Above Photo Credit: saturnism

Saw a Statue of Liberty on a busy street corner last week. She was holding a sign that said “It’s Tax Time!” She also had a beard.  The Uncle Sam outfit musta been at the dry cleaner.

To be clear, $1043 is not the average tax refund a U.S. citizen will see this year.  $3,129 is actually the average refund.  Good grief that’s a chunk of change.  And as unrealistic as a 3-grand refund might be for most of us, just as unrealistic is the idea of going out and blowing 100% of our tax returns.  It’s obviously a good idea to save it, build up that emergency fund, or make a donation to your favorite non-profit.

But we all know what led to the demise and eventual reclassification of Jack to dull-boy status.  So to keep work and play in harmonious balance, here’s a few ideas on how to splurge with 1/3 of the average 2010 refund:
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J. Crew Ludlow Sportcoat in Mini Gingham – $168.00 ($875 left)

Wear it deep into the fall just to break the rules.

If Gingham made a roaring comeback last summer, then this summer it gets a little more refined by way of the micro-pattern.  Jeans, chinos, whatever, it’ll work with it.

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Tissot T-sport PRC200 Chronograph – $269.88 ($605.12 left)

Can be worn with a t-shirt or suit.

Yes Auto-fanatics, it’s a quartz.  So if you’re auto or nothing, feel free to ignore.  Tissot just changed up the face of their PRC 200 Chronos, and it’s not necessarily for the better.  This is the previous model, with even diameter/well placed sub dials.  Sold Direct by Amazon.

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Calibrate Cotton/Nylon Trench – $199.90 (reg. $295) ($405.22 left)

Rain ready too.

The market has been flooded with double breasted trench coats and single breasted macs.  Many of them are 100% cotton, and won’t do much for keeping water from soaking through to your clothes.  This is a nylon mix.  Don’t freak out about the belt, you’ll get used to it, or, it should look pretty good without it too.

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For Her: Tiffany & Co. Compact Wallet – $195.00 (210.22 left)

Don't forget about her.

What? Are you really just going to go out and blow a grand on yourself, and get nothing for her?  Made in Italy, comes in a bunch of different colors, and the perfect size for the woman who doesn’t lug around some gargantuan old lady purse.  Plenty of colors to choose from.

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Bittercube Bitters 6-Pack – $48.00 ($162.22 left)

Try them with everything.

Craft Bitters are the gravy of cocktails.  They make everything better.  Even non-cocktails like plain ol’ club soda.  Read the full review of the variety pack right over here.

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Cole Haan Suede Chukka – $102 (reg. $228) ($60.22 left)

Don't like the laces? That's an easy fix.

More than half off and check out the laces.   Less schulmpy than a standard Clark’s desert boot.  Wear them with your favorite pair of dark denim and the J. Crew Blazer up top.

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Original Penguin The Earl Polo – $41.30 w/ code F&F30 (reg. $59.00) ($18.92 left)

Front and back, slim all around.

The favorite polo of our Arts and Culture Correspondent Ben Madeksa, this one has a heritage slim fit and the right piping details which give off a retro but not costumey vibe.   The code F&F30 stands for Friends and Family, and gets you 30% off everything.

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J. Crew Watch Strap – $10.50 w/ code MUSTHAVE (reg. $20.00) ($8.42 left)

Should work with many a watch.

Now’s not a bad time to breathe some new life into an old forgotten watch sitting in the back of a drawer.  And $10.50 isn’t a bad price.  Shipping is brutal though (it is J. Crew after all)

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Matinee showing of “The Adjustment Bureau” - $7.00ish ($1.42 left)

Powered by Fedora.

Haven’t seen it.  Been putting it off.  Wouldn’t mind knowing what’s with the hats.

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Pack of Black Jack Chewing Gum – $0.99 ($0.43 left)

Mmmm. Tasty tire.

Because there’s just not enough aniseed flavored candy any more.   Tastes like liquorice, looks like you’re chewing on a piece of an old faded tire.

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Plugging a meter that’s running low on time – $0.43 ($0.00 left)

Karma in change form.

