Most Wanted Affordable Style – February 2012

Top 5 Most Wanted – February 2012

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.  Top Photo Credit: bgottsab
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5. Tretorn® for J.Crew Nylite canvas sneakers – $65.00

I love ya PF Flyers.  Many thanks to you Jack Purcells for all the good times.  But man.  These look like they could be something else.  Waxed cotton uppers with leather laces.  Available in four colors according to the catalog, with three over here on their website, and the fourth, navy, here.  One of them fancy pants “in good company” collaborations.  UPDATE:  Looks like the Navy option is the only one that comes with waxed canvas.  Nice catch by Brent in the comments.

4. Animal Locomotion: Plate 44 (Man taking off hat) – $60

Passed along by our Arts & Culture correspondent Ben Madeska.  So you’re ready to take the Belushi poster off the wall, but you also can’t tell a Manet from a Monet (join the club.)  You want something that’s instantly attractive to everyone, but has a utilitarian feel too.  Enter Eadweard Muybridge.  Born in Britian and emigrated to the U.S. in the mid 19th century, Muybridge was one of the first to take this newfangled camera contraption out for a spin.  Y’know, to see what this thingamajig could do.  He shot people and animals in motion.  And it’s awfully hard not to love this hellaciously well dressed gent taking his hat off, frame by frame.  Also available:  A woman opening a parasol.  Hawt.

3.  Jack Spade Cotton Pinstripe Briefcase – $199 ($395)

Available through Gilt, and while the sale ended yesterday, it doesn’t look like it sold out before time expired on the Jack Spade Sale.  So look for it to show up again somewhere on the site.  Slim, nice looking leather hardware, and that pinstripe exterior guarantees it’ll stand out quietly amongst the sea of black and brown leather briefcases.

 

2. Banana Republic Tailored Grey Birdseye Suit – $347.75 w/ BRTICKTOCK ($535)

Not everyone can afford a suit from SuitSupply.  Not everyone has had decent (or any) luck with Indochino.  Thankfully, Banana Republic has really stepped it up with their suiting.  While department store brands stick with solids and stripes, BR has added some variety to their closer fitting tailored fit lineup with a birdseye and subtle glen plaid.  From a distance the birdseye looks kinda solid, but when you get close enough to shake hands, you can see the depth.  The shoulder pads are minimal, arms are decently high (could be a little higher), and the button stance and lapels are great.  An upgrade from a standard, plain two button, in a awesome off the rack fit and good price.  These are suit separates, so you’ll need to buy the pants too.

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About the code: Banana Republic is doing a “waterfall” sale today.  The code, BRTICKTOCK will get you 35% off your entire purchase through 10:59 am ET today, 2/6/12.  The code then gets you 30% off through 4:59 pm ET.  Finally, the code will get you 25% off after that, and expires at 11:59pm ET.

 

1.  Skagen 858XLSLDN – $110.00

Back, and the grey dial, blue hands, and brown band only seems to be available through Nordstrom.  First featured over here with a full review.  Modern and minimalist, but the color balance keeps it from getting boring.  All class, super slim, and the pictures on Nordstrom.com don’t do it justice (unless they actually changed the dial to more of a white?).  Good thing they’ve got free shipping and free returns.  Part of the Basic Watch Collection feature.