10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – July 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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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)

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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 in the Spring, and hopefully a new full length album is on the way?  Maybe?

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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

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9.  The August Issue of GQ – $4.99 (Alison Brie / Gillian Jacobs from NBC’s “Community”)

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10. Art of Manliness Letterpress Stationery – $15.00 for box of 15

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