The Reach – July 2015

A man can dream. And sometimes having a tangible reward to chase can help someone achieve a lofty goal. Sometimes reaching outside the normal Dappered price range for a reward is called for. Nobody panic (not that you would), “The Reach” is not the new normal. It’s supplemental. And while some prices will be eye-popping, they won’t come near exospheric, Robb-Reportish levels. Plus, if/when there are more affordable alternatives available, they’ll be suggested. Predictable self-hatred for desiring such stupidly expensive things will be unavoidable. At least for the author.

 

Suitsupply Havana Blazer in Italian Cashmere – $899

And in a perfect, pale grey none the less. Natural shoulder, patch pockets, and just half lined. It’s super lightweight and breathable, but still outrageously soft thanks to the Lanificio Colombo Cashmere. Pretty sure this thing would get worn year round, and not just in the summer. Would look dynamite with jeans and over a v-neck + collared shirt.

The Less Expensive Alternative: The Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer in Light Grey or Medium Grey. Far from cheap at $368, and not Cashmere, but they are perfect for year-round wear. Even summer. Sold out at Nordstrom, where they did have em’ on sale for a bit.

 

Dinner at “Twist” by Pierre Gagnaire in Las Vegas – $200+ per

Located on the 23rd floor of the (non-smoking) Mandarin Oriental on the Las Vegas strip, this is about as classy as it gets, while still being an amazingly fun experience. Meaning: none of the snobbish attitudes you might expect at a glitzy & modern high-end restaurant. Top notch service, a staff that isn’t afraid to have a good laugh with their guests, a pleasantly small (for Las Vegas) dining area, and a music playlist that’s perfect for the environment. Oh. And the food. Good grief the food. The New Zealand Venison could change the mind of even the most ardent, meat-&-potatoes foodie-hater (it is, after all, meat & potatoes). Also, the views, whether at the table or in the restroom for crying out loud, can’t be beat. Try to get in on a Thursday. It might be unexpectedly quiet.

The Less Expensive Alternative: Buy a tasty bottle of wine, and cook something at home. Really.

 

Tiffany Chelsea Barometer – $950

Functional art for your wall. At least, a small piece of a wall. Made from Nickel. 4.5″ in diameter. Keeps track of temperature, and more importantly, the changes in air pressure, which has been a key component of meteorology for a very, very long time. Sure you could just look at your phone. But you could look at your phone to see what time it is too, yet for many, that doesn’t nullify the attraction to wristwatches.

The less-expensive alternative: Go look out a window. Or, there’s the creepy weather sticks. 

 

Hamilton Railroad Auto Chronograph – $1,995

Instead of at the traditional edge position, a contrasting blue tachymeter originates at the center of the slate grey dial. 44mm case diameter, and equipped with a modified Valjoux movement that delivers a 60 hour power reserve. Almost two grand direct via Hamilton, and less through 3rd party sellers, but they won’t offer the Hamilton warranty unless they’re a certified retailer.

The less-expensive alternative: No blue, but perhaps throw a black strap on a quartz Orient Monterey?

 

Randolph Engineering Gunmetal & Blue Sunglasses – $139.90 ($209)

Part of the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary sale which launches on Friday, the 17th. Made in the USA from Monel. Bayonette earpieces aren’t your standard, forgettable ear pieces either. Blue gradient lenses. 55mm.

The less-expensive alternative: Sorta like the Hamilton, if you skip the blue, you can save a ton. American Optical makes the well loved “Pilot” sunglasses for about a hundred bucks less than the on-sale REs. They’re also made in the USA.

Head here for an archive of “The Reach.”