The Party's (Not) Over

Warning: Having caught so much flack for its unrestrained discounting last year, Saks is hoping to reintroduce a "full-price mentality" among consumers this holiday season. Analysts, however, seriously doubt whether Saks will stick to its guns when its competitors start getting sale-happy.

One rival in particular is expected to cause trouble for Saks: "Big bets on holiday inventory by Bloomingdale's will likely force continued discounts through early next year," one source tells The Post. [NY Post]

We, for one, don't think Saks -- or the brands it's trying to appease -- understand just how much the Web is affecting the marketplace. Along with the success of designer discount sites like Gilt.com, specialized e-tailers (most of which we list on the left) are multiplying like mad, and obviously resorting to price-reductions to compete.

Happy Fall

Thoreson and Peskowitz lay down their wish lists for the fall... No surprises... Not that we really like surprises.

Bird 75% Off

Friday through Monday, 8/28-8/31, Brooklyn boutique Bird is taking up to 75% off S/S merch. These guys have been on sale for months, so pickin's might be slim. You can also shop the sale online.

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

The Go-To

Not unlike their love for L.L. Bean, the lads at Valet like them some Lands' End, and particularly the brand's varsity collar oxford, which they've christened as the thinking man's new go-to white button-down.

Similarly, The Moment just endorsed the Lands’ End pajama top, which, while not quite as versatile, could make rendezvous with the pizza delivery man more civilized.

David Yurman Friends & Family Sale

First off, we implore guys to go easy on the jewelry. With that in mind, know that jewelry (and watch and eyewear) designer David Yurman is hosting a friends & family sale Thursday through Sunday, 8/27-8/30.

David Yurman Friends & Family sale - The Altman Building - 135 W 18th St between 6th & 7th - Thurs-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9pm-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm - Map

60% Off Fast Italian Leather

Thursday through Monday, 8/27-8/31, find 50% to 75% off bags and leather goods from Bric's and Porsche.

Bric's / Porsche sale - 535 Madison Ave between 54th & 55th - 10am-6pm - 212-688-4490 - Map

Sophomore Sample Sale

Thursday through Sunday, 8/27-8/30, get to the Sophomore sample sale for $20 Tees.

Sophomore sample sale - Circa Now - 238 E 6th St between Bowery & 2nd Ave - 212-254-2555 12pm-8pm daily - Map

Hickey Sample Sale

Next Thursday, 9/3, Hickey -- which just lost its New York City address -- is hosting a sample sale featuring $200 suits, $150 sports jackets, and 80% of "everything else."

Warning: We're talking true sample sizes here, i.e., mostly 40 regulars and mediums. Also, it doesn't look like cash will be accepted.

Hickey sample sale - Hickey showroom - 745 5th Ave between 57th & 58th - Suite 500 - 10am-4pm - Map

Barneys Warehouse Reductions Begin

As of Tuesday afternoon, Barneys' Summer Warehouse Sale has initiated its first round of markdowns to the tune of 25% off most categories.

Barneys Warehouse Sale - 255 W 17th St between 7th & 8th - 212-450-8400 - Aug 20-21 8am-9pm, Weekdays hence 10am-9pm, Weekends 10am-7pm - Map

Freemans Sporting Club Moving Sale

Here's an interesting opportunity. Beginning Saturday, 8/22 (but you can probably head over Friday, 8/21) Freeman's Sporting Club is clearing out its office for an upcoming move. Along with various antiques and a slightly used pool table, that means:

• Polos at 35% off

• Cardigans at 50% off

• "Shackets" at 45% off

• Raincoats at 30% off

• Short Shorts at 25% off

• Suiting Shorts at 30% off

• Handmade leather belts at 40% off

• Swim trunks at 30% off

Freeman's Sporting Club office - 8 Rivington Street - 212-673 - 3209 - Through Monday, 9/7 - Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 11am-8pm - Map

Fading Hickey

Um, about that Hickey on Grand? The city's only one? Yeah, it's toast. [Racked]

Get ready for the sample sale next Thursday, 9/3. More details to come.

What About That Funk

NY Mag catches up with Brooklyn Circus founder Ouigi "The Beard" Theodore. Don't try this at home, kids. Only a trained professional like Ouigi can pull off a fishnet tank top and silk scarf.

