wholesale prices on Nicholas K spring wares. Last time, however, this sale featured very little men's wear.

Nicholas K sale - 208 W 29th St between 7th & 8th - 212-677-7829 - Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm - Map

Rag & Bone 65% Off

Rag & Bone just went on sale at Gilt.com. Needless to say, some very cool pieces at 65% off. HERE's your invite to the members only site.

The News Showroom Sale

Thursday through Saturday, The News is hosting one of its always-aggreable sample sales, featuring Band of Outsiders, Cheap Monday, and Shipley & Halmos.

The News sample sale - 495 Broadway at Broome St, 5th fl - 10am-6pm Daily - 212-925-9700 - Map

Back To Basics

In this week's Critical Shopper column, Mike Albo rediscovers Tommy Hilfiger -- a brand that many wish would have faded to black years ago, but which is quietly cultivating some (kind of) classic gear down on Bleecker Street. Coincidentally, we happened by Tommy's Bleecker Street boutique the other week, and found several reasonably priced (at 40% off), respectably constructed, logo-free pieces. [NYTimes.com]

Note: Tommy's now taking up 75% off selected spring wear online.

Gargyle 50-80% Off

Thursday through Saturday, women's boutique Suite Orchard is hosting a sample sale, featuring one rack of men's wear courtesy of a partnership with L.E.S. shop Gargyle. Also, check out Gargyle's ongoing sale online.

Suite Orchard - 145 Orchard St at Rivington - 12pm-7pm Daily - 212-533-4115 - Map

Parlor Showroom 40-70% Off

Thursday through Sunday, Parlor Showroom is taking 40-70% off some very cool brands, including Conference of Birds, Patrick Pleet, and Timo Weiland.

Parlor showroom - 7 Mercer St at Howard, 2nd fl, loft 2E - Thur-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm - 212-226-8777 - Map

Emanuel Ungaro Sample Sale

Through Friday, Emanuel Ungaro is hosting a sample sale featuring men's ready-to-wear and accessories.

Emanuel Ungaro sale - The Warwick Hotel - 65 W 54th St between 5th & 6th - Wed 12pm-6pm, Thurs 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-6pm - Map

A Master Speaks

OVER. THE. TOP.

Desmond seems like a perfectly nice chap, but... No! He's a self-described cross-dresser... which is fine, but it's not men's wear! (And, no, we're not interested in having an academic discussion on the ongoing interplay between men's and women's fashion trends.)

Opening Ceremony 50% Off

Starting Friday, Opening Ceremony will begin taking 50% off select items -- call or go online for specifics.

**Report from the field: "Mostly Opening Ceremony's own line that is on sale. Not much Band of Outsiders on sale ... Also something called Haversack on sale downstairs, which is kind of interesting, but even at 50% off, hardly anything below $200."**

Opening Ceremony - 35 Howard St between Broadway & Crosby - 212-219-2688 - Map

Acne 40% Off

Starting Friday, Acne Studios is expected to implement "end-of-season" markdowns. We're taking up to 40% off spring gear. Find comparable deals online.

Acne Studios - 10 Greene St between Canal & Grand - 212-625-2828 - Map

Cut Short

This is classic. The paper of record asks how some brazen designers can charge more for shorts than pants made of the same fabric. [NYTimes.com]

“It’s like you are getting less fabric and less workmanship for more money,” one analyst tells the Times, who, by the way, has noticed an increasing trend in casual shorts -- cut-offs, sweat shorts and even shorts made of poor man’s cotton ramie (a blend that gives a silky effect) -- now masquerading in stores as fancy dress-up wear.

Obviously, alternatives -- from sample sales, to re-sale, to hemming -- abound. Last week, we picked up a perfectly fit pair of shorts at the Gant sample sale for $20.

Gargyle 40% Off

Thursday and Friday only, Gargyle is hosting a "pre-Memorial Day sale" featuring up to 40% off some of the coolest designers around. In store and online.

Gargyle - 16A Orchard St between Canal & Hester - 917-470-9367 - 10am-7pm daily - Map

Barneys 40% Off

Still down about missing Barneys one-day 40%-off sale earlier this month? Don't be. "Selected" items -- call regarding a specific piece -- are now 40% off, while more items are expected to be marked down in the coming weeks. And don't forget about online.

