As I was out shopping (again) for wardrobe deals for my hubby, I was reminded of how many wives, girlfriends and significant others do the shopping for their guys. You have to wonder if these guys don’t have any sense of style, truly can’t be bothered with shopping or don’t know where to go. Perhaps it’s just that we ladies are better at it.

Most of us women can buy for our guys to a certain extent. I have compiled a great selection of casual yet stylish shirts and jackets for my guy. I have a harder time with shoes, suits and pants. Who’s got the time to return unwanted items... not I!

What I needed was a store where the selection was higher end, sales people could help put together an outfit and that sold stylish duds for way less than retail. A place I could safely let my husband loose to shop.

I found all of these requirements in Armani Wells Men’s Resale in Studio City.

Armani Wells has been around for 13 years and I had visited before, but it wasn’t until just this week when I met the owner that I felt I had found a gem of a store. Not only does this store sell better men’s designer apparel for 50%-80% less than original retail. But it has an amazing sales / fashion stylist, the owner Claudia Wells. Since she buys every piece in her store, she can quickly pull perfect items for her clients and then take the time to work with each individual. Full service at bargain pricing… cool uhn!

Armani Wells is one of the very last, if not the very last men’s resale store this side of the Mississippi. The longevity of the store has a lot to do with the both the quality and the sough after designers available here. Devin Michaels, Haupt, Versus, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole Gian Franco Ferre, Versace, Armani, Piattelli, Fellini are some that I found in the casual goods. The suit and sport jacket collection had Gucci, Prada, Calvin Klein, Black label Armani, Zanella, Perry Ellis, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabana, Ermengildo Zegna, Daniel Gremeux and more. There were shoes by Bally, Bruno Magli, DeFabrizio, Fred Hayman, Hero’s, Calderone, Geox and Dario Dodono. Everything I looked at was either new, near new or in mint used condition.

Like all resale stores, it’s lots of “one-of-a-kind” items. But there is enough selection here to fit any size (34 short to 52 long) and any style (conservative to hip). Nothing here is cheap but the bargains are outstanding. A John Varvatos finely tanned lambskin jacket retails for $1800. But here it was $475. All the Ferragamo shoes were $50. Brand new these shoes sold from $375-$2200. A great pair of Bally’s was also just $50. A Neiman Marcus cashmere argyle sweater was $85 instead of $400. One shirt that was perfect for my fashion challenged guy was a D & G blue shirt that originally retailed for $275 but here it’s only $65. Basics are abundant here, but you’ll find jackets, ties, vest, belts, hats and other accessories to complete your look. Oh -but you’ll have to skip the Abe Lincoln top hat in the window. It is not for sale

The buys on the suits were fantastic! Some outstanding deals include a Zanella wool suit at $285. Expect to pay $1200-1600 for this quality at retail. A Gian Franco Ferre suit was also a steal at $385 considering new its $2300. A killer Dolce & Gabana suit would retail upwards of $1900 but here it’s $375. These quality stylish suits are statement makers and are a worthy investment new, but for $375 they are absolute steals.

This store does have its weaknesses. About half of the stores inventory isn’t tagged and you have to ask the price. Though a bit annoying, you can rest easy. Everything I asked about was at least 60% below the original retail.

I can take Saturday afternoons off now that I’ve found Armani Wells. I’m sending my husband out to shop on his own. He’ll come back looking great and we will have saved a bundle. The only reason for guys not to shop here is if you want to continue to dressing like you live in a dorm. It’s a real gem!

Armani Wells
12404 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818.985.5899
M-Sat. 10am-6pm
www.armaniwells.com

Happy Bargain Shopping!

Tell 'em BargainsLA.com sent you!
Suzanne O'Connor