10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – September 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.
.

1. Armitron Nordstrom Exclusive Military – $65.00
Flight dial face for little cost.

First appeared in the Cheap Time feature.  Obvious flight dial hands and numbers are a big nod to Bell & Ross and the like.  There’s a few color combinations to pick from, but this black/brown will go with almost anything.

 

2. J. Crew Merino Striped V-Neck – $59.50 ($79.50)
Swap cotton for merino when possible.

With most sweaters going for more than $50, this one stands out for just shy of $60.  It’s merino wool, has a closer to the body fit, and proves that you don’t have to always stick to solids when it comes to your sweaters.

 

3. Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Style Ruby Ale – $8.00 – $12.00 per 6 pack
Thanks Scotland (and Seattle)

C’mere.  Not you, you.  Yes you, with the… is that Mike’s Hard Lemonade?  Lean in a little closer.  Ready?  Wanna tell you something:  Now is the time for malt.  Big flavor.

 

4. Woolrich Oilcloth Baseball Cap – $25.00
Sherpa lined for warmth

That just might be the best looking fall-ready baseball cap in existence.  And yes, some can’t stand baseball caps in general, but, ball caps usually look good on most (casually speaking of course.)  Water repellent.

 

5. Blank Label “Steve Albany” pattern shirt – $50 – $80
Nice checks.

Hard not to love the check colors on this one.  As low as $50 if you get a $50 for $100 in credit daily hookup deal.  Blank Label is one of the better known web based custom shirt makers out there.  For more on them and the deal, go here.  Full review of the shirt later on this week.

 

6. U.O. Hawkings McGill Wingtip Boot – $79.50 w/ code WTVR ($88.00)
Better than the cheap price.

Going to blur the $75 line here since these ship free with the new U.O. >$50 gets you free shipping policy.  The code drops them just under $80, and at that price these are a bargain.  Here’s the full review.  They look especially good with dark wash jeans and a not quite as dark blue blazer up top.  Use the code WTVR for 10% off.

 

7. J. Crew Factory Wool Covered Flask – $29.50
Keeping the warm stuff warm.

Between this and the Kilt Lifter, our livers are taking a beating this month.  It’s that time of year though.  Always good to have a decent flask on hand if you’re of age.  Herringbone is a great pattern.  This combines the two.

 

8. Clark’s Bushacre Chukka – $69.95 ($90.00)
No sand required.

Many swear by the simple and classic design of the Clark’s Desert boot.  Whenever similar boots come up by other brands, the Clark’s almost always get mentioned in the comments.  The sole on these is a little different than a Clark’s Desert, but otherwise they’re pretty much twins.  Available in grey, tan, and black suede, plus a tan leather.  Free shipping with the code SHIPR if you sign up for the DSW mailing list.

 

9. Old Navy Slim Fit Canvas Pant – $34.94
A slight step down, but not bad.

A cheap version of the now defunct Banana Republic riveted 5-pocket canvas pant from last season.  Slim fit is actually slim through the legs (think between a 501 and 514) but the waist still seems a little too roomy.  Think about sizing down there.  Not chino fabric, but instead similar to the canvas cloth of the BR 5 pocket.  The quality isn’t as good, but they’re much cheaper and should go on sale all the time.  More than serviceable.

 

10. Waxed Racer Jacket by Charles & 1/2 – $44.91 w/ code WTVR ($68.00)
Plenty water resistant.

So you want a moto style leather jacket but don’t have: 1. The cash, or 2. A motorcycle.  No problem.  This waxed cotton one doesn’t pretend to be leather and works just fine that way. Very trim which is very good.  Full review here.

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

Joe

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