Most Wanted Affordable Style – January 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.

 

Suitsupply Brown Suede Single Monks – $249.00

Like a super high quality version of Florsheim’s old “Asset” single monk (sadly, no longer in production). Not cheap, but they are made in Italy, Blake Stitched, and the silver-tone buckle looks great up against that deep brown suede. Should go well with everything from jeans to flannel suits. And since it’s Suitsupply, they ship and return for free.

 

Banana Republic Stripe Shawl Cardigan – $140

Unusually high “retail” price, but it’s BR, so, be ready to play the code and sale game. All cotton instead of a thick heavy wool, so a good layer for not just now but later on down the calendar as well. Larger gauge knit, raglan sleeves, and the rust-red and navy stripes against the “Transition Cream” off-white base look great.

 

Orvis Unlined Lambskin Driving Gloves – $49 ($89)

Gets an immense amount of attention on this website, but at this price, those of us who already own a pair might just pick up a second in case we lose one or both of the first. Really does a nice job picking up a patina over time (as shown above). Do know that there’s no lining to these gloves. None. Zero. Zilch in terms of insulation. So if you’re living in an area under arctic air assault, know that they might sit on the shelf or in the glove box until it warms a bit.

 

Bonobos Italian Moleskin Jeans – $75.60 FINAL w/ FEELGOOD ($138)

Expensive, but, they will drop to $75.60 during the next extra 30% off sale items code. (Tuesday Update: Which they’re now doing… use FEELGOOD For the extra 30% off..) And while seventy five bucks is still pretty spendy, the Italian Moleskin fabric is worth it. Super soft, dense, and matte. Perfect for the dead of winter. Sizes are scattered depending on what color you’re going for, and remember that they’re final sale, so, no returns. NOTE: If you’re looking for their slim fit, you can find a small size selection of these over on Nordstrom for the much more palatable price of $68.98.

 

Bass “Macbeth” Boot – $84.99

Their claimed “retail” price of $220 seems more than a little inflated. Not half bad for the price. Great looking color of suede which should look great up against dark wash denim. The simple cap toe instead of something flashier (like a wingtip) and the reinforced eyelets are also promising. The toes are pretty traditional in terms of roundness, so don’t expect something super sleek.

 

BONUS: The Big Holiday Bonus Splurge: Saddleback Carry On – $999.00

Do companies still give holiday bonuses? Other than the Jelly of the Month Club? Look, it’s a cool grand, but it’s the last carry on you’ll buy (being that they’re guaranteed for life). Re-darn-donkulously good looking. Available in four different leather colors. Meanwhile, if your tastes lean more towards the old-school, check out their hard sided version. (Meanwhile, the quality won’t even be in the same universe, let alone the parking lot, but JackThreads has a pretty nice looking leather weekender, complete with a separate compartment for shoes, that has been going for the low $100s during sales.)

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