January is the best month to shop for clothes. This January is specially true. You got the regular factors: 1) seasonal change – retailer need to get rid of all the winter clothes for the Spring season; 2) New collection – They also need to clear out all last year’s style for the brand new year’s new collection; Those two are already good enough reason for them to have the biggest sale of the entire year. This month though, has two additional factors that further push the prices to the new low: 1) the economic downturn – retailers knows how bad it is, so they are prepare to earn, even if it’s a steep discount; 2) Sale tax on clothes will be re-instate very soon – NYS is broke, they need the money. The Governor’s propose budget already said sale tax on clothing will be back. This will probably the last months when we still can shop clothes without paying sale taxes. As you can see, if you have some clothing need and you are not taken advantage of this month, then you are missing out!

Now of course the way to shop is because you really needed something, you don’t needlessly wander into a store and start shopping. You need to have something in mind, you need to have a target. For me it’s a new winter jacket. I need to retire two of my winter jackets that are over 6 years old and one of them, the color on one shoulder of one of the jacket is even faded because of my constant wearing of shoulder bag on that side. A jacket, therefore is what I needed and what I have in mind. I saw this Wool Peacoat on American Apparel’s website and is loving it.  Before I was able to see it in person though, I of course was searching for other similar offers online.  I stumbled across a blog of a store that is right by my apartment! Now I always like Alter but I was never able to find anything to buy when it first open – probably because the men’s clothing selection was small back then and everything seems expensive because of my tiny salary.  

This time though I found the jacket I wanted.  It’s called Coller 1912. The best thing is that it’s super skinny and yet super warm because this particular brand Spiewak has this technology called Thinsulate.  Inch for inch it’s nearly 1 1/2 times warmer than down without the bulkiness.  The pictures and the description are good, and the price is reasonable!  Not to mention it’s right by my apartment, so when I get home, I went there and tried the coat out.  And description did not lie about how warm it is! It is insanely warm just when i was putting it on.  I was all ready to put down my cash but there was an obstacle – they don’t have my size!!! they are not going to restock it obviously because they are ready to move on to the Spring season.  So I choose another coat from the same brand instead: Haris Duffle Tweed.  Even though it’s not my first choice, I actually like it a lot more because of it’s unique style and the hood!

I also pick out a new pair of gloves.  Not that I don’t like my gloves from Muji, but I need to have something else to wear, can’t wear the same pair all the time! This particular pair of gloves is military style, so it’s very cool.  Now last but not least, I found the skinniest skinny tie EVER! As you know I was always on the look out for skinny tie, so I gotta have it, there’s just no other way~ :p  Now after this really fantastic experience in the Alter, I realize the boutiques in my neighborhood has wicked style that is quite fitting to me, plus they most likely have my size since they are cater to the local young hipsters.  With that in mind, I was ready to try yet another store in the neighborhood!

left is the skinniest tie i just bought, middle is my current skinny, right is a regular size tie.

I went into Dalaga, another store that is across the street from me.  They have mostly women clothes, but they do have a selection of men’s clothes.  The best thing for this month is that all men’s clothes they have are 50% off! I picked out a wool trench coat, guess how much? it’s $55! I also got a hat – first time ever – cos i always look weird in hats, but this one does look okay and it’s cheap~ 

I still have my eyes on AA’s wool peacoat, but i know from now on I will pay more attention to my local stores too! One last note, the people in both Alter and Dalaga are super nice and friendly! It just make the shopping experience even better!

Related posts:

1. V Day Gifts for myself
2. Green…tee

Tagged: Alter · Brooklyn · clothes · coat · Fashion · gloves · Greenpoint · skinny ties