Lads Love Bean

From its forthcoming Signature collection designed by Rogues Gallery founder Alex Carleton, to its archival resurrection, L.L. Bean is clearly a brand to watch this fall. [NYTimes and Valet]

Barneys Warehouse First Impressions

Early reports are coming in from Barneys' Summer Warehouse Sale, which began this morning, 8/20:

"Designer (gear) is stronger than usual -- actually organized by designers' names." "Shoes suck." "No lines or crowds." "As quiet as I've even seen it."

Barneys Warehouse Sale - 255 W 17th St between 7th & 8th - 212-450-8400 - Aug 20-21 8am-9pm, Weekdays hence 10am-9pm, Weekends 10am-7pm - Map

United Bamboo 80% Off

Unbeknownst to us, United Bamboo has gotten into the e-tail business, and, through Friday, 8/21, is taking an additional 30% off existing markdowns of up to 50% off S/S shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, etc. You'll need promo code SUMMER.

Barneys Warehouse Sale

It's that time again, fellas. Barneys' Summer Warehouse Sale begins Thursday, 8/20, and continues for the next two weeks. Expect markdowns of 50-75% off retail on Day 1.

Pointers:

• Markdowns gradually steepen up to an additional 50%.
• To stay focused, bring a list of desired items.
• Know your measurements beforehand.
• Be aware that the sale is neatly organized by size.
• Know how to buy a suit:



Barneys Warehouse Sale - 255 W 17th St between 7th & 8th - 212-450-8400 - Aug 20-21 8am-9pm, Weekdays hence 10am-9pm, Weekends 10am-7pm - Map

R.E.D. Valentino Sale

A friendly tipster writes in on Tuesday afternoon:

"If u need a classic suit, there are some good bargains to be had at the (R.E.D. Valentino) sale; they have John Bartlett suit jackets for $99, Armani suits for $149, even Prada Ties for $49. But everything is a bit old fashion for my taste. You can even bargain for certain higher price items -- I saw a guy buy a Valentino black label wind breaker for $200 that was originally $299; the sales guy just walked over to him and told him that he would drop the price if he bought it now. It's a good buy considering that coat probably cost $1000 retail. Not a lot of selection, but good prices."

Update: Another reader says this sale is pretty shady. You've been warned.

R.E.D. Valentino sale - 49 W 38th between 5th & 6th - 4th fl - Tuesday through Thursday, 8/18-8/20 - 9am-6pm daily - 212-575-2171 - Map

Late-Summer Reading

Here's a fascinating read for anyone who've ever suspected that "fast fashion" -- or the voracious consumption of super trendy, low quality "disposable" goods encouraged by retail chains like H&M -- might have a dark side. [USAToday via Selectism]

While it may be obvious to most of you, we want to touch on one point that author Ellen Ruppel Shell makes in her book, Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture. Over the years, she notes, "The focus switched from the object to the deal: If the deal was good, the object under consideration became less critical to the transaction." Now, we at The Beggar absolutely focus on deals, but, for us, a "deal" represents the overall value of an object at a given price. In other words, the price and quality of an object should always be considered before making a purchase.

"Maybe You Will, Maybe You Won't"

Courtesy of ACL

Gargyle 50-80% Off

Wednesday through Friday, 8/19-8/21, get to Gargyle's end-of-season clearance sale for up to 80% off Surface to Air, Acne, United Bamboo, Rachel Comey, Common Projects, Bblessing, Wood Wood, ...

HERE's what we found at the last such sale.

Can't get over to Orchard St? (It is a hike) Find up to 70% off plenty of S/S online.

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

Gilded Age 40-75% Off

We can't think of a better way to prepare for fall. Wednesday through Saturday, 8/19-8/22, Gilded Age will be taking 40-75% off their coveted jackets, knits, and pants. This sale's getting plenty of press, so we suggest heading over at your earliest convenience.

Report from the field on Wednesday, 8/19, at 12 noon: "Just left ... with a HUGE bag full of stuff. Great, great selection. Lots of sizes. A-ma-zing prices. If you don't go to this sale, you are a FOOL. Simple as that."

