Most Wanted Affordable Style – June 2013

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 potential 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.

 

5. UNIQLO x Michael Bastian Polo – $19.99 | OP Earl Polo – $34.99 – $59

Many of the Michael Bastian Polos have gone full sasquatch. Most sold out incredibly fast. I mean, did they really ever exist in the first place? DID THEY? They seem to have released a few new styles in the last few days, but… you best like plaid.

Meanwhile, the Original Penguin Earl can be found, but they’re expensive at sixty bucks. Buy two through Amazon, use the code 20DADS13, and that takes 20% off your purchase of $100+. Two polos now = $94.90, or $47 a pop. Still expensive. But they’re outstanding as long as you get them in the heritage-slim fit. Make sure you swing by the OP site where a few are on sale in limited sizes.

 

4. A cotton pocket square in madras or gingham – $8.00

A summer suit or blazer wearer’s best friend. Skip the tie, put one of these in, and go on about your business. Plus, they’re cheap enough through thetiebar that if you do break a bit of a sweat, you won’t feel weird about using it to mop off your brow.

 

3. American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses – $42.99 – $78.00

A favorite of many. Like astronauts. American Optical and Randolph Engineering battle face to face in the Made in the USA sunglasses game, but AOs are much cheaper. Available in numerous width, lens, frame, and ear-piece combinations (points for the bayonet style seen above). Always on sale at optics planet, but some have had weird shipping & customer service issues with that site. $78 if you order direct through AO.

 

2. Suitsupply Light Grey Linen Lazio Fit – $469.00

There’s a lot of khaki summer suits roaming around. But why not light grey? It’s a little cleaner looking than the yellowish tones that khaki brings. Black shoes work well with it too. Lazio fit has a slightly shorter jacket and a bit of a taper to the pants.

 

1. A pair of Meermins – $200ish

I know a guy who somehow made it to 2003 before figuring out what the word “millennium” meant. Also know another guy who was well into his 20s before he found out that our sun is, in fact, not the largest star in the universe. Sometimes, things just slip through the cracks. Sorta feeling that way about Meermins. Never heard of em’ until a few weeks ago. They’re a Spanish shoe company that’s regarded by many to deliver the best bang-for-your-style-buck. Goodyear welted, apparently made in China, and their entry level line goes for the low $200s shipped. But not everyone is a believer. You’re dealing with a brand that’s overseas with no real U.S. presence. More here on Threads with lots of links to other discussions elsewhere. Going to buy a pair for an in-person. Let’s hear it. Got experience with them? And what shoe from their classic collection would you like to see reviewed?

Want more most wanted?  Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.