The Choosy Beggar

Now through Tuesday, March 9, get to the Brooks Brothers’ Warehouse Sale where you’ll find:

• $400 suits for $100
• $600 suits for $200
• $800-$1,100 suits for $300-$400
• $1,600+ suits for $400 (prices actually reach $700, say readers.)
• $270 sports coats for $100
• $400-$1,100 sports coats for $150-$200
• $250 trousers for $70
• $400-$450 outerwear for $200
• $500-$900 outerwear for $300

**Unlike Barneys Warehouse, prices are NOT expected to drop throughout the sale… but we’ll keep an eye on it.**

***Early reactions: “Good stuff, some stuff is made in Italy … cheap alterations too,” writes one reader. Writes another: ” Black Fleece suits were mostly on the large size. Almost no size 1 (i.e. 40), no size 0 that I saw. Also, they were $499 and $699, notwithstanding the advertised price of $400.”***

Brooks Brothers Madison Ave – 346 Madison Ave at 44th – 4th fl – 212-682-8800 – Map

Just sent a correspondent to inspect spring arrivals from Japanese lifestyle brand Muji. Unfortunately, the bags — an area where the brand’s had success in the past — scream “summer intern.” The knits, too, are thoroughly unremarkable. But, take heart. The synthetic sports jackets and raincoats are both respectable purchases. For about $100 each, they’re cut and seemingly constructed well, and will make nice additions to any spring — and summer, and fall — wardrobe.

Muji Times Building – 620 8th Ave nr 40th – 212-382-2300 – Map

Last night, we scoped out some new arrivals at Century 21, which were brought to our attention by one clandestine reader. He alluded to a fresh shipment of YMC, which we didn’t find. But, while Adam Kimmel at 85% off is but a sweet memory, we did encounter some of solid deals. Underneath the “Designer Jackets” sign (above), underneath the main staircase, is always a particularly sweet spot:

There we found Generra spring-friendly jackets for $120

And Armand Basi jackets for $200

Meanwhile, just up the stairs, we spotted Martin Margiela raincoats for $550

Marc Jacobs hooded raincoats for $650

And Marc Jacobs raincoats for $500

Also, find YSL suits (yes, they’re made in Italy!) for $450

And Ralph Lauren Black Label suits for $600

He owns way too many clothes — filling over five closets?! — and from some questionable brands — Kenneth Cole, Aldo, Madden, Dragonfly?!?! — but Esquire‘s “Best Dressed Real Man” in America is still shrewd beyond his years:

• He makes about $150,000 a year, but, to him, “Spending conspicuously right now seems a little tasteless.”
• He has always shopped for deals, continues to do so.
• He gets online coupons for stores that he enjoys, like Saks and the Ralph Lauren outlet.
• On Black Friday, he was up and out of the house by 5:00 A.M., hunting bargains.
• He scoffs at people who buy the exact outfits off the mannequins in stores.
• He’s always looking for ways to maximize his wardrobe, ways to recombine or recycle.
• From his college roommate he learned that if you buy cheap, you’re going to pay more.
• His philosophy has always been “Money can buy you fashion, but it can’t buy you style,” neither talent nor class.
• He believes that having something that screams “I paid a ton of money for this” pales in comparison to someone saying, “Wow, I never thought of putting those pieces together that way.”

Still plenty of spring-friendly Ted Baker gear to be had at Gilt.com. HERE‘s your invite to the members only sample sale site. Get it while its hot.