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.
What’s the general consensus on shawl-collar sweaters? I got my first one last winter and really enjoy it, but can’t seem to go anything beyond jeans with it. Neutral heather grey should work with most dressy-ish pants, but every I do it I feel like someone’s grandfather. Am I being wrong on this one? Any thoughts guys?
That Gap Blazer looks like the business BTW. Hope it makes it to Asian stores.
My general rule of thumb is that if you can wear it with jeans, you can wear it with at least chinos, too. As for the grandpa effect, on the one hand, I went with a solid, ribbed black instead of a heathered option because I feel like it’s keeps me out of grandpa territory a little more easily. On the other hand, the only people I actually see wearing shawl collars are well-dressed dudes under 40, so the precautions probably weren’t necessary.
I find the chunkier the better – I get the one man comments for the thinner ones. But of course the chunky ones are not that dressy either.
Anyone have suggestions for decent black boots with a slimmer profile? Looking for something way less clunky than my RW Iron Rangers. I’m trying to incorporate way more black in to my wardrobe this fall and need boots.
I’m a pretty slim dude and wear skinnier jeans, so I need a minimal boot with a workwear-ish look. No chelsea boots or whatever, I’m not a lead singer in a rock band.
The Armitron is currently unavailable but I’ll keep an eye (or two) peeled.
I have to say, I’d never really considered grey for a dressier shoe option (don’t even know that I’ve ever really seen many pairs), but those double monks are looking pretty nice!
If waiting for the JCP Cap Toe isn’t an option (and it looks pretty sleek), you should check out AE’s Shoebank to see if there’s a Fifth Street in your size.
I was at a JC Penney this weekend and they had both the brown and black (pictured above) dress boots. The brown differed from the black in that it was a bootcut Stafford Logan, same cognac color, same design just a higher cut. I was hoping for a camlin-like boot this season but I recently bought the Logan, which I am happy with, so having both would be redundant.
Wolverine 1000 Mile – the black is typically easier to find on discount than the brown, especially on eBay. Still “workwear-ish” but with its leather soles its dressier than the IR.
So whats the deal with H&M only going up to size 11.5?
I love them and have several that I wear throughout the fall and winter months. Casually, I’ll wear them with jeans, chinos, and tweed/wool pants. On a dressier level I’ll wear a shirt and tie underneath the sweater, with slacks and a trench coat. Play around with it man!
I feel that darker colors work better in dressier situations – burgundy, navy, charcoal, etc.
Pricey as all get out, but the Viberg Service Boot is my holy grail.
The key to avoiding the old man look with shawl collars, and with cardigans too, is to nail the fit.
I just polished off a bottle of Pendleton 1910 that I received a few years ago as a birthday gift. I normally like bourbon (big Maker’s Mark fan), but I really loved that rye. I think I’ll have to pickup a new bottle. Great with one or two ice cubes and then a few whiskey stones to keep it cool.
I’ve been looking for a new spirit and it sounds like Pendleton fits the bill. A few ounces and a viewing of “The Rape of Europa” may just be my plan tonight.
I have the JCF herringbone blazer from last year in brown. Can’t recommend it highly enough, as long as you are ok with the whole Ludlow/Thompson slimmer lapel. I have a grey tweed jacket as well, but have found that brown is a bit more versatile. It looks great with dark denim, but you can also dress it up with navy or grey wool trousers if you want.
I picked up both from JCF last year, the charcoal version replaced an ill-fitting similar version from the GAP I had purchased previously a few years back. Was expecting to wear the charcoal version the most, but the brown actually got the most play, went with just about everything in my wardrobe. Can’t recommend enough especially if you can snag it at below $100.
I’ve been thinking about picking up the Land’s End one: http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-tailored-fit-pattern-wool-blazer/id_272869?sku_0=::S7H
Thankfully they got rid of that ridiculous picture of the guy wearing it with sweat pants.
Is this the JCP Stafford Boot in Cognac that you speak of?
http://www.jcpenney.com/shoes/extended-sizes/large-sizes-13-over/stafford-deacon-mens-wingtip-leather-boots/prod.jump?ppId=pp5004560043&searchTerm=stafford+wingtips&catId=SearchResults&_dyncharset=UTF-8
I looked at that when it showed up in the labor day post. I’m confused by the pics. In some the pattern really stands out and in others its practically non-existent. They almost look like two different jackets. I like the classic herringbone. That pattern is a bit too much for me.
Does anybody know if the Gunner and Deacon are still a size too large like the Camlin and Logan? They’re at least providing a size 7, so if they are, I can at least get them this time, unlike the Logan which had 8 as the smallest size.
For sure fit is crucial. Mine is cotton cable knit, stretches with wear, so it does bellow a little at the back. Drying helps.
Hadn’t thought of putting it under a trench, will try that for sure. @thatoneduder
Thanks for the thoughts fellas.
Curious to hear your up close impressions of the Deacon when you get a chance. Seriously considering snagging those since I missed out on the Camlin. Maybe I’ll even be able to catch them on clearance.
I bought them a full size down, like the Camlin oxford, and it’s shipping now, so I’ll update in a few days!
Initial impressions (from looking @ the pictures online and comparing them to the Camlins I’m wearing) is that leather and soles are the same make, which is probably a good thing. The only difference that I can see is the toecap might be shorter on the Deacon, but if it’s the same shoe overall I’m pleased.
I fail to see the appeal the appeal of desert boots because of the crepe sole. Aren’t they slippery?
Gray shoes are very tricky. I have a pair of double monks in grey suede and I’m still figuring out how to wear’em. Dont look so good with dark jeans (maybe faded ones could go with them) or with chinos.
Very interested to hear your follow-up, especially since you have the Camlin boots and can compare/contrast for us.
Your public awaits!
I’m a 42 most of the time, but thanks for the tip.
I pulled the trigger on the JCF in brown with the SALE30 currently going on. Came in at $110. I’m cool with that. thanks again.
Anyone else have feedback on the Old Navy OCBD’s? Looking for something affordable to layer for this fall/winter under sweaters etc. They look like reasonable options, but wanted to see if anyone else had experience with them
Got the H&M shoes on the way. Used the 20% off for signing up for emails plus the free shipping code from for $55
navy blue slacks, grey belt, any colored shirt.