Consider these to be power rankings. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month. The best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already. Agreements, disagreements, and additions are more than welcome in the comments section below.  Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months. Top Photo Credit: bgottsab
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5. Rugby Shetland Wool Elbow Patch Crewneck – $52.49 ($98.00)

Eight colors to choose from.

We got a long ways to go until spring.  Part of the extra 25% off sale items clearance going on at Rugby, where the reduced prices show up in your cart.  Plenty of texture on this sweater thanks to the “shaggy” (but is it boombastic?) Shetland wool.  We’re all so used to wearing V-necks, that it’s good to have a crewneck at our disposal.  The patches add some contrast as well as help prevent wear for when you’ve got your elbows on the table and head in your hands because you can’t get this out of your head.  (Ah yes.  Orville.  Desert Storm veteran and catchy pop hitmaker.)

4. Banana Republic Edward Messenger Bag – $96.75 w/ BRSAVE25 ($129)

Affordable and respectable.

Nice work Banana Republic.  The centered top grab handle means it’ll look real professional if you remove the shoulder strap.  The nickle hardware and leather trim classes it up.  The plain black nylon exterior keeps the price down.  15″ wide, so perfect for most laptops.  Currently 25% off with the code BRSAVE25.  Not bad.  30% off would make it $90.30.

3. Italian Made Cotton Striped Socks – $10.00 ($18.00)

Arrivederci boring ankles.

The bold sock trend has stuck around for awhile.  And while they’re not cashmere (our man Grant from ImageGranted loves himself some cashmere socks) they aren’t so bad as far as cost goes, especially if LastCall is running one of their many extra 30% off sales.  Made in Italy.  Cotton with a bit of spandex.  Would look awfully slick with this.

2.  Seiko 5 SNZJ19 – $133.60 | Seiko 5 SNZJ21 – $145.95

A new look for a favorite.

Those are flat out mean looking.  The rougher brother of the well loved SNZJ featured here.  Comes with a textured bezel, loses the inner rotating ring and its crown, and loses the numerals on the dial.  It’s going to be next to impossible to dress up, but that black and orange combination is something else.   No quartz here.

1. Allen Edmonds MacNeil Longwing – $175 ($295)

Casual shouldn't look this good.

Good Lord.  Not cheap by any stretch, but when you consider these are Made in the USA, Goodyear welted, recraftable, leather soled Allen Edmonds, then the well under $200 price tag becomes worth nodding your head in approval.  Part of the Allen Edmonds “rough” collection.  Ships free.  Sorry wide-foots.  Only available in D widths.

Westford Suede Shoes – $62.99 ($120)

Mneh?

They’re not the sexiest things ever, but seeing that they are made in the USA (update… nope.  they’re not.  See comments from mixto down below.) and with the extra discount, they get dirt cheap.  A big, big warning here:  looks like the RL polo pony is on the back of the heel in a slightly contrasting color.

Black Chambray Newsboy Cap – $17.49 ($35.00)

Paging Christian Bale.

The vast majority of us can’t pull off hats, especially this one, without looking contrived.  But if you’re the type that can?  Lucky you.  Sizing says “one size” so that makes it a risk.

Custom Fit Double Stripe and Rugby Stripe Polos – $41.99 ($89.50)

Waiting for spring.

Ralph Lauren Polos are just flat out nasty expensive if you’re just fine with those $10 Mossimo athletic fit Target specials.  You’re paying for that pony in many ways.  But the RL Custom fit is a true trim fit, and these stripes are dead on.  Not real weather appropriate for just after New Years, but that’s why they’re on sale.

Buffalo Check Lambswool Scarf – $31.59 ($59.50)

Affordable luxury just got more affordable.

Made in Italy, 80% lambswool / 20% nylon, and with the late winter many are having, there’s plenty of use left for this thing.  The lowest price (so far) of the season.

Wallingford Ankle Boot – $69.99 ($149.00)

As simple as it gets.

Another made in the USA shoe for a real reasonable price.  Calfskin uppers and rubber soles.  Pretty simple looking, but again, nice price for it being born here in the states.  Also available in Suede which might be the best play.  Credit to Alex W. for the style tip on these.

Tartan Lined Card Case – $34.30 ($75.00)

The, uh, money shot?

Nice detail.  But $75 is asking a lot for what usually looks like a plain’ ol’ card case.  $35 is more like it.

Waterbury Ankle Boot – $69.99 ($149.00)

Also available in dark brown

Probably the best looking of the made in the USA cheap polo shoes trio.  None of them look all that sleek, but for under $70 these should go real well with jeans and an deconstructed blazer.

Canvas Duffle – $41.99 ($125) | Buffalo Plaid Duffle – $69.99 ($145)

Excellent for, y'know, holding stuff.

