Fall Buyers' Guide

Refined plaids, parkas, pea coats, Fair Isle knits, fierce blacks, South Western Native American patterns, shawl-collar cardigans, corduroy, gray wool/cashmere blends, puffed-up blazers, wingtips, loafers, designer work boots, American workwear, ... It's all in Men.Style's Fall '09 Buyers' Guide.

Out of nearly 90 pieces, however, the only one we suggest buying at retail is Grenson's equally durable and versatile Aviator boot in brown snuff -- available now at The Natural Shoe Store for $275.

Tool Of The Trade

Men.style has released its latest trend report, which we suggest you consider rather than obey... unless you want to end up looking like this guy. Of the various trends, we’re digging the continued softening of sports coats (their construction). Floral prints, perforated shoes, backpacks, disposable windbreakers, and beach sweaters, not so much. Oh, and regarding the wearing of separates -- or non-matching jackets and trousers -- be very careful that you're not mistaken for a security guard. 

Albo's Manifesto

In this week’s Critical Shopper column, Mike Albo visits West Village men’s boutique Kesner, where his long running frustrations with overpriced and out-of-range products seem to reach a crescendo.

"Men’s fashion had such a dynamic renaissance in the last decade, but now fine clothes must be untangled from the smug price tags and tacky swagger they acquired when loans were given out like licorice and everyone was told he was rich," Albo writes. "We might have learned what fine clothes look like in that Gilded Age, but now stores like Kesner must evolve and show us good and affordable clothing that both fits well and is fitting for these threadbare times."

Even more provocative, perhaps, is a resulting conversation going on over at Racked HERE.

In Earnest

Turns out Earnest Sewn's new backroom isn't the deal haven everyone was expecting. Not that it isn't worth a peak. Racked has full coverage.

Earnest Sewn - 821 Washington St between Little West 12th & Gansevoort - 212-242-3414 - Map

All Grown Up

Details lays out some new rules for denim. The cardinal rule of not pairing denim with denim still stands… unless, of course, one of those pieces is colored khaki.

Relax, Have Hope, AND SPEND!

It’s not The Beggar's official business to document retailer’s window displays or marketing campaigns around town. But, it’s time to start making exceptions when those displays and campaigns address the recession specifically… or not so specifically as in the case of the above window from one of James Perse’s Bleecker St. boutiques. "Just Breathe," it reads. Relax, and do a little shopping, it suggests.  
Ironically, the Rogan/Loomstate clearance sale that began today is quite literally taking place in the shadow of a bottoming-out stock market courtesy of this Johnnie Walker wall display. 
How's the Rogan sale, you ask? Quite good, we say, and priced as follows:

• Denim - $60
• Shirts - $55
• Knits - $60
• Jackets - $80-$90
• T’s - 20

Rogan - 91 Franklin St between Broadway & Church - 646-827-7554 - Sale through 12/7 - Map

The Votes Are In

So, 70% of the roughly 60 of you who voted said “Black Friday” means nothing. It’s about what we expected, because, on one side, New York guys don’t operate like most Americans, while, on the other, it is a day off on the eve of giving season. The sales are irrelevant because -- this year anyway -- they started well before, and should extend well after Black Friday. Add to that the fact that a lot of people aren’t even shopping on what is supposed to be the biggest shopping day of the year. 

C-C-C-Classics

The Moment discusses classic, timeless men's wear and accessories with  Justin Saunders, the "creative force" behind photo curating site Jjjjound. Take notes.

"Eliminating Silliness"

New York Mag asks some Upper Easties about the economy and how it’s affecting their shopping behavior. Surprisingly, most do claim to be cutting back... besides the one older woman who appears oblivious to, er, well, just oblivious.

Notably, later in the clip, our man in the clashing cap and scarf fesses up to fearing discount shops like Men’s Warehouse -- which is indeed sh** -- and Century 21 -- which, as we recently pointed out, can actually come in handy. But, fear not my dear boy, because The Beggar is here to guide you through these rough economic times, and to demonstrate day-after-day that the best deals can be had in the most tasteful of settings. The Shipley & Halmos sale is just the most recent and timeliest example.

