10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Bonobos jeans, Beer, and Half Brogues

Seventy Five dollars. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym. Seventy Five dollars. It is a lot of money, especially if you spend it right. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, and some of them are much, much less.

 

1. H&M Quilted Jacket – $69.95

Many thanks to Ray L. in the comments over here who pointed out this nicely affordable quilted jacket from H&M. Sold out online, but might be worth ducking into a brick & mortar if you’ve got one in your area. Hand warmer pockets at the chest, a nice dark navy shade, snap vents in the rear and corduroy lining the collar. Ray’s tip: size down. Another option would be this shorter/belt length version from American Eagle. $54 and ships free if you use the code 09L27551.

 

2. Bonobos Travel Jeans – $78.00 w/ WEEKENDTRAVEL ($98)

Eighty bucks is no small price for a pair of jeans when Levis run $35 – $45, but the Bonobos line of travel jeans are something else. Made in the USA from cone denim, just a bit of stretch, and the famous Bonobos backside fit. Available in straight fit or slim straight. If you’re considering adding some color to your denim collection, and you’ve got the coin for a splurge, these are awfully nice for $78. A few bucks over the $75 Best Bets cap, but these ship free and fast and come with Ninja service. Worth the twelve extra quarters. $20 off code WEEKENDTRAVEL expires today, 10/14.

 

3. Elysian Brewing Dark O’ The Moon Pumpkin Stout – $7ish for 22 oz

There are plenty of not-so-great, middle of the road pumpkin beers on the shelves this time of year. This isn’t one of them. Fantastic, and a bit different since it’s a creamy stout. Very strong fall spice nose without smelling like a scentsy machine gone mad. Velvety texture. Lots of flavor but still well balanced. Finished with crushed cinnamon. 6.5% ABV. From Seattle. It’s one of the most, what’s the word… sincere pumpkin beers out there. Available in 22 0z bottles.

 

4. GAP Wool Blend Herringbone Blazer – $64.80 w/ GAPSAIL ($108)

Haven’t seen it in person, but as long as it’s not too chopped in the tail, this could be the best looking/most affordable/most versatile fall blazer out there right now. Description says “decorative” buttons at the cuffs. So, non-functional? 50% wool, 40% other, 10% viscose. Wait… 40% OTHER? That’s got to be some kind of retail record. Usually it’s like 2-5%. Lotta other here. Lots. Code GAPSAIL is good for 40% off and expires today.

 

5. Tony Bennett “Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas 1964” – $10.99

Tony Bennett’s first Las Vegas show. Released last Tuesday, and this is the first time this concert has ever been released as a stand alone album. Hardly anything better than this kind of music, recorded live in it’s heyday. Sidenote: The Sahara is where the original Ocean’s 11 was filmed.

 

6. David & Young Herringbone Scarf – $19.95 | J. Crew Factory Dot Scarf – $24.50

Small or even micro patterns on scarves are a great way to add a little visual depth underneath a solid top/peacoat, or, if you’re doing the entire blazer + gloves + scarf thing while the temps are still in the high 40s/low 50s. Both of these are acrylic. So, super soft, but not super natural. Free shipping + free returns on the grey herringbone (sold through Nordstrom) and flat rate $4.95 shipping on the half off scarf from J. Crew Factory.

 

7. One of these: Mike Konos Half Brogue Oxford – $134.95 w/ GOSHOESGO

Cheating by playing the whole “one shoe” card, but the code expires tomorrow (10/15/13) and these really appear to be worth a quick mention. The less fortunate man’s walnut Strand? Made in Italy. DSW exclusive brand. Perfect looking toe. Do wish they made this in a burgundy or a dark brown or even black.

 

8. GAP Lambswool Mockneck – $41.97 | Elbow Patch Crew – $32.97 w/ GAPSAIL

For the last couple of seasons, Gap has buried the needle on the mneh-ometer. Their stuff just got bland. But they seem to be making a bit of a comeback, and their basics are starting to take on a little more character. Couple of pieces of proof here. That lambswool mockneck has a nice chunky stitch to it, and the elbow patches on the crewneck are a nice touch. Both are 80% lambswool / 20% nylon. On sale through today with the Columbus Day 40% off code: GAPSAIL.

 

9. Stanley Classic Flask in Navy – $19.99 ($24.00)

First the Filson Original Brief goes navy, and now this. Perfect for transporting peppermint schnapps for spiking hot-chocolate, or for taking along a favorite warming liquor on cold evening walks. On sale through today.

 

10. Bertucci Field watch in Olive or Black – $59.99

The lightweight weekend beater that’s NOT a Timex. Nice discount, fulfilled by Amazon at post time, and a great vintage-looking shape. These are “resin” (plastic) cases, but they feel good and tough. Not flimsy.

 

BONUS: American Eagle Slim Fit Raw Selvedge Jeans – $47.97 w/ 09L27551

Hat tip to Dominique for sending in the style tip about these selvedge jeans at, yep, American Eagle. Now 40% off and ships free with the 09L27551 code. Word is sizing down on the waist is a good idea.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.