"Brodarte"

$2,670 for a slice of heaven

What! Can it be! Rodarte has finally come out with a men's collection, available only at Opening Ceremony! Oftentimes when labels begin designing for men they lose a lot of what makes their women's collection so outstanding (see: Alexander Wang...Elizabeth and James...) but Rodarte has successfully been able to maintain the essence of their brand while also making the clothing masculine enough for a menswear audience. These threads (no pun intended) don't come cheap though, with each sweater costing $2,670. Maybe you'll get free shipping? The price doesn't shock me, however, and I don't think it's an unreasonable amount considering that the garments are all hand knit here in the U.S.A and use some really exceptional and high quality fabrics like superkid mohair and alpaca. Sadly, I can't afford any of this on a college student budget (and I'm saving my extra kidney for a Rick Owens jacket) but I'll be keeping my eye on you, grey crewneck!

Don't Quote Me

"LA Fashion Week...is incredibly arrogant and demanding. I mean, these editors have been all over the globe for a couple of weeks [for Fashion Month] and then LA is saying 'Okay, now you have to come here.' Please, I mean, get off your ass and go to Europe. I mean, that's what I did and you just have to go where you have to go ... [W]hy do they have to be a fashion capital? They're the movie capital of the world and they've always been that, can't they just be satisfied with that?"-Rick Owens to Hint Mag Online

Alexander Wang to do menswear!

Lately, it seems as though designers with a niche in either womenswear or menswear are now expanding their business and designing for both sexes. With the economy being so bleak and fashion companies being so hard up for cash these days, do you really blame them? CDFA nominated menswear designer Tim Hamilton recently announced that he would try his hand at designing for women. Rick Owens and wonderboy Gareth Pugh just showed their first menswear collections to rave reviews at Fashion Week in Paris last week. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen plan to add menswear to their high-end label, The Row. And, just today, Style.com is reporting that Alexander Wang (who just came into some extra cash as a CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund award recipient) is planning to show a men's collection this Fall. Wang even says that he will be wearing the men's pieces himself, so keep your eyes peeled for a little preview. While I'm not usually a tee shirt kind of guy, best believe that I'll be breaking my neck to get my hands on one of his new pieces!

Save(a)Buck

Well, there may be at least one good thing to come out of this recent recession (hint: it starts with an "s" and ends in an "e"). Yep, that's right, SALE(S)! Retailers everywhere have been slashing prices drastically in hopes of salvaging what's left of this fiscal year, and the deepest cuts can be found online. So, from now until the end of the year (and, probably, beyond if this economy demands it) I'll be filling you in on some of this season's sweetest deals. It's my gift to you, so enjoi!

This week, eLuxury.com is discounting it's closet of high-priced designer duds up to as much as 40% off. Here are my picks:

Dior leather "Plaque" flats, $309 (from $535)

Rag & Bone Pleated Dress, $299 (from $495)

Marc Jacobs "Bianca", $999 (from $2,850)

J Brand Pencil Leg Jean, $79 (from $158)

3.1 Phillip Lim Canvas Duffle Bag, $299 (from $325)

Dior Homme "Butterfly" Print Tee, $109 (from $180)

Maison Martin Margiela Destroyed Boot, $799 (from $1,145)

Rick Owens Jersey Tee, $245 (from $351)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Houndstooth Dress, $275 (from $458)

Fendi "Secret Code" Bootie, $439 (from $730)