**Word to the wise: "Most of the third floor designers aren't on sale yet, but will be at 50% off starting May 26," says one informed reader. "They will probably pre-sell them to you at that price now."**

Barneys - 660 Madison Ave at 61st - 212-826-8900 - Map

Business Caj~

3.1 Phillip Lim 50% Off

Wednesday and Thursday only, 3.1 Phillip Lim spring '09 -- which Men.Style fittingly called Davie (Bowie) Live -- goes on sale at 50% off.

**Report from the field:

"They take C.Cards too!
Jackets are about $300-400
Bags are $150
Belts are $50
Tops are $50-100
Pants are mostly $75
3-4 racks of men's wear."**

3.1 Phillip Lim sale - 260 W 39th between 7th & 8th - 17th fl - 10am-5pm daily - Map

At Save Fashion Sale

Racked has full coverage of Refinery29's Save Fashion event at the Port Authority. Looks pretty sweet. [Racked]

"Save Fashion might be more expensive, but the selection is wider, especially when it comes to denim. Our correspondent found jeans from Helmut Lang ($125, down from $250), Bblessing ($70, down from $195), Nudie ($113, down from $249), and Acne ($100, down from $299), plus a huge selection of Earnest Sewn. Nudie also had organic tees for $39—pricier than the $20 Rogues Gallery tees..."

Refinery29's Save Fashion event - 641 8th Ave at 41st - Mon Wed Fri & Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm - Map

Mackage 50% Off

If you've been waiting for the right opportunity to add a leather bomber to your wardrobe, consider that, Monday and Tuesday, Canadian brand Mackage is taking 50% off all spring styles. We're talking $300-$400. Cash only.

Mackage sale - 275 W 39th St nr 8th Ave - 7th fl - 212-391-5287 - 12pm-7:30pm daily - Map

The Right Choices

Millionaire's Yard Sale

The New York Observer's latest look at the booming resale market features one of our favorite U.E.S. shops, Gentleman's Resale.

"The old-guard Upper East Side consignment shops are like a booming neighborhood luxury yard sale, with neighbors discreetly downsizing the wardrobes they accumulated in flusher times," reads the story.

"As mainstream retail continues to flounder, with markdowns being the only way to move excess merchandise and increasing numbers of shoppers buying online -- which now affords both privacy and blockbuster deals -- the best consignment stores, swimming as they are in the riches of our vanquished era of consumerism, find themselves in an enviable position."

Also of note: "Most resale shops are adjusting already bargain prices downward to compete with department store markdowns."

Do Good, Look Good

Thursday through Sunday, get to the Posh fashion fundraiser for designer wares at a fraction of their retail cost. All proceeds go to Lighthouse International -- a nonprofit for the vision impaired. Men's wear typically makes up a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the offerings, but we're told it's particularly healthy this year thanks to a generous contribution from Brooks Brothers corporate.

Posh Sale - 110 E 60th St between Park & Lex - 11am-7pm daily - 212-821-9445 - Map

Archetype Showroom Sale

Thursday through Saturday, Archetype Showroom is hosting a sample sale featuring up to 50% off a small mix of designers, including April77 (pictured), Fremont, and Corpus.

Archetype sample sale - 676 Broadway nr Great Jones - 2nd fl - 212-529-1407 - Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 12pm-6pm - Map

Selima Optique 50-70% Off

Thursday through Saturday, famed framer Selima Optique is hosting a sale (supposedly) featuring Prada's down from $350 or $75, Tom Ford's down from $450 to $225, Mikli's down from $375 to $100, ... Still, Selima's last sale made some equally bold claims, and here's what we found.

Selima Optique Madison - 899 Madison nr 72nd - 212-988-6690 - 10:30am-7pm daily - Map

Polo Ralph Lauren 40% Off

Beginning Thursday, Polo Ralph Lauren officially enters spring sale mode. Translation: Up to 40% off all spring '09 in-store and online.

Update: Ralph's now taking an additional 25% off select items in stores and online.

RL - 1055 Madison Ave At 80th - 212-434-8000 (Temporary) - Map

RL - 867 Madison Ave between 71st & 72nd - 212-606-2100 - Map
RL SoHo - 379 West Broadway between Spring & Broome - 212-625-1660 - Map
RRL Nolita - 31 Prince St at Mott - 212-343-0841 - Map

RL Men’s Store - 381 Bleecker St between Perry & Charles - 646-638-0684 - Map

RRL Bleecker - 390 Bleecker St between 11th & Perry - 212-462-4390 - Map

Rugby Store - 99 University Place at 12th St - 212-677-1895 - Map

Hickey, Penguin 60-85% Off

Thursday through Sunday, get to Chelsea Market for 60-85% off a large selection of Hickey and Penguin polos, button-downs, suits, blazers, shorts, sweaters, ties, tees, ... And unlike some other sample sales this week, ALL SIZES IN STOCK.

