Notice that the word “should” is in quotes.  We should all be so lucky to own one or two watches that we really like in our lifetime.  Some guys don’t even like wearing a watch, and plenty rely on their mobile phone. But many of us do like using a watch to tell the time, and c’mon, it also looks good on your wrist.

Before we get to the aesthetic styling of each watch, you’ll want to keep in mind three key factors in how the watch is constructed when purchasing a timepiece:

1. The Movement:  Mechanical/Automatic movements run on springs and gears.  No battery is needed and they’re favored by purists due to the artistry it takes to create each watch.  Quartz movements are usually less expensive and require a battery, unless they’re a solar powered quartz movement like Citizen’s Eco-Drive, or a “kinetic” style which uses an oscillating weight (like Automatics) to generate the electricity needed.
2. The Crystal:  This is the transparent window that protects the hands and dial.  In general, Sapphire > Mineral > Acrylic.  Sapphire is the most expensive and scratch resistant of the three.
3. Water Resistance:  The larger the number the wetter it can get (50m is less water resistant than 200m.)  100m can handle snorkeling, so unless you’re a diver, watches with that rating should meet your needs.

Sierra Trading Post has a terrific watch buying guide, so go there if you want to read up more on that stuff.  Onto the styles.  Building a watch collection around these four should ensure you always have an option for your wrist.
.

#1. The Lower Glare Stainless Band

Left: Automatic. Right: Quartz.

If you’re going to buy only one watch, this classic dive style is probably the one to get.  There’s no leather that requires matching with your belt and shoes, and as long as it doesn’t get too aggressive, you can pull it off with a suit for less formal occasions.  But be aware.  Plenty of these look too much like man-jewelery.  Keep the shine on the links to a minimum, and know that as the links get smaller and more intricate, it starts to look more and more like a bracelet instead of a watch.  You want some toughness in there.  Suggestions:

• Orient Ray Automatic – $107.50 w/code DapperedJanuary
• Victorinox Maverick – $279.94
• Seiko 5 Auto SNZJ – $130 – $200

#2. The Suit Worthy Black Leather Chronograph or Multi Function

Left: Eco-Drive. Right: Standard Quartz

Sure the male style community now favors brown leather dress shoes.  But plenty of us default to black when we dress up.  Well shined black shoes with a grey suit has a sharp, utilitarian, anti-dandy feel.  Look for a silver or black dial chronograph to match.  Steer clear of chunky rotating bezels which, when combined with the chrono, makes it too casual.  A chrono alone makes it easier to dress down with a sweater and jeans.  Suggestions:

• Citizen Eco Drive 8700 – $281.25 (a perpetual calendar instead of a chrono)
• Kenneth Cole Chronograph – $142.50 (also available in white for $96)
• Hugo Boss Chronograph – $295.00
• Skagen Chronograph – $195.00
• Note: The silver dial Citizen at the top of the post is no longer made in that color scheme.

#3. The Brown Leather Contrast Dial

Both are automatic.

Look for dials that are either black, cream, silver, or white.  Blue works great too.  Many brown strap watches come with a matching brown dial.  That’s a ton of brown and it can look a little too much like a couch from the 1970s.  Black and brown can in fact go together in certain instances.  Timepieces and beer are two examples.  Suggestions:

• Orient Vintage Automatic – $212.50 w/code DapperedJanuary
• Hamilton Khaki King – $322.72
• Orient Explorer – $325.00 w/code DapperedJanuary
• Tissot T Classic Dream – $162.99
• Skagen White Dial Blue Hands – $110.00

#4. The Rubber Strap Casual

Quartz. Both of em.

The funny thing about a rubber strap is that it’ll often look fine with any belt/shoes combination.  Brown boots, black watch strap?  Sure.  Along with your stainless steel watch, you shouldn’t have any problems getting this one wet, dirty, and more or less beating it to death.  Suggestions:

• Victorinox Maverick II Chrono – $218.88
• Momentum M1 – $124.95
• Golana AQ 110 – $189.00
• Seiko Orange Monster – $175.00

Should a canvas strap Timex Weekender style have been included?  What about a plain and simple dress watch?  Agreements, disagreements, and other suggestions should go below.