Both are from the new (and struggling?) sub line “Denim & Supply”.  Both claim to have the same 11″ x 16.5″ x 9″ dimensions.  But they look awfully different in the pics.  The canvas duffle does have some logoing on one corner.  Could make a great backup / upgraded gym bag.

No word on when the Extra 30% off Ralph Lauren sale expires.

Someone might label you a carpetbagger, but then again you’d have to have had carpet made of Lumberjacks.  (The finest of all carpets in the world no doubt.)

It’s a traditional doctor style, with a reinforced bottom and those over the top buckles.  Even though it’s a “plaid flannel” exterior, it doesn’t seem to be natural.  Polyester and with faux leather polyurethane trim.  But that’s why it’s under $80 (and ships free.)

At 20″ wide it has almost 2,000 cubic inches of space, so it’s not miniscule.  But would you carry it?  Or is it a little too Al Borland meets Grandma Ma’s over-sized purse?

Leave your vote in the comments section below…

Meanwhile, if you want the plaid in a more traditional duffel style, Ralph Lauren’s “Denim & Supply” line has one on sale for just under $100.  About the same space inside, wool/poly/acrylic blend.

We’re heading into a major travel season.  You’ll need something to put your clothes in, and all the better if it’s something that’s as inexpensive as this.

Not too gymish to take on a vacation, and not too vacationy to take to the gym.  Over 2,000 cubic inches of storage space, so it’s big enough to be a true weekender, and stacks up well against a standard sized duffel from Hilfiger.

The straps are a soft but fake leather-like material, and while the exterior isn’t Kevlar strong, it’s not paper thin either.  Plenty sturdy enough to hold clothes, shoes, and maybe a bottle of wine or something else heavy.  The interior is a red candy stripe, but getting to it shows the one drawback:  The zipper is kind of flimsy.

Available in grey over at Maxton Men for $55 with free shipping (everything ships free there, and more on Maxton Men soon.)  Same price at Need Supply Co. but you’ll get nailed with $6.95 shipping.

Want to support a company that makes their gear here in the U.S.?  For a few bucks more, see the Primer Magazine approved Possibilities Bag from Beckel Canvas.  A little smaller but made in Portland.

There’s a serious lack of options when it comes to professional looking, not too rugged, city-ready work bags for under $200.  Especially if you want something that isn’t a true messenger bag.  This one has some solid details going for it, but there’s a few drawbacks as well:

The Pros:

• It’s leather.
• The logo is real subtle.
• It comes with top grab handles for those of us who don’t want to sling a shoulder strap over our heads every time we go from point A to point B.
• At 15″ wide, most smaller laptops will fit in just fine.
• There are two color options:  Charcoal and Black
• The price is decently affordable at $150.
• It’s sleek and not a standard frumpy canvas bag.

The Cons:

• That leather won’t be the best quality by any stretch (but again, it’s $150.)
• At 15″ x 13″ it’s almost square.  Which means it looks a little… y’know… purse-ish?

Or maybe “pursey” is the proper word.  The murse.  We all know the term.  But does this thing look like one?  It certainly doesn’t have standard attache proportions.  Hell, you can carry almost anything  (key word: almost) and if you do it with confidence no one will think twice.  But would you carry it?  Your vote goes below.
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Sometimes it’s worth sacrificing a little functionality in the name of style and form.

Most bike panniers look like they came from some sort of fanny pack transplant program.  Nylon, synthetic materials, all begging you to over-stuff and bulge it out like your drunk uncle’s warm up pants on Thanksgiving.

Sidenote:  Only thing more relaxed than warm up pants on Thanksgiving, are Zubaz on Thanksgiving.

Doubled up.

The Linus Bicycle company, who also makes pretty smart looking bikes, has easily one of the top solutions.  Their “Office Bag” is simple, just rigid enough, and specifically designed to protect a laptop.  Description says it’ll fit 13″ laptops, but my 14.1″ HP sneaks in there just fine.

There’s not a ton of width to each bag, just enough for a few smaller items like a cordless mouse, a bike lock, gloves, etc… and although they send along a shoulder strap with the intent of being able to detach it from the bike rack and take it with you, that’s damn near impossible.  The leather straps and brass buckles look great, but if you want to secure it tightly to make sure it’s not bouncing around, you gotta cinch those suckers down.  That’s no problem, but sneaking your fingers under that rack to unbuckle is a pain.  It’s best just left on the bike.

To prevent thefts it comes with brass D-rings which allow you to padlock or zip tie the bag to your rack.

Not for everyone and not for long distance journeys.  But if you can travel light and need some good looking extra cargo space for getting around town?  They’re a great choice.
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Sleek? Or Cramped? Just depends on your needs.

Expires Wed. 4/20/11 at 11:59pm CENTRAL time.  Credit to Edward C for the StyleTip

This is why Lands’ End Canvas has assembled a legion of fans.