Careful though.  In many a city this random act of kindness is frowned upon, so watch out for meter maids.

Got any plans for your tax refund?  Leave it all in the comments section below…

Been quite the week for footwear.  Kenneth Cole had a half off sale, J. Crew put some Danners up at a good price, and now ASOS throws their own bluchers (and then some) into the ring.

250 shoes have been marked down on ASOS.com including shoes from the ASOS house brand.  Marking down an ASOS shoe is like selling tuna fish at fish food prices.  Sure it’s not the wild caught Salmon, but Esquire UK describes their house brand as “providing great value… while maintaining a passable level of quality.”  And really, if you dress tuna up right, you can make one hell of a sandwich.  Here’s the picks.  Not all of them are chunk light:
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The Dress Shoes:  Rolando Sturlini Brogues – $236.68 ($300) | ASOS Derby – $43.93 ($63)

Left: The Penthouse. Right: The Outhouse.

Not sure if the ASOS guys are using “new math” but 70% of $295.85 is not $236.68.  It’s closer to $207.  Still one incredible looking slimmed down brogue.  Made in Italy as well.  The ASOS Derby is now dirt cheap.  The toe might be too pointy for most.
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The Boots:  ASOS Brogues – $81.58 ($117) | ASOS Made in U.K. Chelsea – $175.71 ($252)

Believe it or not, both made by ASOS.

Wingtip / Brogue styled boots are here to stay, and they’re a perfect pairing for denim & just about anything semi dressed up.  The Made in England Chelseas are as classic as it gets.  Great shape, and thanks to the Goodyear Welt construction, you could potentially have them for a lonnnnng time.  That should make you and your cobbler happy.  Limited sizes.  Available in brown too.
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The Casual Shoes:  Lacoste Plimsolls – $64.55 (reg. $81) | ASOS Boat Shoes – $47.51 ($68)

C'mon sun.

Maybe this is just wishful thinking for a little more sun.  White sneakers will go pretty well with this and some bare ankles come summer.  The boat shoes will go well with this type of environment when it heats up too.  The Navy, brown laces, and white sole give it that nautical look all at once.  So don’t overdo it with white pants and a navy blazer.

Watch for the ASOS 30% off shoe sale to end 3/12.  But it could go longer…

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 Tuesday February 8th – Wednesday February 9th.  Know that we’ve only picked items with a wide range of sizes.  Also know that 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.
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Alfani Red Grey Sharkskin Suit Jacket – $134.99 ($450) & Pant – $65.00 (reg. $125)

Probably the best sub $200 option

If you’re looking to add a medium to lighter gray suit to your lineup, good for you.  The Indochino Ultimate Gray is probably the best affordable option, then followed by the Hilfiger Trim Fit.  But if your budget is limiting you to $200 or under?  The Macy’s House Brand Alfani Red and their slim fit sharkskin will do you right.
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1/2 ct. tw diamond studs in 14k white gold – $249 SUPER BUY (reg. $600)

1/2 carat studs = a great standard size.

You’re down to one week.  Here’s the thing about “Super Buys”: They’re usually the biggest discount you can grab.  They’re a deep enough price cut that Macy’s doesn’t allow you to use any other coupons/offers with it.  So it’s about as good as the price will get.  Remember, for diamond shopping, in-store is best because you can compare your options side by side.  Look for the most sparkle.   It should be noticeable.
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Lacoste Bateau Boat Sneakers – $59.99 ($75) | Converse Jack Purcell – $37.99 ($50)

Croc & Jack

Not a bad time to be in the market for black or white canvas sneakers.  The Lacostes are boat inspired, and the Converse are the not to be tampered with Jack Purcell.  Both shoes come in the opposite color too.   Meaning, the Lacoste are available in black, and the JPs in white.
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Alfani Red Slim fit PEAK Lapel* Tux Jacket – $140 ($350) & Matching Pant – $60 ($150)

Slim and peaked.

