10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – November 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. Timex Weekender Nubuck Strap – $33.05

 

2. American Eagle Fisherman’s Sweater – $59.50

Once upon a time, tough guys used to not be afraid of texture or collars that weren’t a standard crew.  Has an honest look to it.  Almost like you stumbled across it at a flea market.  Doesn’t appear to have a logo either.  Not something you’d expect from the awfully young and overly branded American Eagle.

 

3. Hugo Boss Hentor Lambskin nappa leather Gloves – $65.00

Right in the wheelhouse for small splurge price, and it’s hard not to love the small sliver of plaid at the cuff.  Wool on the interior with a tonal BOSS logo at the wrist.  Ships and returns free.

 

4. Made in Italy Fine Knit Wool Stripe Tie – $59.50

A bit of an investment, but made from Italian wool in the country where the wool was produced.  And c’mon, they could use a little cash right now.

 

5. 21st Amendment Fireside Chat winter spiced ale – $9.00 – $14.00 per 6 pack

 

6. iPhone Horn Amplifier – $12.00

I don’t have an iPhone.  Might have to get one just to get this slick little piece of plastic.  Gives you 13 more decibels with no battery drain.  Works on the science of sound.  Ships free through Maxton Men.

 

7. Aston Grey Concord Suede Wingtip – $69.94 ($89.95)

Made in China for the DSW house brand but feels better built than its $70 price tag.  Shape is nice and slim through the sides and the toe rounds off nicely.  Closed lacing and while there’s a little burnishing at the toe, it’s not as obvious in person/in-store as it is on DSW.com.  Feels like they might run a quarter to a half size big.  Decently comfortable too.  Ships free if you sign up for their email list (DSW rewards program) and use the code SHIPR.

 

8. Chester Mox Tan Brogue Wallet – $45.00

Good heavens look at that thing.  Simple, just one pocket, and a hand punched brogue design on the exterior.  Personalization is available as well for an extra $10.  Santa’s gonna need to get his hands on a few of these this year.

 

9. Pardon the Interruption Podcast – Free

If you’re living in a world with no cable or satellite TV, and you like sports, download this.  Every day that it’s available.  I never understood Ralphie hauling it home to catch Little Orphan Annie.  Not only would I get a Mike Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser decoder ring, I’d drink the damn Ovaltine if they told me to.  These two have been on the air for a decade, and while at first you’ll miss the visuals if you watched them on TV at some point, the podcast really does hold up excellently on its own.  This, a dark beer, and a leather chair are a great way to spend 22 minutes.  On itunes too.

 

10. GAP Herringbone Wool Mix Blazer – $68.60 – $98.00

During a 30% off sale it drops to under $70.  Ships free since it’s over $50.  Perfect for those that want a subtle herringbone blazer but don’t have a ton of money to shell out.  Good, not great construction, but for that price?  Tough to beat.  Fabric makeup is one hell of a casserole, but feels good enough.  Side vents, the drop isn’t too short like some other GAP blazers, and it’s a slim fit with some contouring at the sides.

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