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L.L. Bean Signiture, In The Bag

— Tue, 19th January 2010 —

Hoping to whet your respective appetites, L.L. Bean has released two bags in advance of its Signature collection’s March debut. Designed by one Alex Carleton — of Rogues Gallery fame — the line represents the brand’s best effort to achieve age-spanning design and construction at reasonable price points. (In a perfect world, this would be the ultimate goal of every clothing company.) [Valet.]

Take your pick between a salt-washed indigo tote for $65, and a vegetable-tanned leather number for $189. Perhaps it’s because the shade and handle design remind me of the attache my father toted around the world on business, but I was immediately drawn to the latter, and would gladly put it to work.

Broadly speaking, and as I’ve said many times, ill-considered bags are responsible for ruining more outward appearances than perhaps any furnishing. Peculiar footwear is the most obvious culprit, but never quite as conspicuous as an overparticular man-purse, a hulking satchel, or the infamous suit & backpack combo.

J. Crew Sample Sale

— Mon, 18th January 2010 —

Some of you chewed me out for not noting the last J. Crew sample sale at Clothingline. (We’d expected another lame showing, but the sale turned out to be, in the words of one reader, “actually pretty decent.”) Well, Tuesday through Saturday, 1/19-1/23, Clothingline’s at it again, and they’re promising plenty of men’s wear and footwear.

Still, as another reader insisted last time around: “I absolutely refuse to go to this sale again after going to the last 2 and leaving sooo disappointed … For a bit more cash, you will have a better experience shopping at the actual store with more options and size selections!”

Report from the field: “Unlike the ghosts of J.Crew sales past, this one is ripe with replenished footwear, Thomas Mason shirts, sweaters (mostly med), wovens (again, mostly med), pants (mostly 32 x 32), and a smattering or outerwear & sport jackets,” writes one enthused reader. “Their first sale was still their best, but in comparison with the last 5 this is a close runner up.”

Day 2 Report from the field: Kenji of ModSnob writes in: “The sale was good to me on Day 2. I racked up on two Thomas Mason shirts (2 for $90). Everyone must keep in mind that this is a SAMPLE SALE–meaning all size medium or mens 9 (shoes). However Thomas Mason had larges, XLs, and one or two smalls. Knit wear pieces (2 for $55 * I believe). Also, I found a pink gingham for less that $30. Keep in mind that all the ’09 shirting is slimmer fit. I found that ’08 was a fuller cut. Also the shoe selection is ample. Same shoes from the last Clothing Line sample sale minus the boots. Some suede drivers can be had for $60 … The tailored garments were few and far between. Sweaters of all material were the hottest items in addition to the cotton tees and polos. I may go back for the unique selection of vests. Don’t tell anyone but I also picked up a Rugby toggle front shawl collar knit that was mixed in with the J. Crew merchandise.”

J. Crew sample sale – Clothingline – 261 W 36th St between 7th & 8th – 2nd fl – Tues-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm – Map

Odin 50% Off

— Fri, 15th January 2010 —

In store and online, Odin is now taking up to 50% off some very nice pieces that are guaranteed to hold up — both physically and style-wise — for many years to come. Loving this woolen overcoat by Our Legacy for just $280.

Odin – 328 East 11th St between 1st and 2nd – 212-475-0666 – Map
Odin – 199 Lafayette St between Broome and Kenmare – 212-966-0026 – Map

Rag & Bone 65% Off

— Fri, 15th January 2010 —

Missed Rag & Bone‘s F/W sample sale in November. Then get to the British label’s West Village Men’s store, where you’ll now find up to 65% off remaining F/W stock.

Rag & Bone West Village – 100 Christopher St between Bleecher & Bedford – 212-727-2999 – Wed-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm – Map

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