A Welcomed Distraction

Max Minghella For Band Of Outsiders from Seth Bernstein on Vimeo.

We weren’t going to post this Band of Outsiders S/S ’09 video because, while it would save us all good money, guys tend not to shop for S/S in F/W. So why distract you with S/S, we said. Then, to hell with reason, we said. Band is cool as s***, and there’s no reason why S/S ‘09’s looks can’t inform your F/W ‘08 purchases. [ACL]

Canvas Coils

Canvas, while arguably less versatile than leather, has its advantages, chief among them being affordability. The Beggar likes affordability, and for that reason we’re entirely grateful to The Upgader for spotlighting the plain-woven fabric in its many forms.

Just Take The C To Lafayette!

There's no denying that New Yorkers are perpetually sitting on a treasure trove of priceless sites, scenes, characters, arts, and artifacts. That so many of these gems can be so concentrated geographically is beyond miraculous. Every Sunday, The Brooklyn Flea Market endeavors to concentrate that trove even further by hosting some 150 vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans. 

Michael of A Continuous Lean points the way to the "Mad Men" shop (pictured above) full of 60s vintage goods.

Brooklyn Flea - Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene - Lafayette Ave between Clermont & Vanderbilt Ave - Sunday 10am-5pm - Map

Fierce

"You know you've spotted a fashion victim when you notice what a man is wearing - those metallic patchwork high-tops, the skinny-fit women's jeans - before you notice the man himself." Sound advice from Details.

But, if you must, "Let one thing you're wearing speak, and everything else be quiet," Dsquared's Dan Caten tells the magazine.

Alan Ho!

This report from Steven Alan's L.A. sample sale has us all excited for the main event soon to hit Tribeca. Hands down, our Steve Alan shirts remain the most valuable, handiest, trustiest clothes in our closets. Forget the dry cleaners. Throw 'em in the wash again and again, or hardly wash them at all -- they always fit and feel just right. Stay tuned for the exact dates and times of the NYC sale.

***Update: We've been told the sample sale is slated for the 20th! More details to come.*** 

Spiffy

If you're looking for some expert and forward-thinking style direction, our friends at h(y)r collective have dropped their 7th issue. Lucky number 7! Bravo, fellas! 

Forget About It!

Now, We're the first to commend Hugo Boss for successfully distancing itself in recent years from its image as, er, mafia chic. The label is actually making some nice, if still a bit boxy, suits these days. Unfortunately, having just been chased out of its sample sale by two goons (just for covering the thing), we might have to reconsider.

The sale itself is nice -- No lines; 'Plenty' of merch; Okay prices:

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 - **Credit cards only** Fri, Mon 8am-7pm; Sat, Sun 9am-7pm; Tue 9am-5pm - Map

Setting The Example

Three cheers for Valet! The men's mag went where few others would dare: eBay. Its reward? Our undying respect, and this handsome vintage Harris tweed blazer for just $30. And there's plenty more where that came from if you'd care to place your own BID. 

"And All The History That Echos Through It"

The International Herald Tribune’s Suzy Menkes briefly examines plaid -- THE trend for the fall, and the focus of a new book by Jonathan Faiers, “Tartan.” [The Moment] Pretty fascinating, actually.

Sitting On The Sidelines

Got a few bucks to spend on your wardrobe? Save it. For the next few weeks, at least. Retailers citywide are moving up sales that would normally wait until December. A clerk at Jeffrey told us today to check back in two weeks -- very early for the exclusive boutique.

Hail To The Chief

Among the many changes we expect President-elect Barack Obama to usher in, we anticipate he and the first lady setting new standards for style on a scale not seen since the Kennedy's ruled Camelot. They've already made their own style statements. Michelle recently set a frugal-yet-upbeat tone by doing Leno in head-to-toe J. Crew, while Obama just told homeboys everywhere to pull up their pants and grow the f#%^ up. And though their initial overtures point in a rather conservative direction, we expect to see some serious style on display at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue once the two settle in.