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. Banana Republic Kentfield Vintage Straight Nailhead Pant – $79.50
Maybe one of the best pairs of new trousers just released for the upcoming season. Not summer appropriate, but extremely soft & warm thanks to an almost brushed cotton fabric. This is as close to wearing pajamas to work as it’s probably gonna get. Yet they’re super sharp with a straight (not too tight) cut, and a work appropriate crease. Some of the best fabric BR has put on the racks in a while, and the nailhead pattern gives them a bit of visual texture too. Perfect to wear with a solid blazer or sweater. $55.65 when at 30% off…
4. Florsheim Rockit Chukka – $115 w/ RESTORE15 ($130)
Remember boots? Right. These aren’t clunky work boots (which most certainly have their time and place). Nor are they casual, unstructured desert boots. They’re a little closer to a dress shoe, without getting all the way there. Nice medallion at the toe, while the contrast sole keeps them anchored in the not-too-fancy realm. Want something more dressed up that might even go with a suit? Try this new, cleaned up Chukka from Johnston & Murphy. $175 now. Will probably go on sale at some point.
3. J. Crew Factory “Lightweight” Thompson Jacket & Pant – $306
As always, most of us are gonna sit tight until these dip into the mid $200s (or lower). And what the heck does “lightweight” mean anyway? Like they used a tropical style wool? As full of flourish mainline J. Crew’s descriptions can be, little brother J. Crew Factory’s team of product detail writers are equally coy. Lots of promise here though. Sure wish they wouldn’t go so light in color on their buttons. Heaven forbid someone would want to wear a pair of black shoes (loafers would look super slick) with a lighter grey suit. Pants available in either standard or slim fit.
2. Boden Quilted Jacket – $168.00
Also wanted: weather cool enough that there’s an opportunity to wear it (but that’s coming). Get on Boden’s email list and you’ll get one time use codes here and there for 15% off + free shipping. They just don’t do a ton of sales. But this thing, like their other stuff, is awfully high quality (despite being from the land of “imported”). Snap side vent flaps in the back allow for extra movement, plus project a bit of a blazer look. Four colors to pick from.
1. That they “fixed” the script to Bond 24
How’d you like to be the writer who’s been thrown under the Aston Martin, and is now getting driven over, backed up over, and run down over and over and over again? Apparently the first shot at scripting the 24th Bond movie didn’t go so hot. So, the producers brought in another team of writers to rework it. They’re allegedly happy now. Here’s to hoping it worked. Shooting is scheduled to start in December. Sam Mendes (above, directing Skyfall) will direct again. Movie is set to be in theaters in November of 2015.
BONUS The Not-Any-Time-Soon Splurge: Hamilton Pan Europ Auto – $1195
A new addition to the Hamilton lineup, based on an old model. 70’s racing style, a hard to argue with 42mm case diameter, a movement with a whopping 80 hour power reserve, comes with two bands and a spring bar t… TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLARS?!?!?!
Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.
I know the rule is to consider current deals, not ones that were on a few weeks ago. But I nailed the nailheads with a 40% off coupon. I wanted the newly-released BR Picks Kentfields too, unfortunately these really stayed at $80.
> [BR Kentifled are] super sharp with a straight (not too tight) cut…
Dude’s (Joe’s?) thighs look like they’re seconds away from bursting out of those pants!
Saw that JCF suit in stores this past weekend and the new “tweed” sports coat. Both seemed quite nice. TBH nothing seemed all that light weight about that suit. I snapped a few pics for any of you that are interested.
http://imgur.com/a/OLsuS
Those nailhead pants look great. Unfortunately the Kentfield vintage straight-fit tan heather pants I got a few months back are a little tight in the thighs. They seem pretty slim.
Be careful. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.
Nice! Thanks for this. Really good to hear one of the new tweed blazers is good this time around. They can be hit or miss from year to year.
I thought the tweed was pretty fantastic. I would get it if I didn’t already have a brown herringbone tweed. The lapel had a very nice “roll” to it.