A note on buying online: There’s plenty of sketchy watch sellers out there on the net.  If you’re buying off Amazon, make sure to either buy direct from Amazon, or, look for the word “fulfilled” by Amazon.  That way, Amazon has skin in the game in case you get a dud.  All links to Amazon were created to point to Direct or Fulfilled by Amazon watches, but know Amazon automatically switches to 3rd party retailers when available if a watch sells out.

The Kenneth Cole sale expires 10/23/11 while the  Cole Haan sale expires 10/24

One was started out of the back of a semi-truck and the other is owned by Nike (which, come to think of it, was started out of the trunk of a car.)  Both are huge names in the men’s retail industry, and both set their initial retail prices high enough that it’s almost always best to wait for a sale.  And now we have one.  For both.

You’ll need those codes above.  Shipping is free for Kenneth Cole at $100 and up, with a $4 flat rate otherwise.  Cole Haan ships free at $150, with a beastly $10.95 rate for 3-8 business days.  Ouch.  Let’s get on with it:
.

Kenneth Cole Regal King - $72.52 ($148)

Looks much better than a $72.

Already on sale for 30% off, the KCFR4 code takes an additional 30% off to get these down to Steve Madden on-sale prices.  Look, I know not everyone likes the slightly elongated chisel (but not square blunted) toe.  I know some don’t think much of Kenneth Cole’s quality.  But I have a pair of these myself and they’ve never given me an issue with moderate use.  And they’re available in both black and brown.  Not everyone can blow $200 – $300 on some Allen Edmonds.  These will do very nicely for the price and look pretty slick at the same time.

Kenneth Cole Keep In Mind – $87.22 ($178)

Nice looking shape on these...

Not a bad looking smooth leather chukka.  Much easier to dress up than a floppy desert boot.  Black and tan at the link above, and a very tempting grey suede is also available.

Kenneth Cole Mind Tricks – $48.99 ($158)

Olive and black are left.

These are a final sale, so be warned, you can’t return them.  The in person color on these disappointed some the last time they came up for sale, but for $50?  And a casual shoe that you could wear with jeans?  Might be worth taking the chance.  Again, you can’t return them.  Sizes are limited.

Kenneth Cole Pebble Grain Leather Duffle – $195.02 SHIPPED ($398)

Half off and all leather.

Four hundred bucks?  No.  Three hundred?  That’s still a ton.  Under $200?  Well…  Pebble grain leather, about 1700 cubic inches of space (so not huge but not tiny), and a reinforced bottom.  Still no?  Says it comes with a “limited liftime guarantee.”  No clue what that means but that can’t be a bad thing.

Kenneth Cole Pebbled Business Card Case – $19.60 ($40.00)

Leaves a good impression for cheap.

You gotta get your business cards out of your wallet.  No matter how hard you try, they always end up with some kind of wrinkle, line, or bent corner if you keep them in there.  For $23.60 out of their store and to your door, you get a card case with some texture that’s neither boring or obnoxious.

Cole Haan Paul Chukka – $119.96 ($228)

Nice and simple, but doesn't ship free.

Already on sale and down to around $160.  These came in just about every color imaginable but there are very few colors left with a good size selection.  The T Moro shown above is luckily one of them.  Doesn’t ship free.

Cole Haan Vintage Military Leather Jacket – $252.71 ($595)

Stand up collar and not too many details.

Leather jackets are pricey.  Haven’t seen this in person and who knows about the leather quality, but it better be decent for $600 full price.  Already reduced and now with the extra 25% off, it’s still expensive, but lands in the wheelhouse if you’re looking to invest in, but not go broke on buying a leather jacket.  Just one review, but it’s 4/5 stars.

Cole Haan Air Colton Saddle – $148.50 ($198)

Black and brown can work.

Pretty damn convenient that the discount drops them below the free shipping threshold.  Proof though that black and brown do absolutely go together.  Sometimes.  Spendy.

Cole Haan Air Hunter Hiker - $171.00 ($228)

Anyone else remember Nike ACG?

More style than substance because at this price you should almost expect gore tex in a hiker.  But quite possibly the best looking alpine-type boot out there.  Nice work with the plaid around the top.

The Kenneth Cole code KCFR4 expires 10/23 and the Cole Haan code 2011FF expires 10/24  Credit to Chris for the style tip on the Cole Haan sale.

