Bargain bin

Living stylishly on a budget

Today is the last day to catch a Brooks Brothers sale on gabardine pants (two pairs for $249) and selected suits from its 1818 collection (two for $999). We hear office dress codes have swung back to formal, so now might be the time to stock up. Stop in the stores at 75 State St., 46 Newbury St., The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Natick Collection, or shop online at www.brooksbrothers.com.

Getting through Downtown Crossing can be a chore, but the markdowns at the neighborhood Aldo (415 Washington St., 617-357-6891) are worth the effort. We spotted a pair of knee-high maroon leather boots for $80 (marked down from $170) and shiny patent leather pumps, in pastels as well as more sensible brown and white, for as little as $15 (marked down from $90). The secret to the steep discounts? Many of the shoes are last season's, and have been handed off from other Aldo stores. As they say, good things come to those who wait.

Speaking of shoes, we were pleased to see that The Tannery (11A Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-491-0810) is having its buy-one, get-half-off-the-second-pair sale. Browse the Merrells, Timberlands, Lacostes, and Thierry Rabotins, and feel a bit less guilty about not picking just one. While in Harvard Square, don't forget about Berk's (50 JFK St., 617-492-9511), whose charmingly idiosyncratic sales rack in the front boasts savings of up to two-thirds off the original price.

Like to entertain at home? Then head to Vessel's South End store (652 Tremont St., 617-425-5292) tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. for a fall housewarming event. Owners Duane Smith and Stefane Barbeau will be offering a 20 percent discount on cookbooks, kitchen utensils, toasters, placemats (we especially like the ones depicting roadside signs) and Vessel's own sturdy kitchenware (above). For good measure, they'll also be raffling off a chef's knife from the newly launched Simha line, a $220 value.

If the impending winter has you tempted to bury your head under the covers, Down to Basics (249 Newbury St., 617-267-3696) might be your dream come true. Select down comforters are nearly 60 percent off. The twin size, normally $866, is now $399; the king, normally $1,198, is now $499. In case that still seems steep, these comforters are used in upscale hotels and resorts - so at least you can bury your head in luxury. - AMI ALBERNAZ