Wise Guys Can Find Wise Buys at Tristen E.
When “Bargain Hunting in L.A.” was published 15 years ago, those involved in the publication of the book were surprised to discover that the most avid bargain shoppers seemed to be folks with money. Book sales were the highest in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Encino and San Marino.
Seems even the moneyed like to hunt for the best stuff at the best price.
A new men’s clothing store fills the bill with current, quality European apparel at healthy reductions. Tristen E. is the shop and some of the names you’ll find on its racks are Armani, Boss, Fendi, Ungaro, Valentino, Tallia, Gianfranco Ferre and Jhane Barnes.
Well-dressed men all over town wait a long time for sales on these labels, but Tristen E. has everyday prices at 40% to 50% off retail. The store carries good-quality, fully lined lightweight wool suits from Italy that start at a very comfortable $316.
Owner Sammy Elias makes buying trips to Italy several times a year to select designs and fabrics for his inventory, which is one reason why he can charge less--and he is buying direct from the factories. If you like his taste, of course, you will love the merchandise.
The store has a charming, soothing garden atmosphere in which to shop, but the bottom line is that you can count on saving around 40%. European designer suits that would retail all over town for about $600 to $1,500 range in price at Tristen E. from $316 to about $800. For example, a lightweight wool Giorgio Armani suit in a subtle gray plaid commands $1,550 in some stores; the tag at Tristen’s reads $796. A classic three-piece Fendi suit retails at $998, but the store offers it for $628, while a $498 silk and wool Tallia sport coat is $276.
The superbly dressed, well-heeled gentleman of our dreams didn’t get that way by spending foolishly, which is why he probably shops here.
* Tristen E., 8784 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday by appointment. Closed Labor Day. Major credit cards. (310) 369-0942.
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Weekend Super Sale: For those looking to cut prices on one of the most costly investments we make in our homes--flooring--cancel whatever plans you have for Saturday afternoon and get yourself over to the Carpet Club showroom. Saturday half the store will be half off for half the day. In other words, a selection of half of their inventory of carpeting, hardwood and vinyl flooring will be 50% off their regular low prices from noon to 5 p.m.
* The Carpet Club, 16681 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills. (818) 892-2082.
