10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – February 2012

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. Herschel Supply Novel Duffel Bag – $78.00
Complete with a garage for your kicks.

Sure it’s a little north of $75, but everything from Maxton Men is under $100, and it all ships free.  More on Maxton Men here.  A little larger than their Ravine duffel.  Equipped with that nifty shoe compartment.  Available in three colors, including black and grey.

 

2. Brooks Brothers Cordovan Watchband – $37.50 ($75)
Moo? No. Neigh? Yes.

Cordovan is a little like Cashmere.  In a way.  It’s an upgraded material that some guys covet, and others just don’t care about.  Here’s a crash course on cordovan:  It comes from a horse instead of a cow.  It’s extremely tough, and some cordovan shoes will outlive their owners.  It’s extremely smooth and incredibly flexible.  Back to the watch band.  Word is it fits 24mm lugs, so, it’s made for larger watches.  Sterling silver buckle.  Price seems suspiciously low.

 

3. The Red Hook Cocktail – $7.00 – $12.00
With a real, unprocessed cherry. Pit and all.

Dark, inky, booze forward with a trailing bit of sweetness.  2 oz rye (or a little more…) 1/2 oz Punt E Mes, 1/4 oz – 1/2 oz maraschino (not related to the nuclear red cherries) dash or two of orange bitters.  A bit like a Manhattan.

 

4. Target Merona “Kensington” Cotton Two Button Sport Coat – $44.99
Button stance and off the rack fit are solid

Not being sold online just yet, but available in this navy and a khaki in plenty of Target brick and mortar stores.  This is the kind of sportcoat that turns someone into a sport coat addict.  Insanely cheap.  Wearable anywhere casual.  You might find yourself reaching for it on the weekend.  At home.  Might require some tailoring, and early word is that the sizing can be a little wonky between different blazers, even if they’re the same size and on the same rack.

 

5. GAP Tailored Glen Plaid Pant in Straight Fit – $59.50 ($41.65 at 30% off)
Trim but not suffocating

Haven’t seen these in person, but the glen plaid looks to be more of the medium grey on lighter grey, which is good because it’ll give them a little depth without getting old-manish and stark.  As always, hold out for a sale.

 

6.  The Blue Stones “Vain Vixens” Video – 4 minutes and 7 seconds of your life

Everyone’s favorite (well at least my favorite) band that actually reads Dappered is back.  For those that like their rock with some teeth, and their musicians well dressed, it’s hard not to like The Blue Stones.  Windsor Canada has produced two guys who can make one hell of a lot of sound between them, not to mention some terrific videos.  Major credit is due to Gavin Michael Booth who directed, shot and edited the video.  And someone buy the casting director a drink for picking the brunette.  Never met the two guys who make up the band, just heard their stuff and have been hooked ever since.  These guys seem to have a bright future.  Looking forward to more.  And, a heads up… not sure this is worthy of a NSFW, but just make sure no one is looking over your shoulder here.

 

7. Placing a bet at a Vegas Sports Book & watching the game there – $1 – $75
Only if this was your living room.

This just in… Las Vegas is very, very good at separating you from your money in a very short amount of time.  Losing $75 at a $10 blackjack or craps table can take only a few minutes.  Place $40, $50, or $75 on your favorite team (or a team that you know a little something about) then sit back in one of the big fat chairs that aren’t behind a velvet rope.  Cocktail waitresses will come around and get you free drinks just like you were at a table.  Maybe not quite as often, but they will.  Free drinks, sports, a few hours, and the possibility of actually winning.  Photo Credit: Chad Davis

 

8. Bonobos Oxfords in Pink Stripe and Turquoise – $49.60* | Check Shirt – $54.40*
The Bonobos sale section gets a boost.

Bonobos has been real quiet lately.  They recently put some more items in their sale section, but browsing that thing is like pulling teeth thanks to their new sizing drop down menu.  You click on a product, and you can’t tell if they have it in your size or not. You’ll need the code BETTERFIT for 20% off to get these prices.  Oxfords are made in the USA.

 

9. Half of this watch:  ESQ Chronicle – $154.42 ($295)
Which half? AM or PM?

All right, so, it’s cheating with the entire “under” $75 thing, but stick with me here.  It is a quartz, but it’s a solid brand, and it’s one looker for a sleek black dress watch.  Sub dial is a nice touch.  Here’s how to get the price:

  • Go to Overstock via this link
  • That’ll activate a 7% off new customer offer
  • That drops the current price of $166.04

Pic is via Macys where they’re selling it for full price.  Full marks to reader Rich for the find.

 

10. Stafford Wingtip Oxfords – $50.00
You'd never know they were only $50.

The pics online make them look like plastic, but in person they’re surprisingly good looking.  Soft leather that has some honest to goodness real leather give to it.  Pretty comfortable too.  True oxford closed lacing.  Feels true to size.  Might not accommodate a wide foot.  You’d think these would be clunky with a bulbous toe, but the toe shape is perfect.  Sole is synthetic, with a grip rubber insert.  Full credit to Andrew for the style tip on these.

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

Joe

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