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10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – December 2011

December 20, 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. GAP: Italian Moleskin Blazer – $55.99 w/ GAPCHEER ($118)
Sizes are selling quick...

Best blazer deal of the season.  If you’re still looking for a winter/holiday party ready sportcoat for cheap, this is it.  The fit is an honest trim, the Italian sourced fabric is something else, and it comes in chest specific sizes.  Size shown there is a 40R and usually I’m a 38 or 39.  Moleskin is a little like velvet, but with much shorter fibers and no sheen.  Cotton but still warm. Already on sale and with the extra 30% off code GAPCHEER it’s a complete steal.  Ships free.  Code expires today (12/20/11) and sizes are going fast.  Might be on sale in store if you can fight the crowds.

 

2. Neiman Marcus Dress Shirts: White – $38.50 ($88) | Pink Windowpane – $34.30 ($90)
The extra 30% off comes at checkout.

Everything on Lastcall.com is an extra 30% off through December 23rd.  The White is a full spread collar so that’s unique.  French cuffs too.  Might not be trim fit though, so tailoring might be necessary.  No iron finish on that one.  The Pink Windowpane isn’t a no-iron (which plenty prefer) but it is a trim fit with a perfect pattern.  Just enough pink without going overboard.

 

2. U.O. Hawkings McGill Suede Wingtip Boot – $54.99 ($78.00)
Ships and returns free too.

It appears the boots that get shipped by Urban Outfitters resemble these more than the rich chocolate suede version seen on their website.  There’s burnishing that when seen up close is a little too much, but once you put em’ on and stand up it’s just fine.  Full review here.  Part of the U.O. boot sale.  Ships and returns free since they’re over $50.

 

3. Buffalo Check Lambswool Scarf – $44.99 ($59.50)
Affordable luxury

Part of the ongoing Ralph Lauren Holiday sale.  A bold pattern, three color options, and an 80% wool 20% nylon blend.  Stack that on top of the made in Italy status and you’ve got a nice gift for you or someone else.  72″ long, and if ordered by 11:59pm ET today (Tuesday 12/20) standard ground shipping should get it to you in time for Christmas.

 

4. American Eagle Wool Blend Peacoat – $60.00 w/ code 39427841 ($129.50)
Size shown here is a large. I could use a medium.

With that 40% off code (which could expire any time now) this drops to a stupid $60.  It’s not hefty by any means, but not flimsy either.  The best coat you’ll find for $60, but when compared to the J. Crew Bayswater, the J. Crew wins and wins easily.  54% recycled wool.  Credit to Matt for sending in the style tip, and credit to Jessey D. who posted some pics of his coat in the comments over here.  One drawback:  The collar might be a little too big for some.

 

5. The Black Keys “El Camino” – $11.99

This would be a follow up from last month’s Most Wanted.  It’s out.  And these two dudes from Akron continue to carry the flag for most of the Rock genre.  When you’re good, everyone knows it.  When you’re great, even a guy like David Letterman can’t help but crack a sh*t eating grin at the end of your song.

 

6. 1901 Dot Pattern Wool Silk 3″ Tie – $24.90icon ($39.50)
Available in black or navy.

Dots just don’t get enough love in the tie world.  They’re easily one of the best patterns out there as long as they don’t get too huge.  This one has well proportioned dots on a wool/silk tie that’s 3″ at it’s widest point.  That’s awfully close to neckwear perfection.  $25 and ships free.  Find the navy hereicon (even though the pic is still the black one)

 

8. “Karma” necklace by Dogeared – $62.00icon
Pretty, affordable, and made in the USA.

Don’t forget about her.  At this point, you might be scrambling for ideas that’ll make her smile on Sunday morning.  Jewelery is a tough call, but this is about as safe and as good of a play as it gets.  Subtle, small, and something she can wear whenever.  Three rings are dipped in either 14k gold, rose gold, or silver, and represent the circular nature of karma.  Made in the USA too.

 

9. Zippo Antique Brass Lighter – $16.80 | Zippo Brushed Metal Money clip – $14.50
Only you can prevent empty money clips.

Kids, don’t smoke.  But sometimes you need to make fire.  Whether it’s for the BBQ, or your pal is showing you how to drink Sambuca (have that fire extinguisher ready) it’s nice to have a flame at the ready.  Zippo’s finished brass lighter looks a heck of a lot better than a book of matches from whatever dive bar you frequent.  And the money clip?  A lot of class for barely any cost.  Both ship free from Maxton Men.

 

10. Eggnog Ice Cream with a sidecar of Goslings Black Seal Rum
Could be the best thing in the history of things.
I’m-going-to-the-chair-in-the-morning “last meal” worthy.  Unlike some sipping rums (like Zaya) Goslings is sweet, but not too sweet.  Affordable and easy to drink with most desserts.  Especially really friggin’ good egg nog ice cream.  Probably what Santa kicks back with after his long night on the 24th.  (Rum photo credit, ice cream credit)

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

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Drink, Shoes, Women Tagged With: best bets, blazers under $100, boots under $100, ice cream, jewelry, moleskin, money clip, music, necklace, peacoat, Rum, Scarf, Suede, Tie

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Comments

  1. Jessy Diamond says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    My name’s Jessy, not Jesse but hey, it is really an honor to be mentioned here ! I feel like I accomplished something today.

