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. H&M Half Lined Cotton Blazer – $44.96 w/ 1418 ($59.95)
Hey now. We might have something here. H&M blazers are usually fully lined in poly, but this one is only half lined. And the lining might… MIGHT be lined in cotton? If you zoom in it appears to have some of the oxford-like weave of the shell. Strange that they didn’t mention the navy elbow patches in the text descriptiong, but they sure appear to be there. Might be a nice unexpected aesthetic on a summer blazer. Got one on the way for an in person. Hat tip to Derrick for sending in the style tip on the code.
4. For the patio: The Brokers/Q
Gin & Tonic, or, Campari & Soda
Welcome to prime patio sippin’ season. The sun lingers above the horizon late enough,yet the temperatures haven’t reached their mid-summer swelter. Those are perfect conditions for easing into twilight, outside, with a refreshing drink in your hand. Q-Tonic forgoes the syrupy sweetness of most other tonic waters, and instead cuts the sugar way down. There’s 60% fewer calories, but no artificial sweeteners. Combine it with what’s probably the best value in gin on the market (citrus forward with a juniper nose and a warm but not angry cinnamon finish) and you’ve got a top of the line Gin & Tonic. For those looking to take it slower while putting less alcohol in their system, try Campari and soda. It’s bitter, it’s crisp, and you won’t want to guzzle it (hell, for those new to Campari, you probably won’t even want to drink it).
3. Merona Club Shorts in Navy Seersucker or Oxford Cloth – $24.99
Yes, these just showed up in the Best Bets for $75 or less, but now they’ve got a navy seersucker option. There are more than a few pairs of shorts in the personal collection, but these oxford cloth options are the only ones that ever get worn. Hand to Zeus, if Target ever makes these oxford cloth options… in pants? I’ll make it friggin’ RAIN at the Bullseye for a pair in every shade.
2. J. Crew Glen Plaid Italian Linen Half Lined Sportcoat – $388 (waiting for a sale)
That’s a ton of money. But last week it was on sale for $271.60. Still a ton of money. Damn. Half lined, made in Italian Linen, a dark shade & pattern that’ll help hide some of the inevitable wrinkles… Hm. If it hits the sale section & a 30% off sale items code comes along… and it dips to close to $200…
1. Aston Grey Suede Single Monk – $84.95 w/ HEATUP
Paging divy-d. Aston Grey seems to be one step down from Mercanti Fiorentini in terms of quality for a DSW house brand, but these feel slim, sleek, and solid. Medium nap suede, a nice ready-for-summer earth tone, and a slightly elongated toe dress em’ up a bit more than the Zara single monks from last year. Good with summer suits to jeans to lighter shade cotton sportcoats. Code is good through today for $5 off one pair of shoes. Don’t forget to use SHIPR for free shipping (know that you have to have registered an email address with them to use those codes).
BONUS: For Suitsupply to restock/come out with new $399 options
And then there were two. Just two options left at the $399, still-half-canvassed price point. A medium to light grey herringbone, and a darker grey with a bolder pinstripe. That’s… it. There were 9 options when they came out, but they moved fast. No clue if they’ll restock the $399 options. It’d be awfully nice if they did… and maybe include a light grey linen/wool for summer? Eh? EHH? Know what I mean nudge nudge?
Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.
Anybody else notice the H&M Blazer is “Leather specialist clean only”? Wha??
Looking for an affordable/inexpensive pair of suede loafers for the summer, preferrably someting along the lines of penny loafers or venetians. Suggestions? Splurged on some Johnston & Murphy’s in the past, but had to throw them out due to the smell.
That is just code for “will never be washed”
Or, dry clean. But yeah, it’s like Zara and Massimo Dutti. A European/Global giant getting into US e-commerce with not so fantastic translation skills. But hey, us English speakin’ peoples sure like to think the rest of the world should communicate the way we communicate. So, perhaps turnabout is fair play.
I’m in the same boat, but looking for a pair in black or grey. If you’re looking for brown, what about the Jack Erwin Abe? Or are those too pricey? http://jackerwin.com/products/abe-penny-loafer-dark-brown-suede
You could also take the gin from the gin & tonic, get some vermouth (the recipe calls for sweet but i actually prefer dry), add it to the campari and you’ve got a negroni.
Huge fan of Negronis. Subbing in Gran Classico for the Campari is a good twist on the classic as well. Can’t say I’ve done the dry vermouth, but I’ll give it a shot. Thanks TJ!
I like the Abe’s, but I’m looking for something more casual for summer. Something I can get away with wearing shorts with, or dress up if needed. Really wanting something I can wear through the summer and not feel bad about throwing away once the summer heat and foot sweat get the best of them ha
Hoping to spend under $80 … doable?
No problem. I kind of like the bitterness of the Campari and the dry vermouth just seems to work with that for me. It helps to offset the bitterness of the Campari but not as much as sweet vermouth would. I acutally don’t drink a lot of negronis, I prefer just Campari, dry vermouth, and soda. I’ve never tried Gran Classico. I’ve often thought that Campari and Cointreau would make a nice combo.