If you’re on a budget and prefer a peak lapel, this is your best bet.  The Hilfiger Trim Fit is a step above, but with its notch lapels it doesn’t satisfy the Tuxedo purists. They’re separates, which is perfect if you’re an odd size and have a hard time finding suits.
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Hilfiger Button Down Check Dress Shirt – $38.99 (reg. $65.00)

Classic in look but not fit.

Checked shirts like these will be big this year.  And “big” is precisely what this trim fit shirt from Tommy Hilfiger isn’t.  Button down collar, nicely spaced smaller check, asking for a knit tie.  Was $10 cheaper during the last sale.
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INC Dark Heather Blazer – $14.99 (reg. $79.98)

$15?

Fifteen Bucks?  Really?  I tried on a pinstriped INC mainly poly but with some wool mixed in pair of suit separates the other day, and I have to say they didn’t feel half bad.  If this thing is anywhere remotely similar to that jacket, then $15 is a steal.  Don’t follow the models lead.  Leave the man jewelery at home.  Or better yet, on the store shelf.
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Calvin Klein Deauville Driver – $82.99 (Reg. $98.00)

Just a driver.

Drivers are one of those things that’s so simple, designers keep trying to mess with it.  Calvin Klein sticks with the classic shape, traction sole, and extended panel at the heel, and thus… gets it right.
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This current Macy’s One Day Sale ends Wednesday 2/9.

Alfani has their RED Label, and apparently so does Lacoste.  Not sure which came first, but both “Red” monikers appear to mean the same thing.  A younger, slimmer, more athletic fit than their traditional more boxy apparel brothers.  Combine the Lacoste classic croc, not too bold stripes, and the new fit, and now there’s a pique polo worth paying $40 for.

Not $88.00, $40.00.  Thanks Nordstrom Sale.

Yes you’re paying for the croc.  And not being a slave to brands and their logos is extremely important if you’re buying on a budget.  But it’s fun to break that rule every once in awhile when you’ve got something like this.

Available in most sizes in a few different color options.

Don’t be thrown off by the goofy sizing:  3=XS, 4=S, 5=M, 6=L, 7=XL, etc…

*Not sure what Giltman.com is?  Click here for the full Story
**Full Disclosure as usual:  If you’re not already a member of Giltman, and you click through from Dappered.com and join, the first time you make a purchase we get a credit.  But you don’t have to and can just join up by yourself.  In all true honesty, it’s a great way to score some top shelf stuff, at bottom shelf prices.

The Lacoste Main Sail. A watch to keep an eye out for on Giltman.com Regular price: $235 at Nordstrom.

Giltman’s sale on Invicta watches didn’t seem to go so well last week.  Most of the collection up for grabs was gaudy (Invicta can lean that way) and if memory serves correct no more than 1/2 the items sold out.  That just doesn’t look like the greatest Gilt sale from a customer point of view.

But this one has potential.  Here’s the official preview text from Giltman.com:

From the classic lines of Lacoste to the edgy aesthetic of Dolce & Gabbana, these watches… make a statement. Check out D&G’s stainless-steel watch plated in rosegold… Or look to Skagen for an edgy take on the classic brown leather strap, this time featuring a super-wide face and a funky chocolate-brown strap.

Lacoste watches in general look great and are perfect for summer.  D&G is a solid and under-appreciated “affordable” brand (although I’m not thrilled about Rose Gold).  And the fact that Gilt claims to have something made by the minimalist Skagen they call edgy… I might just tune in to see that.

Sale starts at Noon ET Sharp.  Remember, once you put something in your cart, you’ve got 10 minutes to purchase or reject it without penalty.  So it’s smart to grab anything you might want, then weed out what you don’t later.  Just Gilt Group Credits on returns.  No refunds on items unless they’re damaged or they ship the wrong product.

Click to be "invited" by Dappered.com

Kinda country, kinda rock-and roll, sort of retro in it’s own right too.  The Plaque Belt can go very wrong very quickly and it’s not for everyone.  But if you keep the size of the buckle under control and limited its use to casual wear, plaque belts can be a great way to revive that tired weekend clothing rut.