You're guaranteed to find:

• "Butler" plaid 100% superfine cashmere shawl-collar cardigans down from $948 to $150
• Selvage denim made in Japan down from $528 to $120
• Trench coats made in Japan down from $1,000 to $188

Gilded Age sale - 580 Broadway between Houston & Prince - Suite 912 - Wed-Fri 10:30am-7pm, Sat 10:30am-4:30pm - 212-228-7747 - Map

"Still An Animal"

"I change shapes just to hide in this place."

IF Boutique Basement Sale

Exclusive: Here's a sale you won't hear about anywhere else (hence our use of the word 'exclusive.') Beginning Monday, Tim Hamilton's favorite shop, IF Boutique, is hosting a sample sale featuring 70-80% off S/S '09 from Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garcons, Martin Margiela, ... HERE's what we found at IF's last basement sale.

Report from the field: One reader says "Meh." "I didn't think the men's selection was that great. At least a rack's worth of carry-over from the Winter sale. The nicer pieces are size 50/52."

IF Boutique - 94 Grand St between Mercer & Greene - 212-334-4964 - Map

Vilebrequin 50-80% Off

Summer '09 might be waning, but resort season '09/'10 is just around the corner. Monday through Thursday, 8/17-8/20, Upper East Side swimwear shop Vilebrequin plans to host its first ever private sale, featuring 50-80% off men's and boy's trunks and beachwear.

Vilebrequin private sale - Vilebrequin showroom - 160 Varick St between Charlton & Vandam - 2nd Fl - Mon Wed & Thurs 10am-6pm, Tues 10am-7pm - Map

Kesner 75% Off

Swanky Hudson Street boutique Kesner just deepened store-wide S/S markdowns to 75% off. We wouldn't be surprised if they start packing the stuff into boxes this weekend.

For the tip, we owe a kind thanks to the proud owner of two new Alexander Olch ties "for $35 each!" and Handsome Clothing Co. -- the first name in kick-ass graphic T's, which is itself presently in sale mode.

Kesner - 524 Hudson St at W 10th St - 212-206-6330 - Map

Get D

Morgenthal Frederics 75% Off

Beginning Saturday, 8/15, the optical specialists at West Broadway boutique Morgenthal Frederics will be taking up to 75% off glasses and sunglasses, along with 20% off lenses. The sale runs through the end of the month, but supplies are hardly infinite.

Morgenthal Frederics - 399 West Broadway at Spring - 212-966-0099 - Map

Bloomies 60-80% Off

Fall shipments are starting to arrive, and stores need to make room. Through Sunday, Bloomies is taking an additional 50% off "almost all" permanently reduced S/S '09, which comes out to 60-80% off retail. And we've said it before, but Bloomies has recently done more than any other department store to bring smart labels on board, and make male shoppers feel like first class citizens.

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

Give & Take

Love to see guys breaking the rules, and making it work. Pleats, a little women's wear, whatever... Francesco looks like his own man, and quite a sharp one at that.

Garbstore 60% Off

London's own Garbstore is still awash in some serious salesmanship. For fall, it's hard to shake a stick at this charming Woodland Side Racer jacket for just $175.

Haines On

Richard Haines for 3sixteen from 3sixteen on Vimeo.

"There are guys going into stores now to shop ... They're much more educated ... Savvier about it." -- Richard Haines for 3sixteen.

Cut The Cord

For the fall, Selectism endorses Uniqlo's slim-fit "no wale" corduroy jeans. (A wale, in case you're wondering, is the raised line that runs lengthwise down the pants, and which gives cords their classic ‘ribbed’ look and feel.) "They’re a little lighter than the cords Uniqlo did last year, making them slightly more suited for early autumn wear," according to Selectism. "Coming in various (colors) at a grand total of ($33), there’s really no reason for not giving at least one pair a go."

Uniqlo - 546 Broadway between Prince & Spring - 917-237-8800‎ - Map

Grow Up

To accompany its Fall Buyers' Guide, Men.Style has released a Trend Report for the upcoming season. What's in? Basically everything that should never be out, i.e., maturity (sorry, all you man children), manners, 3-piece suits, double-breasted suits, Scottish mills, classic watches, classic silhouettes (yet still fitted!), classic everything else, natural shoulders, sports coats, and a commitment to keeping up appearances, even on Sundays.

