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. Rossling & Co. Silver & White w/ Blue Hands Watch – $159.00
No, not all Kickstarter watch brand launches end in a pile of ACK Kathy ACKKKK! These tweed strap, Sapphire crystal, minimalist watches were born on Kickstarter and have since become a real, honest to goodness option. Five different strap color options, three dial/hand setups, 40 mm in diameter, just 7mm thick, and the guts are Swiss Quartz. Shipping also appears to be free here in the U.S. Working on a potential in person, so stand by. Kickstarter supporters seem to have started to recieve their “rewards” in the last couple of weeks, so, they’ve just about crossed the finish line there.
4. Getting your favorite summer sneakers out of storage
Or, getting a new pair if in need. You want something with a breathable canvas upper, some decent cushioning, and classic good looks. Might need to wear socks with em’ until it warms up, but that first day of “oh, it feels like Spring” is a coming. Then, lose the socks and fire up the BBQ. From Left: Superga 2750, PF Flyers Center Lo, and Tretorn’s (pricey) Linen option.
3. Banana Republic Trench w/ removable Quilted lining – $146.25 w/ MARCH
April showers bring May flowers, but March Rain/Snow mix in the low 40s calls for a lightly insulated, classic Trench. And Banana Republic seems to crank out a new model every year that does the trick. This year’s is a 100% cotton shell option, but it feels like it’ll keep at least some of the rain from soaking in (has a tighter weave/seems like it might be coated with something?). The interior is an easy to disconnect (when it gets warmer) quilted lining, that if memory serves, might be useful as a super-light vest. Construction is fantastic for mid to low $100s (with codes), and the fit is trim. If you’re inbetween sizes you’ll want to size up to get this thing on over your blazers/suit jackets comfortably. Size shown above is a medium. Code MARCH is good for 35% off BR, & GAP (30% off Old Navy) through tomorrow.
UPDATE: As Dackman points out in the comments, you get 40% off if you use a BR/GAP/ON credit card, and as of right now (a.m. 3.3.14, that 40% off is working on blazers IF you use that GAP inc. credit card.
2. Everlane Suede Weekender – $135.00 (and somewhere to go with it)
Once upon a time, travelling was a luxurious experience. And maybe it’s the long winter dragging on (and on) but some of us are starting to get a raging case of Cabin Fever. Gotta get out. Gotta go somewhere. By plane, train, or automobile, and even if it’s for just a short weekend trip to a nearby city… go. Go somewhere and make it feel high class. Even if it’s on a budget. Which is sorta what a $135 suede duffel accomplishes. Not as cheap as canvas, but man, that suede. Looks and feels first class. 2244 cubic inches. So not the biggest thing, but pack smart and you’ll be good for a few days. Available in brown, coal, or garnet red.
1. Banana Republic Silk/Linen V-Neck – $69.50
Hang on now. These could end up being fantastic. It’s like they “springed” up/summerized their very nice extra-fine Merino V necks. 55% Silk, and 45% linen. Collar looks like it doesn’t dip too low, and there’s some decent width to the ribbing (too thin and it can lose shape easily). Has the “BR Picks” distinction, so no codes can be used quite yet, but at 40% off you’re looking at $41.70 a pop. Six colors to pick from. The silk should provide smoothness and strength, with the linen being lightweight and possibly adding a bit of texture? Maybe? Looking forward to getting hands on with these.
BONUS For the Younger Guys: AOM “Heading Out on Your Own” – $11.83
If you’re about to jump out of the Parental Ship for the first time, or have a younger brother, a cousin, or even a son ready to leave home, this’ll make a great gift. If you yourself are on the way out, Godspeed to ya, and consider having this reference guide by The Art of Manliness on hand. You’ll get their advice and how-tos on doing laundry, making a budget, handling roomates, and more. $11 – $12 for a paper copy, or $6.99 for Kindle. More from AOM here.
Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.
I bought and ended up returning the BR trench coat. It’s a nice jacket, but the cotton had more shine to it than I preferred. For some people that could be a positive, but it wasn’t for me.
I just purchased that BR Trench last week at 40% off and its good quality for the price. I’m 6 foot, 165lb, with slightly longer arms and athletic build. The size M fits me very well even with a blazer on as long as you remove the inner quilted vest thingy. I not a huge fan of trench belts but I simply tied the belt behind my coat a la “Burberry” style. Did I just say that out loud? Please end me now…
Anyone know if/when the first time shopper 25% code will stack with the standard code BR runs? Would love to get my hands on some of Joe’s picks but can’t stomach jumping the gun when there’s a better deal to be had!
Joe, what did you do with the trench coat belt? Tied in the back or just beltless? I like the beltless style even though it makes it look more like a peacoat.
