The Choosy Beggar

At 12 noon today, hot Swedish label Filippa K goes on sale at Gilt.com. HERE’s your invite to the members-only shopping site. The Members Only jackets are sure to go fast.

Nationwide, it looks like guys are increasingly dressing up their casual-wear — a trend that is helping men’s wear sales to actually outpace the sale of women’s wear.

“Men’s fashion has gotten a little dressier on the casual side, and guys are sporting better sport shirts and slacks, which is a big change in a down economy,” one analyst tells industry rag DNR.

As a result, men’s apparel sales rose 2.1% to just over $57 billion for the year ended June 30, according to new figures released by The NPD Group.

Why should we care about these macro-trends?

Because, you wouldn’t believe how many seemingly savvy people insist that men don’t shop. Maybe that dying breed of narcissists branded in the 90s as “metrosexuals.” But, not regular guys with more honorable pursuits like career and family.

Most guys, these people must assume, have their wives or girlfriends to do their shopping. Or, perhaps, they think average guys get by on a few catalogs, from J. Crew and Brooks Brothers, and a trip to Macys once or twice a year.

And while that may be true for men outside of NYC (not likely with $57 billion in sales last year), us city boys are simply held to higher standards — both at work and at play — and thus must necessarily invest more time, energy, and money into our appearances to remain competitive and relevant.

That absolutely does *NOT* mean New York men must obsess over fashion and shopping to the entirely irrational degree that women do. The Beggar advocates — and attempts to facilitate — guys spending as little time, energy, and money needed to acquire a respectable wardrobe.

High-quality, durable, classic, trend-proof… these are the most highly-regarded attributes a product can possess. Acquire such a product at minimal cost and you’re golden. But, to do so, we must shop. And shop we do.

If you catch one sale this week… If you leave the apartment for one chore… If you need one reason to keep on living… make it the Paul Stuart sale on 38th & 7th where you’ll find the best deals on the highest quality suits and jackets we’ve perhaps ever seen this side of the Pacific Rim.

Until Friday, suits that cost well over $2,000 are all going for $300, ties that retail for $150 are going for $25, and, best of all, jackets, many of which normally cost $2,000 themselves, are now selling for a paltry $200.

Better deals than Barneys Warehouse sale? By leaps and bounds — not to mention a far more tranquil and organized shopping experience. And, if for some reason you’re not familiar with the quality and cut of Paul Stuart’s wares, they make Brooks Brothers’ stuff look like the Men’s Warehouse house label.

***Update*** A kind tipster brings word that the traditional pieces, like the two pictured directly below, are dwindling, leaving only wilder patterns and pastels. You’ve been warned.

Paul Stuart Sale – 207 W 38th St at 7th — Tues – Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri – 10am-5pm – Map
Paul Stuart flagship – 10 E 45th St between 5th & Madison – 212-682-0320 – Map

Interested in 75% off John Varvatos? Wednesday through Saturday, Mr. Rock ‘n’ Roll’s having a men’s sample and stock sale, including sportswear, tailored clothing, and *footwear*. Wednesday’s actually for “friends & family,” which means you might, or might not, gets hassled at the door.

• Wednesday – 8am – 7:30pm
• Thursday – 8am – 7:30pm
• Friday – 8am – 7:30pm
• Saturday – 10am – 5pm

Varvatos sample sale – 260 5th Ave between 28th & 29th