The Choosy Beggar

Accompanied by Duckie Brown designers Steven and Daniel — who we were able to meet recently — Tyler and Josh get ahead of themselves here with a look at Fall ’09. (That’s how the biz works, we know, but it’s still confusing for consumers.) Themes for the season include: stiff materials, waxed cotton, workwear, activewear, getting away from the narrow… The merry quartet also discuss the recent collaboration between Duckie and the century-old shoemaker Florscheim.

Friday through Sunday, get to the Sophomore sample sale where you’ll find T’s and sweatshirts starting at $15.

Sophomore Sample Sale – Circa Now – 238 E 6th between Bowery & 2nd Ave – 12pm-8pm daily – 212-254-2555 – Map

Meet Paul, a musician we snapped on a West 4th St. Subway platform yesterday — what we’re officially calling the unofficial start to spring. Without prematurely breaking out the mandals, we commend Paul for embracing the warmth of the day with his light shoes and loose fitting green chinos from J. Crew — which prove that a man can look sharp in non-fitted pants — and which perfectly compliment his light gray 3/4-length overcoat from Sisley. The crisp white button-down is a very nice touch, keeping the look fresh and clean, but our favorite piece is Paul’s canvas “briefcase” from Muji. Discrete and minimalist, clean and complimentary — these are the traits men should look for in a good bag. “I shop everywhere,” Paul says. “Vintage, sales, shops… everywhere.”

Just coming back from opening day at the Barneys Warehouse Sale. We’d almost describe the experience as pleasant… so long as you’re following our BWS Survival Tips. Either way, no lines, modest and well-behaved crowds (New Yorkers know how to take care of business), and a typical selection for Barneys’ biannual blowout. Don’t expect price reductions on the following pieces, or anything else, for a week. (Many hardcore bargain shoppers won’t step foot in BWS until its second week.) Can’t wait? We’d start in the back of the basement, where you’ll find the “Blue Tag” section (pictured above) stocked with “damaged” suits and jackets, all for about $200 — Always a source of great deals.

Nearby, you’ll find a couple hundred Steven Alan shirts, in all sizes, for $69 (They don’t get any cheaper than that)

Dress shirts, meanwhile, presently range between $80-$120

Liking a lot of the outerwear, like this RRL bomber for $300

And this A.P.C. blackwatch wool coat for $300

We’ve been following the journey of these Benjamin Bixby leather bombers — which are now going for $640 — since their debut last September

Bixby sweaters down to $140

Expect to pay about $250 for the nicer shoes available

$250 for these Jil Sander lace-ups, too

Along with this two-button Burberry, expect to pay $500-$600 for most suits

$500 for 100% cashmere jackets

Barneys Warehouse Sale – 255 W 17th St between 7th & 8th – 212-450-8400 – Map

In this bust economy, we’ve become pretty spoiled will all the extended liquidation-like sales around town. In that context, the IF sample sale might seem overpriced, but it’s actually stocked with some very nice pieces at reasonable prices. Through Saturday, you’ll find the above Comme des Garcons jacket for $400, along with:

A strong showing from Dries Van Noten, including this peacoat for just $350

Dries jackets for just $200

Dries knits for $100

And a select few Martin Margiela pieces, like this wool suit for $650

Like these Margiela boots for about $600, the footwear is still very pricey.

IF Boutique – 94 Grand St between Mercer & Greene – 212-334-4964 – 11am-7pm daily – Map