The Choosy Beggar

Friday through Sunday, 3/26-3/28, Build by Wendy is hosting a spring sample sale featuring “deep discounts” on charming warm-weather basics. Online, the Brooklyn-based boutique is already taking 60% off most spring gear, including this chambray work shirt for $60. Sure, they’ve been trying to unload much of this stock for over a year now, but that doesn’t make it any less wearable.

Build By Wendy – Williamsburg – 46 North 6th Street between Wythe & Kent – 718-384-2882 – Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm – Map

With little elbowroom or outerwear (and no footwear), we can’t call the J. Press sample sale a preppy’s paradise. Yet, given the abundance of button-downs, sports jackets, blazers and pants, we still say it’s a must. Early visitors are presently swarming over a single bin of ties, a single bin of bow-ties, and a single bin of socks. We were originally told that all shirts would sell for $10. Fact is, damaged shirts are going for $10, while all others — along with all non-damaged stock — is 70% off retail. Damaged jackets and pants are $10, too.

Reports a reader: “It’s a zoo. If you’re looking for one of their wool sack suits, forget it. It’s mostly summer stock — linen, cotton suits in varying, limited sizes. A good selection of shawl collar tuxedos though. Lots of cotton polos, sweaters. Ties have been picked over, as have the dress shirts. If your sleeve length is 35 you’ll be fine.“

Another man’s opinion (and re-stocking tip): “This sucked. Only good tip I got was they’re going to re-stock at 2pm and overnight. The place is really too cramped to host a sample sale. They should know better.“

Update: As of about 2pm on Thursday, “They just restock[ed] 35.5 collar 33 length shirts, I got like 5 of those… also if you are looking 38 to 40 short or regular wool suits they have some, I go a prince of wales sorta print that says ‘summer ’02’ in the sale tag for $195.“

As advertised, ties and bow-ties are $5
Expect to pay about $30 for all non-damaged button-downs

Suits are priced at about $300

Sports jackets are about $200

Lighter jackets are selling for about $60

Knits, which just look unappetizing in late March, are all about $30

Seersucker shorts are $25

J. Press Sample Sale – Onward Kashiyama USA – 530 7th Ave bwtn 38th & 39th – 29th Fl – Thurs & Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm – Map

Friday through Sunday, 3/26-3/28, get to the Antonio Azzuolo sample sale for some superbly constructed menswear. Prior to launching his eponymous label, Azzuolo refined his luxe aesthetic as a design director for Ralph Lauren’s Purple and Black Labels. At the sale, blazers will be down from $2500 to $650; shirts down from $350 to $95; shorts from $350 to $100. Last time, sizing was limited, but the products were amazing.

Antonio Azzuolo Sample Sale – 139 Norfolk St between Rivington & Stanton – Storefront North – 917-535-9768 – 10am-7pm Daily – Map