The $1415.50 Style Splurge: Spending half this year’s average Tax Refund
Now, before all the armchair Suzy Orman’s get their knickers in a twist, know that this is an annual tradition. And it’s hypothetical. We’re not even, again, hypothetically spending an entire average tax refund. So, for the love of Dave Ramsey’s tighty whiteys, let’s all take it easy. Now w/ that said, the average refund this year is $2,831. That’s a lot of money, and one hell of a 0% interest loan to provide Uncle Sam. Most of us aren’t getting back anywhere near that, but for farts and snickers, we’ll cut half off this year’s average (for the savings account) and fake-spend the rest. Because really, what’s the fun in hypothetical splurging if you can’t do it responsibly? Top Photo Credit
Martenero “Ace” Aviator Automatic – $485.00
Yep, you’ve recently seen these guys. Nope, we have no affiliation with them what-so-ever. Martenero is a small watch brand with just two models (the simple “Founder” and the Aviation inspired “Ace” seen here), but each one can be customized in a bunch of different ways. You pick either a black, white, or grey dial, the color of the second hand, a black or brown leather strap, and finally one of eight NATO straps (solids & colors are available). We’re coming up on summer. That means getting outside, getting away, and maybe getting a little dirty. You’ll be favoring a sport watch more often than not. With a screw down crown, 100m water resistance, Miyota automatic movement, and tons of good looks, these assembled-in-Brooklyn timepieces should be a faithful companion through this summer and years beyond. Efforting a full in person soon. Many thanks to the guys at Worn & Wound for providing the above pic. ($930.50 left)
Suitsupply Copenhagen Cotton/Linen Blazer in Blue Check – $349.00
That’s a lot of money for a blazer… but it’s half canvassed, just half-lined (perfect for summer), and has a whole lot of personality (without getting insane… thank you tonal plaid). Wear it with everything. Even dark denim at night. ($581.50 left)
Mitchell Leather Large Valet Tray in Standard Leathers – $69.00
From the same Milwaukee company that makes the money-clip wallet. A place to organize your daily carry clutter once the day is done. Four different color combinations, with the natural nubuck + navy base shown above. 8.5″ x 7″ so it’s plenty big, and sturdy as hell. Looks so good that you’ll (weirdly) look forward to putting your keys there, and thus, won’t have to go searching through drawers for them ever again. ($512.50 left)
Tw0 UNIQLO Button Down Collar Dry Shirt Polos – $45.80 total
Don’t knock the button down collar polo until you’ve tried it… Also, as a personal pique-hater, it’s worth noting that this is NOT your average, spongy, gross-feeling thick pique cotton. It’s much lighter than that, but still feels strong. It’s not the softest, but in the broiling heat of summer, it helps keep you cool and your pits dry. All while the collar stays at attention and frames your face. ($466.70 left) (UPDATE: Well now, looks like these are surprisingly still on sale for $14.90 a pop… let’s just consider those savings applied to shipping so the countdown of cash doesn’t have to change.)
Ransom Old Tom Gin – $36.99
The next evolution in gin. Or would it be devolution? This is what most gin looked, and tasted like in the mid 1800s. Unlike the London style, Old Tom gins have mellow malt backbone and amber color. The juniper and freshness of gin’s usual flavors still come through with ease, but it’s got more meat on its bones. Makes for a nifty Martinez. ($429.71 left)
ratio/clothing Slim Fit White Pinpoint – $89.00
A splurge, but as good as it gets for double digits. You get a custom fit through a precise, but not overly invasive measuring system. Neck sizes down to the quarter inch and sleeves to the nearest half inch. No more of that 32/33 off-the-rack garbage. You also get to pick your collar, placket, cuffs, the type of pleats you want on the back, and whether or not there’s a pocket. Send customer service an email, ask for the 2nd button to be lowered to 4″ (instead of 3.5″) and you end up with a perfect shirt for going tieless. Their pinpoint cotton is crisp, but not scratchy in the least, and nice and airy for the warmer months. Made in the USA. More over here. ($340.71 left)
Meermin Suede Wholecuts – Low to Mid $200s (depending on exchange rate)
Those… are something. Keep the rest of your outfit simple (cotton blazer, jeans or chinos) and let those things have their moment. Ordering from Meermin is a bit tough, since they’re overseas, so be prepared to do some research on how to get the right size. The VAT gets taken off for U.S. customers, but you do have to shell out big time for international shipping… so it’s more or less a wash in the end. Goodyear welted. Made in China? More on Meermin over here and here. (let’s call these shoes… $225? … $115.71 left)
Warby Parker Polarized “Downing” – $95.00
Retro without looking like you’re in costume. Gotta love those blue lenses too. $95 for non-prescription, $150 if you want them to throw some prescription lenses in there. Polaraized too. ($20.71 left)
Jomers “Sagamore” Made in the USA web belt – $20.00
Made in the United States. Woven cotton with Italian leather trim. Really nice feeling belt all around. Three colors. Ships free. ($0.71 left)
ZZ Top Sharp Dressed Man – $0.69
Well, it’s appropriate. ($0.02 left… stash those pennies in the couch cushions for safe keeping.)
