Most Wanted Affordable Style – October 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.  Top Photo Credit: andrew_j_w .
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5. Indochino Blue and Burgundy Plaid Suit – $399.00

Part of Indochino’s new Deco collection, but it’s not like you’ll look like you stepped off the set of the Great Gatsby.  A dark plaid pattern on 100% wool (but no mention of super 110s or 120s on this one).  Looks incredibly good up close if you take a peek at their sleeve shot.  Now if Indochino would just stop arbitrarily chopping jackets short, and if they could lower their button stance by maybe 3/4 of an inch or so, we’d all be set.  Also comes with that handy $75 re-tailoring credit.

 

4. Any and all new Fall Seasonal Beers – Bridgeport “Witch Hunt” especially

Say goodbye to the citrusy light stuff of summer.  Now’s the time to enjoy the darker spice fueled stuff.  Lots of fall seasonals ride the pumpkin-beer thing too hard.  Bridgeport’s new “Witch Hunt” doesn’t.  Perfect color, body, and the taste is heavy enough to stop and think about, but not so heavy that you’re choking it down.  Also worth checking out if you can get your hands on it, Grand Teton’s Bitch Creek XX.  From their cellar reserve series, it’s a doubled up version of their very popular ESB.  Good luck trying to find it though.  There just might be an enormous stockpile hidden at Dappered Headquarters.

 

3. Banana Republic Topcoat – $192.50 ($275) | Leather & Felt Glove – $45.50 ($65.00)

The code THANKYOU takes 30% off (usual exclusions apply) and that bumps up to 35% off if you have a GAP/ON/BR credit card.  Both new arrivals to BR’s fall lineup.  BR has done a great job this year with fabrics and fit.  The coat is a 70% wool / 30% nylon mix, and that subtle  houndstooth looked incredible in this month’s GQ (pg. 81 and 84).  The gloves are lined with an almost 50/50 mix of wool and cashmere.

 

2. Rugby Steel & Leather Flask – $52.13 w/ RUGBYHOME25 ($69.50)

Damn you.  Damn you Rugby, Ralph Lauren, and all other brands that feel it necessary to slap their branding all over an otherwise incredibly good looking piece of anything.  At least the logo is stamped on the leather so it blends it somewhat.  Not your average dime-store flask at all.  6 oz curved body, twist steel threads cap, and the leather sheath.  Ships for $5.  (For something more subtle, there’s always this or this).

 

1. Club Monaco Jed Sportcoat – $129.00 ($189.50)

Two things make this one more polished than a standard history-teacher-on-vacation* khaki sportcoat.  1: The color.  It’s called “khaki stone” and appears to have more grey tones than yellow tones.  2: The side vents.  Yep, no center vent on this one.  Pretty slick.  Patch pockets keep it casual, button stance looks good, and don’t be afraid to use something like this as light outerwear for those cool weekend mornings.  *Much respect to any and all teachers… no idea how you guys and gals do it. 

 

BONUS: jcp Oxford Cloth Button Down in any/all shades – $25.00

They’re that good.  Worth a second mention.  Not the thickest fabric in the world, but for guys who want to wear something a little more casual with texture that’s still lightweight, these shirts should be at the top of your list.  Perfect for layering, and the fit is as good as it gets.  Side pleats and everything.  In the running for shirt of the year.