The strap on that rossling is very short. I have many timex watches and a couple skagens. The band on the rossling is around a half an inch shorter than most. The last hole is also about a half inch from the end of the strap. I’m on the last hole and I have relatively normal sized wrists. Might want to wait until they introduce a longer strap option.
There are only two sizes left in that trench online (L and XL).
Had mediums at post time too. These seem to get into most brick & mortar stores. Worth checking out.
Tied the back on that pic, but I usually wear my trench (a BR from a few years back) beltless (yes, there are…. gasp… empty belt loops on the sides)
Really? How odd. Were you a kickstarter backer? Have they addressed that yet?
How do those PF Flyers size up? As a 12.5 I’m always having to go up or down in sizes.
As a 10.5, a 10.5 on those PF Flyers have fit me great in the past. They run a little trim, so if you’ve got a really wide foot, they might be tough.
For BR/GAP/ON cardholders, code MARCH gets you 40% at BR through 3/4. Code is working on blazers.
I know they’ve already restocked them once earlier this season. I missed out on getting an XS during a 40% off sale the first time around, but they were back about three weeks later. Thank goodness, because it’s a real winner.
Socks will have an impact as well. Mine are slightly loose when I go sockless or wear thin no-shows, but they’re a little on the narrow side if I’m wearing wearing socks with jeans. I went up a half size from my desert boot size of 7.5
I have long, narrow feet. So a size 13 might work.
Updated above, and great catch on how the Gap INC credit card seems to apply the code to blazers. I think I’ve seen that before, that sometimes exclusions don’t necessarily apply if you use a Gap INC card during certain sales. Terrific catch. Thanks sir.
Works on BR Picks too. That’s twice in two weeks that there’s been a no exclusions 40% off code for cardmembers at BR.
Last Wednesday the 25% code stacked with the BR card member 40% off. It might happen again this Wednesday, assuming it wasn’t a fluke.
Got it. Thanks sojo. Update of sorts btw:just got off the phone with BR customer service – apparently what’s left of the trench coats are flying off the shelves.
I’ll throw this out there once again, in the hopes that someone knows of a solution: I cannot, for the life of me, find summer sneakers for truly wide feet. I’m not talking “medium width shoes that run a bit wide,” I’m talking straight up 3E/4E, wide enough that sizing up is just trading one issue for another, yielding a shoe that’s wide enough but much too long.
Is there any such thing as a wide-width summer sneaker that doesn’t look like it belongs in a retirement home?
I lucked up and found a like new London Fog trench at Goodwill a few weeks ago, and was struggling with how to tie that stupid belt. Looks like we’re in the same boat.
i have an old (30-ish years) London Fog trench that belonged to my dad with the belt that i always forget exists, until i put my hand in the pocket and find it rolled up in there.
not a canvas option, but if you can catch them in-stock, adidas’s stan smiths are out again.
Gustin’s new waxed canvas briefcase is a nice alternative to the Everlane duffel for almost the same price, as long as you’re really, really patient.
+1 on the Rossling. Mine came last week. I wasn’t a KS backer but ordered from the website 2-3 weeks before shipping began. I’ve worn it regularly since with no complaints. The strap works well for me.
http://i.imgur.com/zr8E3wF.jpg?1 (apologies for the potato camera)
Got mine a couple of weeks ago. Strap seems perfectly fine to me.
Well that eye-opening. I’m starting to come to the realization that my wrists may be larger than average.
I was not a kickstarter backer. However, I pre-ordered from their website. and I was one of the first 1500. I got a founder edition watch somewhere in the 700s (the numbers were randomly sent to backers and pre-order customers). The watch reminds me of the Skagen watch that looks like the watch from Drive. The band feels a little cheaper than I initially thought it would. It is still really cool, and people that see it are impressed/jealous. In retrospect, I wish I had purchased the lighter grey option. The dark one doesn’t really stand out all that much. I have seen only a few other people on the Kickstarter comments that think it is too small. I hope they introduce a longer option. I thought I had normal sized wrists but it’s starting to look like they may be larger than average.
Is anyone else completely tired of v-neck sweaters? I bought a few last season and now I’m wishing they were all crew necks. Too bad those BR silk/linen options are v-neck only.
Summer sneaker? Probably not. You could always go with a clean light grey or white New Balance 574. I think those are available in a 2E.
If you can find a CLEAN example from London Fog or Burberry, definitely. Just don’t spend more on the used example (including dry cleaning, tailoring, etc.) than a new one would be.
Also not aware of a sneaker that would work, but several companies make boat shoes in wide and double wide sizes. Maybe not for everyone, but sebago dockside boat shoes are the only shoes I will wear in the summer without socks.
Gotta love that feeling. I stumbled across a grey London Fog trench in my size a year ago at a local thrift, and paid all of $6 for it IIRC. I know the shorter cuts are in style, but I like the additional leg coverage for getting in to work with reasonably dry pants during the spring.