No code is needed for Kenneth Cole.  For Banana Republic, you’ll need the code BRSWEATER.  Exp. 10/10

Happy Columbus Day.  Right, you’re thrilled.  Anyway, it’s a good day if you’re in the market for a new coat, some boots, or a sweater for the upcoming colder weather.  Kenneth Cole launched a 30% off outerwear, boots, and some other stuff sale on Friday, while BR is running a 30% off sweater sale today.

Just a few picks below.  Figure it’d be an okay way to spend that 45 seconds you’d have otherwise spent checking the mail today.  Just try not to spend too much money.  The banks might be closed, but they’ll take your money tomorrow.
.

Kenneth Cole New York Wool Trench – $192.50 ($275)

Major potential here.

Darting in the back means it should be more fitted.  Length looks to be close to perfect.  Not an easy color to find a double breasted coat in.  Under $200 with the sale and ships free.  You’re on the hook for return shipping.

Kenneth Cole New York 5-Pocket Plaid Pant – $48.65 ($69.50)

Just odd enough.

Straight leg, cotton, and a not too out-there plaid pattern.  All slapped on a cotton pant with a  5-pocket jean-like layout.  Haven’t seen them in person but they look like they could be winners.  Shipping is a decently low $4 flat rate if you’re not spending over the $100 free shipping threshold.

Kenneth Cole New York Cross My Mind Boot – $111.99 ($215)

Styling = simple but very, very effective.

Was on sale for $160 and now an extra 30% off that price.  Drops them to almost half retail and just above $100.  Ships free as well.  The cap toe makes it look like a sleeker more dressed up version of the Timberland 6″ city zip.  Still not a dress boot though.  A hybrid that lands somewhere in between.

Kenneth Cole New York Regal King – $103.60 ($148.00)

Not Allen Edmonds. In any way.

The round toe purists have never liked these.  But if you like a slightly elongated toe, and you can stand a bit of a rounded corner chisel at the end, then for just north of $100 it’ll be hard to do better.  Ships free and just barely.  Surprised they didn’t mark it down a few bucks more to nail you with shipping charges.  Full review here.

Banana Republic Merino Wool V-Neck – $41.65 ($59.50)

Best sweater so far this year?

Most of you guys know about the appreciation this website has for Banana Republic’s silk/cotton/cashmere v-necks.  They’ve been #1 for awhile despite their too deep V.  It’s time to crown a new champ.  This year’s BR merino v-necks are the perfect balance between:

1. Weight – Not tissue thin, not bulky at all.
2. Depth of V – It dips, but not wildly low.
3. Width of collar ribbing – more substantial than the silk/cotton/cashmere blend.

They also fit decently close but not tight.  And now at 30% off, they’re a bargain at $40.  Well done BR.

Banana Republic Silk/Cotton/Cashmere V-Neck – $48.65 ($69.50)

Still very much appreciated.

As stated right up there ^  now #2 but a close second.  It’s really hard to beat the smoothness of the fabric on these.  And they’re awfully strong and wear well.  The V just dips a little too deep and they’re an extra $10 retail.

Banana Republic Full-Button Cardigan – $62.65 ($89.50)

Not quite as fitted in real life.

You see those two dents in the professional model’s sides in the pic on the left?  Looks like the stylist didn’t smooth out the impact of the close-pin, chip clip, or whatever it is they’re using to gather extra fabric at the back.  These are a bit boxy.  But if you happen to be a bit boxy yourself and want a cardigan that’s no fly-weight weakling, these are reinforced through the neck and placket and have a good but not too heavy weight to them.

Banana Republic Tweed V-Neck – $62.65 ($89.50)

Going to be your topmost layer.

If the other V-necks are soup, then this one is a stew.  Thick, chunky, and you won’t be comfortable with a blazer over it.  Just like stew.  No one likes a blazer over their stew.  A more noticeable knit with flecks in the fabric.  Warm and substantial, and not all that close fitting at the sides.

Both the Kenneth Cole and BananaRepublic.com sales expire today.  All sweaters shown are size medium.  Use BRSWEATER for the savings.  Free shipping kicks in at $100 with Kenneth Cole and $50 with Banana Republic. 

When you were a kid, did you ever wonder when you’d stop liking toys?  You’d get dragged along to some carpet store or patio furniture outlet and you’d think to yourself:  “How can adults LIVE like this?“  All the crap grown-ups liked was boring, visually bland, and it was a mystery why they even wanted any of that stuff.  For a lot of us, watches are the closest most affordable thing we get to the toys of our youth.  They’re Legos and little green army men we fell out of love with long ago.

