The Choosy Beggar

Sean Avery, the hot-tempered Ranger’s forward, emboldened fashion-forward men everywhere with his recent internship at Vogue, and professed love of fashion. Now, according to The New York Observer, Avery’s helping to emancipate men from the shackles of slacks during the dog days of summer.

“Guys are becoming more body-conscious, so shorts are a lot more prevalent this season,” Lam Nguyen, a buyer at Barney’s, tells the Observer. “The newer silhouettes are all slimmer, chino types of shorts, fitted to the thigh.”

The Sartorialist recently captured a few guys who had the look down cold in hot Milan:

Practical, durable, trend-proof — These are core tenets to The Beggar’s philosophy on shopping and style. We hold in the highest regard those products and brands that can withstand the test of time, and competition from higher-priced high-flown rivals. Case in point, take a look at where Ray-Ban Aviator’s rank among Men.Style readers, many of whom could easily afford more expensive versions of the classic eyewear.

The Moment’s latest High-Low column, which features “the cheap and the chic,” sings the praises of another classic: Brooks Brothers non-iron Oxford button-down shirt. [The Moment] At a mere $45 a piece, one or two of these workhorses will get you through any weekend excursion.

We previously mentioned Brooks Brothers’ ability to achieve the perfect balance of craftsmanship and affordability with this blue two-piece, which was ranked by Esquire as the best suit for under $500.

***NOTE*** If you’re considering worshiping at the alter of founder Henry Sands Brooks, now is the time as Brooks Brothers just entered clearance mode both in stores and online.

Brooks Brothers – 1934 Broadway at 65th – 212-362-2374 – Map
Brooks Brothers – 666 5th Ave between 52nd & 53rd – 212-261-9440 –Map
Brooks Brothers – 346 Madison Ave at 44th – 212-682-8800 – Map

The sales staff said it couldn’t be done, that it wouldn’t happen this season — that merch was moving well enough at the initial 30% discount. But then, just a few moments ago, the impossible occurred: Paul Smith took a full 50% off all spring/summer ’08.

Paul Smith – 108 Fifth Ave at 16th – 212-627-9770 – Map
Paul Smith – 142 Greene St between W Houston & Prince – 646 613 3060 – Map

Ever wonder why retailers damn near give their merch away come July? Well, apart from the need to make room for fall/winter wear, they know the retail business all but shuts down from mid-July through September. No one shops. Not even women. And we’re not suggesting that you shop, either — apart from the Barney’s Warehouse Sale in mid-August. … Yet, just for the record, if you care to acquire, there are plenty of deals to be had, in which case you’d totally be pulling one over on the retail industry, i.e, beating the System, busting the Machine, taking it to the Man.

• Starting today, Zoe is taking 50% off all menswear and accessories, including button-downs from Trovata, sweater jackets from Nice Collective, sweaters from A.P.C., and a range of T’s. [The Cut]

Zoe Dumbo – 68 Washington St nr Font, Brooklyn – 718-237-4002 – Map

So, the entire city’s pretty much on sale. But, that’s no reason to stick around and subject yourselves to the throngs of sweaty discount shoppers. You’ve got The Beggar on your side, which means finding deals at your convenience. Go enjoy the weekend, kick back, spend some of that hard-earned cash, and take a moment to revel in our country’s independence.

… Still, if you’ve got a minute to kill before joining the exodus, Ted Baker just kicked off his summer sale, with two-button suits down from $521 to $255. [The Cut]

Ted Baker – 107 Grand St at Mercer – 212-343-8989 – Map