As for the belt, I’m all for it. It brings in the waist nicely to define the “V torso.” Just wrap it around and tie off – I generally use a square knot (overhand followed by an overhand) to keep it from coming undone. Stupid easy to tie, relatively easy to untie, and nails the effortless style (i.e. “I just threw this on”) look. Google “Humphrey Bogart trench coat” for the classic Casablanca photo, and then check out his belt.
I suggested looking for a good used peacoat instead of buying new?
Army/Navy surplus yes.
I think V neck sweaters are hard to wear well unless you have a long torso or wider shoulders. I don’t think they do most of us average sorts any favors.
Received the r&co watch about a week ago. It looks really good with one nitpick. Seems like a bit of the blue on the tip of the (tiny) second hand has flaked off, revealing shiny metal underneath. It’s something only I will notice most likely, but has tempered my enthusiasm somewhat. Also a likely result of strained quality control due to initial order volume.
Otherwise it’s come out fantastic. If you’re considering jumping in at the higher (non kick starter) price I’d probably give them some time to get through that volume and smooth out their processing.
If I use my wife’s card, will that stack with my first timer? Probably not, right?
I’ve got a pair of Sebagos in wide, and they’re actually still a bit tight. But I could probably size up on those to make it work. Boat shoes don’t really work out very well for me, though. I look rather silly in them most of the time.
Yeah, New Balance is good to me, usually. I don’t love the branding, but I’m not sure there’s any way around it.
You guys seem to know more about this. I asked above, but can I use my first timer code of 25%, and then when I pay use my wife’s credit card and get it to stack?
Not sure if it’s stackable or not, but it won’t recognize the 40% off nor the no exclusions unless your payment method is a Gap Inc. card. You can check on the code stacking before you actually submit the order, just make sure the payment option is set on the GAP/BR/ON card.
Wouldn’t hurt to try.
Just signed up for a credit card and it didn’t work. Damn!
Tried it. Wouldn’t work. Still a good price for the blazer.
Well, it’s not Wednesday…
But the 40 percent ends on Tuesday. Is there a reason why it would work on Wednesday specifically?
They’ve been running 40% (different from the current code) on Wednesdays for cardholders from February to mid March. When I tried stacking that with 25% and the new card member 10% and it all worked. So, it might work again this Wednesday, but no guarantee.
Wow, 75% off is amazing.
Frankly (and this is just my opinion), if you don’t have broad shoulders and a chest / back that’s significantly wider than your waist, most sweaters aren’t going to be very form-flattering on you. I think the exception here is a slim fitting cardigan, because leaving the bottom button undone should prevent the elastic waistband (if there is one) from creating bunching around the waist.
I learned this the hard way – before I really began opening my mind to other style options, my go-to outfit was a v-neck sweater and a button-up under it. Even the more fitted ones that I have look pretty bad on me because of my body type.
Well, it’s not a hard stack like that, but rather a soft stack. So, 40% of the retail price, then 25% off the new total, and so on. For example, if you were to buy a $100 item and applied a 40%, 25% and 10%, you would end up paying $40.50 (.60 * .75 * .90 = 0.405, or 59.5% off) which is still a pretty great deal.
the lining in the BR trench can’t be zippered when wearing as a vest only – the ends don’t match – a poor detail imo, would’ve been nice to have it zipper separately
Thanks. Super helpful. I think I’ll buy the bl zer tonight on my wife’s card. Then buy it on my card Wednesday if the 40 percent is still going on and stack the 25 and then return one.
All good points. The midsection is definitely tough with sweaters unless you have the swimmer’s body/coathanger thing going on. I barely wear sweaters at all anymore, but I also go the slim cardigan route when I do.
I can say the winter bannana silk blend sweater is pretty awesome. Caught a good sale on them very comfy.
Watch looks good because it’s a Nomos ripoff.
Kevin, I just bought a couple of blazers from BR’s site. I applied code MARCH for 40% off, BRMARCH for 30% off, then my special code for new card members for an additional 10% off. All told, over 62% off with all of the soft stacking. Awesome. This might not work tomorrow since technically the MARCH code ended on 3/4.
What would be a good trench option for a shorter guy (5’6″) that doesn’t make him look like:
a) Creepy flasher
b) like he is wearing his fathers trench coat
or
c) has no legs
I feel like the longer styles encourage all of these.
i like the look of those too – any experience with the durability? the negative reviews mention the rubber cracking at the ball of the foot?
any other sneakers i should be looking at?
Thanks so much for the heads up. I ordered the blue the other night. Went to the store for a final try on. Fell in love with 2 others. Tried it this morning, but it wouldn’t work. I’ll try again just after midnight next time the stars align.
Scratch that. Got the new code for 40 percent from an email they just sent me, and then stacked my first timer 25%. Two blazers for just over 210 bucks!
Talley and Twine is a good brand too…