10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Summer wingers, Shades, & More

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.

 

Sebago Brattle Oxford in Dark Brown – $42.00

As casual as a true oxford gets, which means it’s perfect for summer. Rugged leather uppers, wingtip & perforations, and a super grippy sole. Sold and shipped by Amazon. 4/5 stars after 81 reviews. Would look more than at home with some washed chinos or cotton/linen pants and a polo. Hat tip to Eric J. for the tip on these. UPDATE: Looks like the $42 shoes went pretty quick. Amazon was selling & fulfilling (not just fulfilling) the $42 dark brown Brattles, and those now have appeared to have sold out. 

 

“Menswear Dog Presents: The New Classics by David Fung and Yena Kim” – $13.56

Nothing worse than a clothing snob who takes this “I can dress myself!” thing too seriously. Having a book on your coffee table that features a Shiba Inu decked out like a street style kingpin (BECAUSE HE IS), should clue your guests into the fact that while you like looking good, you know it’s not the pinnacle of your existence. Also, Menswear Dog dresses really, really well, and plenty of his looks are worth getting inspired by. Kudos to David Fung, Yena Kim, and their pup for all the success.

 

GAP Seersucker Blazer in “Midnight” or Blue Stripe – $53.97 w/ SUNSHINE

Gap’s recent run of blazers seem to have gravitated towards the UNIQLO template. Meaning: Short in the tail, long in the arms, and a higher than most would prefer button stance (see their Twill blazer over here). BUT, with a little bit of tailoring, they can be more than worthy for the price. And a seersucker blazer in a dark shade like that “midnight fog”? Interesting. Appears to be just half lined in the back. Non functioning buttons at the sleeve cuffs, but there is that pesky accent stitching around them. Originally $89.95. Code SUNSHINE is good for 40% off through today, 4/21.

 

This American Life: Good Guys (& the Good Guy discount)

“He told me he was just saving on everything.” What happens (and what doesn’t happen) when you ask for a discount for being just a regular ol’ good guy. And does asking disqualify you from actually being a good guy? That debate may sound familiar. This American Life goes from the cash register, to the depths of the ocean, as they explore what it means, and doesn’t mean, to be a good guy.

 

Dockers Metal Navigator Sunglasses – $15.99

Like a super cheap version of the Persol 2407. For medium to smaller faces. They might not look quite right on dudes with bigger noggin’s. Only real visible branding is on the inside of the ear pieces. They rattle a bit since they’re so cheap, but it’s tough to argue with the price. Best to search them out in store at JC Penney (probably between the neckties and underwear).

 

H&M Suede Double Monks – $69.95

All but sold out online, but might be worth keeping an eye out for in-store. Hoping that they haven’t burnished the toes, like H&M has a tendency to do on some of their other suede shoes. A good looking loafer that should work well dressed up or down during the warmer weather months.

 

DANGER 5 (on Netflix)

Originally aired in Australia, and recently brought to the US via Netflix. Grantland explains further. I’m not even gonna try.

 

Moose Brand Rivet Card Holder – $40.00

Stitchless, simple, and made in the USA from American leather. Don’t know much about these folks, other than that they appear to be based in Seattle, and are shooting for the high end with their briefcases. But these simple card holders might be great for the minimalist, and/or the type who likes to keep some business cards on them at all times. Also available in yellow or red.

 

Target Merona Navy Oxford Cloth Club Shorts – $18.74 ($24.99)

There appears to be a sad lack of oxford cloth shorts from Merona this year, but the saturated navy option should be a workhorse for many this summer. Lighter weight but not cheap feeling. Not too long, not too short. Looks super sharp with a white polo, canvas sneakers, and a casual watch. (More on that summer-worthy read over here).

 

Sperry Striper CVO Sneaker – $45.00 ($59.95)

An inexpensive warm-weather classic that just got cheaper. Ships & returns free via Nordstrom. Tan leather accents at the tongue and heel, reinforced eyelets, blue stripe, and a nice cushy feel.

 

BONUS: Martin Codax Albarino – $10 – $16

Dry & crisp, a little tart, and anything but one of those syrupy sweet white wines that make most guys stick to red… or beer. It’s a clean, Spanish white that goes extremely well with spicy dishes and/or warm weather. Easy drinking. Won’t bloat you up like an IPA or Pilsner, and seems to show up at Costco, but not just at Costco. A perfect bottle for you and a date on a warm spring evening, or to take over to a house party as a “thanks for letting us come over and eat your food/drink your booze” present for the hosts.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.