When it rains, it pours. End-of-season sales are coming down this week, with the newest one being from End – a UK-based shop that carries a range of inventory rivaling Mr. Porter’s. At the moment, you can take 20% off with the checkout code VIPSALE. That might not sound like much, but remember the prices here are already about 20% lower than US-based boutiques (thanks to automatic VAT discounts). If your order is worth less than $800, they’ll arrive duty-free. Shipping is also free on orders over $250.
Since the inventory is so large, your best bet is to scan through the site’s list of brands. Some that I think are notable:
- ArkAir: ArkAir is the civilian-wing of an old English company, Arktis, which has been providing standard-issue military wear to special forces around the world since 1985. Over the years, they’ve sold to everyone from the French Foreign Legion to UK’s Royal Marines. ArkAir is inspired by those original military jackets, but the clothes are cut in a way that makes them practical for civilian use. Best of all is the price. With jackets nowadays commonly landing north of $500, these hover around $250. With the checkout code, that brings them to $199.
- Barbour: One of the best times to get a Barbour jacket is during End’s promotions. Being that prices here are, again, lower than most places, the 20% discount just makes them even more affordable. Along with core-line models, such as the Beaufort and Bedale, you can find things such as the Ashby (which is basically the Bedale, but with a slimmer body and longer sleeves). See my Barbour Buyer’s Guide here.
- Buttero: Like Common Projects, but with a sense of humor. The detailing around the toe caps and tongue make these feel less serious than other minimalist designs. Plus, frankly, they’re less ubiquitous.
- Ten C: Ten C really shines when they use their stiffer fall/ winter fabrics, but even in these more common cotton-poly blends, the designs are great. The company specializes in classic workwear pieces – such as fishtail parkas and field jackets – but there’s an incredible level of detailing. The parkas, for example, have wired hoods that give the coat an interesting and unique three-dimensional shape. One of my favorite outerwear brands.
- Orslow: I’ve been really enjoying my Orslow 107 jeans. They’re on the skinny side – although nothing like Saint Laurent – but have a higher rise than what you’d get out of APC. A much more easily wearable cut, I think. My friend Gerry can be seen wearing the same cut in some of the photos here (the Orslows are the dark blue pair).
- Inverallan: Traditionally made Aran sweaters, but ones that come in a more flattering fit that what you’d commonly find elsewhere. The company specializes in two designs – a shawl collar cardigan that can be worn with jeans and a button-down when lounging around the neighborhood, then a pullover that makes for a nice layering piece. I really like these sort of cabled styles with Barbour jackets.
- Jamison’s: My favorite Shetland sweaters are still from O’Connell’s, but Jamison’s are nice if you want a slightly slimmer, more contemporary fit. On sale, they’re also about $85, which is roughly half of what you’d pay at O’Connell’s. Shetlands are great in that, not only are they incredibly durable, but they also help add texture to an outfit. Wear them with either sport coats or casual clothing.
- Spalwart: Great shoes if you like retro-styled runners. The soles are a little quirky, which help set these apart from actual running shoes. I wear mine with field jackets and jeans.
- Junya Watanabe: I’m sorely tempted by this dark floral Aloha shirt. Price is painfully steep though, even with the discount. If you buy one, make sure you size up – Junya stuff typically runs slim.
- Zespa: Another great alternative to Common Projects. These feel sportier than the Achilles, but also a little sleeker than Stan Smiths. I think they’d look great with slim jeans and a casual topcoat.
- Sale Section: Note, End also has a sale section. The code won’t stack, but I spotted some really good deals here. Textured, wool SNS Herning fisherman sweaters, for example, are about 50% off. They look a little funny on their own, but their unique designs are great when you layer them underneath a jacket. They lend just enough visual interest where a smooth merino might be too boring. Be sure to size up.
