Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 2012

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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. J. Crew Factory Herringbone Sportcoat – $131.60 w/ SHOPNOW ($198)

There’s a very, very quiet extra 30% off J. Crew/Factory Sale item promo code going on right now, but the problem is there’s just not much worth mentioning.  (UPDATE:  Bag is open, cat is out, code is now on the J. Crew site.)  Fall arrivals are just starting to show up, and the sale section is decimated.  Remember, for SHOPNOW to work it has to be an on sale item, even on the Factory side.  Their brand new wool herringbone blazer happens to have the red-tag treatment, and the extra 30% off drops it to $130 pre shipping.  Last year’s blazers were winners.  Just wish it was cool enough to wear it.  And sorry team Ben R… No 36s on this one yet.

 

4. A Third Skyfall Trailer

The first one was short and to the point.  The second one (the international trailer) has now started to make the rounds, and… not sure fellas.  Obviously hopes are hugely high for the movie.  But there’s some camp detected here.  Bond winking (could be awesome)?  A 007 is dead BUT HE’S NOT story?  Javier Bardem looking like a mix of Carson Kressley and Owen Wilson?  I know.  Overthinking this to pieces.  It’ll be awesome.  But… need one more trailer to get this back on the dark and dirty track and then, that’s it.  No more.

 

3. Paylak Watch Tool Kit – $24.95

There’s a lot of stuff in here.  Extra spring bars, a knife for making minor adjustments to leather watch straps, a scary looking long tweezers, magnifying monocle (eye loupe), screwdrivers, band link remover, and most importantly a really solid spring bar tool. Cheap spring bar tools can be frustrating.  The one that comes in this set feels pretty good.  Awfully complete for just over $20 and ships free and fast if you have Amazon Prime.

 

2. Brooks Brothers Monk Strap Desert Boot – $148.50 ($198) | AE Lubbock – $219.00 ($295)

Both are right in the wheelhouse for those who like the smart casual, upgraded rugged thing.  The Brooks Brothers monk strap boot has been on sale and on the radar for awhile.  Crepe soles sadly aren’t stitched on, so when they burn up they burn up.  The Lubbock on the other hand is from Allen Edmonds, so those should be pretty close to indestructible.  Both are on sale, and the Brooks Brothers have dropped further in the past.

 

1. Christopher Ward C3 Malvern Chronograph MK II – $295.00

If a watch could be named People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive“, then this might keep Clooney from winning again.  As classy as a sub $300 (quartz) chronograph is going to get.  The yet to be released update to Christopher Ward’s MK I Chrono.  Couple of tweaks to the face, a new logo, and a white dial option has been added, all combining to prove that you don’t need to change a lot to make a big difference.  Inspired by vintage Aston Martin dashboards.  Swiss made.  Those rounded off boxy pushers are terrific.  Crystal is an anti-reflective sapphire.  Available in eight different dial, strap, and bracelet combos.  Should be released in early September but they’re taking pre-orders now.  $300 is no small amount, but this is a perfect dressed up chronograph.