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. Skagen 858 Slim w/ blue hands – $54.99 ($110)
This one’s a bit of a holy grail for the slim and minimalist crowd. It’s sold by a 3rd party retailer on Amazon but as of post time it’s “fulfilled” by Amazon. That means Amazon has the product in their warehouses, ships it out, and handles returns. So Amazon has skin in the game. Credit to Logan who sent in the style tip about it being back up on Amazon. It looks like hell there, but he reports that it’s legit: “I tracked this down almost a year ago via 10-20 calls to Macy’s after I saw it posted on Dappered… I then lost it on a trip a few months later. I love minimalistic watches and this is by far my favorite. I was ecstatic to see it available again, and I immediately laid down the cash for it. I’ve received it and although it isn’t sold by Amazon it’s every bit as authentic as the one I got from Macy’s.”
2. Suitsupply Cashmere Cable Knit – $59 | “Sophia” Ribbed Cashmere Hat – $38.50 ($100)
If you’ve never splurged on a cashmere winter hat, and you’ve got the cash to do it this season, might be worth a look. It’s soft, it’s warm, and instead of that prickly feeling at your forehead, it’s all smooth butter. Fabric… butter. Or something. The “sophia” brand hat (don’t worry, it’s for guys) is available through LastCall. Extra 30% off sale (Update: Cold weather gear is an extra 45% off through Tuesday so that drops the hat to under $40. Many thanks to tomservo in the comments) appears to end today. The Suitsupply option also comes in brown.
3. Target Merona Pinstripe Shirt – $22.99 (in store only)
There’s this odd law in men’s style that goes something like this: As the price on a striped dress shirt decreases, the obnoxiousness of the stripes increases. Is it that hard to make a white shirt with uniform, thin stripes? Sure seems like it is. This one nails it. Proof that a simple stripe can go a long way can be found in the Bond meets Vesper scene. This shirt’s a bit different, but right there is some solid proof that a little stripe, pin or self-stripe, goes a long way. Not available online.
4. Flor de Cana 12-yr-old rum – $36.99
And here comes the brown bottles. We’re entering that time of year where Scotch or Bourbon fits real well with the cool to cold nights. Nothing wrong with ordering a single malt, but if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth but still like liquor unmixed either straight or on the rocks, give this a try. Not nearly as sweet and smooth as Zaya (which is awfully vanilla forward…. and awesome), but still plenty deep and flavorful with some heat and spice.
5. “A Very Private Gentleman” by Martin Booth – $9.99 – $14.33
And now that you’ve got something to slowly sip on during a quiet night in, here’s something to read. The book that the George Clooney Movie “The American” is based on. There’s enough differences between the book and the movie that it’s not really fair to compare the two. Signor Farfalla in the book isn’t all that similar to Clooney’s movie character. And there are plenty of major differences in the plot to keep you guessing. Will absolutely appeal to the lone wolf side of many.
6. J. Crew Factory Striped Lambswool Crew – $43.50 ($62.50)
Hooray for the more layerable sweater fabrics like cotton blends and merino, but having one more substantial lambswool sweater in your arsenal for those real cold days is advisable. J. Crew Factory Lambswool sweaters seem to not have too much room at the sides, which can be common for lambswool sweaters. And the stripes are a plus. Sign up for their email list and you’ll get free shipping until November 1st.
7. Stafford “Cutter” Cap Toe Boots – $60.00
Dark brown, simple cap toe, great looking shape, and coming from a brand with serious recent shoe success. And who the hell ever would have thought that would be said about Stafford? Haven’t seen them in store. Beware of sizing.
8. Coach “Bleaker” Leather Money Clip – $48.00
A splurge at fifty bucks, but as perfect as a magnetic money clip gets. We’re all back in jackets, blazers, etc… so that means we’ve got pockets to put a card case in other than the pockets on the rear of our pants. Card case with the essentials in the inside jacket pocket, and a money clip in the front pants pocket. One of these Coach clips in their high quality “glove tanned leather” walks that line between dressed up and casual perfectly. Carry it everywhere. Jeans, suits, whatever. Doesn’t ship free though. So that stinks. Let’s see, cheapest shipping option is… TEN FREAKING DOLLARS?!?! Re-damn-diculous.
9. Water Jug Plastic Lever Spigot – $3.18
For those of us who stink at carving pumpkins, but wouldn’t mind something useful at a Halloween party. Sure it’ll soak up some of the beer and it won’t do anything to keep it cold or from going flat, but the presentation is spot on. Huge hat tip to Jimmy at Si.com’s hotclicks and his readers for finding this gem.
10. Tommy Hilfiger Rugby Cable Scarf – $31.99 – $39.99
These have three things going for them: The cable knit, the rugby stripe, and the wool/nylon blend. Keep an eye out for a 20% off code and you can grab one for $32. Might be worth a peek instore to see if they’re cheaper there. And unlike other Hilfiger stuff, scarves have a pretty universal fit, so… no surprises there.