The Raw Revolution

Racked gets up close and personal with Gap's new line of raw "1969" denim. Now, it could be the greatest thing to happen to jeans since the rise of raw denim itself, but are guys really going to give up their A.P.C. New Standard's? The difference between $70 and $160 starts to seem marginal when you consider just how many years you're going to spend in the things. Still, Gap's bound to expose a far larger audience to the beauty that is raw, which might inspire more men to put more thought into the materials they wear, and the products they buy. Only time will tell.

Lost In Translation

Brioni's responding to the ongoing financial crisis with $250 T-shirts. Um, are we missing something? ... How 'bout a little e-commerce, gentlemen! A web site, even! [NYTimes.com]

Brace Yourself: Band of Outsiders Sale

Less than 24 hours from now -- 12 noon, Wednesday, 8/12, to be specific -- Band of Outsiders S/S '09 goes on sale at Gilt.com. 65% off, maybe 70% off. Either way, expect product to go quickly. HERE's your invite to the members-only site.

Varvatos 70% Off Last Call

We just got word that John Varvatos boutiques began packing up what's left of 70% off S/S '09, today, 8/11. The process is expected to take about a week.

John Varvatos - 122 Spring St at Greene - 212-965-0700 - Map
John Varvatos - 315 Bowery at Bleeker - 212-358-0315 - Map

Patagonia 40-60% Off

Through next Thursday, 8/20, our favorite outdoor brand Patagonia is taking 40-60% off tons of apparel, shoes, luggage, and bags -- in stores and online.

Patagonia - 426 Columbus Ave between 80th & 81st - 212-441-0011 - Map
Patagonia - 101 Wooster St between Spring & Prince - 212-343-1776 - Map

Ted Baker 80% Off

Through Saturday, 8/15, get to Ted Baker for some serious 80% off markdowns, i.e., $50 shirts, $60 trousers, select jackets for $115, ...

Ted Baker - 107 Grand St at Mercer - 212-343-8989 - Map

+J Money

Men.Style endorses the first fruits to come from +J -- Jill Sander's new line from Uniqlo. "Simple, well cut, clever in its (minimal) detailing, and highly wearable" ... and all for less than $200. Come fall, we'll be excited to try +J on for size. [Men.Style]

Margaret Howell 30% Off

You've only got through Saturday, 8/8, to shop Margaret Howell's fully-stocked S/S sale. The understated British designer's classic "staff jacket" is down to $275.

Century 21 Fully Stocked

Report from a helpful tipster:

"Went by Century 21 tonight (Thursday, 8/6.) A lot of new stuff--YMC, Acne, Helmut Lang, a little Marc by Marc Jacobs, Modern Amusement. Upstairs they had a lot of wearable shirts from Marc Jacobs, some Rick Owens, Coming Soon by Yohji Yamamoto, and a lot of stuff (definitely tending towards the wacky) from Paul Smith, from all of the different lines (much more reasonably priced than the outlet in Brooklyn). Probably more stuff coming out as they sell down their sale stuff from Spring."

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

Saks Consolidations 75% Off

In store and online -- but you'll have better luck in store -- Saks has entered "consolidation" mode, today, 8/6, where leftover summer stock is reduced by an additional 25% off, amounting to total savings to about 75% off. [MadisonAvenueSpy]

Reports from the field: "Nothing really for guys, it's mostly on the 4th FL for women." "Talk about picked over... Don't waste your time unless you really like Michael Kors and (gasp) Dirty English..."

Saks Fifth Avenue - 12 E 49th St at 5th - 212-644-1704 - Map

Meet Self Edge

Self Edge New York from Self Edge on Vimeo.

Self Edge - 157 Orchard St between Stanton & Rivington - 212-388-0079 - Map

Dossier Shop 75% Off

If you get to Stuart & Wright's sample sale this week(end) -- and you really should -- do take a brief stroll down Lafayette and up Clermont to Dossier where you'll find up to 75% off a smart selection of new -- Freemont, Opening Ceremony, etc. -- and vintage goods. Check out the Times' recent slide show of Dossier HERE.

Dossier Shop - 244 Dekalb Ave between Vanderbilt and Clermont Ave's - 718-783-0783 - Map

"It All Went Wrong"

Note: Since posting, the video's audio has apparently been disabled by Sony. (Hear it HERE.) Video's still cool as shit, so we'll leave it up.