**Report from the field: "This is a live one. Good selection, good sizes on both brands. Good range of suit sizes as well."**

Prive Designer Sale - Chelsea Market - 75 9th Ave between between 15th & 16th - (Enter on 9th Ave and walk all the way past the fake water fall) - 10am-7pm daily - Map

A Superior Shopping Experience

At the risk of preaching to the choir, we have to point out how incredibly hard sample sales can, and often do, rock. Earlier today, we were just incredibly inspired by the Gant showroom sale on 55th, which embodies sample sale shopping at its finest:

• A Wide selection (so long as you're average build) of season-appropriate gear at a fraction of its retail cost.
• Discreet location, saving you the hassle of wading into a congested shopping district.
• Discreet brown shopping bags, saving you the embarrassment of looking like a tourist.
• No commission-crazed salespeople to fend off.
• No lines!

Gant sample sale - 20 W 55th St between 5th & 6th - 11 fl - 212-813-9170 - Tues-Thurs 8:30am-6:30pm, Fri 8:30am-5pm - Map

Yigal Azrouël 60-80% Off

Wednesday through Friday, GQ's Best New Menswear Designer '09 runner-up Yigal Azrouël is hosting a sample sale where you should find 60-80% off current in-store and past season merch.

**Report from the field: "Small but good selection of men's stock in a range of sizes - mostly Medium and up on the knits, i saw everything 29-33 on bottoms but it may have gone up from there. $60 for shorts, $120 for pants, $90 for knits, $40 for tees, $150 for leather bags, $300 for leather outerwear. Some shoes from sz 9-11 also.**

Yigal Azrouël sale - 225 W 39th between 7th & 8th - 7th fl - 212-302-1194 - Wed-Thur 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-3pm - Map

At Fred Perry Sale

It's a Medium Man's world at the Fred Perry sample sale going on through Sunday, i.e., plenty of sporty gear, but nearly everything in size 38. Prices are as follows:

• Knit polos - $60
• Polos - $40
• Woven long sleeve shirts - $50
• Raf Simons pieces - +$100
• Outerwear - +$100
• Sweaters - $60-$80
• Track jackets - $40
• Kicks - $20-60
• Trousers - $60
• Shorts - $40

Fred Perry Sale - 547 W 27th St between 10th & 11th - 3rd fl - 212-736-3030 - Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm - Map

Steven Alan Sample Sale

We all need something to look forward to. Thursday morning (unofficially, Wednesday night) through Sunday, get to the Steven Alan sample sale for $69 button-downs, $60-something sweaters, $70-something jeans, and a whole bunch of other goodies.

**Update #2: It's 6;30, Wednesday night, and the doors are open.**

Update: For what it's worth, a commenter claiming to be a Steven Alan employee insists, "No Wednesday opening..."

Note: In light of several reader inquiries, we thought it wise to clarify the whole "unofficial Wednesday" business. Many (most?) sample sales get started a day/night early for employees, "friends and family," and press. For the average Joe, getting in is typically hit-or-miss, but better than average at these Steven Alan events. Just act like you know somebody, and shoot for 8:00ish.

Steven Alan showroom - 87 Franklin St between Broadway & Church - Through Sunday - Thurs, Fri 8:30am-8pm, Sat 12pm-7pm, Sun 12pm-5pm - Map

Packin' Neat

Gant 80% Off

We were going to hold off on this, but then figured it might factor into your weekend shopping to know that, next Tuesday through Friday, Gant's hosting its mega 80%-off S/S '09 sample sale.

**Report from the field: "WELL worth the trip if you're a 50 suit and 34 pant... Prices are truly excellent...blazers are $95...sweaters are $35 and long sleeve shirts are $19...a lot of selection..."**

For the record, these sales get mixed reviews. Our friend and EatingBrooklyn.com blogger, Sam Jacobs, waits all year for these events. But, remarked one reader who left the last such sale empty-handed, "Very limited sizes, clothing is everywhere, tight space."

Gant sample sale - 20 W 55th St just west of 5th Ave - 11 fl - 212-813-9170 - Tues-Thurs 8:30am-6:30pm, Fri 8:30am-5pm - Map

"Mogu Mogu"

CARSICK CARS - 蘑菇 蘑菇 MOGU MOGU (Music Video) from Maybe Mars / 兵马司 on Vimeo.