For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.
That Sophia hat is part of their “45% off cold weather gear” so it’s actually 38.50 through Tuesday.
Also, I spent a few weeks in Nicaragua back in February and oohh man did I drink a lot of Flor de Cana. Really good stuff. Glad to see it featured here!
I drank (too much) Flor de Caña rum while studying abroad in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It makes the best Cuba Libre, hands down. And for around $5 a bottle in Nicaragua, went like water.
In for the watch, and the book is added to the list.
just did the same, $55 for the Skagen is a steal
Decided to pull out my wallet this morning and pick up both the Skagen watch and the cashmere ribbed hat. Great October list.
thoughts on the Skagen 858XLSLC (http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-858XLSLC-Denmark-Super-Chrome/dp/B003ZUMB5E) — black focus vs brown focus — for someone who needs more of a black colored version of the watch?
or should i go with the often recommended Bulova 96B104 (http://www.amazon.com/Bulova-96B104-Strap-Silver-Watch/dp/B002IDTUHG/) instead?
I was already looking at that cashmere hat on lastcall this past weekend. Joes approval might be enough to push me over the edge. I’ve never owned a cashmere hat but if it doesn’t feel itchy like the wool ones . . .
I would like to post a correction to Joe’s watch listing above. I believe I’m the one who found it on Amazon again about a month or two back when Joe ran his affordable watches for every day of the week post.
Damn you Joe, you mind reader! Just got a cashmere hat. For those who want charcoal, black or blue: sign up as a new customer at bluefly: $27 with $8 shipping. You can get free shipping if you buy more:
http://www.bluefly.com/Portolano-charcoal-cashmere-rib-knit-beanie-hat/p/319748602/detail.fly
I picked up the Skagen 585 at a similar steal and it’s quickly become my second favorite watch (only to my Seiko SK007x). It’s super comfortable, a great elegant but minimal piece on its own, and really makes a nice accent to the kind of “casual sophisticated” look that’s pretty much the uniform for a night out in New York. Pairs really well with a casual sports coat and nice pair of loafers. If I hadn’t picked it up already I definitely would. Great pick.
I love the watch, but am curious about the band. The Amazon link says it’s “synthetic leather,” which is actually great for me as someone who tries to avoid leather. Searching for the watch elsewhere, however, turns up descriptions that list the band as genuine leather. I know there’s question about the seller through Amazon-is it possible they put on an aftermarket synthetic band, or is it more likely that the description is wrong and the band is actually leather?
Everyone from Woodlands to Penelopes has been getting these: http://www.usa-wear.com/knit_caps.htm That’s IMHO a better pick than the Suitsupply cap.
Saw the Stafford in JCP this weekend. It’s very dark and looks black next to lighter shades of fabric. Great looking boot but the sizes are a mess. Size down at least a half size.
Same here. I’ve been creepily watching that baby for a while and I know if I’d regret it if I didn’t pull the trigger on it.
Good catch: I too would like the answer to this. That said, I already bought it lol
Glad to see you mentioned the Stafford Cutters. I bought them this weekend along with the Stafford Wingtip boot and a pair of Magnanni Boots on sale for $200 at Nordtrom Rack. I showed them all to three people and said pick 2 pair to keep. They all chose both pairs of Staffords
Updated above. Thanks sir!
In the vein of 45% off Last Call cold-weather items, anybody see these sheepskin/cashmere gloves on sale for $50?
http://www.lastcall.com/p/Grandoe-Sheepskin-Cashmere-Blend-Gloves-Brown-Accessories/prod12480025___/
I really like the look of those things and they work well. Too bad they look funny with my head shape. :-S
I have the watch and on the back of the band it says ‘genuine leather’. The band is the cheapest part of that watch but at $55 what do you expect. I got a few raindrops on it and I could see those spots on the band bubbling up a bit.
Well the cap listed above is cashmere. It’s a night and day difference in texture. Plus, it’s got a cleaner look without the folder-over. I’m not suggesting you’re wrong, but I do see Joe’s reasons for listing the one he did.
flor de cana is pretty good. it’s made in nicaragua, been there twice. this is one of their biggest products. It was so cheap there too! My uncle actually lives down there. i need to make another trip.
Be careful w/ Suit Supply. Though it’s an American web portal, they’ll charge you internationally. Get ready for a currency conversion fee from your CC.
I bought the same Skagen off of Amazon (not sure if was from the same supplier…) and it’s perfect. This is an amazing price for it.
Ordered that sweater. I think I’ve ordered something from this list every month since I started reading Dappered. Some really nice finds show up on this list.
Flor de Cana is a great Rum, but I highly suggest Ron Zacapa from the 23 to the Centenario and XO–this rum will blow your mind. The complexity of it matches a fine wine, but still has that bourbon sipping type flavor. Great drink with a nice Padron cigar.
just copt all these dappered rox
Doug, where in Nica were you studying?