Don’t forget a dark n’ stormy either, another great warm weather drink.
Related to Compari and “bitters”, worth a listen is the latest Alton-Browns pod-cast featuring Sother Teague which focuses on Nagronis and the Stirred vs Shaken reasons
(http://ec.libsyn.com/p/b/c/b/bcb61762f718d399/Sother_Teague.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d01c18e34d2cb5dfe1e&c_id=7137065)
Got that J. Crew blazer during the 30% off sale… I don’t love it as much as I’d hoped. Just really dark for a spring linen blazer imo. Think it’s going back. Really liked the oxford cloth Ludlow suit I got during the same sale though!
A friend of mine rocked that H&M blazer at the track for the Kentucky Derby. He looked absolutely crackerjack.
If you’re near a Nordstrom Rack I would try that.
H&M!
http://www.hm.com/us/product/23533?article=23533-A
Ah. Something more casual. Gotcha. $80 can be tough to dress up in a loafer, because most of those are going to have a bit more “clunk” to the silhouette. Maybe these though? http://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/Product/81286-5213010/Stacy+Adams/Brown/Mens+Dayne.aspx?
anyone know the inseam on those target merona navy seersucker shorts?
I just picked a pair up over the weekend. I have a 30″ inseam and the shorts come down to the top of my knee.
If you’re willing to go up to $100 there is; http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/1901-colby-penny-loafer/3562644?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=1901_%27colby%27_penny_loafer:938096&cm_pla=shoes:men:loafers&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:referralID=893339c3-d4ac-11e3-bd2c-001b2166becc&origin=pla
Would that fit what you’re looking for?
I will never understand why H&M, a Swedish (aka viking) company, makes such small clothing. Where is the tall sizing? Thank god for J. Crew Factory.
Wish I saw the $400 line of Suitsupply suits before there were only these two left…The herringbone looks ok, but possibly a bit strangely busy from the further back picture, although I like the share of gray.
Here’s to hoping they restock.
http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-archer-classic-penny-loafer/id_257505
“hell, for those new to Campari, you probably won’t even want to drink it”
This made me laugh. Definitely got this reaction from some friends introducing them to Campari. I personally like the stuff, but can see how some don’t. For those new to it I think the Boulevardier is a little more mellow of a drink than either the Negroni or a Campari and soda. It’s basically a Negroni but with bourbon instead of gin. The sweetness of the bourbon helps with the bitterness of the Campari.
1 1/2 oz bourbon
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Recipe I have calls for a cherry, I use a lemon twist.
Either stir and strain, or be lazy like me and just leave it on the rocks.
Dang you kids with your slang… I have no idea if looking crackerjack is good or bad. hahaha
Joe, regarding the light grey linen from Suitsupply – didn’t you just review one about a month ago that was priced ~$450? Also, is the Napoli fit (somewhat structured) an ideal fit for a linen suit?
Stacy Adams grey suede penny loafer for $75: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSRF4KA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1AZRO0VLW4ALC&coliid=I194V9LSMPJS61&psc=1
Haha, check out that subliminal message in the link. I promise it really links to a pair of shoes.
Negronis are a solid summer drink! Tough to find a bartender that makes a good one.
If you know what it means, it’s a good thing. If you don’t, it’s not.
if you have time, could you take a number measurement for me? they don’t give the measurement online. thanks!
Target is really killing it on casual foundation clothing. Definitely not just for undies and socks anymore.
oh…and how do you like them?
Does Target vanity size on those oxford shorts or do they fit true to size?
Yeah, that made me chuckle as well, and reminded me of a story from my college days. We were celebrating my friend’s 21st birthday, and I asked the bartender what was the worst tasting shot he had, and he suggested Campari. I asked what it tastes like, and he replied “you know the smell of burning plastic? That’s what it tastes like.” So I ordered one for my (unfortunate) friend who confirmed that’s what it tastes like…
I’ve since grown to enjoy Campari and soda as well as Negronis, but wouldn’t recommend drinking it straight – unless ordering a shot as a cruel joke on someone’s 21st birthday!
I asked about the $399 Suitsupply, uh, suits in store last week, and the guy helping me said that sometimes they buy extra large runs of fabric for the blue line suits. They can’t just restock them, they’d have to be another extra large order of the fabric. I still be they do at some point, they went fast.
Pretty true to size, in my experience.
Haha. I was going for “a term that someone might use at the Kentucky Derby in the 1920’s.” According to M-W, it means “a person or thing of marked excellence.”
Ah, I didn’t even think about it being a translation issue! Just thought it was an odd requirement. But at $44 it’s worth a go regardless of cleaning instructions.
Which is crazy because it’s one of the easiest drinks to make. In fact, it’s almost harder to screw up than it is to get right.
Thanks.
