The Choosy Beggar

In this week’s High/Low column — which carefully balances “the chic and the cheap” — The Moment plasters its seal of approval on a very special $120 suit — the result of a collaborative spring line just released by Opening Ceremony and Uniqlo. “The linen-cotton blend wrinkles in all the right places, lending it the casual feel you want for spring, while the proportion — fitted blazer with slouchy pants — is right in step with runway trends (think Bottega Veneta and Lanvin.” But, The Moment warns, “Make sure you don’t wear it like you would traditional suits: roll up the legs and pair it with a rumpled oxford shirt (sans tie) and beat-up desert boots.” Right now, see the whole line HERE, then pick it up at Opening Ceremony downtown.

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

Sunday only (Saturday, too?), get to the Patrik Ervell sample sale for 70% off past seasons, along with samples from Spring ’09. We’re talking button-downs for $70-$130, and sweaters for $90-$130.

Patrik Ervell sample sale – 35 Howard St between Broadway & Crosby – Suite 4B, Buzzer #4 – 12pm-6pm – 646-912-9083 – Map

Chalk it up to the rise of egalitarian Obamanomics, the fall of the American “Empire,” or the galvanizing effect of global financial ruin, but the fashion biz has gone all sentimental over classic pie & potatoes Americana. Check out Men.Style’s superb Spring ’09 Trend Report for a detailed pictorial analysis of this and related style memes. For the record, we’re pleased to be witnessing a return to wholesome American style, grounded as it is in optimism, familiarity, sensibility, strength, quality, and resilience.

Gilt.com‘s got all of your spring break shopping needs covered — sans libations, drug paraphernalia, and flavored prophylactics — during their three day sale spectacular featuring Paul Smith and Robert Marc eyewear, Seavees casual kicks, and Parke & Ronen trunks. (HERE‘s your invite to the member’s only site.)

KAP BAMBINO – RED SIGN