Boots and Watch? Yes please. This is why I follow this website.
pulled the trigger on the watch. had loved it when i first saw it so couldnt pass it up for this price.
Bought the watch…not bad for $55. I seriously have a love/hate relationship with your website. I really love all the great posts, but hate that I end up spending all my money. I think I buy something off of nearly every list you post! Uggh
So
I was really considering this Skagen as a more formal stand in for my
brown Timex Easy Reader (which ticks way too loud when I’m in any quiet
setting), but then I saw the black dial/black strap version of the
Skagen for only 5 dollars more than the brown and decided to get it and
keep my Timex as a work watch.
Will the black on black with stainless steal look too “try hard”
though? If it ends up coming off that way, it has free returns listed so
we’ll see. Thoughts?
Hmmm, looks like the Skagen is no longer fulfilled by Amazon. Shipped from and sold by the 3rd party seller. Anyone still going to bite? I’ve never bought on Amazon except directly from Amazon.
tried them on last week. very nice but needed a 10.5 instead of my usual 11
Mind telling me the band width? Just ordered the watch and I’d like to swap the band out.
The size is a little off, but not nearly as bad as the Wingtip (Camlin?).
Picked up some Zaya after this post – gotta say, I agree with the “awesome” comment.
As an owner of that watch, I absolutely love it.
Had a similar experience while working in Guatemala for a few years.
I knew I should have bought the watch! It went up to $80.
I don’t have the 858, but I *just* got the 958 last night at a local TJMaxx (for $50 – sweeeeeeet!), and the band is 22 mm. I presume it’s the same on the 858 – hope I don’t mislead you with that, if they is *not* the same.
Additionally, the band on this one reads “genuine leather” just as Farhan states above. I actually really like the band. It is very thin, but IMO that works perfectly with the thin watch itself. I tend to prefer thinner (not in width, but in … depth? – LOL – you know what I mean. Right? I also have the *famed* and *beloved* (around these parts, at least) Bulova 96B104 dress watch, and I like that leather strap too. It’s very thin (depth? – ugh) too, but it is nowhere near as supple as this Skagen one. This band is *very* supple, something that I have a hard time finding with many other leather bands.
If you are wanting a black colored version of that look, then the Bulova is NOT going to work for you. I have that watch (96B104) and I love it! It is a perfect *dress* watch, IMO. I normally only wear it in that type of situation, saving a few others for the more casual days (which is most often in my life/work/etc).
That being said, I *just* bought the Skagen 958 (not the 858) in the XLSL designation (brown strap, silver/gray face, matte silver/gray/steel bezel, and it is *perfect* for the casual role, IMO. I guess it could be worn in dressy occasions too, but to me the brown leather with the matte finish feels more casual.
That being said, the shiny chrome/silver of both the Bulova *and* the 858 Skagens (the brown/gray and the black/black) probably fit both dress and casual roles equally. Just my take.
In summary, if you want a black faced version of this look, I’d say give that Skagen 858 (black) a whirl.
Anyone know of a sweater that does not billow at the sides from the band at the bottom pulling it in? This JCrew sweater looks like it has the band, but maybe it is not so tight as to create that billowing effect? I basically have given up wearing sweaters because of this.
How is the fit of the factory sweaters? Similar to normal jcrew?
22 mm – you were right
Just got the watch in the mail! The leather band feels a little wimpy (not just thin—the watch is slim—but low-quality leather)… any recommendations for replacement bands in the near future?
I got a pair about a week ago and they’re near-black, as described above. As you break them in the leather gets lighter at the stress points, and not in an ugly way.
Here are my fits for all the recently mentioned Stafford footwear here. For reference, I’m a 10.5 D by measurement and exact in my Allen Edmonds.
Stafford Ashton wingtip oxford:
I landed somewhere between a 9.5 and 10, with the 9.5 being too narrow to get into with socks on. The 10 was a near-proper fit, the kind you can get past just fine by adding a padded insole or wearing thick socks.
Stafford Camlin wingtip boot:
I couldn’t find a close fit in any size, and they were all available to try on. They looked extremely sloppy, and I wouldn’t want to be seen in these. If the shape were right for me, the closest size to mine would have been a 9. Give them a shot in store, if you like, but definitely don’t gamble on an online order.
Stafford Cutter cap-toe boot:
The sharpest of the bunch, I’m wearing a very snug size 10 to counter the extra length, leaving them a little narrower than I’m used to. They are loosening up a little with wear, but there is not a lot of give. That’s a good thing. These will settle into a great fit instead of falling apart.
The one universal downside are the flat TPU soles, meaning the grip is poor-at-best on tile floors, wet surfaces, patches of ice, etc. I’ll give the pair of Cutters some siping with a razor blade so I can wear them in the rain, but since these were never meant for the elements, going out with ice on the ground or not drying the soles before walking into a supermarket would just be begging for a broken tail-bone.