The Choosy Beggar

You know it’s a party when they’re giving out branded water. Really, though, the James Perse sample sale is the nicest event we’ve been to in months. A modern, seductively-lit venue; polite staff and fellow shoppers; separate entrance on the south side of 16th Street (about halfway between 9th & 10th); a clear separation between men’s and women’s wear; clearly priced stock — This sale’s superior to most Madison Avenue shopping experiences. Oh, and the stock ain’t bad either — think high-end logo-less basics — and there’s plenty of it… all at 80% off.

Price List:

• Polos – $40
• Long-Sleeve Tees – $60
• Pants – $70
• Sweatshirts – $80
• Hooded Sweatshirts – $90
• Down Coats – $105
• Other Outerwear – $129
• Shorts – $30-$50

James Perse Sample Sale – Prive Designer Space – Chelsea Market – 75 9th Ave between between 15th & 16th – Fri & Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-4pm – Map

• Beyond The Rack – Dolce & Gabbana dress shirts
• Editors’ Closet – X
• Gilt Man – Unis, Gant (pic courtesy of ACL), Nixon, Raymond Weil, Saucony Originals, Isaia, Havaianas flip flops, “Winter Gear Blowout”
• Haute Look – X
• Ideeli – X
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) – Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans
• Row Nine – X
• Rue La La – GF Ferré
• The Top Secret – X

Gold watches under $500! A tantalizing prospect, sure, be even GQ‘s bright young editors had trouble finding anything worthwhile within that range. The Nixon for $90 is very cool. The Timex for $75 works, too, but that’s it. We suggest going with something in a non-precious metal, or going vintage, but you’ll still be hard-pressed to find a serious watch for less than $1,000.

Calling all vintage enthusiasts. Saturday and Sunday, 3/20-3/21, Amarcord is hosting a massive warehouse sale in Williamsburg featuring tons of menswear, shoes, and accessories for under $20.

Funny thing about vintage shopping: It’s the easiest thing to write off, but, with a little patience and tact, it often yields the most gratifying purchases. Can’t get over that musty odor? Well, as we learned from Valet. a few years back, a spray bottle containing one part vodka and two parts water is all it takes to remove that vintage funk.

Amarcord Vintage Warehouse Sale – 242 Wythe Ave btwn N 3rd and N 4th – 718-388-2884 – 11am-6pm Daily – Map

Friday through Sunday, 3/19-3/21, Chelsea Market is hosting a James Perse sample sale featuring 80% off loads of luxurious basics. If you’re not familiar, Perse is renowned for his minimalist surfer aesthetic, supple fabrics, and high retail prices.

James Perse Sample Sale – Prive Designer Space – Chelsea Market – 75 9th Ave between between 15th & 16th – (Enter on 9th Ave and walk all the way past the fake water fall) – Fri & Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-4pm – Map