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10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – October 2011

October 18, 2011 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

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. Ratio Clothing Ogden Plaid – $73.00 w/ code DAPUNDER75 ($98)
And now it's under $75.

The new Ogden plaid shirt from ratio looks terrific, but at $98 it was too spendy to make the monthly list.  Talked with Eric over at ratio/clothing about this predicament and he provided a solution.  The code DAPUNDER75 is good for $25 off ANY one of their new plaids through November.  It’s a one time on one shirt per-customer, but you don’t have to be a first timer to use it.  The shirts are totally customizable so if you don’t want a full spread you can get a semi or button down.  Also made in the USA.  Full rundown on Ratio over here, and a huge thank you to Eric for the code.

 

2. L.L. Bean Signature Canvas Cloth Pant – $49.99 ($69.00)
Red, but not fire engine red.

Sturdier than a standard chino and a deep red color called “currant” that’s fall and winter appropriate.  A deep and dark tone like this is how those of us who prefer to (wait for it) stand out quietly wear color.  Ships free.  A black overcoat or peacoat over a checked dress shirt, wool tie, and maybe a tie bar would look pretty sharp here.

 

3. J. Crew Factory Laptop Bag – $64.50
Cheaper now that it's on the FACTORY side.

Wait… wasn’t there… but I thought… Well okay then.  Looks slightly different, but it’s basically the same thing.  Mine is holding up extremely well.  Ships free, no code required, but if you hang on for one of those once a month or so extra 30% off sales, it’ll dip to under $50.

 

4. Timex Oiled Leather Strap – $60.00
icon
Looks incredible from all angles.

Black plated case with an oiled leather tan strap.  This is the stripped down version of their just released Intelligent Chronograph in the same color scheme.  42mm in diameter so it’s not tiny.  Ships and returns free through Nordstrom thanks to their newish shipping policy.

 

5. Lands’ End Canvas Tartan Pocket Square – $9.50
Ships free too.

Looks like it’d go more than well in the pocket of a light grey tweed blazer.  All LEC purchases (no minimum spend requirement) will ship free through October 31st with the code SIMPLE and pin 7059.  And that’s your reward for actually reading these things.

 

6. Banana Republic Merino Wool V-Neck – $44.63 ($59.50)
When on sale, it's the best for the price.

If $45 is still too steep, hang out for a 30% off sale.  Stay patient and maybe a 40% off could roll around.  At that point they’re a complete steal.  V isn’t as deep as the silk/cotton/cashmere.  A new favorite.

 

7. Fossil Black and Brown Vintage Briefcases – $55.00
Not fake old. Actual vintage.

For those who prefer their work bags more traditional than the soft sided canvas type.  Part of the “Fossil Finds” section, which has to be one of the more unique bits of retail on the web.  It’s a bit like Fossil’s own consignment store.  There’s only one of each, because they’re actual vintage cases that somebody found in Chicago.  Could you find something similar for cheaper at your local thrift store?  It’s worth a try.

 

8. Calibrate Cotton Sportcoat – $74.97icon ($195) & INC Cord Blazer – $55.99 $79.60* ($99.50)
Sorry taller guys, no tall sizes available.

Both are trim fits and the Calibrate claims to be unstructured.  Haven’t seen the Calibrate in person yet, but it was going for almost $200 at Nordstrom.  That’s a lot.  Calibrate stuff seems to run a little short in length, so if you’re on the tall side it might be risky.  Free shipping and pre-paid returns though.  Praise for the INC over here.
*You’ll need the code PRESIDENT for an extra 20% off to get this price.  UPDATE:  The price just went back up.  Was down to $55.  Free shipping kicks in at $75, so, at least it ships free.  Might want to check in store.


9. Club Room Knot Cuff links – $16.00 (in store only)
Not a bad impulse buy.

Sure you can get more for less if you jump on Ebay, but if you don’t want to horse around with that, you might be able to catch these on sale in-store at Macy’s.  Gives you an opportunity to use your french cuff shirts a little more often, or, a good excuse to get your first french cuff shirt (and maybe a custom one?)

 

10. The Very Best of Ray Charles – $12.09
40 tracks for twelve bucks.

People who get bent out of shape when a restaurant carries Pepsi instead of Coke, and people who don’t like Ray Charles.  Can’t trust em’.  Invite some friends over for poker.  Maybe a beer sampling party.  Here’s your soundtrack for at least some of the evening.