  2. Tarun Suri says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Do you guys prefer the non-iron?

  3. Joe says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Fixed!

  4. Joe says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Not really…

  5. mjs says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    I second the smallness of the gap blazer.  Usually a 42S, so I ordered it online since they don’t carry shorts in store.  And boy o boy was that it small.  I returned it but never ordered a larger one to see the size comparison. 

  6. Jason says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    What is it with rocking duos from the midwest? Glad to see someone picking up the mantle laid down by the White Stripes. Good stuff. 

  7. j.r. says

    December 20, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Good call with the Black Keys recommendation – I have been listening to El Camino every day at work for two weeks straight.

    Maybe there is a little bit of bias being a musician from Ohio, but these dudes have soul.

  8. Jason says

    December 20, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Really like that blazer.  Might be worth swinging over by the local Gap to see how it fits.

  9. Chris G. says

    December 20, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    I agree. I purchased the brown version a few months back. I’m usually a spot on 42, but had to exchange for a 44. Otherwise, it’s great – nice material and tailored fit.

  10. Joe says

    December 20, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    As mentioned, it fits a little tight.  And godspeed at whatever GAP you head to.  I think the only busier place I visited yesterday was the Post Office.

  11. Loren says

    December 20, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Don’t forget free shipping no minimum at Last Call with code FSANN3, I think until the end of the year.

  12. Brian says

    December 20, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Really impressed by that Peacoat, I actually bought it and it arrived today. 

    Got a medium  (I am 5-9 and 180ish, 38 or 40 jacket) its a little tight across the shoulders but I think maybe its supposed to fit like that? (by tight, i mean it fits across the shoulders like a blazer would). 

    Overall, very impressed, it has enough weight to it to be warm (for reference, also bought this coat with that 40% deal http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=32658&vid=1&pid=875037&scid=875037002 but ended up returning it because it was a) too small, and b) not lined at all, very thin. For 2-3 bills, I’d expect more) 

  13. L Wrightson says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    I hear ya that the chest sizes run a little small but how’s the length. I can only get a 38 short, sometimes I wear a regular length and sometimes a short…

  14. L Wrightson says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    In reference to the moleskin blazer…

  15. Jordan says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    It’s not under $75 but the peacoat reminded me of this: http://www.modernamusement.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=1011.  The fit is AMAZING, I’m 5’9 155 and I wear a small and I feel like it fits perfectly.  It’s very slim fit but not tight, high arm holes, slim through the arms, and the hood comes off so you can wear it more casually or regular.  Just enough detail to make it interesting but not too flashy.  Grey is the way to go.  And, if you’re more concerned about clothes themselves than where you buy them, your local Pac Sun might have it 😉

  16. BenR says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Interesting, but it looks more like a peacoat-styled hoodie than an actual peacoat. Especially with the 60/40 cotton/poly blend. Not something you’d want in place of a real winter coat.

  17. Jordan says

    December 20, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Not a bad point actually.  I live in Florida so this is good enough for the worst of days, maybe not in the NE.  But I’d have to say it’s the opposite, a peacoat with a hood and not vice-versa.  Either way, a very nice pickup.

  18. Jackie Adkins says

    December 20, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    I’d also add in there the Bonobos Groupon that’s out there today. Spend $30 to get $60 worth of clothing. I’ll probably wait for another sale to stack it. (Referral Link) -> http://gr.pn/rT4GNo

  19. ClementineWoolysocks says

    December 20, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    I need a quick recommendation for a good brand of under $75 straight fit jeans in dark wash and other colors. I can’t seem to find a place to buy pants.

  20. Anonymous says

    December 20, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Levi. Sales all the time on their site and through Macy’s.

  21. Na Humma says

    December 21, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    I love the money clip, but it’s not adding to the cart for me on Maxton Men.  Is anyone else having a problem with this?

  22. Andrew says

    December 21, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    I bought an AE peacoat a year or so ago, and be careful – mine had fairly poor quality stitching, and the seam around the shoulder ripped within a week.  I returned it and got a navy surplus peacoat offline for about the same cost.

  23. Maxton Men says

    December 21, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Seems to be okay now

  24. Maxton Men says

    December 21, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Sorry, for that glitch. We fixed it. It had sold out, and we just received more in.

    -Kishan

  25. Na Humma says

    December 21, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Thank you!  In my shopping cart now.

  26. Anonymous says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    The AE coat is $10 cheaper today pre-coupon, so I called and got a $6 price adjustment.  Not a lot of money but I purchased 2, so I got $12 backl.

  27. Albertoluisjr says

    December 24, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    does the clip have the logo embroidered in the back?

  28. Brian D says

    December 27, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    I am really digging the boots and the Neiman shirts. Good finds.

    But a zippo? It seems contrived to me. Like too much cologne. I think a matchbook is better.

    I’m new to the site but it will be a regular stop for me in 2012. Thanks.

  29. Anonymous says

    December 27, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Just received the AE peacoat in small. I’m 5’7″, 150lbs with a 38 chest. Coat fits very nice. Arm holes are high and slim. I purchased the light grey which is a very nice contrast to my J.Crew Bayswater peacoat in charcoal. The AE is definitely not as substantial a jacket compared to the J.Crew, but for $60, the AE is a great deal and it’s a pretty decent jacket. One this is AE shipped the jacket wrapped up in plactic the size of a basketball so the thing is all wrinkled. Should I just let it hang and can I somehow either iron or steam the wrinkles out?

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