The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – Dec. ’15

A wise man once asked: “What the hell just happened?” And for good reason. There is value in looking back. It gives us all a good gauge as to what is good, and more importantly, what is not good, going forward. Sure, the “clip show” is mostly a cheap (affordable?) device to create new content out of already published stuff. But they’re also a good way to catch up in case you missed something. So cue the flashback music. Here’s the very best from the month that just was…

 

Best Sale: Nordstrom Half Yearly

Ten thousand items + free shipping no minimum + free returns = squeaking out the win here. Yes, squeaking. Nordstrom’s half yearly sale had some serious competition in December. The 40% off no exclusions sale at BR & GAP just before the holiday was nice (traveler jeans for $70, and those Ty Chelsea boots for $107). Meanwhile, the 40% off shoes & accessories at Brooks Brothers is an annual treat. Brooks Brothers got smart this year and buried it on a Sunday. Kudos to those who picked up some Allen Edmonds for 40% off.

 

Best What Might have Been: H&M Suede Chelseas

$80ish with codes. Made in Portugal. Great shade to the suede. But those toes. Over burnished to the point that they might be a deal breaker for some. Really wish designers would stop doing that.

 

Best Way To Channel Rocky & Drink your Eggs: Egg Nog Flip

2 oz of Buffalo Trace, a little lemon & simple syrup, and an egg. Careful, more than a couple of those and you might start sounding like you’ve gone 15 rounds with Apollo Creed.

 

Best Exceeding of Expectations: The Orient Polaris GMT

Highly anticipated, and boy did it deliver. Looks even better in person.

 

Best Staying True to Your Style Move: Seinfeld’s White House Sneakers

What to wear when you’re interviewing the Commander in Chief? Dark wash Levis. A more traditional, metal button blazer. White button down. And Nike Shox. For Seinfeld, it’s perfect.

 

Best Boot Reboot: Black Shoe Cream + JCP Gunner

I suppose you could say that this was technically a reboot of a boot reboot, since a few years back we did the same thing (applying black shoe creme to a cognac leather boot) to the JCP Camlin. The Camlin was the predecessor to the Deacon. The Deacon is the wingtip version of the Gunner, but the Gunner in Cognac (shown above) came along much later on, presumably because the Camlin in Cognac sold so well.. So the Camlin begat the Deacon, which begat the Gunner in Cognac. What is this, Chronicles?

 

Best Simple Luggage: TM1985 Military Duffel

Shown above is the waxed canvas, leather bottom “Premium” version that goes for $125 via Bespoke Post. The basic, standard canvas version is just $45. Perfect as a carry on for those who pack light, or a secondary bag for those who over pack, which can then be used as a handy dirty laundry bag while on the road.

 

Easiest Way to Blow the Budget: Brooks Bros 40% off Tailored Stuff

They do this every year as part of their “5 days of gifting” event. Expect it next year. Might want to prepare for it even.

 

Best Saide Hawkinsy Suggestion: Take us fellas out on the town

It gives us (guys who like style) a good reason to dress up, and we also get to see you all gussied up as well. Part of the last minute gift suggestions list. And hey, Valentine’s Day is on the way too.