10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – July 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 for $75 or under, and some of them are much, much less.
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1. Mr. B’s for Aldo Blake Wingtip Boot – $76.99 ($175)

Fudging a bit on the price, but you get free shipping so that should be taken into account. A smart man once said: “You can’t fall off the floor”.  Aldo’s reputation for durability is, well, it’s at the floor. But the Mr. B’s line is allegedly much, much better. So much so that after 12 reviews these are still 5/5 stars online. Lower price is available in either the burgundy (shown) which is a highly underrated color, or a navy blue. It ain’t the time of year to be wearing them, but $77 for a pair with this much potential might come in handy from late September – early April. Many thanks to James H. for the style tip on the sale.

 

2. Merona “Everyday Shirt” – $22.99

Target’s fantastic ultimate dress shirt has a casual little brother.  The key is to size down.  Once you do that, you’ve got a reasonably slim fitting shirt that’ll be perfect for layering.  Saw light blue check, navy check, and a solid white in store.  Not a thick oxford cloth, but a medium weight poplin that feels great.  Buttons and stitching seem to be pretty good too.  Collar also has some width to it and it should stand up fine under a light cotton sportcoat.  Hoping these don’t shrink in the wash, because if they hold up, they’re an outstanding basic that’s widely available.  Odd that a simple shirt like these can be tough to find for under $30.

 

3. Alaskan Birch Bock – $8.00 – $10.00

One of the other reasons that fall is superior to summer, is that you can drink big beers like this without 100-degree heat bearing down on your head, palate, and gut.  Released in Spring, it’s not a winter warmer, but more of a spring-thaw shot of sugar and malt.  If you like em’ sweet, but never fruity, this is worth a try.  Take a cool shower, drop the AC a few clicks, and imagine it’s not baking outside.

 

4.  J. Crew Marled Striped Linen/Cotton Crewneck – $49.99 – $59.99

The perfect sweater for a cool summer night.  Or a warmer fall day.  Has just enough linen in it to make it feel completely different than any other plain old cotton sweater you’ve ever had on.  Decently trim but not tight by any means.  Sizes are all over the place but as of post time there was M, L, and XL available depending on which color you went for.  Blue here, grey is here.  UPDATE:  J. Crew launched a 40% off (yes, not 30%, 40% off) sale code this morning: OURTREAT but sizes on the sweaters got scarce quick.

 

5. Timberland Made in the USA Leather Journal – $38.50 ($85)

“No machinery is used in their construction – the leather is cut and the journals are hand-stitched in Northern Maine.” Huh. Well that’s something. 4.5″ x 6″ so not huge, but small enough to go just about anywhere (other than in your pocket). Maybe a wine journal?  Okay… beer journal? $40 ain’t cheap, but it’s a good looking piece of American Made… something, and it’s now under $40. Part of the Timberland extra 30% off sale.

 

6.  Seiko 5 Automatic w/ nylon strap – $69 – $81.00

That’s a mean setup right there.  If you want to start getting into automatic watches, the easiest and cheapest way to begin would be to buy a Seiko 5 canvas strap watch and go from there.  At about 37mm in diameter they’re small, but they’re equipped with a movement that’s dependable and cheap.  A striped strap will cost you around $12 extra, but that’s not too bad of a price leap.  Make sure you get the right width (18mm).  Photo credit: Jari

 

7. 6 Luigi Bormioli Crystal Wine Glasses – $27.00 ($50)

Here’s the problem.  Some of you may not have more than two wine glasses that actually look good.  Some might depend on the stemless variety when you have people over.  For a small cost, you can upgrade to six, do just about anything wine glasses for under $30.  Crystal, 25 year guarantee against chipping and discoloration, and they’re dishwasher safe.  Go ahead and try a dark beer or barley wine in one of these one night.  Just don’t let your pals catch you.  You’ll never hear the end of it.

 

8.  Brooks Brothers Trim Fit OCBD – $24.97 ($69.50)

Down in the same range as one of those Merona shirts.  But this one is oxford cloth.  Plenty of sizes left at post time.  Description says it’s trim fit.  There are some sizes in pink at the same price.  UPDATE:  Sizes got real short real quick.

 

9.  Johnston & Murphy Headley Italian Suede Lace Up – $73 – $75 ($150)

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your casual shoe arsenal is to go with a medium to dark neutral suede lace up.  Keep it simple at the toe and with stitching.  Less is more here.  And the price on these is pretty incredible.  Very soft Italian suede uppers that are lined in sheepskin so comfortable the word that comes to mind is “squishy.”  Description says they’re made in Spain but this pair says Dominican Republic.  Wherever they’re made, they appear to be made well.  Sold through Endless so you get free 2-day shipping and free returns.  Sizes are scattered across the color options, but most of the normal sizes are in there.

 

10. Mossimo Kimono Dress – $18.00

Obviously for her.  If you’ve got a “her” in your life… these’ll make your pulse accelerate a bit when she puts it on.  Potentially “damn“ causing.  Next time you’re in Target stroll on by the women’s section, and if these are on a rack somewhere near the aisle, casually say: “oh hey, I bet you’d look amazing in that.”  Or… “I saw this woman walking down the street in something like this the other day and I thought you’d look incredible in a dress like this.”  It’s inexpensive, it’s summery, and everybody wins.   Applause for women who are smart, tough, and incredibly feminine all at the same time.  Also mentioned over here.  With good reason.

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