Visually appealing yet plenty functional, watches are one of the few things men can adorn themselves with.  In a way, a watch is your own personal hood ornament.  But that doesn’t mean you have to spend Bentley level cash to get a good looking one.  Below are ten pieces of proof, all costing less than $100.
.

Kenneth Cole New York Iconic Chronograph – $95.75

Not your average KC watch

By far the best looking watch Kenneth Cole makes and it’s not even close.  The font and smaller numbers are perfect, the hands are thin, and it has the look of an old school classroom clock or maybe a watch a doctor would have had half a century ago.  Equipped with a chronograph and great looking pushers that make it run.

Orient Chief Automatic – $100 w/code DAPPEREDAUGUST

Available with a blue dial too.

The leather band versions are out of stock, but, you could still easily buy one with a stainless band and swap it out for your preferred leather version.  Incredible day cutout that gives you a full spelling.  Automatic too.

Bulova 96B104 Silver Dial – $76.57

A go-to suiting option

All class, a low price, and a brand that won’t be embarrassing in the least if anyone happens to notice.  These get mentioned every once in awhile in the likes of Esquire and GQ along side much more expensive time pieces.  Bulova sometimes stumbles with the “keep it simple” method, but they’ve nailed it here.

Seiko SNDC Series – $80.00 – $100.00

The hands are where?

Kind of like the SNZJ series, only not automatic, and comes inexplicably with black hands sgainst a black dial.  Which would make it pretty hard to tell the time wouldn’t it?  Save up the extra $30 – $50 for the SNZJ.

Armitron Nordstrom Exclusive Military – $65.00

Good (big) looks for a small cost.

Kinda like the J. Crew / Timex collaboration only on a less publicized level. Could be the cheapest Bell & Ross lookalike ever.  Flight dial hands, big numbers, and a larger 44mm diameter but it doesn’t look or feel gigantic on the wrist.  Comes in four different color combinations.  Japanese quartz with a nice and lightweight stainless steel case.

Casio G-Shock Rescue – $89.95 | G-Shock Solar Analog – $89.98

Subtle as a bulldozer.

For the guys who need a watch they can continuously beat the living sh*t out of.  The G-Shock rescue is a classic that’s rated 200m water resistant and cold resistant to -4 F.  The G-Shock Solar Analog is powered by the sun/light like a Citizen Eco-drive and trades in a full digital display for hands.

Hugo Boss Orange Nylon Strap and Rubber Strap – $100

Not a bad price from a fancy pants brand.

Comes with a little more modern edge than most other canvas/nylon/rubber strap weekend watches.  Just different enough without losing it.

Nautica Windseeker – $87.09

A bit of a project, but a small one.

The links are more than iffy at best, but that racing inspired dial makes it look like a Tissot.  Another band swap out should do the trick.  Try black leather with white contrast stitching or even one in rubber.

Invicta Pro Diver Automatic – $83.99

Cheap enough to justify a new strap.

Invicta makes a hell of a lot of watches.  Some of them are brutally big and obnoxious.  Their pro-diver series isn’t, thanks to the obvious style homage to the Rolex Submariner.  Instead of a coin edge bezel, this one comes with slight indentations that are easy to grip.  Rubber strap, and looks plenty good if you switch that out for a brown leather one as shown here.

Timex Weekender Slip-Thru – $32-$50

Check your local Target.

Of course these deserve a mention.  Part of the J. Crew Timex Alternatives series along with the Seiko 5 and Bulova canvas strap.  These are a bit of genius by Timex.  Plenty of dial and strap options, and dirt cheap.

Your turn guys.  If you’ve got one, what’s your favorite watch under $100?  Leave your picks in the comments…

Blame Matt Lauer.  Four years ago while interviewing former Senator Larry Craig about Craig’s alleged shoe tapping escapades, Lauer wore a pair of monk straps.  Monk straps were already on the rebound from a long stint in shoe purgatory, but his shoes were pretty much the only thing worth watching during that waste of electricity.  Since then, more & more shoe hounds have been on the lookout for monk straps that can work in-between loafers and lace ups.

