How to spend your tax refund… with style in mind

The $1407.50 Style Splurge:  Spending half this year’s average Tax Refund

Now, before all the armchair Suze Orman’s get their knickers in a twist, know that this is an annual tradition. And it’s hypothetical. We’re not even, again, hypothetically spending an entire average tax refund. So, for the love of Dave Ramsey’s tighty whiteys, let’s all take it easy. Now w/ that said, the average refund this year is $2,815. That’s a lot of money, and one hell of a 0% interest loan to provide Uncle Sam. Most of us aren’t getting back anywhere near that, but for farts and snickers, we’ll cut half off this year’s average (for the savings account) and fake-spend the rest.  Because really, what’s the fun in hypothetical splurging if you can’t do it responsibly?

 

Suitsupply Giro Inglese weave Wool/Silk Blazer – $499

That… is one expensive blazer. But boy, look at it. Pure, Milan gent. Check out the weave on this thing. It’s a looser type of weave called “giro inglese” that helps aid ventilation and flexibility. This is the kind of jacket you wear on a big date. It’s something that’s destined to become a favorite for a very, very long time. And it better be, for half a grand. Expensive enough that if this hypothetical were a real-life scenario, some of us would feel so guilty about dropping $500 on one stinkin’ blazer that we’d slam the rest of the refund into savings. ($908.50 left)

 

Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph – $224.98

They’ve changed the name of the brand from “Antoine Arnaud” to Armogan. What hasn’t changed is their status as one of the better looking quartz chronos on the market. Miyota Quartz & a slightly domed mineral crystal. Pricey, but a looker. ($683.52 left)

 

Yves Klein Anthropom©trie sans titre (ANT 130) – $176.99

A good way to add some color to your walls. Under the direction of New Realism & Performance Artist Yves Klein, nude models applied “International Klein Blue” to their bodies, then applied themselves to large sheets of paper. Holds a bit of a resemblance to Winged Victory of Samothrace. Art.com is always running codes, so hang out for a 40% off for the above price. Note that the price above is for a 31″ x 43″ print, matted, framed, AND under non-glare acrylic glass (non-glare = an upcharge, but totally worth it). ($506.53 left)

 

Ray Ban 55mm Tortoise G-15XLT New Wayfarers – $76.72

Timeless, sturdy, and the center of the Sunglasses universe. Not too clunky, not too squat through the lenses… all kinds of right. Currently being sold by Amazon so they’re up for Prime. 55mm is a good size for most guys. Looks great w/ a summer suit. Looks great w/ a swim suit & nothing else. ($429.81 left)

 

Allen Edmonds McGregor Suede Longwings – $229.90 ($385)

On sale via Nordstrom, so they ship & return for free. Perfect for a summer suit as well as with jeans and a blazer. Available in either the snuff suede pictured here, a deep dark chocolate suede, or navy suede. ($199.91 left)

 

GAP Linen/Cotton Pants in Straight or Slim – $41.96 (@ 30% off) $59.95

53% linen, 47% cotton, and made in this you-won’t-be-able-to-see-the-underoos shade of blue. Wear them with a white polo and canvas sneakers on the hottest of hot days this summer. Always on sale. For the purposes of our bean-counting exercise, we’ll just go with 30% off, since that’s the minimum for many of us when it comes to GAP discounts. ($157.95 left) UPDATE: Looks like these are 40% off today w/ the code TREAT. Drops them to $35.97.

 

Ledbury Blue Fine Twill Dress Shirt – $125

Perfect shade. Durable. 2nd button’s stance has been lowered just a touch so these shirts are perfect for going tieless. Fabric is lightweight but strong. $125 is twice (if not 3x) what most usually budget for dress shirts, but these Ledbury shirts are a perfect splurge. That, and they do go on sale every so often (watch for GiltCity / Rue La La vouchers, as well as site wide codes from Ledbury). ($32.95 left)

 

Uniqlo Suede Belt – $19.90

Something to wear with your canvas sneakers or bucks in the warm weather. Smooth leathers (shoes/belt/watch strap) should match. Suede is a little more forgiving, since it’s matte. Nice tone to the buckle on this one too. 4 different shades available.  ($13.05 left)

 

TheTieBar Cotton Chambray Pocket Square – $10

A white linen or cotton pocket square is going to be #1 on most men’s lists. But a grey or deeper blue chambray is a very close second. Goes great with a navy cotton blazer, white shirt, jeans, and warm brown shoes. Also goes great with a summer suit, light blue or white shirt, and bucks. ($3.05 left)

 (… digs around in the couch cushions, comes up with a quarter and a few pennies)

 

Word. Notebook – $3.33 per

Hey. HEY. You. The person with the dilemma, or the work project, or hell, the lingering mid-life crisis. Sure, it looks tough now. But… have you taken the time to actually think about it? Being aware of a challenge, and actually thinking about how you’re going to take it on, are massively different. And disconnecting from your phone, your tablet, your laptop, and/or your television for 15 minutes can greatly aide that “thinking” thing most of us don’t devote nearly enough time to. Grab a pen, and a notebook, and start writing. (Kinda cheating here, since these are sold in packs of 3 for $9.99… but still.) Made in the United States. Lots of colors/patterns to pick from. ($0.00 left)

And we’re done. To all the CPAs out there, congrats on reaching this year’s finish line.