Most Wanted Affordable Style – November 2015

Consider these to be power rankings. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month. You’ll find new arrivals and old favorites, especially good deals, or maybe something pricey to keep an eye on for future sales. The potential best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already. Got a tip on something that deserves to end up in the monthly Most Wanted? Send those in here.

 

J. Crew Kenton Suede Plain Toe Boots – $171 w/ SHOPSALE ($225)

Gone is the apron toe stitching from last year’s model, and the plain toe now looks pretty darn terrific. Yes, the red/salmon sole is still there (they’ve opted for a leather or more tonal rubber sole on many of their other boots) but it sorta kinda works on these elephant-grey boots. Should look terrific with jeans. Goodyear welted, and goes on sale often. Currently 25% off through today with the SHOPSALE code. But, if you can sit tight, then maybe they’ll end up in the sale section? If they do, and an extra 30% – 40% off code to comes along, then they could be a real steal.

 

GAP Blackwatch Button Down Shirt – $32.47 w/ LOOK ($49.50)

Like the Blackwatch pattern but don’t want to go full-bore with a pair of pants or a jacket? Here’s one way to do it. Would look great with a light grey, wool knit tie, or on its own with jeans and under a grey sportcoat. Always on sale, and 35% off today with the code LOOK. Meanwhile, if you’ve got a Gap inc. credit card, you can get a jump on their Friends and Family deal, 40% off, with the code FFCARD. Many thanks to Michael G. for the tip!

 

Allen Edmonds Cornwallis Oxfords – $385.00

Arguably the best looking pair of dress shoes in their entire lineup, and they just debuted this year. Equal parts classic and modern. Fingers crossed for a sale around the holidays, or to pick up a pair of 2nds quality via the Shoebank. Available in black, walnut, or the burnished brown shown above.

 

Banana Republic Plaid Topcoat – $298

Yes, a pattern, but the grey on black plaid is subtle enough that it’s not going to be shouting as you walk down the street. Should work real well with everything from jeans to suits. Covered placket keeps the front extra sleek. Bit of a mix to the fabric: 60% Wool, 20% Polyester, 15% Nylon, 5% Other. There’s that damn “other” again. Just under $300 to start, but should drop with codes. If you can get it for 40% off, it’ll clock in at $178.80.

 

Faribault Made in the USA Revival Stripe Scarf – $54.00 ($69)

Timeless stripes and just enough color to resuscitate the usual dreary palate we all (understandably) favor when fall and winter roll in. Made in the USA from an 80% merino / 20% cotton blend. On sale via Orvis with images above via the official Faribault site.

 

BONUS: J. Crew Ludlow Velvet Shawl Collar Blazer – $328

Awesomely sexy… or… way too showy. Those are the two camps that guys seem to fall in when it comes to velvet blazers. And if you’re in the 2nd camp, then perhaps the more toned down, “forrest shadow” option might appeal to you. That shade of green should look just as good with wool trousers and a bow tie as it would with jeans and a crisp dress shirt. Was up for a code for the first time last week during the tiered, no exclusions sale. Here’s to hoping more codes can be applied in the future.

Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.