Most Wanted Affordable Style – February 2014

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. Jack Erwin “Jake” Single Monk in Suede – $195.00

This new brand seems to be taking a very measured (read: slow & steady) approach to expansion. They debuted with just 5 styles, each in black and a varying shade of brown. Then they released driving loafers. Now, a very welcome new option has shown up, with all of their models now available in deep chocolate suede. Those single monks in suede would make a great pairing with a summer suit, or jeans & a navy blazer right now. Blake Stitched & Made in Portugal. Be careful with sizing. They suggest sizing down a full size, but a half size seemed to work for me.

 

4. Suitsupply Wool/Linen/Silk Havana Brown Check Blazer – $399

That’s a lot of cash for just a jacket, but give it a few months and they might bring back the online outlet. If they bring back the online outlet, a louder pattern like this (in their unconstructed Havana fit) might very well end up there. And if it ends up there, it could get marked way down. And then, pounce.

 

3. Kaweco Liliput Aluminum Fountain Pen – $55.00

Blame Bespoke Post. For those of us that got the Frontier Box (one of the best one’s they’ve ever produced) many are hooked on the Kaweco fountain pen that came inside. It’s a “daily carry” for a lot of us. While nice and lightweight thanks to the plastic, an upgrade in looks & feel might be in order. The “Liliput” comes in a super sleek, lightweight aluminum finish, and it’s plenty compact like the plastic Kaweco “Sport.”

 

2. Warby Parker Polarzied Griffin – $95.00

Despite the redhead’s promises, the sun, for many of us, did not come out tomorrow. It’s been all grey skies for what seems like quite a while. Winter will do that. But when the SUN does reappear, and you end up headed somewhere warm and bright, these McQueen-esque looking sunglasses should do just fine. Lighter brown tortoise than you’d expect. Keyhole bridge. Polarized lenses, and for an extra $55, you can have them made with prescription lenses.

 

1. UNIQLO Slim Fit OCBD – $29.90 (or 2 for $49.90)

These had been all but sold out for what seems like months, but it looks like they’ve got the basic colors back in stock. With the self-destruction of JC Penney’s “jcp” brand, these are well on their way to becoming the undisputed champ of affordable, yet truly slim fitting OCBDs. Trim through the sides and arms that won’t leave you looking like a flying squirrel, yet not so skinny that those with some strength on them will feel restricted. Perfect for layering. And the new light-grey shade is extra tempting for those who want to expand beyond blue and white.

 

BONUS: This J. Crew Cable Knit Sweater… if it weren’t $118

Wow, that’s a lot of money for an all cotton sweater. Fit is pretty good, the contrast cuffs, collar, and hem are a nice touch, and the super-thick cable knit gives it a real heritage feel. But almost $120? So… any 50% off new arrivals sales coming down the line in the near future? Didn’t think so. More on J. Crew’s prices later on today in an OWC.

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