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

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Etc. Tagged With: Banana Republic, best bets, Blazer, blazers under $100, Briefcase, Calibrate, cord sportcoat, Cuff Links, Fossil, INC, L.L. Bean Signature, land's end canvas, music, Pocket Square, ratio, Ray Charles, timex, vintage, Work Bag

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Comments

  1. Shuang Chen says

    October 18, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    The INC Cord Blazer is showing 99$ in cart and $79 with the coupon code PRESIDENT…

  2. Joe says

    October 18, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    Price just went back up.  Was down to $55 yesterday.  Thanks Shuang, updated above…

  3. Mike N says

    October 18, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    There are people who don’t like Ray Charles?

  4. Anonymous says

    October 18, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Hmm. I might have to spring for one of those ratio shirts when November rolls around. 

  5. Ben E says

    October 18, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    Great choices on the Ray Charles, the watch, the shirts (!!) and the BR sweaters. I have yet to pick any up (biding my time), but I tried them on in-store, and am equally impressed. They have some great colours too. Man I love October.

    Cheers,
    Ben

  6. Jason says

    October 18, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Did a new designer take over at Timex? All of a sudden they have great looking watches everywhere.

  7. Blaine Stewart says

    October 18, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Agree with everything except the Pepsi. Coke is the soda standard.  🙂

    Of course, I don’t get bent out of shape. I just order a water, instead.

    Also, LOVE all of the picks this month.

  8. Cool White Guy says

    October 18, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    your website is making me spend more money than slickdeals ever has, great finds!

  9. Gordon Freeman says

    October 18, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    there are people who would have just ignored it

  10. Gordon Freeman says

    October 18, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    I saw those v-necks at BR a few weeks ago.  they are slightly think/heavy and beg to be worn with jeans or heavy weight trousers… no gaberdine

  11. Tat says

    October 18, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    So I own a Calibrate Blazer myself, and It truly is minimal shoulder padding, and slim fitting. I also own 2 trousers from that brand. Those to are very slim fitting. Great quality that I’ve seen thus far.

  12. BenR says

    October 18, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Minor correction, but I believe the color of those red pants is “currant” (as in the berry), not “current” (as in the present time).

    That Timex is REALLY slick. I normally don’t like tan leather watch bands or black iodized cases but somehow the combination really works together. Simple but still unique enough to stand out. It would be interesting to see a non-stock photo if anyone buys it.

  13. David says

    October 18, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    ugh, I used to look at clothes blogs and think “wow that’s nice but I can’t afford it” and be on my way. Now I find myself spending more on clothes than ever before. Love/hate this site.

  14. BenR says

    October 18, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    I recommend thrift therapy. Thrift stores are great. They allow me to indulge my deep-seated materialism without going broke.

  15. Joe says

    October 18, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Fixed.  Homophones. 

  16. Aaron says

    October 18, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    I’ve always been a Pepsi man myself, but after I did a blind taste test a few months ago, I found that while Pepsi seems to have more “bite”, Coke tends to be more well-rounded overall.  So now it depends on my moods.  That being said, we’re essentially talking about incredibly similar products.

  17. Anonymous says

    October 18, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Excellent list this month, Joe. There are always 1 or 2 things that I want from these, but this time I’d like at least half the list.

  18. Brian says

    October 18, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    The website says the president code already expired… I am always sooo very close but no cigar

  19. Anonymous says

    October 18, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Damn. I’d get pretty much every single thing on this list.

  20. Anonymous says

    October 18, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Waiter: Pepsi okay?
    Joker: Monopoly money okay?

  21. Bryant Turnage says

    October 18, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Agreed. Pepsi is far too sweet, and just tastes like flat Coke in my opinion. But similarly, I don’t get bent out of shape – unless they don’t *tell* me they have Pepsi, and just bring it when I order a Coke. But even then, I usually keep my cool and order a root beer or maybe just a water. We have to have some standards, after all.

  22. Fas831 says

    October 18, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    fossil finds is a cool page…thanks! wish i could have grabbed that brown bag! 

  23. Tony says

    October 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    My local Costco has Calvin Klein merino wool V-neck sweaters for $19.99.  I haven’t taken a look at the Banana Republic ones so I don’t know how the construction/gauge compares, but it’s worth a thought for those of you out there looking for wool V-neck sweaters. 

  24. Edward says

    October 19, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Thanks for the tip Tony ill take a look. Also Joe what do you think of Macy’s Club Room Sweaters? I have a few in merino wool and when I wear my black half turtle neck merino wool sweater with khakis people say I look like a British Commando without the patches

  25. Will Lykins says

    October 19, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I ordered the blazer last week and I have to say that I am very disappointed by it. The fit is anything but “slim” and the fabric looks and feels very cheep. I’m returning it and thankfully Nordstrom has a very good return policy. 

  26. Will Lykins says

    October 20, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    The Blazer by Nordstrom btw. 

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