Okay fellas… how’d it shake down for you this year? You getting a little back? Hit it on the head and you’re even with Uncle Sam? Getting a big fat refund and have plans for it? Leave it all in the comments below.
I’ve been considering getting a Ratio shirt. If i were to request a change in the button stance, would it still behave correctly when worn with a tie?
Got mine back in February. Promptly dropped it on some Kenilworth’s and Park Aves in borboun. Happy with my decision.
I like those belts. After this 90 no spend thing is over I may pick one up.
Or, more accurately, go through each of 2013’s monthly most wanted style archived posts, total out, write check to Visa, feel shame at amount of interest accrued, i.e. maybe it wasn’t such a deal after all, ignore shame. Proceed as above.
I actually pre-spent mine due to some decent after Xmas sales. I picked up a pair of Walnut Strands and a Coppley MTM Charcoal sportcoat
I know it was mentioned in the intro, but if you’re getting over a thousand dollars back in your return, you should probably look into updating your tax information. That’s money that could be in your hands during the years earning interest for you — and not the government.
Honestly if I was going to “blow” a chunk like that, I’d be way more inclined to go whole hog on just one or two pieces. E.g., custom boots from Viberg or White’s.
(My refund [nothing like the average amount above] is going towards getting further work on a sleeve tattoo)
Yes, you’ll be fine. Typically changing the button stance you move the second button up a little do you can unbutton the top two on a shirt without showing nipple.
gonna take that trip to costa rica
used the rest to pay for some charles tyrwhitt shirts and some allen edmonds shoes
That Blue Check Blazer. Damn.
Got $450 back, but we’re about to buy a house, so we’re saving it for that. Oh how I wish I could spend it at Suitsupply though…
What is interest? With today’s interest rates on savings accounts, you’d hardly see a difference. Now I know every little bit counts, but .1% interest only earns you $1 per $1,000. If you’re investing it, then…okay, but since most people have trouble saving money anyway, I’m fine with them paying Uncle Sam a fee of $1-2 to actually save in the first place.
I’m sorry, but what’s a tax refund?
Good call on that Ransom Old Tom gin. That stuff is delicious.
You are losing earning potential on the money the govt is holding for you. Even if you don’t invest it for an average 8%+ return, if you have any debt you can be paying it off for guaranteed returns of ~4-6% (student loans, mortgages, cars) to 20% (credit cards). If you are honestly incapable of budgeting to save on a monthly basis, you aren’t going to do it yearly either. Anyway, if you are spending your refund as soon as you get it back, then Uncle Sam wasn’t really helping you save.
I bought a 1966 Mustang (majority of one anyway) with my refund.
I want to go to there.
Also, Umm…that’s a pretty nice refund. Does it run?
That’s a whole lotta scratch for a very few trick blazer pony. Have you gotten an in-person? It looks real loud in that pic.
Perhaps you fellas are somewhat missing the fun part in this exercise. Don’t get me wrong, I loves me some good tax talk, but we’re blowing imaginary wads on cool ass gear up in here. Imaginary wads!
Joe, any reason you chose Meermins over a pair of AEs? The McAllisters, Lexingtons, and Mora 2.0s are all on sale right now, along with a few others for roughly a similar price. You wouldn’t have to worry about exchange rates and foreign transaction fees, plus you’d be supporting Made in the USA with that refund Uncle Sam just gave you.
It does. Needed (still needs) some love, a few gaskets, brakes, overdue maintenance, but runs and stops like a champ now. Bought it on ebay, flew there and drove home.
