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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Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit Dress shirt – $42.90
($65.00)
Probably the highest quality, best feeling dress shirt at this price point. Unlike cheaper, flimsy shirts that mix in poly, this one is thick but not weighty. You can instantly tell the difference. Disappeared for awhile from the Nordstrom site, but has since come back. Now if they could only make a twin in a light blue (although they do have one in Egyptian cotton for an additional ten bucks). Reviewed as part of a past slim fit shirt palooza.
2. Rugby Ralph Lauren Madras Card Case – $26.25 (reg. $35.00)
Summer appropriate for sure, but why stash it when the weather cools off? Unexpected bits of color in the fall and winter are a great way to inject some life in our predictably drab wardrobes. Keep on using it when the leaves change. (Price reflects extra 25% off sale. Shows up in cart. Could end at any time.)
3. L.L. Bean Signature Saltwash Pullover – $39.99 (reg. $69.00)
Again, four words you’ll read here a lot between now and September… is it Fall yet? Rugby styling, trimmer fit through the sides, and a decent weight (but not anchor heavy) fabric. Huge points for the cuffs.
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4. Superga Cuto Classic – $37.49 ($64.95)
White court sneakers are what most of us reach for when summer hits. If you’re still struggling along with a pair of old nasty flip flops, or your Chuck Taylors have finally given up, the Italian brand Superga might be your cheap answer.
Superga Photo Credit
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5. Bonobos Made in the USA Tan Braided Belt – $35.00
($50.00)
Part of the ongoing Bonobos summer sale. A go-to summer belt at a more than reasonable price. The added bonus is that it’s made in the United States. Of course you get the Bonobos Free Shipping and Ninja powered customer service.
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6. Broken Bells | Self Titled – $9.43
Came out in 2009 and hasn’t gotten old (for many of us) after a million or so plays. Two parts spacey and one part groove. Not bad for an easy summer evening. The band is a project by Danger Mouse and James Mercer from The Shins. They released a a new EP
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7. Marc New York Canvas Dopp Kit – $19.97 ($59.50)
Your dopp kit won’t be tough to find in your over packed duffel ever again. Tough to miss when it’s bright orange. Canvas exterior, nylon on the inside, nice looking bridle leather trim.
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8. J. Crew Triple Stripe Tie – $49.50
Ties with more than two colors can get too busy awfully quick. Leave it to J. Crew to put three complimentary, cool colors all on the same tie with big blocky stripes, and still have it come off w/ subtlety. Wear it with your khaki suit.
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9. The August Issue of GQ – $4.99 (Alison Brie / Gillian Jacobs from NBC’s “Community”)
Part of GQ’s annual comedy issue. Page 110 – 111. There’s also a short video of the shoot if you’re interested…
I’m sorry, what were we talking about?
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10. Art of Manliness Letterpress Stationery – $15.00 for box of 15
A recent personal splurge (if you can call spending $15 a splurge.) I was impressed with how quickly these got to the Dappered home offices after I had clicked “purchase.” So far they’ve been used as thank you notes and cards for birthday presents. They’re miles ahead of any store bought cards. Tons of motifs available for you to pick from.
For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.
The J crew tie looks great. However, after years of GQ brainwashing, I have finally realized that 2.5″ ties are way too narrow. I am 5’8″ and 160 lbs and simply do not like the way they look on me. At all. Thus they are all in the garbage now, replaced with 3″. or 2 3/4′. 3″ ties are slim enough IMO, without looking tortured.
3″ ties are the way to go for me as well. Thetiebar.com has recently expanded their collection of them, which I would suggest checking out if you haven’t already.
Agree that 3″ is perfect, but there are a few J Crew ties that are the exception for me. Like the pattern, material, or something of that sort and they fit well with many items in my wardrobe
Also, must agree with your shirt of choice. I am wearing one as I type and, for the price, it is pretty solid. Though the collar is quite large, the spread is perfect and looks great unbuttoned without a tie.
By far the worst dress shirt, I might add, are the standard J Crew ones. So thin and flimsy, even the cuffs wrinkle after starching and only minutes of wear. Very annoying and ends up looking sloppy within 15 minutes IMO.
x2 on http://www.thetiebar.com. Great selection and the ties knot perfectly. All ties are $15 but don’t look cheap at all.
I think 3″ to 3.5″ is the ideal width. I wore a 2.5″ tie once and it looked like a shoelace on me. Then again, I am 5’10” and 215 lbs. Below 3″ is treading into the fashion waters IMHO.
Women in lingerie, playing. Thank you.
I’m digging the LL Bean rugby but from reading the reviews am worried it’s more of a classic LL Bean trash bag fit… do you know how it fits?
The Calibrate Trim Fit appears to be a step up from the Smartcare and is only $3 more at $45.90.
Trudy Campbell! That’s not how a lady should act 🙂
To be fair, it is a little on the larger side (still trimmer than standard LL Bean though)…I have both colors shown in the photo. For me, the cuff buttons and fabric quality more than make up for it….and definitely make it worth the trip to the tailor.
I’m 6’3″, 175 lbs, 40″ chest, 32″ waist. Originally bought a Medium, but had to return it to go with a large (for the longer sleeves). The Medium had a bit too much fabric around the waist. The large obviously had more.
I do find more casual ties to look more acceptable in thinner widths (knit, cotton). Standard silk has to be over nearer 3 for me.
“$15.00 for box of $15”? Seems like a fair trade to me. Could be a steal depending on the quality of the box.
thanks for the insight! I’m 5’11” 165 lbs – 39 chest, 32 waist. I’m going to pull the trigger on a size M and if it’s too big the returns are easy. I have two LL Bean Signature blazers (got them in size 38 and they fit great with their standard sleeve length and functioning buttons) and am very happy with the quality of their stuff.
I have a bunch of Calibrate and Nordstrom trim fits. Calibrate is a Nordstrom house brand as well and they are great shirts and don’t have pockets, which is awesome. The only thing kind of weird about Calibrate trim fit shirts is the button placement (at least on the ones I have). It’s only about 2″ from the top button to the second button, instead of 3″ which is average on most (and Nordstrom trim fit) shirts. Because of the button placement on Calibrate shirts, unbuttoning one looks goofy because it’s kind of high up but two approaches Miami Vice. Love Calibrate shirts but only wear them out for dinner (2 buttons undone) etc. or to work if I’m wearing a tie (buttoned up) that day.
Does anyone know if the light blue Nordstrom trim fit egyptian cotton shirt has a pocket or not?
The white shirt version listed does, and I hate pockets!
The light blue version doesn’t seem to, but not sure I want to gamble it.
I have purchased 4 ties from Tiebar.com, and they are pretty good for the price. I have almost no chin, and when my chin rubs against the bow tie I bought from them, the silk thread comes undone and frays. It also happens regularly with the full 3″ ties I have purchased, but not as bad. Overall, a good tie for $15.
I don’t know. If you are going for a slimmer, more athletic look I’m not sure why you’d want a wider tie that fights against a tailored suit “V” look. In my experience and by looking at other people I think if you’re slim or athletic you’d want a narrower tie. It’s often mentioned how bad boxy shirts and suits look. Personally, I think boxy ties (wide ties) look bad. Maybe that’s just me.
I think 3 inches is fine but 3.5 is too much for me. 2.5 is killer if you can pull it off.
Awesome music recommendation! I love the sound. Would love to see more music recommendations here.
Hmm, I was going to ask the same question, thinking I’d be between a large and XL. I’m a shade under 6′, about 225, kinda barrel chested. If they’re not super trim, maybe the large would be OK.
The Supergas are now $34.49 @ Overstock.