The Choosy Beggar

Store owner-designer Steve Alan has earned a cult following for his cleverly-tailored unpressed Oxford button-downs. Take it from someone who owns 10-or-so — ashamedly not all acquired at sample sales — they’re addictive.

Now, the New York native has signed a deal with Urban Outfitters to launch a new line named Lark & Wolff by July. With a rustic campfire-y feel, it will target younger guys and retail for $58 to $128.

Still, wait for the sample sales.

• Through mid-summer, New York Mag “Best of” men’s store Odin is offering 30% off almost all stock, from Rag & Bone to Commes des Garçons.

199 Lafayette St between Kenmare & Broome – 212-966-0026 – Map

328 E 11th St between 1st and 2nd – 212-475-0666 – Map

• Streetwear samuri Triple 5 Soul is selling at deep discounts — $15 to $70 — through 6/15. 33 W. 17th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; Mon.–Fri. (10–8), Sat.–Sun. (11–8).

• Apparel and footwear from Fred Perry is being heavily marked down at a cash only sample sale through 6/8. 547 W. 27th St., nr. Tenth Ave., third fl. (212-736-3030); Thurs., Fri. (10–7), Sat., Sun. (noon–6).

Topping off Esquire’s search for the perfect balance of craftsmanship and affordability, behold this blue two-piece from Brooks Brothers, which will run you just under $500.

Henry Sands Brooks — who, in 1818, opened the first Brooks Brothers in New York City, “to make and deal only in merchandise of the finest quality, [and] to sell it at a fair profit” — would be proud indeed.

Suits aren’t the place to skimp, and buying one off-the-rack for under $1,000 makes me as comfortable as eating discount fugu fish… but Esquire knows its menswear, and this $600 number from Banana Republic’s BR Monogram label looks very sharp.

Go ahead and check out the other contenders for best suit under $1,000, but be wary of shoddy construction and keep in mind that these bad boys are unlikely to stand the test of time.

The more daring amongst you might check out Esquire‘s picks for best suit under $2,000.