"Classic References... Eclectic Across The Board"

"I've reached a point where comfort is also a motivator in how I dress."

NYTimes: Club Monaco "Vexing"

The price is usually right at Club Monaco, but -- from a quality and fit perspective -- the brand often leaves much to be desired. In its suiting department, where the brand was supposed to shine this year, Times 'Critical Shopper' Jon Caramanica just stumbled into a sartorial minefield.

On one model, "the collar was distractingly thin, as if it had been pulled tight with a drawstring, and the rest of the jacket felt overlong ... The basic gray blazer had an uncomfortable sharkskin glow to it ... Most models had crimped perforations at the rim of the lapel and collar, and these warm-weather suits had absolutely no give in the cotton, which was stiff like oak tag ... Even when I found my size, I still felt as if I was wearing my father's suit."

A few promising pieces aside, Caramanica then basically writes off the brand as a source for "unambitious basics for the shopper who finds Banana Republic too risky." Rough.

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - X
• eBay Fashion Vault - X
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man - Converse, Cockpit USA, (pictured), A. Testoni, Heys luggage, Boss by Hugo Boss, Richard Chai, Oliver Peoples, Links of London, Diesel shoes
  
• Haute Look - X
  
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - Fendi eyewear, Curtis & Co. watches
  
• Rue La La - Tumi, Joseph Abboud
  
• The Top Secret - X
• Urban Bloke - Manhattan Portage, Marc New York outerwear

Perez Partnership!!!

Huge news!!! We're incredibly proud to announce that The Beggar and Perez Hilton -- who we've actually known (as Mario!) for years -- are working together on a little style guide for men! Check it out HERE!!!

Good Shorts, Bad Shorts

Shorts -- with regard to their appropriate length and use -- have recently become something of a hot-button issue. To the chagrin of many, the great ankle emancipator Sean Avery single-handedly pioneered office shorts in the summer of '08. Then, last summer, a surge in man-thigh prompted rumblings of a bare-skin backlash.

This year, to give guys a little peace of mind, A Trip Down South surveyed some fellow style bloggers to determine the "correct" length of this summer staple. The results varied, but the general consensus is that a man should show an inch or two of skin above the knee -- no more, no less, and, please, no boardshorts. [A Trip Down South via Valet.]

Meet: Roman & Williams

Roman & Williams from The Scout on Vimeo.

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - X
• eBay Fashion Vault - X
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man - Richard Chai, Oliver Peoples eyewear (pictured), Links of London, Diesel shoes, Creative Recreation, Hickey Freeman, Victor Glemaud, Cannondale
  
• Haute Look - X
  
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - X
  
• Rue La La - Tumi, Joseph Abboud
  
• The Top Secret - X
• Urban Bloke - Manhattan Portage, Marc New York outerwear
  

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - X
• eBay Fashion Vault - X
  
• Editors' Closet - Breil Minalo watches
• Gilt Man - Creative Recreation, Hickey Freeman (pictured), Victor Glemaud, Cannondale, Emanuel Ungaro
  
• Haute Look - Ike Minalo watches, Kata eyewear
  
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - X
  
• Rue La La - Footprint by Birkenstock
  
• The Top Secret - X
• Urban Bloke - Penguin Hats

Cheap Monday's Cheap Shades

Just in time for the sunnier months, Cheap Monday has produced a line of handsome (and cheap) eyewear. We're talkin' $35 a pop. Refinery29, which calls the so-called Clairvoyant Collection "cool and amazingly priced," says it comes in three styles -- Night On Earth, Night Watch, and Night Porter. Find them now at Greenpoint boutique Alter and, we expect, Inven.tory in Noho. [Refinery29]

Alter Men's Store - 109 Franklin St nr Greenpoint Ave - 718-784-8818 - Map
Inven.tory - 237 Lafayette St between Prince & Spring - 212-226-5292 - Map

The Business

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - Ray-Ban sunglasses (pictured)
  
