Most Wanted Affordable Style – September 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. Massimo Dutti Quilted Jackets – $245.00 or $155

Shown here is the $245 version. It’s a legitimately well made jacket from Zara’s big brother Massimo Dutti. Mid to lightweight quilted jacket with leather elbow patches, felt and suede undercollar, ticket pocket, and removable storm collar. Side vents, and a button/zip combo front. Consider sizing UP on these, since Massimo Dutti can run pretty trim. Fingers crossed that these end up on sale at some point. Part of the limited “equestrian” collection. Pricey though. They are making a less expensive version (less bells + whistles) in khaki for $155.

 

4. Mercanti Fiorentini Double Monk Medallion – $149.95

Not only did they add a Medallion, they increased the sleekness over the standard MF Captoe by stitching down the over-flap. You get more of an oxford look instead of a blucher look. Ships free with SHIPR as long as you’re part of their email club. Looking forward to the next tiered code. Still has a bit of a chisel toe, which is a deal-breaker to some. Leather isn’t the thickest stuff, but it’s super soft. DSW’s Mercanti Fiorentini line continues to lead the pack of actually-affordable Italian made shoes.

 

3. A pair of 5-Pockets in this shade-range for fall

From Left: Old Navy, American Eagle, and J. Crew Factory. All of them lean more umber than khaki. A warmer shade that’ll look really good with anything from a grey tweed blazer to a blue sweatshirt to a white OCBD. Hat tip to Rory over here in the comments who stepped into an AE store over the weekend (brave man) to get a look at the 5-pockets in person. Positive review from him, plus he had a perfect “I’m older than 25 and in an American Eagle” experience with the employee at the register.

 

2. Seiko 5 50th Anniversary SRP4 Series – $148 – $182

Whoa now. It’s like they blended up an SNZJ + a sporty striped Monaco. Part of the 50th anniversary collection that celebrates the Seiko 5 Sports line. Automatic, hackable, and hand-windable. 44mm in diameter, and multiple color schemes. Casual for sure, and the dial gets busy quick, but that racing-inspired design is gonna get some pistons pumping. All for a more than reasonable price. More from Seiko over here.

 

1. A navy, corduroy blazer: Billy Reid – $238 ($595) | GAP – $89

It’s the high/low (dressed up casual) version of evening wear. A deep navy corduroy jacket looks a little like velvet… but it’s not velvet. So, for plenty of us who can’t pull off velvet, this is a go to. Looks pretty damn sharp with a bright white shirt, medium to lighter brown shoes, and dark denim. Billy Reid version is made in Italy. Got the GAP version on the way for testing, and hopes are high. Going to keep an eye on Macy’s, since INC sometimes does one of these for the fall/winter season.

 

BONUS: The new J. Crew Dock Peacoat – $285.00

Pretty much knocked it out of the park on this one didn’t they? Peacoats are great, but the standard length barely covers a suit jacket. It’s more casual than a mid-thigh topcoat. This double breasted coat is extended, and instead of the usual six visual buttons on the front (like their ol’ Bayswater), it has eight. A bit more formal, but still a peacoat. And not a bad price for a piece of J. Crew outerwear. Was just going in the low $200s, and there’s lots of time between now and winter to watch for another code. As always, check your local Army/Navy surplus for something similar and cheaper, but J. Crew usually nails it on the fit front.

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