My Adidas Walk Through Concert Doors

I have a little bit of a problem, in that when I see retro-looking sneakers on sale...I MUST BUY THEM.  In this case, I bought a pair of men's size 8 Adidas Neos (I didn't realize Justin Beiber was the brand spokesperson, which may be why they were on sale) at DSW on Broadway & 79th St., where the Filenes Basement used to be.  They were on sale for $38.50, and I had a $10 off coupon -- so if you do the math...that makes them: REALLY CHEAP.

Man Up - Sample Sale Spruce Up

Paul & Shark, Hickey Freeman/Bobby Jones and Paul Smith are all hosting sample sales. Up your game, just in time for the new season of networking, socializing and wedding attendance (even if Kate Middleton didn't invite you).

Paul & Shark Sample Sale
April 27 – April 29
Weds. & Thurs. 10am-5pm; Fri. 10am-4pm
Limited attendance after 4:30pm on Wed & Thu
79 Madison Ave, Suite 1206 (at 28th St.)
Payment Type: Cash/VISA/MC -NO AMEX

Made in Italy. A blend of luxury, function and tech, Paul & Shark is a world-wide brand worn by men of taste and distinction everywhere. Their Spring 2011 sample sale will feature an assortment of: luxury men's light-weight outerwear, short-sleeved polos, jeans, trousers, swimwear, wool and cotton sweaters, 100% cotton woven shirts, and men's shoes. Samples are all size large, some select sizes will be available.

Hickey Freeman & Bobby Jones
May 1-5pm
Sun. 9am-6pm; Mon.-Weds. 9am-6:30pm
317 West 33rd St., btwn 8th-9th Aves., ground floor
718.747.1656

Wholesale prices & Below Wholesale Prices
Try-ons permitted
Men's Clothing & Accessories

Sample & stock sale. From Hickey-Freeman: A huge selection of classic and sophisticated suits, sport coats, top coats, trousers, dress shirts and ties. Also knit and woven shirts, sweaters, trousers and outerwear. Suits start at $499.99 (retail $1,395-$3,295), sport coats $299.99-$699.99 (retail $995-$2,495), dress trousers $139.99 ($225-$295), and dress shirts start at $69.99 (retail $150-$225). From Bobby Jones: Signature knit and woven sport shirts $59.99 (retail $150-$195), sweaters start at $59.99 (retail $175) and trousers $49.99-$149.99 (retail $135-$375). Assorted sizes from all seasons. All sales final. No exchanges or returns. Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted. Credit cards only. No cash or checks accepted.

Paul Smith Sample Sale
Men’s clothing, shoes and accessories are up to 75% off at the Paul Smith sample sale
April 28-30
Thurs.-Sat. (11am-7pm)
382 W. Broadway (between Broome & Spring St.)
 
/nancy brenner

Daffy's: The Fifty Dollar Fun Card Challenge

The good people of Daffy's posed a challenge to yours truly: They'd give me a $50 gift card that I could spend at any of their stores, if in exchange, I would recount my experience and talk about my purchases here on the blog only known as Guerilla Shopper.  I accepted their gentlewoman's challenge with enthusiasm and stormed the Daffy's on E. 18th St. near 5th Avenue - the downsized version of the old location around the corner, which is now H&M.

The photo above is everything I purchased for $50.  Four scented candles, water bottle, mini-umbrella (houndstooth!), and by far my favorite: the Kangol hat (only $17 in the men's dept).

I like Daffy's for their housewares, knick-knacks and men's/children's department.  The latter being really impressive, actually.  I don't find the women's apparel as intriguing, perhaps because the ladies are so thorough and on top of it as soon as new merch arrives in-store.

Also, Daffy's (formerly Daffy Dan's - how y'like me now!?): can you get a dimmer switch on your lights?  I feel like I'm in 7-Eleven (not a good feeling when trying on bras).

Hot Hot Prada News ...if you're reading this..you're invited

to the sale of the season...sources say nice selection of men's shoes...and handbags...

Location: 609 West 51st Street between 11th & 12th Aves.
When: Saturday, October 17th - Friday October 23rd
Hours: Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th, 9am - 6pm; Monday, October 20th - Friday October 23th, 10am - 7pm
Registers close promptly at 6pm and 7pm respectively.

NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY. ADMITTANCE WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED.

Merchandise: Prada & Miu Miu Ready-to-Wear, Footwear, Handbags, Wallets, Accessories...
Women's and Men's FALL/WINTER 2008 and Select Merchandise from earlier seasons

Payment: CREDIT or DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS ONLY
(NO cash or checks)

NO RETURNS - ALL SALES FINAL

(courtesy of Nancy Brenner)

For the Boys: Hugo Boss Sale - One Day Only (6/24)

PSI from Nancy Brenner:

As a public service to all the men who asked for intel on dressing their best - today is your lucky day! Suits for Hugo are $329.99 or 3 for $899.99 and they are beauties. Sorry I don't have pics - no cameras allowed. If suits are beyond your budget, instantly upgrade your wardrobe with a polo for $34.99, a dress shirt for $39.99 (or 3 for $99.99). If you're a sharp dresser, I don't have to tell you what kind of once-in-a-lifetime prices these are - men who aren't sharp dressers - just yet - this is your shopportunity! These shirts normally retail from $125-$175. And each suit usually retails anywhere from $695-$1095. Jeans are $49. Shoes - $79 or 2 for $139. Always spilling something on your tie? Get one for $34.99 or splurge on 3 for $89.99. Men who don't like shopping - be brave - it's as civilized as tea at high noon. No hair pulling. No grabbing. No line for the mirror - you can have it all to yourself. If you guys can handle baseball games, wrestling matches, the U.S. Open or the MTA during rush hour - this will be like taking a nap, but waking up looking much better. Impress your boss, your date, or even your pet Lab - just go!
317 W. 33rd St., nr. Eighth Ave. Today (Wednesday), 9a–5p.