Can anyone comment on the fit on those uniqlo button down polos? The arms look a little wide in those picks.
I’m putting in new floors with mine. Your pad has to look stylish too.
Fat stacks, b–ch!
I hear that. We just learned that our partial foundation rebuild will run over $20k. Good thing we saved the tax refund (10% of that figure) when it was deposited back in February.
Good luck with the house!
Kudos. I am extremely jealous.
Isn’t it the other way? Usually moving the second button down a bit, so the collar opens a bit more with just one button undone? Or am I mistaken?
Tax refund? I just cut a check for two grand to the IRS.
*mumbles about self employment*
I owed $25. So I guess the IRS will be taking a Jomers belt from me.
I was in Costa Rica in January. It’s a hell of a place.
give me some tips cause we are still expanding the itinerary
I’m obviously a big fan of Allen Edmonds… but Allen Edmonds doesn’t make suede wholecuts. A freak shoe for sure, but part of the tax-refund-splurge tradition is to reach a bit.
Wondering how the Uniqlo polos fit size wise. Wondering if it’s a size up scenario? I know Uniqlo tends to be form fitting/smallish, but I’m trying to avoid the smedium in the summer! Need some breathing room.
Better than having a boss. Well, better than having most bosses.
Well, activity-wise I got a real kick out of ziplining and the coffee tour we went on. If you have binoculars and a camera with a good, mechanical zoom then take them – there’s lots of wildlife around but they’re sometimes tough to get a shot of.
Food-wise we found there to be two levels – restaurants where the prices were pretty similar to what you’d see in the US or Canada, and what they call “sodas”, which are more of a small neighbourhood restaurant (and sometimes convenience store) with simpler but cheaper food. You can also easily pick up snacks, drinks, and whatnot at the local supermarkets pretty easily. I preferred the Imperial brand beer but Pilsen (another Costa Rican brand) was decent as well.
If you’re headed anywhere in the mountains, pack a raincoat and maybe a small umbrella. It can get pretty misty in the higher altitudes (especially in the cloud forests). And it gets quite hot near the coasts. Make sure to pack good sturdy shoes, I’d recommend hikers if you’re going to the mountains. And bring a comfortable, decent-sized backpack and a water bottle.
All in all, it’s a very laid-back, easy place to travel. But watch out for the monkeys! They’re sometimes known to distract you while their buddies steal your stuff.
On the subject of those Meermin suede wholecuts: http://www.reactiongifs.us/well-no-ones-gonna-top-that-arrested-development/
Anyone with ideas on how to size the Meermins?
You are the winner here – everyone getting a refund basically gave the government a free loan and delayed when they got the money. Having to pay the IRS taxes at the end means you got the interest free loan from them,
Just recently tried Meermin and AE for the first time, and am now thinking about returning my black AE Strands that I got at 30% off at Nordstrom and picking up another pair of Meermins (maybe tan or brown double monks). One of the Meermins that I got was a black cap toe oxford and I just don’t see myself wearing the black strand that much now. I thought I needed two nice black shoes (like for traveling on business for a week), but now I’m not so sure. I’ll keep the dark brown strands and burgundy McAllisters, but other than that, I think I’m a Meermin guy for the foreseeable future! They’re just so sleek… peep their instagram if you haven’t. (http://instagram.com/p/l9YneBpc2e/ – got damn!). Truth be told, that particular model is custom and going to run closer to AE list price, but still…
Santa Teresa is one hell of a chill beach town at the southern tip of that western peninsula (forget the name). Went for a buddy’s wedding, rented some ATVs and cruised all over town and surrounding areas for a few days. Trip of a lifetime.
I’m a 10.5 D in AE 5 last, and was recommended a 9.5 UK in HIro and Olfe lasts by Meermin. Tried the Hiro and they were dead on. Believe they recommend the same size in their Rui last (used for some boots) and Ron last (loafers). If you send them an email they’re pretty helpful.
Just wanted to voice my approval on the Mitchell Leathers valet tray. I opted to go for one in Horween natural chromexel (with the logo, although I know plenty dislike logos) and I love it. It looks great and will develop it’s own character from me tossing my stuff in daily. Worth the extra $30 over the standard leathers? Who knows, but sometimes you need to TREAT. YO. SELF. with fiiiiine leather gooods. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsABTmT1_M0
That tonal plaid SS jacket is so sick — doubt it’ll make it to the outlet (whenever that comes back), but hopefully there aren’t many people in my size buying!
