Best Bets for Under $75.00 – January 2011
Seventy Five dollars. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, and it probably took care of one, two, or three people on your Christmas list this year. But the holidays are over. Selection is paltry at best at the stores. Their stock has been picked over worse than a yard sale at 3:00pm in a retirement community. The credit card bills are on their way if not already here. So perhaps you want/need something, but you can’t go hog wild. Setting a limit is best, but is there really anything out there worth considering?
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.
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1. Boden Unstructured Blazer in camel cord or navy twill – $74.00 (reg.$128)
One of the questions that gets emailed in the most is “where can I find an affordable unstructured navy blazer?” Unstructured = no shoulder pads. Here it is guys. The camel cord option looks decent too, but it’s the navy you’ll reach for time and time again. Sizes are limited, 38 and 40 available in each. For now.
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2. Nautica BFD 101 Tan Dial Watch – $67.22
($95.00)
Looks like this is last year’s model, which at 44mm is darn near slim compared to the new 50mm model. A better fit for your wrist, and the perfect match for your favorite pair of brown casual boots. Not sold or fulfilled by Amazon though, so just be aware of that.
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3. BOSS Black Leather Card Holder – $68.99 (reg. $85.00)
Expensive for just a leather card holder… but it’s the stripe that makes it. And I’m sure it’s the stripe that also will ruin it for some.
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4. Alfani Double Gored Plain Toe Boot – $64.99 (reg. $99.99)
Macy’s is doing a “buy more save more” deal on their website right now. So if you spend over $50, you get $10 knocked off your purchase. Over $100, you get $20 taken off. The savings don’t show up until you checkout, so… don’t flip when you see the purchase price online.
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5. Indochino Black with white stripes simple tie – $39.00
That right there is how a tie should look. Not skinny by any means but not over 3″ either. This is a serious tie for when you need to look as sharp as possible. Pair it with a gray suit and blue shirt, or a Navy suit and white shirt.
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6. ASOS Single Breasted Check Wool Mix Coat – $51.72 (reg. $172.40)
Sure it’s basically a 50/50 wool to poly mix. But for $50? With XS, S, M, and L still available? It’s pretty low risk for the guys who want something other than their standard black wool winter coat.
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7. Converse Garment Dye Jack Purcell – $39.90 (reg. $59.95)
A little beefier than the Chuck Taylor, the Jack Purcell by Converse is a can’t miss casual court sneaker. They’re more comfortable than Chucks, and they’re on sale now for under $40. Not a bad deal at all.
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8. Rugby Leather Patch Cardigan & Shetland Shawl Stripe Cardigan – $74.99 (reg. $128)
You only need one of these “it’s cold, I need another layer” cardigans in your closet. But when you do pick one, make it one that’s got a nice stand out detail. The Wool Leather Patch cardigan has those (hated by some) elbow patches, while the shawl cardigan has stripes at the cuffs. Both are 100% wool.
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9. Ben Sherman Canvas Computer Bag – $53.99
(reg. $119)
This is what I carry. One day I’ll get a Filson. And then maybe one day I’ll get a Saddleback. But for now, this gets the job done. It’s trim, blends in, and there’s a top handle on either side so it’s balanced perfectly. Great for guys on the move who need a computer to come with them. 16″ wide. Free 2-day shipping from eBags too.
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10. A round of drinks for your friends – $$? Depends on what you’re buyin’
C’mon. Is there anything better than treating a great group of people to a round? And don’t wait till your three drinks in. Pick up the first round of happy hour. When it’s least expected. And expect nothing in return.
Above beer photo credit: vmiramontes
Keep an eye on your local marshals/tjmaxx, mine currently has that Ben Sherman black case for $25. They also have tumi at a significant discount, limited items .
What is your understanding of a skinny tie? To me, anything narrower than 3.25 inches is a skinny tie. I was disappointed when I got my Indochino ties. They are 2.75 inches wide. Unless you weigh 150 pounds and have a size 34 chest, these ties will never look right. Too bad the quality and pattern are great.
As for the round of drinks, I recommend Boulevard Brewing Co’s Tank 7 Saison. Just had one last night. Excellent.
2.75 is definitely a pretty solid size for ties. I’d consider skinnier than that “skinny”. I’d never be caught in a tie over 3″.
Joe: Have you seen Alfani’s boots in person? Macy’s website does not carry more than one picture. I just want to make sure boots are not squared in the front, looks somehow in the only picture they have.
@Anotherjames: To me, 3″ and above is traditional, 2.5 – 3″ is slim, anything under 2.5 is “skinny”. I’m a 38-40 chest/jacket size, and my preference is a tie in the slim range tied in a half windsor. Not super cinched either. I think the 2.75 is a nice in-between for most guys. Just my take though
@Ben: I usually buck tradition/the rules and tie a half windsor in a slim to skinny tie. And not over cinch. The short end gets pretty short, but I’m cool with that. Gives the knot a little more beef. Takes a bit of practice though
@Bryan: 3″ and up, to me, are traditional. And too many of those flare out extra wide towards the tip. Not my cup of tea usually.
@Abiassaph: I haven’t on these. I’ll keep an eye out for them / try and make a field trip. But I own a real similar looking pair, and they’re not pointed, but they aren’t chopped either. Somewhere inbetween. If you’re not sure, I say don’t do it.
@Joe. I attempted to purchase those Polo Rugby sweaters for $75 but the price number changed from $99. There happens to be a store near me and I tried them on, don’t look bad at all. The saleswoman said the in-store 25% off is expired. Is there some specific code for online? Thanks.
@LKG: Dang. There was an extra 25% off clearance going on for awhile there, looks like it expired yesterday…
They’re listed as $69.99 on the website now.