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We made it back, men, and our fears are confirmed: We're just not that into this particular Barneys Warehouse Sale. Now, don't get us wrong, there's always something worth buying at these things—it is Barneys, and we're merely human. But stacked up against sales past, we're a little disappointed.
Starting with shirting—we usually start out in shirting—we were greeted with signs alleging said shirts were an additional 25% off. Those signs need to be taken down—as of Tuesday evening shirts were very much un-discounted (needless to say we put the one piddly thing we considered buying back). Anyway, there are still some goodies amongst the ordinary and also-ran. A green glen plaid Burkman Bros. shirt was $69 (from $168), an expertly-weathered red macro-gingham by Rogue's Gallery was $59 (from $110), a sort of oddly paneled pinstripe by Comme des Garçons SHIRT was $239 (from $595), some cute corduroy shirts—a Co-op exclusive from Steven Alan—were $79 (from $169), and a litany of cheerful Gitman Bros. tartans were $79 (from $170).
On to the knits, which actually were an additional 25% off initial sale prices (so, 25% off the prices noted below). We liked Marc by Marc Jacobs pique polos with little dolphin monograms for $39 (from $88, though the original retail price was unavailable). Also look for a paper-thin color-blocked Opening Ceremony pocket tee for $79 (from $160), yellow Jack Spade tees printed with those mustache-and-big-nose disguise glasses for $19 (from $45), waffle-y Michael Kors henleys for $89 (from $195), and a cobalt blue cardigan with terry trim by Margiela for $209 (from $515).
Over in designer, look for tags stamped with a little blue star—that stuff is also 25% off lowest marked prices. That said, the area is pretty wiped out, aside from a huge chunk of horrible Etro shirts, a mess of RRL and like ten strangely feminine blue overcoats with teeny-tiny buttons by Patrik Ervell. A hooded overcoat in plaid mohair by Dries van Noten was marked down to $1149—we couldn't find the original price. Likewise a transparent Patrik Ervell rain slicker ($299) and gold Marc Jacobs skinny jeans ($110). We spotted a few properly tagged print Prada shirts for $219 (from $339) and a checked Jil Sander blazer for $699 (from $1995).
Casual pants were uninspiring, but there appear to be plenty of boxes ripe for restocking. Some sort of stand-outs: Five pocket khakis by John Varvatos Star USA were $99 (from $189), worsted wool trousers by Band of Outsiders were $179 (from $239—though the original retail price was missing), and a stiff pair of over-dyed gray slim fit jeans by Thom Browne were $139 (from $350). We liked a pair of Nice Collective skinny jeans in olive ($99), and a subtly-printed pair of Burkman Bros. khakis ($89)—but we can't tell you what they were marked down from (this is becoming a problem).
Now, coat prices are sort of reduced. If we understand correctly, everything is an additional 25% off barring overcoats and raincoats—this includes leather and shearling. Our picks: A fine navy wool duffel-cum-military coat with a hood and red trim by Trussardi 1911 for $959 (from $1199—again, no original retail price was listed) and an adorable checked Marc by Marc Jacobs take on the classic Baracuta for $219 (from $358). If Marc by Marc can do Baracuta why shouldn't Patrik Ervell do a Nehru? One in gray wool is $399 (the original price—who knows?) A Navajo-inspired flannel shacket by RRL is $199 (from $395), a double-breasted Rag & Bone overcoat in plaid with a contrast collar and shoulders is $499 (from $649), and a sheepskin-lined tartan car coat by Schott is $599 (we'd love to tell you the original price if we could). The best deal: 25% off a perfectly-perfect hard denim jean jacket by Thom Browne marked at $139 (from $395).
Let's schlep on down the stairs to ties and shoes, shall we? Sorry—no suit reporting this time, but it's not like there are any surprises over in that end ?
Over in shoes all those sneakers we didn't see last week have come out to play: Lanvin and Margiela, Alife and Creative Recreation, Converse and Vans. Vans Vault is always on our radar—try the saddle shoe variant for $29 (from $75). The All-Stars, sublty-checked and in several colors, are $39 (from $89). Slip-on Margiela sneakers in a multitude of colorways—mostly larger sizes—are $219 (from $435), while jaunty every-color-on-white Paul Smith trainers are $119 (from $240). Real shoes are dwindling, but we loved a heavy Dries van Noten brogue in blue suede for $359 (from $715) and Florsheim by Duckie Brown wingtip-boots in cinnamon red for $229 (from $525).
Finally, ties are pretty much a crapshoot. Take, for instance, all the Psycho Bunny and the hideous nightmare that is one taupe Benjamin Bixby featuring a huge illustration of a retro cricket player (see the gallery). How old is this? And how is it still $69 (from $149)? Otherwise, a RRL tartan number is $59 (from $125), a Prada tie printed in tiny golf tees is $109 (from $440) and another in solid mustard is $99 (from $185), tonal rep ties by Gitman Bros. are $59 (from $125), a sweatery knit tie by John Varvatos is $59 (from $135), and a not-as-cute-as-it-might-sound cotton tie printed in dice by NSF is $69 (from $79—what kind of crap-ass discount is that?)
There you have it, folks—take two. We'll keep you posted.
· Menswear and Mayhem: A Barneys Warehouse Sale Opening Excursion [Racked NY]
· More Barneys: The Menswear Is Abundant This Season [Racked NY]
· Dealfeed: Barneys Warehouse Sale [Racked NY]
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