Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 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. 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.