• Editors' Closet - Breil Minalo watches
• Gilt Man - Emanuel Ungaro
  
• Haute Look - Kata eyewear
  
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - X
  
• Rue La La - Cole Haan outerwear
  
• The Top Secret - X
• Urban Bloke - Penguin Hats
  

BBlessing Sample Sale

Through Sunday, 3/28, BBlessing is having another sample sale featuring 80% off "past collections, samples, and exclusives." BBlessing, the store, is a great resource for visionary designers like Adam Kimmel, Raf Simons, Rag & Bone, and Surface to Air. It's most recent sample sale, however, was widely panned.

BBlessing Sample Sale - 181 Orchard St between Houston & Stanton - "In the little back room" - 212-378-8005 - 12pm-8pm Daily - Map

At The Blessed Antonio Azzuolo Sale

Designer Antonio Azzuolo doesn't do cubicle-wear or Big & Tall. What he does do is uniquely sophisticated, luxe suiting, knits and separates for very smart men. Having refined his aesthetic as a design director for Ralph Lauren's Purple and Black Labels, the classic influences are unmistakable -- though hardly overbearing or stodgy. Azzuolo's present sample sale goes through Sunday, 3/28, but supplies are limited. Sizes range from 36-to-42. (Again, ya'll Big & Tall's need not apply.) Needless to say, the price-to-quality ratio here is ridiculous.

Price List:

• Two-Piece Suits - $850
• Jackets/Blazers - $650
• Sweaters - $95-$150
• Trousers - $150
• Shorts - $100
• Vests - $95
  

Antonio Azzuolo Sample Sale - 139 Norfolk St between Rivington & Stanton - Storefront North - 917-535-9768 - 10am-7pm Daily - Map

7 for all Mankind 60% Off

Madison Avenue Spy has posted a link to a "private sale" at 7 for All Mankind, featuring 60% off tons of denim and sportswear. Careful, a lot of this stuff is pretty crazy. We like this aptly named "double pocket shirt" for $80. [Mad Ave. Spy]

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man - Groupe Seize sur Vingt (pictured), Faconnable, John Varvatos Collection, Assembly, Siki Im, Android
  
• Haute Look - watch & sunglasses "blowout"
  
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - Heys luggage
  
• Rue La La - X
  
• The Top Secret - X

Hallelujah! It's A Sartorial Revival!

In just two years, the collective sartorial intelligence of New York men has increased exponentially. So says Vahram Mateosian, proprietor of legendary custom suit shop Mr. Ned on Fifth Avenue. The New York Observer (The Beggar's alma mater) attributes the raised awareness to recent technological advances, which have made custom tailoring less costly. Case in point, "a sort of Men’s Warehouse of made-to-measure suits called My.Suit just opened up two stores in town, offering suits for $495 a pop!" In case you're wondering, "Affordable for Ned means $850 ... for a two-piece cut of the cloth he keeps in stock." [Kempt]

Spring Savings At Sean

Menswear boutique Sean is now taking $50 off its spring shipment of wool and cotton suits, and $20 off all other spring items, including linen shirts, v-neck sweaters, ... If you're not familiar, Sean is home to designer Emile Lafaurie, who some call the French Ralph Lauren. Very reasonable prices to begin with, and always solid gear.

Sean - 199 Prince at Sullivan - 212-598-5980 - Map

Sean - 224 Columbus Ave between 70th & 71st - 212-769-1489 - Map

Built by Wendy Sping Sample Sale

Friday through Sunday, 3/26-3/28, Build by Wendy is hosting a spring sample sale featuring "deep discounts" on charming warm-weather basics. Online, the Brooklyn-based boutique is already taking 60% off most spring gear, including this chambray work shirt for $60. Sure, they've been trying to unload much of this stock for over a year now, but that doesn't make it any less wearable.