The problem is, monk straps aren’t exactly a high priority for most.  Therefor, they aren’t a high priority for companies that make shoes for under $200.  Finding an affordable pair is a big challenge.  You’ll find most of the few options available now below, and if you’ve got leads on others, make sure to add those in the comments.
.

Aston Grey Astor Monk Slip On – $89.95

Monk in name only?

The good news:  They’re a hugely inexpensive version of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Cipro Monk Strap.  The bad news:  They’re not all that sleek looking, and that line around the top of the foot combined with the solo buckle is a deal breaker for most.
.

Geox Uomo High Life Monk Strap – $143 – $200

Anybody know how to de-emboss leather?

The price will vary depending on your color preference, but it’s the not quite as desirable black option coming in under $150.  Size selection is starting to get real limited.  Would be a no-brainer if it weren’t for the why’d-they-go-and-do-that stamped logo on the side.
.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Double Monk – $128.00

The ultra casual monk?

The issue with these, and it’s a big one, is that they’re made from a purposely roughed up suede.  That hugely limits their use (if they have a use at all.)  On sale for $115 over at Macy’s, but they’ll ding you on shipping.  Endless has them for $128 and they’ll ship free both ways.  From the Kenneth Cole step down brand REACTION, so don’t expect much quality-wise.
.

Ciro Lendini Double Monk Cap – $155.00

Hits the high points at a lower price.

The clear winner of the bunch.  Hat tip to reader Bobby who sent in the style tip on these, and actually owns a pair himself:  “The shape is perfect, they’re plenty roomy in the toe, but they still hold my heel and foot snugly.  I usually wear a 10.5, and while the 10 fits me very well, those who tend toward a small 10.5 might want to size down.“  He also mentioned that the leather is decent quality and doesn’t feel cheap either.

Your turn.  Know of any decent looking monk straps out there for under $200?  Leave it in the comments below.

As always, it’s incredibly tough to peg when Macy’s will launch a One Day Sale.   Sometimes a month and a half will go by between them, sometimes only a few weeks will pass.  One thing is certain: These are sales worth paying attention to.  The one-day sale prices are some of the best mark downs in the retail industry.  Here’s some of the best from the One-Day-Sale which runs Friday July 15 – Saturday July 16th.  Items marked with a * are “Web Busters.” In store prices may match up, and may not.  Selection on all items (especially shoes) in store can vary greatly.
.

Tallia Grey Stripe Sportcoat* - $139.99 (reg. $250)

Somebody get that guy a sweet tea.

Southern Style for sure and not for everyone.  Light in color but long on boldness.  Talia usually runs good and trim, but the pics online make the jacket look boxy (he’s also standing with it unbuttoned).  Haven’t seen it in store.  Ships free, returns free, still a bit of a risk.

.

Club Room Khaki Slim Fit Suit Jacket & matching pant – $164.98* (reg. $350)

Good, not great. But good.

One of the first suits tested for the Summer Suit Search.  It’s labeled a slim fit, and there’s some contour through the sides, but it still needs serious work by a tailor if you’re athletic or slim.  Full review here.

 

Calvin Klein Carter Textured Laceup – $77.99 (reg. $140)

Sizes are getting scarce.

Surprisingly versatile.  The black options look to be completely sold out, but the grey “lead” color and dark brown are still available.  Full review on this shoe can be found right over here.

 

Alfani RED Grey Sharkskin Slim Fit Suit – $199.98* (reg. $450)

Get that guy a contrasting tie. And maybe some sweet tea too.

Was the same price during the last O.D.S. and not a bad suit for the price.  As always, the armholes on Alfani RED suits are just a little too low for most.  So know that going in.

Timberland Boat Shoes – $49.99* (reg. $75.00)

One of the better color combinations.

Black and brown can absolutely work together.  Timberland’s boat shoes prove it, and $50 isn’t a bad price at all.  Sizes are getting limited on these.

 

Tasso Elba Slim Fit Cotton/Linen Polo – $24.99 ($34.50)

Could have done without the collar piping.

There’s probably one or two too many retro stripes on these, but, give the Macy’s house brand Tasso Elba credit for slimming down the sides and going with a cotton linen blend.

 

Kenneth Cole First Squad Cap Toe – $109.99 (reg. $138.00)

Trim lines, modern look, par for KCNY's course.

