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. Timex T49905 Black Brass Case Chrono – $79.95
Just north of the $75 threshold, but as of post time it ships free and fast if you’ve got Amazon Prime. This thing does NOT feel like a run of the mill Timex. No flimsiness. None. Tis a beast, this one. And looks awfully good with all sorts of fall-clothing. Thick sweaters, cords, and it’ll even lend a casual vibe to a tweed blazer. 42mm case so it’s not enormous, but it does have some heft to it’s overall weight.
2. Old Navy Shawl Collar Sweatshirt – $20 ($39.94)
Another option instead of a bulky hooded sweatshirt. Sweatshirt material, description claims it’s “slightly fitted through the sides”, and a shawl collar that’ll keep the autumn breeze off your neck. An extra 20% off at checkout (no code needed) through today 10/13. That extra 20% off drops it from the already on-sale price of $25, down to $20.
3. UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Wool V-neck – $19.90 ($39.90)
Plus it ships free through today. Part of their Columbus day promotion. Sizes are going (went?) awfully fast. Stunningly good for this price. Know that these things are pretty thin. Great for layering, not so much for warmth. Nice and trim through the sides. Free shipping + this price = real hard to resist. Size shown here is a medium.
4. Old Calgary Alpha Card Wallet – $35.00
Is it possible for a wallet to be cozy? German merino wool felt and Italian leather. Holds 4-6 cards plus cash. Made in the USA. Also available in “carbon“, or “anthracite” with a contrasting tan leather accent pocket.
5. AC/DC: Let There Be Rock (live in Paris, 1979) – FREE
AC/DC’s massively successful concert movie. The whole thing is on Youtube. God bless the fellas for continuing to do what they do, and more importantly, fingers crossed for Malcom and his family. The current environment of entertainment and pop culture is saturated with overly-critical, nitpicking, class-assigning, consumer-competitors who make a game out of tearing down anything they can, only so they can attempt to project a sense that what they consume (not even create, just consume) is intellectually, stylistically, and even chronologically (in terms of discovery) superior. And when that nonsense all gets a little too deep, some of us find it comforting that this, this simplicity saturated with confidence, still works.
6. H&M 100% Cashmere Cap – $29.95
Even if you’re the type who rolls his eyes at the exorbitant price on cashmere sweaters, blazers… hell, even socks… a cashmere winter cap still might be in play. Especially when it’s this affordable. Bit of a splurge when compared to watch caps at your local Army/Navy surplus, but hey, it’s for your noggin. Also available in grey.
7. Jack Spade “Haskell” Sunglasses – $74.99 w/ FALL25 ($148)
Haskell? As in Eddie? Fast looking, with either matte black or matte tortoise frames. Remember those Warby Parker X1 sunglasses? Seems a little like those (matte frame, road inspired…) Doesn’t appear to be final sale, but check those measurements. Looks like they’re on the larger side? The extra 25% off sale items code FALL25 expires today, 10/13/14.
8. J. Crew Factory “Walker” Vest in Wool Blend Herringbone – $59 ($118)
Always on sale, and now down to $59 during their 50% off Columbus Day promotion. Ships free today with the code OURBDAY. Something for those events that you want a jacket at the start, but once you get going and heated up (say, on a hike) your pits could use a little more ventilation. The way they’ve got it pinned back there at the sides does make it look a little Mom-ish though. HEY MA! THE MEATLOAF! WE WANT IT NOW!
9. JCP Stafford “Deacon” Wingtip Boot – $55.24 w/ 4U2SAV
Obligatory. They’re that good that they deserved another mention here in Best Bets. High $40s seems to be as low as these have gone for, but these boots, for fifty-five bucks, is a steal. Looks like the earlier problems they had with having enough of these in stock might have been solved? Maybe? Full review here.
