The Choosy Beggar

Our friends at Kempt have come upon what could be the least expensive, yet most stylish accessory ever produced. Courtesy of the Unite States Mint, feast your eyes on the 2010 Lincoln “Preservation of the Union” one-cent coin. The business end of this penny is its reverse side, which features a recreation of the “union shield” that first appeared during the Civil War. Add two of these bad boys to your favorite pair of loafers, and you’re set for spring. [Via Valet.]

• Beyond The Rack – John Varvatos, Theory, Hugo Boss
• Editors’ Closet – Elini watches
• Gilt Man – Calvin Klein coats (pictured), Cole Haan accessories, Kaenon sunglasses, Pearl Izumi / Sugoi / Cannondale sportswear, Vince, BBlessing, Shipley & Halmos
• Haute Look – Oris watches
• Ideeli – X
• Reverse (pass: Reverse) – X
• Row Nine – Swiss watches
• Rue La La – Invicta watches
• The Top Secret – X

Through the end of the month, Amarcord is taking 40% off all vintage stock. The shop’s Soho locale — where the sale is going down — specializes in designer labels obtained on seasonal buying trips to Europe, and Italy in particular.

Amarcord Soho – 252 Lafayette St between Prince & Spring – 212-431-4161 – Map

The word ‘markdowns’ is in quotations because, after nearly a week of Barneys’ Winter Warehouse Sale “madness,” only the tuxedos were on sale as of Tuesday morning. (Madness is in quotations because this season’s sale has been pretty tame.) One clerk said to expect additional markdowns by the end of the week. Another said not to expect any until next week. We trust the former, but we’ll keep you posted.

Note: Simply by virtue of its size, Barneys Warehouse Sale has always been an easy target for critics. This latest iteration, however, has many readers vowing to never visit the sale again. “It’s really the same sh*t recycled sale after sale,” says one. “Worst stuff I’ve seen in a long time,” says another. “Really bad this time.” These days, we’re sure Barneys has bigger concerns than consumers’ perception of its warehouse sale. Still, it obviously counts on the biannual events to recoup lost profits, and fewer shoppers makes that prospect less likely. Our advice? Get your sh*t together, Barneys Warehouse Sale!