The Choosy Beggar

This is classic. The paper of record asks how some brazen designers can charge more for shorts than pants made of the same fabric. [NYTimes.com]

“It’s like you are getting less fabric and less workmanship for more money,” one analyst tells the Times, who, by the way, has noticed an increasing trend in casual shorts — cut-offs, sweat shorts and even shorts made of poor man’s cotton ramie (a blend that gives a silky effect) — now masquerading in stores as fancy dress-up wear.

Obviously, alternatives — from sample sales, to re-sale, to hemming — abound. Last week, we picked up a perfectly fit pair of shorts at the Gant sample sale for $20.

Thursday and Friday only, Gargyle is hosting a “pre-Memorial Day sale” featuring up to 40% off some of the coolest designers around. In store and online.

Gargyle – 16A Orchard St between Canal & Hester – 917-470-9367 – 10am-7pm daily – Map

Still down about missing Barneys one-day 40%-off sale earlier this month? Don’t be. “Selected” items — call regarding a specific piece — are now 40% off, while more items are expected to be marked down in the coming weeks. And don’t forget about online.

**Word to the wise: “Most of the third floor designers aren’t on sale yet, but will be at 50% off starting May 26,” says one informed reader. “They will probably pre-sell them to you at that price now.”**

Wednesday and Thursday only, 3.1 Phillip Lim spring ’09 — which Men.Style fittingly called Davie (Bowie) Live — goes on sale at 50% off.

**Report from the field:

“They take C.Cards too!
Jackets are about $300-400
Bags are $150
Belts are $50
Tops are $50-100
Pants are mostly $75
3-4 racks of men’s wear.“**

3.1 Phillip Lim sale – 260 W 39th between 7th & 8th – 17th fl – 10am-5pm daily – Map