10. Art of Manliness Stationery – $21.99
Remember when you were a kid, dreading spending an hour (it was probably more like 15 minutes) at the kitchen table, forced to scratching out thank you notes on loose-leaf paper to your relatives for every itchy sweater you got around the holidays? Right. Thank-you notes (or correspondence of any kind) doesn’t have to be a chore. And picking out tools of the trade that you actually like, can make a big difference. These have been featured here before, but deserve the repetition. Made by Page Stationery, these AoM themed cards come 15 to a pack (with envelopes of course) and feature a trio of motifs. Either pick from already assembled trios, or, pick your own three for $26. The card stock is nice and thick, easy to write on, and they make an impression… both on the sender and the recipient. It’s the perfect time of year for writing a note or two of appreciation, while sipping on a favorite from the cabinet, cellar, or fridge.
BONUS One of these: Calibrate “Sota” Chelsea Boot – $140 (for the pair)
Right. Cheating. Absolutely. But, c’mon. Slicker than snot in Siberia. Totally suit worthy. Yes, even with those elastic panels, they’re a hallmark of Chelsea boots. That medium to lighter grey worsted wool suit you wore during the warmer months? Wear em’ with that, a light blue shirt, a black tie with some texture (even a silk knit), and a smart (maybe a square dial?) watch. Easy. Classic, but just enough tweaks to go around.
For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.
Man, I really want that cashmere hat but I don’t trust H&M
Love the inclusion of ‘Let There Be Rock’ in this roundup (for free, no less!) — that’s one concert video that’ll absolutely blow your doors off. As my favorite all-time band, I admire their consistency, perseverance and determination. Never too flashy musically, always dependable, relatable and reliable. The new single ‘Play Ball’ sounds great, too.
This is the first time I’ve owned something before it was featured on dappered in any way! Score one for me and my Timex brass case black watch!
Love that ON Shawl-Collar Sweatshirt. Haven’t purchased anything with a shawl-collar yet, so this seems like a nice inexpensive way to see whether I like them or not. Of course, they are out of my size (L-Tall) in the color I want (Ink Blue). Drat!
Also, kinda like that JCF vest. Same exact comments I had on the shawl-collar apply here as well (minus them being out of my size/color).
Why? They say it’s PREMIUM QUALITY. lol
I was looking for some Chelsea boots for a while and eventually settled on the Bass Amsterdams. They’re usually on sale for $75 at Macy’s,and they look really sleek (definitely grey suit worthy). They run a bit big though.
Anyone have suggestions for a good stationery brand that is elegant and of good quality? Somehow, the Art of Manliness ones seem just a bit too hipster-ish to me.
Tried to order the JC Penny boots last week. Was even roped into reaching the $100 free shipping limit as well. Received an email a few days later stating that the boots changed from “Backordered” to “Not Available.” Sure, except when I ordered they were listed as “In Stock.”
Anyway…really wanted to give these boots a shot, even without trying them on in a store, but can’t abide such lousy customer service.
And now I’m obviously bothered enough by the experience to share with you all!
I have some nice stationery from Crane & Co.
Generally I’d recommend just visiting local specialty paper stores (if you have them in your area) and seeing what you like.
Copped the JCP wingtip boot in black with the same coupon code. What a steal. Free ship-to-store, too.
check out Page Stationary – the company that sells the AOM stationary. I recently ordered some some cards from them, and was pleased with the result.
I had a similar problem as you… the AOM set just was a little much. However, I did like one of the little motifs in particular. So, I emailed and asked if I could just do a custom set with my name and just one motif. They worked with me through a couple of proofs until I had exactly what I wanted (size, ink color, etc). Good customer service. Quick turn around, too.
ALL CAPS.
As always with H&M. All caps. They mean it.
I really want that cashmere hat, but my oily hair will ruin it.
Whew, I was afraid it would only be premium quality.
That Deacon boot is quite attractive, but I keep getting an error when adding it to my cart. Shopping from Canada btw
Exactly. No caps lock, no dice.
Same here. Ordered both Deacon and Gunner boots a couple of weeks ago when they were featured. The Deacons were back-ordered and then canceled, though the site still showed them as in stock. The Gunners are supposedly still coming, though I haven’t seen them yet and there’s no tracking. Very disappointed in JCPenney’s customer service.
Ditto. Ordered a pair of the Deacons online (showed “in stock” when I ordered) after the local JC Penney store refused to quote me any less than $100 price for them. Just received a cancellation email saying “Your order has been canceled due to item being discontinued.”