Good luck! You’ll need every penny.
I’m in the same boat. But I’d have to agree with Joe and PMMP below.
Thank you for this man
Those Uniqlo polos are on promo right now for, I think, $14.90 – so you can get yourself three for that price rather than two. I have two in my shopping cart, but based on my recent purchase of a Uniqlo x MB polo that was too tight, I’m hesitant to complete the purchase without a better idea on fit for their non-MB polos.
They do have a really great profile no doubt. I just find it hard to drop that kind of coin on a shoe without being able to at the very least, try it on in person first.
No problem! Have a great trip!
@Zach – I’ve been looking at getting some Kenilworth’s as well and wanted to see what you’ve thought of them so far. Know Joe had a piece on them from a while back, but I’ve been afraid to pull the trigger because of all the comments I’ve seen about the bowing issue. Have you run into this? Also, did you get first or seconds? Thanks.
I hear ya… I was nervous to take the plunge for sure, but figured I have pretty standard feet (10.5 D in AE), so I’d give it a whirl.
I’m so mad at myself for not posting this video.
I’m celebrating because I owed taxes this year. If you understand finances then you’ll see how this is a good thing.
That’s almost the best outcome, seriously. I tip my hat to you.
*Finally* someone else who understands financial taxes.
Not sure what you mean by ‘bowing’ I haven’t had any issues so far. I have worn them probably a half dozen times. Two of those times involved some long walks and I think they have held up just fine. I got firsts via amazon. I worn them in a WIWT pic I posted in the threads last week if you want to see what they look like after some wear. (@zcm)
Please read the first bit in italics, and try to hold off on the temptation to flex the superior financial knowledge. This is just for fun.
I had the same question before looking back at past posts. Joe has done reviews before on the uniqlo polos and they fit true. He was wearing a medium. The MB collab could very well have different (smaller) sizing, im not sure but from your comments it seems very possible.
No experience with Uniqlo, but I usually go for the ‘extra medium’ in most brands. I’m thinking their ‘medium’ might not be quite right…
I proposed to my wife in Costa Rica. The Arenal area is very popular, but it’s no less fantastic just because everyobyd knows about it. They have a variety of accommodations from really cheap to really expensive so you can tailor a trip to your needs. We did zip lining, waterfall repelling, river safari, hot springs, horseback riding, and general nature observation.
We filed months ago, but our modest refund is going towards the bathroom remodel.
Yikes! Good luck with that.
Agree with you on this one. If you’re already set on the basics, splurge on one or two real investment pieces. Custom White’s and a Filson jacket/bag combo would be my choice.
Thanks Zach. On the AE website reviews, alot of folks mention the bowing problem and there a few pics as well: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF8005_1_40000000001_-1
Not sure if anyone else had this problem. Sounds like you haven’t experienced it. Thanks for your response.
that is why i am so excited about this…..thought about doing that proposal aspect too
Very cool! I say go for it.
This is the balcony I proposed on. She pretty much couldn’t say no.
We went during the rainy season and it ended up being great. There were fewer people and many more animals were out and about. It did rain every single day, but it became part of the experience.
dude your making me all jealous right now
Well, the jealousy is only temporary if you’re planning your own trip.
And another thing about the rainy season (they call it the “green season”) is that all the hotels are cheaper.
If you’ve never used tripadvisor, it’s a god send…
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g309226-La_Fortuna_de_San_Carlos_Arenal_Volcano_National_Park_Province_of_Alajuela-Hotels.html
You need to pay additional interest & penalty if your federal tax due is more than $1000 and you didn’t pay estimated tax…
Good pick, those are awesome.
I know this was posted a while ago, but how do your meermin’s fit? I’m also a 10.5D in AE shoes, and would like to know if you had to size up or down at all.
Honestly, two months ago I would have said they were a perfect fit and 10.5D in AE 5 last = 9.5 in Meermin Hiro/Olfe lasts (as they had suggested), but lately I’m starting to think I should have sized down a half size. This is definitely true for the tan country double monks I got, but even the oxfords from the classic line fit a bit loose, so I’m probably going to add a sole insert. I think my feet are shrinking or something because a lot of my shoes seem to fit loose lately. That’s a scary thought…