That made me laugh too (in fact, I paused reading it to go tell my wife that line – she laughed too). I like your bourbon suggestion. Also, if you want to try using maraschino cherries the way they’re supposed to be (not the nuclear red ones) try Luxardo. Amazon has them (http://goo.gl/HlAUjp) but they’ll probably be a little cheaper if you can find them in your liquor or grocery store (or for the poor folks living in Pennsylvania, the “state store”). I don’t even like cherries that much, but these things are amazing. I like a good Old Fashioned and these guys are literally the cherry on top.
For folks who think Campari is a bit too much, I’d suggest Aperol. It’s a little less bitter and a little less boozy (like Campari’s little sister). A great patio drink is an aperol spritz. It’s an ounce (or so) of aperol, 3 ounces prosecco, and a slice of orange. I like to let it sit a few minutes to marinate. Then top it off with a splash of club soda. In Italy they also garnish with an olive – sounds weird but it works. Yes. it’s a bit weak, but it has its place. I can’t have 2-3 negronis before dinner every day. It can be part of a nice progression: an aperol spritz (or 2) then a stronger aperitif (negroni, martini, etc), then wine with dinner, then an after dinner drink. If I have some folks over, I like to have as much of a plan for the drinks as I do for the food.
Just checked that H&B half lined blazer in store: half-lining-100%cotton, sleeves are 100%poly.
Nice to see a shout-out for Broker’s Gin. I’ve been using it for my gin & tonics for a few years now. But that “lime shortage”… nooooooo!
State stores are the most heinous oppression known to this state. Ben Franklin would not be pleased. Thankfully, Delaware and a gigantic Total Wine is 20 minutes away.
I wanted the Suitsupply plain grey for my wedding in June. Checked in March it was out of stock. Went into the store last Saturday and they were out of stock too. The salesperson in SoHo was extremely helpful and showed me the Sienna and La Spalla: they were lightweight and exactly the shade of grey I wanted. But they were too pricey. Went home and checked Saturday, 38S was restocked so I immediately pulled the trigger. It’s been shipped and on its way! I can’t wait to bring it into the store and have SS tailor it, since I have short arms and legs…
NICE. That’s about as good as it’s going to get for H&M (the sleeves being poly is pretty standard for them)
NY Soho store is all out too.
Wonder if they sell that model at The Rack.
One:One:One – Done.
Not $80 but close? http://ghbass.com/shop/mens/footwear/loafers-weejuns/nubuck-weejuns_2283_030.html
This one is really far from a sure thing, but I thought it was worth a shot for $30 – I ordered them in light blue – http://www.ebay.com/itm/161240410560?var=460285000031&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
They’re about a 9″ inseam on my size 34s (I’m normally a 32, but they’re “tailored fit” so you may need to size up as well). I can remeasure when I get home if you’d like.
Very very very nice shorts for the price. I bought the mint green and oxford blue ones last year and wear them constantly. The fabric is a bit thin, but that’s what you want in the summer, right?!
Hipsters are short and skinny.
I’ve been saying this for the past year or so. They’re knocking it out of the park on t-shirts, shorts, sweaters, polos, etc. So glad I have their debit card, which saves an additional 5% off your purchase.
Those are “tailored fit”, so I had to size up from my usual 32 (33 actual waist) to a 34.
Silly question, but could a tailor or seamstress remove or replace the sleeve lining? Would it be worth the investment?
And I just noticed that I linked to the same loafers. D’oh! But mine are Amazon Prime and come in grey, so there’s that.
Sounds good. I really like the seersucker. Prefer something around 7-8″. Thats why i was asking. Thanks for all the info.
Heck since everyone is coming out of the wood works to help out this search for the ultimate casual loafer how about a lil help finding some loafers that look just like those Abe loafers in cognac but around that same $80 price tag. Challenge accepted?
What Adam said is spot on! One thing to add is something I noticed through the leg that I don’t like; The leg tapers but there is still a “flat spot” where the seam hangs pointing out to your said rather than draping the way you would expect from a pant leg. For $25 though I’m happy.
Agreed. Just picked up some mossimo tshirts today. My only gripe about those shorts is the length. I’m 5’8 on a good day so 9 inch inseam like the gramercys at JCF or even an 8 1/2 inch is ideal for me. anything longer and i feel like i’m back in high school wearing shants (shorts that are so long they could be pants). I just can’t do the past the knee thing anymore.
i keep hearing about this lime shortage.. but i’m not seeing it at the store. Just came from the grocery store and a ton of limes. granted they were 70 cents instead of 5 for $1, but i don’t go through that many limes for that to really make that big of a deal.
I’m looking for something more casual for summer.
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My tailored fit 34s actually measured ~9 inches. That may differ on your size though. Mine hit right above the knee.
thanks adam
Made in Korea – http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Suede-Leather-Loafers-Angelcola/dp/B00DMPVON2/ref=sr_1_45?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1399577144&sr=1-45
Any good?
Yeah, I was totally being a smartass.
Where can you buy the Broker’s Gin? I have checked a few liquor stores, but have not had any luck. Thanks.
I just ordered them that day, and I haven’t gotten them yet – shipping from Asia. I’ll post a quick review here once they come in. Even if I just get one solid season out of them, it might be worth it for the price.