Build By Wendy - Williamsburg - 46 North 6th Street between Wythe & Kent - 718-384-2882 - Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm - Map

At J. Press Sample Sale

With little elbowroom or outerwear (and no footwear), we can't call the J. Press sample sale a preppy's paradise. Yet, given the abundance of button-downs, sports jackets, blazers and pants, we still say it's a must. Early visitors are presently swarming over a single bin of ties, a single bin of bow-ties, and a single bin of socks. We were originally told that all shirts would sell for $10. Fact is, damaged shirts are going for $10, while all others -- along with all non-damaged stock -- is 70% off retail. Damaged jackets and pants are $10, too.

Reports a reader: "It's a zoo. If you're looking for one of their wool sack suits, forget it. It's mostly summer stock -- linen, cotton suits in varying, limited sizes. A good selection of shawl collar tuxedos though. Lots of cotton polos, sweaters. Ties have been picked over, as have the dress shirts. If your sleeve length is 35 you'll be fine."

Another man's opinion (and re-stocking tip): "This sucked. Only good tip I got was they're going to re-stock at 2pm and overnight. The place is really too cramped to host a sample sale. They should know better."

Update: As of about 2pm on Thursday, "They just restock[ed] 35.5 collar 33 length shirts, I got like 5 of those... also if you are looking 38 to 40 short or regular wool suits they have some, I go a prince of wales sorta print that says 'summer '02' in the sale tag for $195."

As advertised, ties and bow-ties are $5
Expect to pay about $30 for all non-damaged button-downs

Suits are priced at about $300

Sports jackets are about $200

Lighter jackets are selling for about $60

Knits, which just look unappetizing in late March, are all about $30

Seersucker shorts are $25

J. Press Sample Sale - Onward Kashiyama USA - 530 7th Ave bwtn 38th & 39th - 29th Fl - Thurs & Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm - Map

Antonio Azzuolo Sample Sale

Friday through Sunday, 3/26-3/28, get to the Antonio Azzuolo sample sale for some superbly constructed menswear. Prior to launching his eponymous label, Azzuolo refined his luxe aesthetic as a design director for Ralph Lauren's Purple and Black Labels. At the sale, blazers will be down from $2500 to $650; shirts down from $350 to $95; shorts from $350 to $100. Last time, sizing was limited, but the products were amazing.

Antonio Azzuolo Sample Sale - 139 Norfolk St between Rivington & Stanton - Storefront North - 917-535-9768 - 10am-7pm Daily - Map

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - Swiss watches
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man - John Varvatos Collection (pictured), Assembly, Siki Im, Android watches, Ralph Lauren Black Label, J Brand jeans
  
• Haute Look - X
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - Heys luggage
  
• Rue La La - X
  
• The Top Secret - X

Brunello Cucinelli 80% Off

A raven-eyed reader -- who writes one our favorite art and culture blogs -- tells us that Loehmann's in Chelsea has received a "huge" shipment of Brunello Cucinelli. "On the high end there were gorgeous sports coats marked down 80% from $2800 to $600 ... On the lower end were sweaters marked down from $600 to $150."

As luck would have it, Cucinelli is also featured in this week's New Yorker. Turns out the Italian designer is greatly inspired by our President, whom he regards as a modern day Marcus Aurelius. How 'bout that. [sub. required]

Loehmann's Chelsea - 101 7th Ave at 16th - 212-352-0856‎ - Map

J. Press Sample Sale

This is big. Thursday through Saturday, 3/25-3/27, parent company Onward Kashiyama is hosting a J. Press sample sale featuring 70% off suits. "All shirts, including button downs, are $10 ... ties are $5," a rep tells us. That is, in a word, insane. [Pic courtesy of Lee Clower via ACL]

J. Press Sample Sale - Onward Kashiyama USA - 530 7th Ave bwtn 38th & 39th - 29th Fl - Thurs & Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm - Map

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - Swiss watches
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man - Ralph Lauren Black Label apparel, ties & footwear (pictured), J Brand jeans, Camelbak & 66North, Spy snow goggles, James Perse
  
