The Choosy Beggar

Chin Chin – “Go There With You” from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

Men’s wear has matured greatly in recent years, moving — we think — in all the right directions. And, while we could never single out one label — given their disparate visions and financial resources — as the “best,” we think it’s useful to narrow the field every season to one brand that we’d shop if, God forbid, we had to shop just one.

And, thanks to a steady stream of shrewd collaborations, vastly improved manufacturing techniques, and a meticulously coherent vision — for the second season in a row — that brand is J.Crew.* Not fiercely forward thinking… but who wants to walk around in something fiercely forward thinking? Not what we want to be buried in… just what we’d prefer to wear every day until then. No, these clothes don’t dramatically set you apart from the crowd… they just help you look as though you belong to a pretty smart and select category of men.

(*Note*: On sale, there are several brands that could potentially beat out J.Crew for the top spot this season, but we’re calculating their overall worth at retail.)

Some of favorite pics for spring include, um, every button-down, the above worsted wool Ludlow two-button suit jacket for $365, …

Linen-cotton cardigans for $70
Slim-fit broken-in chinos for $65

French terry fleece crewnecks for $55

Chambray ties for $60

Original suede Sperry top-siders for $100

The cashmere specialists over at White + Warren seem to mark down their wares every week or so. Through Friday, they’re at it again… but who knows how long the online sale will last.

Take notes. Seriously.

Thursday through Saturday, find 40-70% off Gilded Age, a highly-respected line of men’s wear inspired by the craftsmanship and attention to detail of said historical time period.

Gilded Age sale – 11 E 4th St between Broadway & Lafayette – #2f – Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm – Map