Most retailers would pound their chest if they ran a buy one get one half off sale.  And of course the second item would have to be of equal or lesser value.  Not L.E.C.  Just take 40% off the highest priced item.  Even if you’re only buying… one item.  Free shipping kicks in if you spend $75 or more.

Use the code APRIL40 and the pin 1164 for the discount.  What about item exclusions?  None.  Not even these:

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Allen Edmonds MacNeil Longwings – $195.00 (reg. $325)

AEs don't get under two bills too often.

On Wisconsin indeed.  Allen Edmonds for under $200?  I’m going to guess that most don’t know LEC carries a couple pairs of Allen Edmonds.  The MacNeil is built with the AE classic 360 welt.  Translation:  They won’t be the sleekest dogs in the yard.  But they’re American made legends for under $200.  From WI, which is where LEC is based.  Still can’t believe the code works on these.  On to some other picks…

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Lands’ End Canvas Leather Lace-Up Boots – $89.40 (reg. $149)

For stomping. Light stomping, but stomping still.

Not trim dress boots, not full on work boots either.  A weekend pair you’ll reach for until it gets real hot, then probably look forward to lacing up come fall.  $90 shipped.

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Lands’ End Canvas Heritage Cotton Peacoat – $59.70 (reg. $99.50)

Also available in navy

The alternative to the utility jacket option most of us have.  Maybe you have a trench but also want something you can beat up and wear more comfortably with jeans and sneakers.  This cotton twill version of a classic pea coat gets dropped to $60 with the code, and consider going down a size.  The reviews say it tends to run big.  One reviewer, who claims he’s 5’10″ 162, said a small fit him perfectly.

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Lands’ End Canvas Marled Blazer – $38.94 (reg. $129.50)

Now at Old Navy price levels.

One of the top answers to the “what would you buy if you won?” question from over here.  Now extra tempting even if you didn’t win one of the gift cards.

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Lands’ End Canvas Heritage Straight Fit Jean & Slim Fit Jean – $17.39 (reg. $49.50)

$18 and Esquire approved. Unreal.

The Straight Fit jean was featured by Esquire in the last couple of months, and the slim fit jean certainly won’t be skinny, but should hopefully get there for guys who like their denim close.  Under $20 too.

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Lands’ End Canvas 1963 Trip Bag – $78.00 (reg. $130.00)

Nice forest Green option on the right.

The more rugged looking but still good looking weekend bag.  And for under $80, not a bad price either.

The 40% off highest priced item code APRIL40 and pin 1164 expires 4/20 and 11:59pm CENTRAL

Not all sales are equal, and while these two sales are so-so at first glance, if you play em’ right you can get away with a few steals.  Express is running a $30 off $75 sale with the code 1206, but also know that if you don’t want to blow $75, it’ll also knock $15 off any purchase more than $30.  Not bad.

For Lands’ End Canvas, their website is touting free shipping with a $100 purchase, BUT… if you use the code SSCANVAS and pin 1202, that’ll get you free shipping with zero minimum.  That’s a $5.95 savings if you want something small.  Let’s see what we can squeeze out of these codes:
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Two Express 1MX Fitted Shirts – $49.80 (reg. $119.80)

Can't go wrong with white and light "horizon" blue

At first I thought I was doing the math wrong.  Express does allow you to double up on offers, and they’re currently running a buy one 1mx at full price, and get a second for $19.90.  That adds up to $79.80.  Or, $4,80 over the $30 off threshold.  Express NEVER does that.  it almost always works out to being just under.  Not just over.  If you use the coupon code on just one shirt, you’ll get $15 off the full price and it lands at $44.90.  So in essence, you’re getting a second 1mx for $4.90.  Well, uh… sure then.
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Lands’ End Canvas Gingham Pocket Square – $6.99 (reg. $9.50 plus shipping)

Well worth the small cost.

Ready to start wearing laid back pocket squares?  Sure you are.  Say you got a black, lightly structure, cotton blazer.  Something like this one from the GAP.  But you’re thinking it might look too dark on spring and summer evenings.  Throw a gingham pocket square in breast pocket, keep the rest of your getup light, and you’re set.  Seven bucks.  Shipped.  Criminey, shipping is usually six.
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Express Large Duffel Bag – $49.90 (reg. $79.90)

At least the lion isn't neon green.

DAMN it Express.  Must you logo everything?  Maybe you can use a razor blade to remove it.  Maybe you can sew something else over it.  But the one review is encouraging, saying that it’s much larger than expected.
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L.E.C. Purple/Black Tie – $14.99, Large Check Scarf – $8.99,  Navy Gingham Tie – $15.99

Patterns and texture everywhere.

