After 87 years, Loehmann's, the king of discount retailers, is going where no man has gone before: Specifically, it's opening its first store devoted to off-price designer goods for guys only.
On Tuesday, the doors will swing open to the Loehmann's Men's Store on La Cienega Boulevard, a new 18,000-square-foot space across the street from Loehmann's West Coast flagship. (The dividend, ladies: Your store now boasts a larger accessories department.)
Guys, prepare to discover the joys of perennially reduced wares from Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Ermenegildo Zegna's Z label at up to 65% below retail.
And ladies, stop gloating over the idea of men finally having to endure the indignity of the Loehmann's communal changing area. The men will be squeezing into their size 32 Calvins in the continuing comfort of private fitting rooms.
Mara Kelly, vice president of marketing, cites space, not the male mind, as the reason behind the closed quarters. "Customers," she says, "seem to like private dressing rooms better."
Well, duh.
Loehmann's Men's Store (opens Tuesday), 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 358-0103. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.loehmanns.com
SALE
Liz Lange Maternity Through March 31: If the pitter-patter of tiny feet is in your imminent future, congratulations: You have the perfect excuse to buy a new wardrobe. Everything in Lange's soon-to-be-shuttered shop is $25, so it's time for a pre-stork stock-up. Belly-covering tube tops, cashmere skirts, sizzling slim cigarette pants and fitted dresses rival goods from non-natal boutiques. 346 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 273-0099. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
EVENTS
Metamorphosis Shopping Party Sunday: The doors to Michele Pietra's private resale loft are usually closed to the public. For two short days, the former stylist is giving shoppers the key to her collection of high fashion resale goods from the closets of fashion's glitterati. Pieces by Prada, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent are up to 95% off their original retail prices. An Alexander McQueen lace corset stands out more than usual now that it's $800 instead of a cool two grand. Ferragamo's python satchel was $4,200, now $1,100. Shoes from the heavy-hitting trifecta of Blahnik, Choo and Louboutin start at $98. Fabric Salon. 152 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 274-7574. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.metcouture.com