Shoe hounds won’t be impressed.  But if you want a pair of modern, slim black laceups for close to $100 (free shipping too) these are a good option.  Yes the toe isn’t perfectly rounded off, but it’s not Frankenstein’s Monster chopped either.  Real simple cap toe.  Good feeling leather for the price.

.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Textured Money Clip – $23.99* (reg. $35.00)

Solid style for little cost

Cheap money clips can be flat out hideous.  This is one of the rare exceptions.  Textured top, quiet & not easy to notice small logo on the underside.  Gets the job down well for a very small investment.

This current Macy’s One Day Sale ends Saturday 7/16.  And yes, it sure seems too convenient to be pure coincidence that Macy’s launches their One Day Sales whenever Nordstrom has their own sizable sale.

The Suit:  Bonobos Seersucker Jacket & Matching Pant – $236.00* | J. Crew Linen – $386

Better than chino when it gets brutal.

When it’s not just hot, but really hot, even an all cotton chino suit will feel heavy.  Okay, any suit is going to feel heavy.  Still, stick to seersucker or linen.  Those fabrics feel lighter.  The Bonobos Seersucker is incredibly light, plenty airy, but doesn’t feel flimsy or chintzy.  Full review here.  J. Crew’s linen suit is actually somewhat affordable (by their standards) and will be much more comfortable than chino.  *You’ll need to sign up an email as a new customer for $50 off and thus, the $236 price via Bonobos.  Also, the Bonobos option just went on sale.  Down from $360.

The Sunglasses:  Warby Parker Jasper Polarized – $95.00

Not Oakleys. At all.

If it’s hot as Havana you might as well look like you’re actually there.  Hat tip to the flood of mentions about Warby Parker following the TOMS sunglasses review.  Didn’t know they were doing non-prescription now.  Famous for their five pairs / five days home try on program and like TOMS they also have a program that helps out the less fortunate.

The Blazer:  Kenneth Cole Reaction Unlined Mini-Check – $62.99 (reg. $79.50)

Cheap and light.

The INC Ultra Lights have all but disappeared from online (but seem to still exist in store?)  These sportcoats from Kenneth Cole Reaction are the next best thing.  The mini check is completely unlined just like the INC Ultra lights.  If you are wearing a blazer, make sure it has as little lining/padding as possible.

Roll your sleeves up the right way – Flip, Pull, and Lock it In

Easy as 1, 2, 3.

Here’s how to do it:  With your shirt cuff unbuttoned, flip the cuff back.  Allowing your sleeve to turn inside out along the way, drag the cuff slowly up past your elbow until the now bottom seam of the cuff is in your elbow pit.  Fold the extra 3-5 inches of exposed inside-out sleeve up to “lock in” the cuff.  Ta-da.  Instant short sleeve shirt.

The Polo:  Banana Republic Luxe Touch – $33.75 w/code BRSAVE25 ($44.50)

White = right choice to stay cool.

Spendy for a polo, but Banana Republic’s Luxe Touch cotton is so smooth it’s almost a bit slippery.  Almost feels cool to the touch.  Not too fitted but not bulky either.  Just enough space to get some air through there.

The Shoes:  Mike Konos Suede Penny Loafers – $99.94 (“compare” to $250)

Sleek and simple. Like a loafer should be.

Boat shoes and canvas sneakers are tough to dress up.  Suede penny loafers on the other hand look plenty dressed up when it’s hot, and can be dressed down with ease.  Made in Italy by DSW’s house brand which has a more than good track record.  (Wanna get nuts?  They’ve got them in blue too.)

The Drink:  Dry Soda – $1.50 – $2.oo per bottle

The next best thing to ice water on a hot day.

You know it’s hot if you’re turning down a cocktail (but if you’re not, try a Campari and Soda).  Alcohol isn’t really going to help your comfort level when it’s stifling, so try and pace yourself or stick to these things.  They’re only 45 – 70 calories, lightly sweetened, and unlike high sugar/caffeine laced sodas, they’re actually refreshing.

The Sunscreen:  Titanium Dioxide Based Sunblock

Not just for the kids.

If you’re fair skinned and have hard water, you might have seen stains showing up on your white clothes around the neckline.  That’s not ring around the collar.  They’re rust stains caused by the most common sunscreens which all use similar chemicals.  The alternative is a Titanium Dixoide based sunblock which goes on smooth and more or less sits on top of your skin (feels like it soaks in)  Plus, it won’t turn into rust when washed in hard water.