Disappointed by another leather-soled boot. I’ll never understand why those even exist.
A leather sole on a dressy chukka doesn’t bother me too much. A leather sole on rugged work boots, on the other hand, baffles me. Unless playing the pipe organ qualifies as “work” for work boot purposes, I fail to see the utility….
http://youtu.be/-RQBXzXzKJ4?t=9m40s
The Florsheim boots come in wide sizes?! I was trying to hold off on shoes purchases for a bit to give the budget a rest, but, uh… damn. I might need to buy a pair. I’ve got a pair of J&M monotone saddles that need replacing, and those chukkas might fit the bill.
i have a couple of pairs of Kentfields. even though i am afflicted with Slightly Large Thigh Syndrome as well as Man Ass, they fit better than any other non-loose BR trousers on me..
as someone who lives in atlanta and follows the knicks, i’m all too familiar with Mike Woodson face. thank you for that.
I would definitely qualify that organist’s efforts as work, though any footwear going over the ankle would probably be a hindrance. (I love that you just had that clip ready to mind, btw.)
I guess my beef with even the dressy chukkas is why wear boots if the weather is nice enough for leather soles? Is it about temperature?
Its just a style. At one point I’m sure a “dress” boot served a purpose, but those days are gone for most. Should we get rid of non-functional buttons on blazer sleeves or button down collars if we aren’t playing polo too? I see your point, but I feel that argument fails when applied to a lot of pieces.
Being a former collegiate Shot/Discus thrower, I’m still blessed with thighs too big for most stylish pants, even after a 70lb weight loss. BR is pretty much the only brand I can fit, as opposed to squeeze, into.
Joe, it looks like you do even lift, bro. Congrats. Own those quadriceps. Work those hamstrings.
Heaven knows I’m tolerant of useless ornamentation (see, e.g., neckties), but to me, boots you can’t wear in foul weather are a bridge too far. I guess that’s an opinion-driven line-drawing exercise, though.
I’ve gotten vintage straight fit and tailored slim fit from BR, and both are tight in the thighs when I sit down, though my thighs are far from a shotputter’s. I have some J Crew Factory Bedford pants that fit well, but they’re not the “slim” ones — an 8-inch leg opening isn’t exactly flapping in the breeze, though.
Slow the roll fellas. That’s probably not the best shot (one leg kicked out instead of standing straight up) and yes, they do fit quite well. After getting a tsk tsk email from a reader who said: “y’know, you don’t have to keep reminding people about your recent change in weight/body type” I’ve given up on the “hey, my legs are bigger now” diatribe/reminder. The last thing I want to be seen as/have dappered be seen as, is bro-tastic.
Bottom line: Vintage straight really truly is a great slim but not tight fit for most. My thunder thighs might not help in that shot. But they weren’t glued to me, nor would they asplode if I sat down.
And comparing to a retail model (stick appendages) probably isn’t real fair.
or what? He’s going to block ppl for providing a different opinion? Of course it’s your blog, you can do whatever you want, but bro, it’s America, you’ve got to have the courage to listen to different opinions. It’s not a big deal unless it’s offensive, which I have yet to see anyone post on this site. Block me if you want, just got a little frustrated with my previous account being blocked for saying something about wrinkles on a suit. Dude, you gotta chill.
Most don’t understand the plight of having meaty legs, but I feel your pain. I’m waiting for my (sized up) Bonobos Weekday Warriors to go all Bruce Banner on me one day. I’ve yet to find a pair of pants that fits both my waist and my thighs.
I think Ben W was making a “Hulk” joke about Joe’s thighs. Speaking of people who need to chill…
That’s my point, though. Those pants on you do not look like those pants on the model. They look like a completely different cut.
Saw those too. Bummer about the sole though. Would have preferred just about anything else than red brick.
I thought I read the other day that they’re bringing back some of the campiness to the next Bond movie. If it’s Connery type campy, I can probably get on board, but hopefully not Dalton campy. At the same time, I prefer the more seriousness of Craig’s bond. Guess we’ll see next year…
“Can I have your number?”