John Varvatos Sample Sale

From today's Urban Eye, a sale you boys can't afford to miss:

If You Can’t Take It, Fake It
So you can’t afford to shop in the new John Varvatos boutique in the old CBGB. Don’t get your leather in bunch: neither can Mike Albo — though he wants to, because everything fits so well. If, like him, you’re not “punk rock enough to shoplift,” head to the Varvatos showroom’s sample sale (207 West 38th Street; 212-239-7272) where suits, blazers, knits, T-shirts from spring, summer and fall are marked down by as much as 70 percent through Friday. Rawk.

“Backstage All-Access Passwear,” by Mike Albo

John Varvatos at CBGBs

(Photo by Chris Harris/MTV News)

OK, I am only going to say this once and MUCH to my chagrin: the new John Varvatos store in the old CBGBs space is like the ultimate goth rock bachelor pad. It kicks so much ass. It truly does. I really wanted to hate it and spit in its general direction, but whomever they hired to design and architect it should win an award.

I need to get back down there and shoot some covert photos, but it appears that they have kept the old walls and some of the old details. It is painted entirely black and features an alter of burning candles in red glass holders as well as a giant black chandelier that is actually a bunch of regular-sized chandeliers that are grouped together on the ceiling to take on the vibe of a giant alien-like lighting phenomenon. There is a section of old school high-end stereo equipment and on the other wall a bunch of old rock vinyl. There are giant stained glass windows hanging high on the wall where the middle of the bar used to dwell. There are pictures and posters of all the regular suspect rockers on the walls. Basically, if some guy lived here, I would definitely make out with him (this time much to my mother's chagrin).

I haven't even made mention of the men's clothes and shoes, which are exceptional as well. However they are so insanely expensive (a $900 cotton sport coat?), that I'm not sure who will actually shop here. Young up and comers can't afford it. Real rock stars will get it for free. So I guess they will be worn by an unfortunate set of rich lawyers and financiers who fancy themselves...well, who just fancy themselves.

Poem: A Small Man's Shoe Struggle

I tried on many Steve Maddens
but they maddened me
actually, I tried on boot that I liked
but it was without a partner
like Cindarella's slipper
and no prince came to find it for me
just a gay black stock boy
and he gave up quickly

Debonair Magazine: For Men

Debonair magazine - It's an online new men's magazine that talks about health, fashion and all kinds of sh*t that dudes are supposedly into. Their mission is:

Open the pages of a typical men's magazine and you will often find a medley of frivolous gadgets, preposterous travel destinations and clothing that rivals the price of a small automobile. We think it's time for a change. Money is not the determining factor in one's happiness. While other publications advertise lavish fantasies, Debonair offers exciting realities. Regardless of who you are, what you do or where you live, a better lifestyle awaits.

They just ran an article on the best places for men to shop in NYC that they thought my readers would enjoy - so have at it and let me know what you think!

Lurve, GSNYC

Hollywould Sale this weekend (Jan. 11-13)

From New York magazine's Best Bets: FRIDAY, I thought this was a sale worth highlighting, since this Guerilla finds this particular store interesting, but out of her price range under normal circumstances:

ENDING SUNDAY
Hollywould's cocktail dresses (now $99), satin pumps (now $99), and leather ballet flats (now $79) are on the cheap to make room for spring stock. When: 1/10–1/12 (11:30–7); 1/13 (noon–5). Where: 198 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St. (212-219-1905).

Puma Loakes Clyde: Available ANYWHERE in NYC?

Does anyone know if these bad boys are available anywhere in NYC? I think not, but thought I'd throw it out there...

From "Retro To Go:"

What do you get if you ask a sportswear firm to design footwear alongside a traditional shoe company? The Puma Loakes Clyde.
Part of the bespoke collection available from Oki-Ni, the shoe is based on the classic Clyde trainer from 1972, but re-interpreted by longstanding British footwear firm Loake. Premium grade calf leather is used for the upper, with each piece cut by hand. There's also a brogue-style toe, Clyde sole and a hand-polished finish.
And there's just 100 pairs around. If you want one, they retail for £180

Find out more at the Oki-Ni website

Kenneth Cole Kicks

So on my travels southward last week I encountered a younger (not by much!) male version of yours truly, the Guerilla Shopper.

I first noticed his shoes in the airport (it's the shoes money, it's gotta be the shoes) and didn't yet know that he and I were going to the same place! When I ran into him later on, I took the opportunity to admit my shoe admiration at which time I learned there was another pair that would make its debut the following day (brown/tan). Don't they look lovely against the puke-carpet that covered the entire hotel? I haven't seen a worse floor covering since I was in Reno in the 80s.

Anyway, he explained that he made his "kicks score" at an 80% off sale at Kenneth Cole store at the Chestnut Hill Mall in Mass. A man after my own wallet saving initiative, indeed!