Lose the Undershirt.  No, really.

Hurts more than it helps.

There are plenty of undershirt addicts out there who feel weird wearing a dress shirt without an undershirt underneath.  Here’s the problem with that.  First, it’s another layer.  And second, cotton doesn’t dry that fast.  So when your thick, squishy undershirt gets sweat soaked, it’s going to stay that way for the rest of the day.  You’ll sweat more because of it, and you’ll have pit stains no matter what.  Lose the extra layer.

The Music:  Christmas Tunes

“I think… therefore I am.”  How about, I’m sweating like a god*amned pig, therefore I am thinking about being in a cooler place?  Like the North pole.  In December.  Throw a Christmas in July party.  Might distract just enough.

Any other suggestions for looking decent but staying cool in the heat?  Leave them all below…

Not quite work boots, not quite dress chelseas, and certainly not cowboy boots.  Boots that have a (very) slightly pointed or gently rounded off toe can do plenty of work with jeans and sometimes chinos.  Maybe not at this time of the year when it’s sweltering in many places, but for 9 or 10 months a boot like the previous edition of the  Timberland Earthkeepers 6″ Side Zip can go with the vast majority of casual getups thrown at it.

And Timberland, if you’re reading this, feel free to bring back the previous edition of the side zip any time now.

But what about these?  Original price was sniffing up at $200, and now it looks like they’re being discontinued.  Instead of moving straight down, the zipper on these dips and slides in parallel with the lines of the lacing panels.  Also, instead of just one zipper on the inside like the Timberlands, these have one on either.

Leather sole, made in China, but sports the label from the upper Kenneth Cole New York (not REACTION) line.  They’ve got that perfect not-too-slim not-clunky-shape-either to em’, but… the zippers?  Mneh?

Leave you take in the comments section below.

Cheapest via Amazon, more sizes at Blue Fly.  Not available at kennethcole.com.
.

The shape is spot on.

1. Lands’ End Canvas Italian Silk Knit Tie – $12.50 (reg. $39.50)

Could get cheaper. If it doesn't sell out.

Lands’ End Canvas has brought back their “classifieds” section in which clearance items get marked down drastically throughout the week.  The longer the items stay in stock, the cheaper they get.  Remember the black and purple LEC tie?  Same one here, without the purple.  Perfect width, great feel, and ties an amazingly nice knot.  Ships free on Wednesday 6/15 with the code WEDNESDAY2 and the pin 8566

.

2. Johnston & Murphy Brennan – $73.97 (reg. $129.95)

Ships free too.

Yes these get a lot of play here.  But they’re incredibly comfortable and just different enough.  A touch over $70 ain’t a bad price either.  Ships free if you choose super saver shipping.

.

3. The Men’s Store at Bloomingdale’s Pima V-Neck – $17.54 (reg. $79.50)

A whopping 78% off.

Full marks to Kathan for sending in the style tip on these.  It’s just a pima v-neck sweater, but “The Men’s Store at Bloomingdale’s” has earned a good rep.  Haven’t seen it in person, so fit is unknown.  Nine, count em’ nine colors to choose from.  Shipping is $6.00 (unless you spend $100, then it’s free).  They ding you on return shipping too.

.

4. Leather NATO Watch Straps – About $20.00 a piece

Can make an old forgotten watch a new favorite.

Nylon and grosgrain is nice and all, but the extra beef (pun not intended) you get with the leather NATO band is pretty unique.  Find some old watch you never wear anymore, rid it of the worn out band, and lace your choice of black or brown leather strap through the spring bars.

.

5. Jack Spade Monza Single Fold Slim Wallet – $35.00 (reg. $50)

Different but not weird.

Most guys carry around a brown, plain, bifold or trifold. Consider instead a forrest green, perforated (just like the steering wheels on old sports cars), super slim wallet like this one.  No surprise Jack Spade makes it.

.

6. Kenneth Cole REACTION Cotton Blazer – $39.99 w/code SUMMER (reg. $99.98)

Ends up closer to $50 with shipping & Taxes

Old Navy isn’t selling their ready to be beat to death cotton blazers right now (they’ve got a linen blend though).  So if you’re looking for something that’s light, relaxed, and airy, this seems to be the best dirt cheap option.  A little big through the middle, so could use some tailoring, but feels surprisingly good.

