4 ways to shop w/o cashing out your 401k

Tiffany & Co. Atlas Flask ($750) | Banana Republic: Tumbled leather travel bag ($278)

TIMES LIKES THESE | Lately I have been really conscious about my economic standing. I am going to come right out and admit it. I am poor! These days my pockets are not running very deep when the rent is two weeks late, I am forced to eat Ramen and Con Ed is threatening to cut off the power (yeah it can happen!). I may be over exaggerating slightly but in these trying times and an ever-fluctuating credit card balance, I am not left with much to indulge in reckless shopping benders. So fear not, gentleman in like situations. We are not destined to sit this season out! I have found several recession friendly splurges to satisfy fashion hungry appetites that don’t fall victim to shifting trends.

Andrew Christian Sports Mesh Brief 9096 ($23)

1. | Change Drawers | Boxers or briefs? It’s really a personal preference. And it should come as no surprise that skivvies sales are on the rise. Unlike coats or sportswear, underwear sales tend to be unmoved by trends or seasonal spending. Also, underwear is a sure way to up the luxury factor by boosting ego as well as adding a little sexiness to what’s under your jeans even if you’re the only one who’s going to see them. Hot brands like CK, Ginch Gonch and Aussie Bum offer different styles, colors and cuts that not only enhance but also accentuate your bits and pieces. For the more unusual brands check out the companies’ websites or leading underwear e-tailer Freshpair.com for regular promotions and discounts.

Urban Outfitters 'Lost Flask' ($18)

2. | Flask It | If you’re like me and refuse to give up the sauce (even though it will end up saving you tons) the BYOB option is a great fail safe. Ok, you may get pitiful and/or dirty looks from discerning bar patrons when whipping out a bottle of Smirnoff in the open but that’s the beauty of the flask. Flasks do a great job concealing your favorite hooch and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. Historically speaking until the mid 19th century, flasks were primarily made of glass, and were often embossed with images or names. For that vintage cool look check eBay – frequently these glass flasks are up for bid. Modern flasks can be found almost everywhere, from the comical styles at Urban Outfitters to the more expensive Tiffany and Co. The best part about the modern metal flasks is that they can be personalized to your liking by any engraver. Use your initials in fancy calligraphy or kitschy quotations like “I Drink to Feel Pretty”. Either way no one is going to fault you for adding a little style to your obvious cheapness.

Lacoste Weekend Bag @ Saks Fifth Avenue ($150)

3. | Reevaluate Purses | Ok boys, I hate to be the one to break it to you but the tote bag is over. The hipster staple has had an unfortunate lasting effect, especially on the male population. Maybe it’s time to butch it up; I mean seriously what is manly about a glorified purse? Enter the Weekend bag. The weekend bag falls somewhere between a duffle and bowling bag. These more masculine options evoke a more athletic, sporty look – while providing multiple carrying solutions – than their distant cousin the tote. Weekend bags are perfect for the gym, shopping trips in Soho or for the upcoming ski weekends to Vermont. Look for uncomplicated, refined designs in durable materials like leather or canvas.

HM by Hanae Morie @ Sephora.com ($70)

4. | Smell better | While not a fan of men who regularly wear cologne, I do find that a scent worn on the right occasion can command a surprisingly sexy and unexpected presence. The problem with wearing cologne is that most men do not know how to choose an appropriate scent for them. Not every cologne is going to smell the same on you as it does on your best buddy. The way a scent reacts with your body and skin is based on chemistry. That’s why the first step is going to a retailer or department store and testing individual fragrances on cards. Find a scent that appeals to your senses and emotions. I try and look for particular ones that have an air of nostalgia to them and remind me of something in my own life. Decipher the fragrance notes in the cologne. Most fragrances have multiple notes with top notes being the most prominent. Do you smell citrus, amber or patchouli? Some of my personal favorites for fall are John Varvatos’ Artisan and Hanae Mori’s HM. A modest change in personal fragrance is a great way to update and your style and look without turning yourself into a Guido from New Jersey.

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