10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – May

Best Bets for Under $75.00 – May 2011

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.
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1. Sebago Brattle Casual Wingtip – $74.95 SHIPPED w/code AVPMAY1
Dead center between sneakers and dress shoes

Sebagos are ridiculously comfortable.  With the weather heating up, a lot of us are looking for shoes to wear with super light casual blazers that aren’t quite dress shoes, but aren’t quite Jack Purcells either.  These easily fill that void with the pair in black (nice contrast sole) excelling at night.

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2. Brooks Brothers Knot Cufflinks – 4 for $20.00
One way to embrace the warmer weather.

Now that the sun is shining, you’re best not to blind anyone with your cufflinks.  So keep em’ toned down.  Or, keep them colorful and cheap with knots from Brooks Brothers.

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3. Banana Republic Slim Fit Five-Pocket Cotton Pant – $34.99 (reg. $79.50)
Didn't think they'd get this inexpensive.

And I thought I did pretty good snagging a pair of straight fits (reviewed over here for the Palooza) for around $40 in-store.  These don’t have the “Canvas” moniker, so they could be even lighter.  That’s perfect for summer.  Incredibly versatile, might be a little slim for the fellas with big upper legs.

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4. Old Navy Linen Blend Ultra Light Blazers – $35.00 (reg. $44.00)
Going to need tailoring.

Like the Old Navy Chino blazer, but ultra light thanks to a half lining and the 55% linen blend.  Closer to the INC ultra light in feel, but certainly not fit.  This is Old Navy after all.  It’ll need a trip to the tailor.

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5. Peugeot 12″ Pepper Mill – $58.00
Annihilates Peppercorns

Yes a $60 pepper mill and yes it’s worth it.  There’s something incredibly satisfying about picking up this extremely well made tool and destroying peppercorns with a few smooth twists.  A lot of us are throwing a good amount of meat on the grill this time of year.  Salads are getting made every night too.  Really nice to have on hand.

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6. Bulova 96A120 Canvas Watch – $78.71 (reg. $150)

Solid brand, better look.

Look what Amazon has back in stock.  Not QUITE under $75, but if you consider how many different watches it can look like if you swap out the strap for a striped one (try black & grey), then it’s fair to fudge a bit on the $75 limit.

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7. Maker’s 46 – about $35 – $40
New incarnation, different taste.

Makes one heck of a Mint Julep.  “As Maker’s 46 mingles with the wood, it takes on stronger hints of caramel, spice and vanilla(from here).  Yep, sounds about right.

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8. Original Penguin “The Earl” polo – $39.00 w/ code SHIRTPOLO20 (reg. $59)
Code Expires Monday 5/16

Even at the reduced price, $40 is a lot when you consider that’ll get you four of the terrific Mossimo polos.  But those Mossimo polos don’t come with the not over the top retro details of the OP Earl.  Code SHIRTPOLO20 gets you $20 off Original Penguin Polos and shirts.  Expires (today) Monday 5/16.  Free shipping over $50.

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9. J. Crew Factory Open Tattersall Shirt – $34.50
Button down collar, plenty of options to pair it with.

Gingham doesn’t always look good on everybody.  Tattersall does pretty much always look good on everybody.  You can just do way too much with a slimmer fit button down washed tattersall shirt.

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10. Bonobos 5″ Khaki Swim Trunks – $65.00
Expensive, but gets it all right.

There are so many awful swim trunks out there.  These on the other hand get everything right.  The price is steep, but you get just enough color, none of the extra baggy legs, the control giving mesh liner, and no scrunchy elastic diaper looking waistband.  Watch for a full feature on swim trunks in the coming weeks.

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

Joe

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