Most Wanted Affordable Style

Top 5 Most Wanted – April 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: andrew_j_w
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5. Shoes from Ciro Lendini: Grey Suede Monks – $69.00 ($155, but now sold out)

Ciro Monks — Regular price is fair. Sale price is criminal.

Ciro Lendini is one of 2-3 shoe brands that accomplish a rare trifecta: They’re made in Italy & the construction is decent, the styling is current (sometimes too trendy) but a few pairs aren’t over the top, and they go for around $125 – $175. If you hold out for an end of season clearance you might get real lucky. The above suede monks in “lead” just sold out, but that’s to be expected since they were on clearance for $69. A few pairs worth a gander:
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Suede Chukkas – $69.99 ($138) …probably made in Italy?
Chocolate Suede Double Monks – $155.00
Medallion Chelsea – $165.00

There aren’t any half sizes, and they seem to fit true. A 10.5 D slightly wide foot (mine) is a too tight squeeze into a 10 in the suede double monk. Regular leather quality? Not sure. But their wingtip boots did well during last year’s search. Know that they’re from yoox, so you’re on the hook for shipping.

4. Mossimo / Merona Light Blue Fitted Dress Shirt – $22.99

What in the… Plenty of us are big fans of Target’s Merona Ultimate dress shirts. They’re inexpensive, the collars are good, and they’re somewhat fitted. But there hasn’t been a perfect, light blue option. Till now? Target.com calls this a “mossimo” long sleeve shirt, but the tags clearly say Merona and “fitted” when you zoom in. Got one on the way.

3. Jack Spade Buffalo Check Computer Case – $169.15* ($395)

Jack Spade Check Case — Toned down shades on the outside. Not so on the inside.

*Sign up for their email list and you’ll get a click-through email that’ll take 15% off your next order. That drops the on sale listed price of $199 down to $169.15. Careful though… it says on their site that items that are half off or more are final sale. So maybe the extra 15% off email discount means you can’t return it now. Free ground shipping through Jack Spade too. Has that nubby looking wool exterior, but the blue and orangeish brown keep it from being relegated to winter only duty. Chocolate brown leather handles, and an interior that’s a nice surprise.

2. 21st Amendment Brewery Bitter American – $8 – $10 per 6-pack

Canned, low alcohol beer isn’t supposed to taste really good. I’d drink barley wine year round if possible, but there’s something not quite right about standing over a BBQ on an 85 degree day swilling 10.5% stuff the color of mud. 21st Amendment Brewery has somehow created a session ale that tastes much bigger than it’s 4.4% ABV. Malt, hops, lots of flavor. Even the guys at BeerAdvocate like it.

1. BR Wool/Linen & Chino/Linen Suit Separates – $266.00 w/ BRBREAK ($380)

BR 2012 Summer Suits — How embarrassing. They both wore the same tie.

These have serious potential. On the left: 54% wool, 46% linen. On the right: 62% cotton, 38% linen. By blending linen with another fabric, you get a suit that’s still breathable, light, and should resist wrinkles a little better. Both come in Banana Republic’s much trimmer “Tailored” fit. Haven’t seen them in person yet. BRBREAK is good for 30% off site wide with a few exclusions. Codes Expires 4/4.