• Haute Look - X
• Ideeli - Seiko watches
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - X
  
• Rue La La - Michael by Michael Kors
  
• The Top Secret - X

Bloomies 20% Off

Is a 20% markdown even worth noting? We'll let you be the judge: Wednesday through Sunday, 3/24-3/28, Bloomies will knock a fifth off the cost of select products when you say the magic words "friends & family." Online, use the code "friends." [Madison Avenue Spy]

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

Hermès Sample Sale

Wednesday through Sunday, 3/24-3/28, Metropolitan Pavilion will host the famed Hermès sample sale featuring $100 silk ties, flannel trousers for $250, loafers for $460, sports coats for $1,200, ... Credit cards only.

Note: There's a private sale going on Tuesday, but it's quite difficult to crash.

Hermès Sample Sale - Metropolitan Pavilion - 123 W 18th St between 6th & 7th - Wed 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri Sat & Sun 9am-6pm- Map

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - Dunhill accessories
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man - James Perse (pictured), Swiss Watches, Thompson London cuff links, Skender Dragovoja, Trovata, DKNY
• Haute Look - X
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - X
  
• Rue La La - Theory, Just Cavalli
  
• The Top Secret - X

The Dashing Patcher

Over the next 10 days, The GQ Eye plans to post "10 Steps to Affordable Style." Magnifico. Really, few things please us more than hearing truly stylish guys -- like author Hooman Majd -- wax practical about clothes shopping and maintenance. Majd, for his part, gave new life to a 20-year-old Hermès sports jacket with some suede elbow patches. 20 years old! That's setting the bar pretty high, but we can all learn a lesson from such a superb, long-term investment.

In other 'Affordable Style' news, the Eye notes that Uniqlo is now stocked with the same whipcord suits it endorsed last summer. (Note: These suits will not last 20 years.)

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

'Ruff' Reception

Long story short, respected Ruffian designers Brian Wolk and Claude Morais got together with Macy's for a diffusion line named Threads & Heirs... And it sucks. Or, as The Shophound writes: "It's not aggressively unattractive, like Ed Hardy for example, but it doesn't look to us like anything you wouldn't otherwise expect to find at Macy's ... It's just kind of blah." [The Shophound]

Mountain & Sackett 25% Off

Online, Mountain & Sackett just reduced all F/W neckwear by 25%. Some styles are entirely acceptable at least three seasons out of the year, like this handmade Cortlandt silk and wool stripe down to $55.

Beggar Invitational

• Beyond The Rack - X
  
• Editors' Closet - X
• Gilt Man Trovata, DKNY, Mountain Hardware
  
• Haute Look - X
  
• Ideeli - X
  
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) - Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
  
• Row Nine - X
  
• Rue La La - Theory (pictured), Ariat footwear
  
• The Top Secret - X

Footwear FAILS

Listen, clothes aren't that important. At the end of the day, we'd easily endorse a good man in a polyester tracksuit over a snake in Savile Row's finest. That said, for the sake of your professional career and personal reproductive aspirations, we strongly suggest that you consider this list of style fails compiled by our friends at GQ. Surprisingly, though, the list's missing some of the biggest fails we see around town, the most common of which is the (Kenneth Cole) square-toe dress shoe -- in lace-up and loafer form. To call these things unrefined is like calling the Nets a work in progress. We'll get to clothes later (suggestions?), but other all-too-common footwear fails include:

"Hybrids" -- Some occasions call for sneakers; some call for shoes. None call for these ill-conceived eyesores.

"Contoured" (Puma) kicks and (Paul Smith) dress shoes -- They had their moment about 10 years ago, but now it's time to put this streamlined look out of its misery. Like the lesson we learned with "hybrids," if life calls for a sharper looking sneaker, wear a shoe.

"???" -- We don't have a name for these monstrosities, but they and their beastly brethren are all over the place. They're like the black square-toe's ugly cousin. God-awful.