Stuart & Wright Sample Sale

Thursday through Sunday, 8/6-8/9 (and probably tonight, 8/5) get to the Stuart & Wright S/S '09 sample sale for up to 75% off A.P.C., Acne, Engineered Garments, Opening Ceremony, Robert Geller, Rachel Comey, Unis, Wings + Horns, Mason's ...

Reports from the field: "Overall good selection, but sizes are limited." "Maybe a handful of decent picks if you're an XS or XL."

HERE's what the sale looked like last time. Oh, and the commute on the C train couldn't be easier.

Stuart & Wright - 85 Lafayette Ave between South Elliott Pl and South Portland Ave, Fort Greene - 718-797-0011 - Just take the C to Lafayette or the G to Fulton - Wed night ???, Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm - Map

Goodbye, Gerry's

Late breaking Tuesday: After ten years in the hood, Chelsea boutique Gerry’s has closed its doors.
Meanwhile, its more experienced (and refined) neighbor Camouflage -- which stocks Smedley, Etro, Paul Smith, C.P. Company, etc. -- just deepened markdowns on selected merch to 60% off.

Camouflage - 139 8th Ave at 17th - 212-691-1750 - Map

Gerry's - 110 8th Ave between 15th & 16th - 212-691-0636 - Map

Settling Down, Or Just Settling

Bless his soul, Albo does his best to come to terms with John Barlett's sober-minded "prepster-studmuffin" aesthetic. [Critical Shopper]

Help Us Help You Help Us Help You...

The Beggar's got a new landmark policy. As of today, August 4th, 2009, every time we post a sale tip (or sale update) that you send to contact@thechoosybeggar.com, we promise to accompany it with a plug -- including a link and one-sentence blurb -- of your choice.

Imagine the possibilities: Your blog or a friend's; your establishment or a friend's; your upcoming show date, or a friend's. Everyone's got something to plug, these days. As long as it's not obscene, it's all good. Obviously, pictures are more than welcome. So, as we were saying, help us help you help us help you help us help you...

Mursed

The Daily News surveys the current landmine-strewn field of "murses" -- or men's purses. Plain and simple, bags are responsible for ruining more outwork appearances than crack. Guys just have no experience in this area, so end up either trying too hard or not at all. Simple rules for success include keeping it simple, classic, understated, and functional. And, for fuck sake, if the bag falls just under your armpit, and/or is longer than it is wide, it's going to look like a purse! The above choice we like. (Also, 5, 9, and 10 are okay.) The others, not so much. [NYDailyNews.com via Kempt]

Leffot Footwear 50% Off

While some S/S '09 sales are wrapping up, others are just now getting serious. Christopher Street's Leffot -- which, according to Will of A Suitable Wardrobe, has the best shoe selection on the East Coast -- is now taking a full 50% off select styles. These Artioli Baby Calf Cap Toe Bourbon Antique lace-ups, for one, are a steel at $527.

Leffot - 10 Christopher St at Gay St - 212-989-4577 - Map

The Quiet Dutchman

Our friends over at Valet just did a great interview with Frank Muytjens, i.e., "the man responsible for the new J. Crew," which -- for its attention to detail, quality, classicism (so to speak), understatement, intelligence, maturity, and heritage -- is absolutely the best positioned brand in America, today.

Fjällräven In The House

New York Mag endorses "the lightweight and refreshingly simple" backpacks from Swedish outdoor label Fjällräven (f-yall-raven) availalbe now at Opening Ceremony for $80, and J.Crew in a matter of week. [NYM]

Update: And ContextClothing.com.

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

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

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale

Tuesday and Wednesday, 8/4-8/5 (along with a private event, tonight, 8/3, which you might or might not be able to waltz right into), the Metropolitan Pavilion is hosting an Alexander McQueen sample sale featuring up to 80% off S/S '09 -- and previous seasons -- ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories. Despite the economy and the month, we're betting that McQueen at 80% off will draw crowds.

Report from the field: "Most of the menswear is completely wearable including some great suits and blazers in 'normal' navys and grays. The shoes were an excellent deal as well and were actually kind of cool -- Picked up a pair for $170 (down from $815). The checkout line is a complete and utter disaster. If you go down there, plan to wait in the checkout line for 45 minutes."

Alexander McQueen sample sale - Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W 18th St between 6th & 7th - Mon ???, Tue 9am-7pm, Wed 9am-6pm - Map