Seventy Five dollars. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym. Seventy Five dollars. It is a lot of money, especially if you spend it right. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, and some of them are much, much less.
1. GAP Wool Herringbone Blazer – $76.70 w/ THANKS (& ships free)
Close enough to $75 since it ships & returns free. Lots of potential with this one. 90% wool (that’s quite high for most GAP blazers), 8% nylon, and 2% spandex. Looks like it might be lined, at least partially, in cotton as well? Here’s to hoping the tail isn’t chopped, and the sleeves aren’t outrageously long & stuck with functioning sleeve buttons. Efforting an in person. Haven’t seen it in store yet, but got one on the way from the website. Code THANKS is good for 35% off regular priced stuff through tomorrow, 9/16.
2. J. Crew Lambswool Crew in Varsity Colorblock – $56.25 w/ SHOPFORFALL ($75)
Yeah, that’s a lot for a sweater, (even with the just launched 25% off code)… And no, not everyone is gonna be in love with that colorblocking. But for many, it will get the just different enough thing right. Meanwhile, in other sweater news, J. Crew has just released a standard lambswool (not merino) in their slimmer fit. If memory serves, they’ve only offered their merino sweaters in a slim fit in the past. So expect a thicker feeling, slightly rougher knit, in their trimmer cut. More casual leaning raglan sleeves too. That one drops to $52. 12 w/ the 25% off select styles code SHOPFORFALL. Nice. Also note that while none of em’ are close to under $75, that code works on almost all of their current line of sportcoats.
3. Pendleton 1910 12 Year Canadian Rye Whisky – $30 – $35
Dangerously delicious. Somewhere between a an easier bourbon and a dessert sipping rum. There’s sweetness, but it’s not artificial. Plus, like it’s rocks-loving rougher sibling, this one is noticeably smoother and subtle. A cube or two or neat. It’s a nice way to switch it up now that the weather is starting to cool off.
4. Old Navy Slim Fit Saturated OCBDs – $20.30 w/ HOORAY
Many thanks to reader Brett G. for the tip on these things. Word is, the fit really is decently slim, and with constant sales, they’ll be cheap, available, and an easy, saturated-color shirt to layer under v-necks/blazers this fall. They’re kinda like a chambray shirt, with that darker tone… minus the chambray part. More traditional/lighter colors over here. Code is good for 30% off through tomorrow, 9/16.
5. H&M Grey Grain-Leather Double Monks – $69.95
To quote the H&M website: “PREMIUM QUALITY“. Sure. It’s the all-caps, that’s what’s the most convincing, right? Look, it’s all relative, and for H&M (and $70), these ain’t half bad. Made in Portugal. Toe shape is perfect. Pretty comfortable out of the box. The burnishing at the toe isn’t ideal, but it’s not so heavy that it’s cheese-ball city either. Why grey shoes? Compared to black, grey looks a little less severe next to jeans with a blue blazer, and that means it’s easier get some use out of your black leather accessories with your blues (not matchy-matchy). As opposed to black shoes, medium grey or light-grey (especially suede) offers a little more visual contrast next to navy.
6. UNIQLO Slim Fit Corduroy Blazer – $69.90
Yes sir. Especially in navy. It’s certainly not as showy as velvet, but a navy cord jacket can certainly strut. Looks pretty slick with a white dress shirt & dark denim for a smart-casual evening get-together. As is usually the case, be prepared for a higher button stance and shorter tail, since these are from UNIQLO.
7. H&M Suede Gloves – $29.95
Hey now. Not a bad price, and not a bad way to stand out a little bit among the isotoner wearing public. Warmth? Uhhhh… well, says they’re lined. Probably a decent fall/early winter glove?
8. Armitron Black Dial/Tan Leather band watch – $41.24
Nope, the crystal isn’t dusty. Instead of a black dial, it’s got this slightly-flecked granite-y thing going on. Not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but for $41? It’s got a lot going for it. The tan strap is surprisingly nice, the red tipped second hand is a nice detail, and the domed crystal makes it much more interesting than a weekender. And it doesn’t “tick” as loud as a weekender either. Crystal is a scratch-prone acrylic, so know that going in. 43mm in diameter, but maybe wears a little smaller.
UPDATE: Looks like these are sold out for now… They’re a new arrival, so, fingers crossed more come in. In the meantime, here’s a different, real retro-leaning style
9. Express Merino Wool Shawl Collar Pullover – $74.80 w/ 9676 ($88)
Pretty pricey now. Might want to wait for the every-so-often 40% off sale (or, about there) and it’ll drop into the low to mid $50s range. And Express merino wool is pretty good. Medium weight, decently durable, and not too bulky through the middle (at least on their v-necks in the past). Instead of the usual thicker, fold-over style shawl collar, this one has a mechanic’s style collar. Less bulk around the neck area. Also available in black. Code 9676 should get you 15% off.
10. “The Rape of Europa” – Streams Free (if you subscribe) on Netflix
The Monuments Men
BONUS: JC Penney’s New Stafford Cap Toe Boot – $84.99 w/ CREDIT33
Major thanks to Richard G. for not only sending in the style tip, but for snapping a pic of these in-store. Haven’t seen them pop up online yet, but if they’re retailing for $99, expect them to drop to $50-$65 with codes, sales & promos (garments usually drop by 50% with consistency, shoes not quite as much). Leather quality is reportedly on par/close to the Camlin. Word from the store’s staff is that these had just shown up in black, but not brown. Keep an eye (or two) peeled.
UPDATE: Looks like JCP just updated their site, and these are now available online. Also, looks like they’ve brought back some sort of version of the Camlin, which is now called the Deacon. Code CREDIT33 knocks 15% off $99 or under, 20% off $100+, and more if you’ve got a JCP Credit Card. So, might want to get some socks or something to trip that threshold.
For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.