Aside from the somewhat expensive J. Crew Belt above, (which you have to admit, it pretty sweet) here’s a few more worth using to keep your pants secure.
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Johnston and Murphy Antique Brash Finish Belt – $49.50

For the guy who can still look great while splitting wood.

It is possible to wear a brass finished plaque belt without looking too much like a mountain man.  As long as you don’t wear it with medium blue denim, a buffalo plaid shirt, and Red Wings, you’ll avoid the Paul Bunyan look.

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Apt. 9 by Kohls Reversible Plaque Belt – $18.20

Cheap, brushed silver, reversible.

It might be tempting to wear something like this with a shirt and tie, or even a suit.  But don’t… It’s a bit too trendy for business wear.  Keep it to dark denim.  And if you need a dress belt, here’s the only one you’ll ever need.

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Express 2-in-1 Reversible Leather Plaque Belt – $39.50

The Dark finish on the buckle is dead on.

You’ve got to love the dark finish and shape of the buckle on this belt from Express.  It’s almost military / special ops looking.  Maybe something to wear with gray chinos and a black polo.

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Lacoste Croc Enamled Plaque Belt – $40.50

The Logo is reserved enough, just don't show it off all the time.

It’s always smart to keep logos at arms length, but the Lacoste Crocodile is about as good as it gets.  Just don’t start tucking in t-shirts and casual shirts to show it off.

OP top and back

Wingtips are called wingtips because the toe cap pattern looks like a bird that’s spreading its wings.  And now you can get that same pattern on sneakers, thanks to the two fashion forward prep labels Lacoste and Original Penguin.

The pair from Lacoste are all leather and the wingtip pattern is delivered through stitching only.  The pair from Original Penguin are much busier with breathable mesh, canvas, and rubber all colliding on the upper.  Looks like the wingtip style comes by way of extending the rubber toe in the classic W shape.

These are a little more of a risk than a plain white Jack Purcell or the more stout looking Italian Superga Cuto, but if you’re a details kinda guy who loves his leather brogues, then by all means…

Call me crazy, but if I had to pick between the two I’m going with the pair from Original Penguin.  They’re totally unique for summer, they’ll keep your feet cool, and you get that sweet retro stripe down the back heel.

How much is too much for a pair of jeans?  We’ve all seen that the designer brands can get ridiculously expensive, while other lesser knowns are dirt cheap.  Someone walking into Barney’s in New York City could easily lay down a couple hundred bucks for a pair of denim, while at the same time some fella in Roanoke scoured the clearance rack at Sears and walked away with a pair of Wranglers for $14.99.

But what’s the difference?  And if there is one, is it really that big?

We took two pairs and put them head to head.  The bargain brand at Target, and the top of the line at our Macy’s.

Here’s how they stacked up:

WINNER:

Yep.  Gap.  Or, real Levi’s.  Not their lower brand available at Target.  Spend the extra $15 and get yourself some 501s.  Although the pair from Lacoste wiped the floor with the Target brand, they’re just too damn expensive and the fit wasn’t quite right.  The color was perfect.  You have to give the Lacoste pair that.  Deep, dark, inky Navy.  With just enough white threads showing up in the mix that it almost looked like a super-subtle birds-eye pattern.  And the stitching was also deep blue, so… it all kind of blended together.  Which is nice.  But you do get the feeling that you’re paying for that Croc.  “Designed in France” but Made in Morocco?  C’mon.

The Targert Levi’s were cheap, and felt cheap.  The zipper seemed like some sort of medieval torture device, and the fabric just didn’t feel quite right.  The cut was really bad, and almost made it feel like you were wearing a diaper.

Better to just find something in-between.  Because maybe it’d be worth saving up $130 for a pair made in the US.  But until that day comes, we’ll stick with the Gap Authentic Fit.

You’ll pay for the crocodile.  But in return you get a throwback cotton-canvas duffel bag with a good amount of room.

It’s not quite as big as a wheeled luggage duffel, but at 20 inches long you should be able to cram a weekends worth of clothes for a casual trip up tp some small mountain town, or over to the beach.

Beat it up, take it (just about) everywhere, put everything in it.