Not happy with either the in-store experience or JCP customer service online.
Sheep everywhere would suggest the opposite may be true.
that watch also comes in a blue dial (steel case, sadly) for $64.50.
Shameless plug here, but for just 43 more bones, that Timex can be had with THREE FormFunctionForm bands. Just sayin.
Tried to put my order through online and talked to customer service 3 separate times. The boots ended up getting canceled every time
Ended up going to the store to purchase. Majorly inconvenient, but I love the boots
Anyone have any experience with the Timex watch above? The weekender I bought from FormFunctionForm is as loud as can be.
JCP you dirty dog. I had those Deacons & the Gunner in the old cart and then bam! They go from $48 a piece shipped to $99 each. I really question if we will see another sale where they fall to $50 shipped
I would have gone into the store myself but (unfortunately?) they are fresh out of JC Pennies in Central Europe.
But I agree, seems like the best route to go if available to you. I just think their customer service sucks – and I hate rewarding companies for bad customer service.
Joe, I am really thankful for you’re posts. A couple weeks ago I scored those JCP wingtip boots and they are nice for the price. I was looking at something for work (areospace/factory) that looked decent, but without wearing Allen Edmonds every day. I’m usually up in the front office, but sometimes need to do some machining… if I screw these up no big deal.
That #1 Timex watch looks all too similar to my IWC Top Gun! Swap out the brown leather band with a black graphite looking one from ebay or something and its going to be very similar at a fraction of the price.
I must have been lucky ordering them when Joe first post the review a couple weeks ago. Really nice boots for the price. The all rubber soles look like leather and are comfortable throughout the day on my feet. Its a little but of effort to get them off after a long day but not a big deal. Did not seem the in store (I checked two near me) but they did have the black gunner boots and the black ones look like plastic.
FYI the Timex watch is $15 cheaper at Walmart ($60).
Looks like those UNIQLO sweaters are out of stock in just about every color/size combo but a few of the 52 greens 🙁
Yup. Seems to be the case with the Weekender watch. I have one too. My GF can hear it ticking from the passenger seat in the car when I’m driving.
Banana Republic outlets have the same shawl collar sweatshirt in charcoal and navy. They were $35 when I bought them and I found they fit better than Old Navy.
Watch seems to be on sale for $64.00 on amazon right now.
That’s my experience with Uniqlo as a whole tbh.
I emailed JCP about the deacon boots and they say they are discontinued (at least in my size). Looks like the early few of you got lucky to get ’em. Here’s the email I got.
Thank you for contacting us.
Unfortunately, the Stafford Deacon Boots are discontinued in 11 1/2.
We make every effort to keep items in stock and unfortunately that is not always possible. We continually create orders with our suppliers and in most cases they can fill those in a timely manner. When they cannot, the items are placed on back order if we have a confirmed ship date from our supplier.
We recognize our system is not without shortcomings and we understand how frustrating it can be to plan an order only to find that items are not available. It is never our intent to frustrate you or disappoint you.
We apologize if we have done so. Our buyers will be notified of your concerns.
Sincerely,
Luz
JCPenney Customer Care, Columbus
Very disappointed as well. I tried to purchase but price jumped in cart prior to checkout, I was traveling and didn’t have time to figure out the problem. Later that night (monday) when I got settled I tried again but my size was sold out. I can go by local store now that i’m back in town but not on sale anymore. Just can’t bring myself to pay full price knowing I should have been able to get them sub 60. Not impressed JCP…
How do you discontinue a size?
I was fortunate enough to find the 11.5s on the website the other day for ~ $52 after refreshing the page once a day for two weeks. I’m wearing them now and they look and feel fantastic. It was a miserably rainy day here in Cincinnati and they appear to have held up just fine. That said, their customer service needs some work. When they were first out of stock, I called the 800 number and the CS rep had to call individual stores to find out whether they had any available; I’m assuming she used a rotary phone.
I know right? I’m hoping her comment on letting the buyers know suggests they might come back in a few months.
If I’d have just won those AE Daltons I wouldn’t have to worry about these staffords not being in stock lol