Most Wanted Affordable Style – September 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
.

5. The Splurge: Allen Edmonds Cronmok Unstructured Wingtip Boot – $275.00

Looks like the Neumok just got a taller brother. A cousin at the least. Comes in three different colors. V-tred tap sole should help keep you stable on slippery pavement. Made on the 5-6-5 last, which means it’ll be longer and narrower than most AE shoes. Not cheap by any stretch, but $100 less than the not-so-similar Dalton Wingtip Boot, and when it goes on sale, maybe these’ll drop down to $200 or less? Maybe? One day?

 

4. Wood & Faulk Blue leather w/ivory thread watch strap – $65.00

Portland Oregon’s Wood & Faulk’s pass-through watch strap was already a drool-worthy splurge at $65… and now they’ve gone and made one in blue. Wildly soft and pliable. Great contrast with the ivory stitch. Some color for the guy who wants something a little different, but won’t go near the bracelets trend. Horween Chromexcel leather.

 

3. Mossimo Supply Co. Twill Jean – $24.99

The non corduroy version of Target’s new cords. Comes in a few over-saturated but fall ready colors like these grey/brown and copper options.  5 pocket styling means if you’re hooked on jeans, you can put these on and still feel like you’re kinda wearing jeans, as opposed to dress pants or a normal pair of chinos.

 

2. “The Hardest Walk” inverted rum Manhattan

Oh man.  Well first, in case you’re unaware, here’s what an “inverted” cocktail is.  In plenty of traditional cocktails, you’ve got two parts spirit to one part (or less) vermouth.  An inverted cocktail has that ratio flipped.  But this one uses an overproof room.  Try 146 proof, or 73% alcohol.  Right.  “Inverted” in name and execution, but not ethanol level.  Other ingredients = orange bitters, top of the line sweet vermouth, and Gran Classico (if you like Campari, have this… you’ll keep bottles of this brown viscous stuff on hand from here on out).  Maria can have her doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.  For plenty of us, this is a preferable pile of favorite things in one single glass.

 

1. Banana Republic Bridge Coat – $250.00 ($175 at 30% off)

Featured in GQ’s most recent issue and worn by the Cleveland Brown’s rookie running back Trent Richardson. More than a couple of us noticed this when paging through the magazine. Saw it. Want it. Tore out the page and scribbled “most wanted” on it in the upper right hand corner. Wondering what the fabric will be (wool blend? all wool?) and how far down it’ll dip. Doesn’t appear to be available yet. Meanwhile, #21 at :29 over here. Damn. That stinks.