Most Wanted Affordable Style – December 2011

Top 5 Most Wanted – December 2011

Consider these to be power rankings.  Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month.  The best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already.  Agreements, disagreements, and additions are more than welcome in the comments section below.

Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.
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5. Orient Sparta Automatic – $120.00 w/ DapperedDecember ($240)

With all due respect to the freshly given away Thresher, this thing is amazing.  It’s one of  Orient’s newer models, and if you’re just browsing their site you might miss it due to the preview pic showing the stainless link version.  Minutes are on the outer ring, hours on the inner, and a beyond slick cutaway day indicator sweeping from 9 to 3 between the two.  Fully automatic.  Eat it J. Crew’s Timex.

 

4. L.L. Bean Signature Cord Suit Jacket – $99.00 ($175) & Pant – $49.99 ($90)

The winterized version of their terrific New Traditional Twill suit separates (which by the way now cost $125 for both pieces… who’s up for summer suiting in December??)  A cord jacket goes great with jeans or trousers.  The pants don’t balloon but aren’t tight so just fine for the office.  Combine the two for a relaxed suit when a wild hare gets up your rear.  Also available in a 70s orange-ish brown called “saddle,” and limited sizes are available in their dark brown.

 

3. Lands’ End Canvas Buffalo Check Scarf – $24.99 ($49.50)

Not stripes, but instead a big, fat, buffalo plaid.  Cotton and not wool, but that’ll do as long as you keep out of the rain.  The Free shipping code no minimum du jour (no really, it expires today) is STAR and pin 3013.

 

2. Banana Republic Black Wool Top Coat – $250.00

As always with GAP inc brands, hang out for a sale. 30% off puts this at $175 and thus, a total steal. Lucky were those who were in need of a good top coat and picked this up for half off during the Facebook Friends and Family promotion a few weeks back. More on this coat over here.

 

1. The way too expensive splurge:  J. Crew Black Watch Ludlow Sportcoat – $495.00

And this is what happens when you start the list with an “eat it J. Crew Timex” mention.  Frank Muytjens is one of the top designers at J. Crew.  Give him credit, when they nail it they nail it.  And this jacket nails it.  But it’s pushing $500, and even with 30% off it’s still a way too expensive $350.  Eyes are peeled for more affordable alternatives, but this one from Calibrate looks too short (and it’s $275).  Seen any alternatives?  Put em’ in the comments below.