Per the article, on the Bond script, Neal Purvis & Robert Wade were hired to do extensive rewrites on John Logan’s original script. Last time, for Skyfall, John Logan was brought it to do extensive rewrites on Neal Purvis & Robert Wade’s script.
All three writers worked amicably last times and, according the article, they got along on this one. This is all par for the course. Personally, I had major problems with Skyfall and I’m not too excited that this one has the same creative but what do I know?
Right? I’m with you 100% there. Still might try and get em’. But not so sure on that sole.
I’m with you about Craig’s Bond. I thought Skyfall got a little too campy sometimes, but that’s just for me. The box office numbers showed the audience doesn’t mind a little well placed camp.
Correcto. I suppose I should have been more explicit with my joke.
Didn’t mean to touch on a sore nerve, Ken. I forget that, even with a few feature films out, not everyone will catch Incredible Hulk references.
I was once getting a pair of pants tailored, and I heard the salesman say to the tailor “Muchas Nalgas”. Needless to say, I was a little taken aback with the translation of the dreaded Man-Ass.
Joe,
How do these compare to the vintage straight five pocket BR pants? Those are tight for me but not too tight.
Skyfall..campy? Nah. I think it was perfect. Mendes mentioned he was inspired by the Dark Knight when directing this movie. Just loved the clever ending. Hopefully the movie doesn’t falter like quantum of solace
I didn’t think Skyfall was campy, per se. Just full of plot holes big enough to crash a tube train through. The “plot” was clearly just an afterthought to string together a bunch of disparate action sequences.
The movie is still enjoyable in a mindless, flashy, action flick way, but the story crumbles pretty quickly on any kind of critical examination. (He says about the franchise that once sent its protagonist into space for a battle with laser guns.)
How I wish they’d bring back space lasers.
Full disclosure: I’m not now, nor have I ever been, a Bond fan. I just don’t get it.
I agree with that Ben. I felt it was an entertaining movie in itself, but I didn’t feel it was a ‘Bond’ movie per say. More of a straight up action movie. Of course, it would be hard for any of the Craig sequels to top Casino Royale.
Don’t get it? A secret agent that travels the world, dresses immaculately, drives awesome cars, sleeps with beautiful women, has unlimited money, the coolest gadgets, always says the right thing, and stops bad guys. What else is there?!?!
Haha. I see your points, and I’ve tried to watch almost every iteration of the character on film, but I find myself bored every time.
Anyone else a little annoyed they jumped the gun too early and missed out on slim Thompson pants and 34s jackets?
Kinda, but then again…when I got my two Thompsons (blue worsted wool and gray oxford) the discounts still worked on suits, so not really.
I’m sure that the Hamilton watch has amazing movement and materials, but it looks like something I would see at TJ Maxx or something for $40 at 60% off.
My credit card loves Dappered too… I just purchased three different pairs of Florsheims, the Rockit Chukka (Brown), Cromwell (Black), and the Ninety-Two Ox (Chalk Blue). The Cromwell’s, which are on sale, are destined to be used in my wedding in a couple months and the other two are for casual/business wear. I actually like the fact that they have non-leather soles. I’ve had my Strands on in the rain one time and I hated every second of it!
Does anyone have any thoughts/comments on the Ninety-Two Ox in Chalk Blue? AE Neumok’s are similar, but couldn’t justify the price for my first pair of blue shoes.
That’s certainly fair. The auto-chrono version of the Tissot gets much closer to the Hammy’s wow factor… but then it leapfrogs the Hammy in cost. I have to agree the Hammy is a looker, especially for the (probably reasonable) price.
Only women wear shoes. 🙂
Victorian period, men did not wear shoes (which were reserved for women), preferring only boots during daytime and court slippers (pumps) when eveningwear was worn.[1] At that time, long riding boots were common and dress boots were for more formal occasion
Ergo, leather-soled dress boots are for men who wear pumps? 🙂
Agreed. :/
*whoosh*
The Chukkas of amazing!