The $1500 Wardrobe – Part V: The Rest

The Rest – The $1500 Wardrobe Part V

Creating a versatile, sharp wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. By far, the best course of action is to go slow. But for argument’s sake, let’s say you need a major wardrobe makeover, stat. Over the next 5 days we’ll see how far a strict budget of $1500 can go. And this year, we’re going back to our roots.

Prices have gone up everywhere, but instead of raising the ceiling to make this, say, the $2000 Wardrobe, we’re accepting the challenge. The outcome might not impress the menswear snobs, but why care? The goal is to balance quality with affordability, and accessibility with versatility. Not every last stitch (like underwear) will be covered. We’re not burning the clothes that are already in the closet. The goal is finish with a setup of clothes that can have someone looking great in most situations. The focus will be on affordable goods which can last with reasonable care. Also know that since tailoring costs can vary wildly, those haven’t been added to the final cost.

 

The TieBar Trio: Black Grenafaux, Burgundy Texture, Navy w/ Dots Grenafaux

Talk about value. TheTieBar has the market seemingly cornered on inexpensive, yet still decent neckties. Fifteen bucks a pop, any and every color and pattern combination possible, plenty of different fabrics to pick from, and… again, most are just fifteen bucks. Total cost here = $45. More on why these three were chosen over here.

 

The Watch: Bulova 96B104 – $89.99

It’s too bad they killed off the tuning fork logo at 12 o’clock, (it was a nice nod to their heritage) but this thing is still a looker. Totally classic. Would look fine on a more casual band (think of those Daniel Wellington watches). Save up an extra few bucks for a brown leather strap and a spring bar tool and you can swap out the stock band for another one when you please.

 

The collar assistants: 30 Neostays – $7.99 + Wurkin’ Stiffs Power Buttons – $15

Magnetic collar stays are total game changers. They help keep your collar under control whether you’re wearing a tie or not. Always went with the original Wurkin’ Stiffs in the past, but cash is getting tight. Plus, gonna want to get some of the colored soft-cover power buttons to help those buttons blend in if you are happening to go tieless (and yes,there are cheaper versions of those buttons too… but no blue?).

 

The celebratory ice mold: Kotobuki 3 Sphere Ice Ball Tray – $5.71

We did it! Made it to the end of this thing. Nice work everyone. Pour yourself a drink, and with these ice balls, your drink will stay colder longer, and it won’t get as watered down so quick. Plus, they just look cool.

TOTAL COST: $163.69
CASH REMAINING: $0.25 (go plug someone’s meter for them)

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