I’ve had my eye on that purple and black knit rugby stripe tie for awhile now.  For the scarf, I’m not on board the accessory scarf for men train, but with a steady hand, a sharp pair of scissors, and a careful fold and starched ironing job?  That’s at least three big check pocket squares there.  And the gingham tie is all warm weather.

Just a few idea starters for your Friday.  The Express $30 off $75 and $15 off $30 sale with code 1206 ends 3/27.  The free shipping with code SSCANVAS and pin 1202 doesn’t end until April 5th.  Nice.  Thanks LEC.

Use the code: FREESHIP for free shipping, no minimum.  Expires 3/18
UPDATE: Hold your horses kemo-sabe.  There might be some durability issues.  See Ryan’s comment below…

This particular rugged briefcase has been featured more than a few times here on this site.  And c’mon.  It’s not real hard to figure out why.

The top handles, over the flap buckle detail, and a not too small yet far from huge 15″ width make for one good looking work bag .  Even that chestnut color fabric looks great.  This bag has been hanging out on JCrew.com for more than a few months, and it’s a bit surprising that it made it all the way to the sale section.

It’s big brother, the Rugged Twill travel bag is still at full retail, but no matter since it’s the briefcase that’s really the stunner of the two.  Free shipping with the not so difficult to remember code FREESHIP.  Good through 3/18.
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Seventy Five dollars. That’s a lot of money.   It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym.  Seventy Five dollars.  It is a lot of money, especially if you spend it right. Ten picks follow, all under $75, and some of them are much, much less.

1. Eight Mossimo Athletic Fit Polos at $9 a piece (reg. $10)

10% off. So they're $9.

Because ten bucks wasn’t cheap enough for the second best fitting polo out there?  Should be on sale in stores too.  Athletic fit, 100% cotton, (UPDATE: 60/40 on the solids.  Heathered are apparently 100%?  The hell?  Credit to JB in the comments for catching that)  and you can get the spectrum for under $75.
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2. Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer – $74.43 (reg. $119)

Strangely cheap for the RB2132

You’re lucky to find these for under $100.  So for under $75 with free two-day shipping and returns?  That’s incredibly rare.  They’re a standard.  Only available for this price in black.  See a full rundown here.
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3. PF Flyers Center Lo in “Natural” – $49.95

Not quite white.

For those that don’t wear and keep a pair of lighter sneakers on hand all year long, now’s the time to think about dusting off the old one’s or investing in a new pair.  These come with a rigid toe bumper and noticeably more cushioning than Chuck Taylors.  Nice colorful heel detail too.
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4. Weber Rapidfire Chimney Charcoal Starter – $17.99

G'bye lighter fluid.

Because unless you’re a hardcore griller, you’ve probably taken the last few months off from your BBQ.  This thing allows you to skip lighter fluid all together (yay for less chemicals).  Put the charcoal in the chimney, and light a piece of newspaper at the base.  Some swear by sprinkling a little olive/vegetable oil on the paper.  Wait a bit and all your coals are evenly hot.  Averages 5 stars out of 255 Amazon reviews.
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5. Sovereign Code Navy & Orange Stripe 2.5″ Tie – $19.50

Via Nordstrom

Orange will (again) be in a lot of places this year, but don’t go hog wild or you’ll look like a Tennessee Volunteers die-hard.  Sprinkle it in sparingly.  Got a grey suit?  Great.  This’ll work.  Double points if it’s a lighter grey.
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6. Red Envelope Monogrammable Leather Watch Case – $39.99 (reg. $49.95)

One box, many watches.

So you’ve got a few watches.  If you’re just throwing them on a nightstand or dresser, you might want to keep them away from dust and the risk of knocking them off those pieces of furniture with one of these.  Holds 8.
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7. Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights “Pardon Me” – $10.97

If you’re having a group of friends over for an indoor/outdoor party, or you’re driving around with the windows down… and your choice of music is Ray LaMontagne?  You might want to cheer up.  This could help.
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8. Hawkeye Supply Co. Coated Cotton Work Brief – $49.50

A cheap way to switch it up for warm weather

Behold the poor man’s version of Jack Spade.  Coated canvas with a reinforced tarp bottom.  Like I said.  Behold the poor man’s version of Jack Spade.
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9. J. Crew FACTORY Navy with White Pindots Tie – $29.50 (reg. $34.50)

2 3/4" in width. Perfect pattern.

Khaki cotton suit.  Off white summer suit.  Light Grey wool suit.  Charcoal wool suit.  Black wool suit.  It’s a tie that goes with almost everything.  Chinos and light sweaters, blazers and khakis too.  Great width at 2 3/4″
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10. Lacoste Canvas Logo Belt – $39.00 (reg. $65.00)

Nice that it comes in black too.

Going with the brightly colored fabric belt trend from last season and taking their foot off the gas just a touch.  More muted colors, non slip grommets (thank you) and a logo that’s at least a little subtle.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.