.

7. Seiko 5 SNKK31 Black Dial & SNKK25 White Dial – $70.00

Lots of potential here.

Like the kid brother of the SNZJ 5-series.  Might be a little too business casual for some, so consider getting the links out of there and instead swapping in a leather band with contrast stitching.  Smallish dial at 38mm, nice arrow-point hour hand, and with a bit of customization?  These could look pretty slick.

.

8. A good set of Collins Glasses – $35.99 via Williams-Sonoma

The anti-bowl.

You wouldn’t drink a glass of wine out of a red plastic cup right? (Some of you, don’t answer that).  Just about any summer drink should go in these tall and lanky glasses.  Check your local thrift store for ultra cheap options.

.

9. Alfani Moon Plain Toe Lace Ups – $76.49 (reg. $89.99)

Ready for jeans and chinos.

A surprisingly nice casual lace-up from Macy’s Alfani brand.  Burnishing in person isn’t that noticeable, the leather feels okay (it is under $100) and they’re strangely comfortable.  Something you’ll reach for when going out in denim.

.

10. Fifth&Brannan Multi-Plaid Pocket Square – $35.00

A splurge that won't wreck your checkbook.

$35 is a good chunk to spend on a pocket square but this one is worth it.  Here’s why: Fifth&Brannan is the brainchild of Katie Wintrode, who is Barron from The Effortless Gent’s better half.  It’s as grassroots as a brand gets.  She’s hands-on designed it all, the fabrics are top of the line, and everything is made right here in the USA.  Public shop launch isn’t until June 20th, but you can still take 15% off with the code firstlook.  Then fill out their feedback form here.

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

Fit is everything.  And ever since the Slim Fit Shirt Paloozas hit the site, you guys have been politely asking for more.  With the recent seasonal warm up, more than a few of you have emailed asking for a slim fit palooza focused on pants. Jeans are getting stashed in favor of lighter chinos for spring and summer, and men just don’t want those ballooning khakis many of us were raised in.  And thus, the search is on.

They will all be flat front.   They will all be affordable.   And they will all be easy to get your hands on and your legs in either through the web or in an easy to find store.

Size/Body Type Reference Information: I’m 5’9″-10″, 165-170lbs, wear a 32×32 in most pants, and have larger than normal but not gigantic (‘kay, maybe they’re a little big) upper legs.
.

Kenneth Cole REACTION Linen Blend Pants – $44.99 (reg. $75.00)

Surprisingly decent for the REACTION line.

The problem with linen is the see-through-ness that comes with the lighter versions.  And you can pick up a bit of that in the photos above (see the pockets?) but in person it’s not all that bad.  They aren’t as transparent thanks to the fabric’s blend.  A linen/poly blend yes, but they feel good and move well.  If you’re looking for trim fit dressed up linen pants that can be paired with a sportcoat, then these are a real decent choice.

.

Banana Republic Vintage Straight – $59.50 (but go on sale plenty)

Casual go-tos

Solid.  For those of us without chicken legs, there’s enough room for stronger hamstrings and quads while still having a lower rise.  Much better looking than the more conservative and higher rise Gavin chino.  They’re washed which is good for the feel, but… eh…  there’s some tiny dings at the cuffs.  Iron and starch em’ and no one will notice.  Fabric is a perfect mid weight chino.

.

Banana Republic Straight Fit Canvas 5-Pocket pant – $69.50 (but go on sale plenty)

Pretty close to excellent.

If you’re hooked on jeans and need a non denim option for summer, these are about as good as it gets.  The rear patch pockets make them a little tough to dress way up but many (I will) could wear a cotton blazer with them.  If you’re sockless anyway, who cares if there’s some barely noticeable patch pockets?  Trimmer than the vintage straights.  Feels like a 501 fit.  Often on sale and seem to bottom out around $41.  Worth it at that price for sure.

.

Final Grades

Kenneth Cole Linen Blend: B- Not bad, but the linen look limits their use.
Banana Republic Vintage Straight: B+ Just wish they weren’t washed quite so much.
Banana Republic Straight 5-pocket : A- Us denim addicts need these for summer.  Spendy, but catch a sale.

Click here for previous editions of the pants palooza, and feel free to leave your reaction below…