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. Top Photo Credit: andrew_j_w .
5. Ray-Ban RB4187 Rubberized ‘Chris’ – $79.59
Rubberized Chris? Kinky. Anyway, these are a more casual hybrid style that flips the script on wire frames + plastic temples, and instead goes with a rubberized no-slip frame and metal temples. Keyhole bridge but a little more angular and masculine. Also available in black, and some goofy bright colors.
4. Aston Grey Crockett Suede Oxford – $89.95
That… is a mighty fine looking suede shoe for ninety bucks. Been awhile since DSW ran a code, but they could go for less if one pops up. Ships free with SHIPR and you’re a member of their email club. Two colors available. Great looking silhouette, and seems to avoid that clunky look that lots of cheaper suede shoes seem to fall victim to. The DSW-exclusive brand Aston Grey really does seem to do a nice job for an affordable price.
3. Suitsupply Light Grey Topcoat – $469 | Dark Grey DB Coat – $569
Not cheap, so here’s to hoping that Banana Republic once again makes a terrific topcoat or two this year. Uniqlo? Here’s lookin’ at you for a cheap alternative as well (last year’s Topcoat was awesome). Both Suitsupply coats are cut from Italian fabrics, with the double breasted option being a blend of wool and silk. Peacoats are great, but most just barely cover the end of your suit jacket. A mid-thigh/almost to the knee options like either of these two is ideal and worth an investment if you can scrape together the cash.
2. Timex “Q-Dial” Originals 1970s – $76.00
They’re back! Seems like the Timex Originals series was left to wither for awhile there. These retro, inspired by certain decades styles are starting to trickle back out, and the 1970s options is a strong contender for best looking of the bunch. On the smallish side at 38mm, but that actually fits with the stylistic theme they’ve got going on. Wonder if they’ll bring the blue one back?
1. For the previous version of the Ludlow blazer to come back in stock
The old version is in the rain on the left. The new version is on the right. Here’s what’s changed: Higher price, and brass buttons. Damn. Their new wool Ludlow blazers start at a whopping $425, while the old were going for $388. With codes/sales, you could get the old version for around $230 – $260… and it was a worthy splurge. This new version also comes with the uber-traditional anchor embossed brass-buttons (a no-thank-you for many of us). The new brass-button version also has patch pockets. The soft shoulders and slim lapels on the previous version were just different enough that to most, they did NOT look like orphaned suit jackets (some disagreed)… Would you like to see J. Crew bring back the old version? Or, are you down with the new brassy version? Leave it all in the comments.
Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.
Ive been waiting so long to try out ludlow, somehow I don’t think this will be it. ( my money is on a light grey weighted wool number.)
The Crocketts look like Strandmok copycats. If they are constructed well, they could be a great alternative.
I would like to see a Ludlow blazer with silver buttons. To me, it still has a more conservative and versatile look without being so loud.
Isn’t it relatively inexpensive to replace buttons? One could probably find decent buttons on eBay.
If they weren’t so expensive, I would really like to get a pair of Persol 714 sunglasses. Perhaps these Ray-Bans could be a less expensive alternative.
I was thinking the same. I’m conflicted about how much cash to drop on grey suede shoes, so these might be a good way to not over commit.
Suitsupply must’ve really wanted that light gray topcoat to POP, considering the subtle suit in which they chose to dress the model. Why so serious, Suitsupply?
It’s actually not all that hard to do yourself if you’ve got a bit of time and the interest to do so. I picked up a secondhand Brooks Brothers blazer a year or so ago that was missing a button, and swapped out the brass for grey horn buttons myself. It probably took a hour of so for 2 chest buttons and 3-4 on each sleeve, and I’m an absolute novice at sewing. Instructions everywhere on youtube.
Yes, I just replaced some brass buttons on an old BB blazer with these buttons and I’m pretty pleased with the result. Tailor charged me like $15.
Am I the only one drooling over that duffel in the Suitsupply Light Grey Topcoat image?
The Watch Shop at the Outlet Mall in Gilroy, CA sells the Timex Q-dial watches for around $20, including the Blue/Red one. I think it is an outlet store for Timex as they sell a bunch of Timex models.
I also have seen them recently at a local Nordstrom Rack – (blue w/red and black?/grey? w/white, both on the SS? stretch bands), but I cannot recall the price there.
It’s even easier when your wife knows how to sew. Although my grandfather would roll in his grave if he knew I couldn’t sew my own buttons.
I wear my grey AE’s (McTavish) all the time. A lot more than I though I would. Usually with jeans, sometimes with grey slacks.
If your’e gonna wear a blazer let it have shiny buttons. Otherwise it looks like an orphaned suit jacket.
agreed, except just bought the strandmoks at their 2 for 250 sale so itd be hard to justify not paying the extra 35 for allen edmonds craftsmanship.
definitely like the old ludlow better
what’s with the photo of the new Ludlow blazer? In addition to the gold buttons and patch pockets, it also looks like it has a significant sheen, (though I doubt this is really the case).
Those Ray-Bans are awesome, but sadly, sunglasses season is almost already over me…
Have you guys seen the Ludlow single button blazer? That looks like a good casual alternative. Also I think it starts at $230 or so.
Man i wish Jcrew would just make a Ludlow blazer with regular width lapels. I find their lapel just too narrow for my tastes.
Agreed. Is there a difference between the OLD Ludlow blazer and the Ludlow suit jacket? I bought the grey one they just discontinued, and—although it’s the most beautiful jacket I’ve ever owned—it has no blazer details at all.