Odin Clearance Sale

For the next "few weeks," Odin's hosting another clearance sale at Den, featuring labels like You Must Create, Trovata and Comme. Here's what the event looked like last time around.

One man's opinion: "Nothing good at all there."

Den - 330 E 11th between 1st & 2nd -212-475-0079 - Mon-Sun 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm - Map

Fred Perry Sample Sale

Monday through next Sunday, 5/17, Fred Perry's hosting a sample sale featuring clothing, accessories, and shoes, along with the Fred Perry by Raf Simons line. What we found at Perry's last sample sale might give you a good idea of what to expect. Cash only.

Fred Perry Sale - 547 W 27th St between 10th & 11th - 3rd fl - 212-736-3030 - Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm - Map

Buyer's Market

Our favorite bits from WSJ. magazine's look at the state of luxury retail (featuring our favorite sample sale site, Gilt.com, which is apparently about to launch a new site "focusing on shoppers who spend $75 to $300 per item.") :

• "The flight to quality that so many luxury-goods experts confidently predicted at the start of the global meltdown has not materialized."
• "Shoppers now view 70 percent off as a great sale, versus the 40-to-50-percent discounts of the past."
• "Despite the fact that traditional brick-and-mortar retailing is taking a beating, the concept might not be dead--although the idea of paying full price could well be."
• What next for retail? "Designer shopping online, discounted online luxury sample sales and discount designer malls."
• "The (fashion) industry could be forced to become much less trend-driven."
• "Analysts see one irrefutable trend emerging: The notion of luxury has been eroded."
• The story even predicts the emergence of an "Amazon.com of fashion."

Dsquared2, Margiela 50% Off

Through Thursday, get to Diesel HQ for 50% off Dsquared2 and Martin Margiela. Prices are as follows:

• Jackets: $200 to $800
• Pants: $100 to $300
• Shirts: $100 to $200

**Update: For the last day of the sale, a tipster brings word that all prices have dropped an additional 30%**

Diesel HQ - 220 W 19th St between 7th & 8th - 11 fl - 10am-7pm daily - 646-613-8457 - Map

Gargyle Spring Outerwear 25% Off

Through Thursday, L.E.S. boutique Gargyle is taking 25% off select spring jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts. (Also, shipping's free through May 15.) Online, use the code wackyweather.

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

Reeling

Steven Alan 20-60% Off

Through Friday, Steven Alan is taking 20-60% off (our favorite) shirts, and other gear ONLINE only.

**Update: As of Tuesday afternoon, we're getting reports of a totally inoperative site**

Deep Dive

Michael over at ACL -- who doesn't always prioritize a product's price too highly -- weighs in on the best (military) watch for under $1,000: The Swiss made automatic G-Sar dive watch, which was designed for the U.S. and Canadian military, and retails for $700. A solid investment, that.

Shop Opera

Bloomies 20-40% Off

Wednesday through Sunday, Bloomingdale's is getting in on the "private spring sale" action with 20-40% off most S/S '09, along with an additional 15% off all purchases when you sign up for a Bloomies credit card.

**Report from the field: "Everything is already on pre-sale. Designers are 40% off. Sportswear (which unfortunately includes Trovata) is only 20% off.**

Bloomingdales - 59th St & Lexington Avenue - 212-705-2000 - Map
Bloomingdales Soho - 504 Broadway between Spring & Broome - 212-729-5900 - Map

Acne, Nudie... +50% Off

Want Agency -- which specializes in marking down rarely marked-down labels like Acne, Filippa K, and Nudie Jeans -- is hosting just such an event Tuesday through Thursday. Needless to say, expect a nice selection of denim.

Want Agency - 290 Lafayette St at Jersey - Tues 11am-7pm, Wed Thurs 11am-8pm - Map

Domenico Vacca Sample Sale

Tuesday through Thursday, luxe Italian designer Domenico Vacca will be cutting prices significantly on men's wear and accessories.

Domenico Vacca - 14 E 60th nr Madison - Suite 900 - 10am-6pm daily - 212-920-1211 - Map

Barneys 40% Off Today Only

Today's the big day at Barneys -- and Barneys Co-Op -- where you'll find 40% off most S/S '09.

Barneys - 660 Madison Ave at 61st - 212-826-8900 - Map
Co-Op - 2151 Broadway
between 75th & 76th - 646-335-0978 - Map
Co-Op - 236 West 18th St between 7th & 8th - 212-593-7800 - Map