Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 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. 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.