The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was

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: Suitsupply’s Outlet Returned

Soft tweed blazers for $199. Suede double monks for $120. And suits, yes suits, starting at $229. It was fun while it lasted. And of course, it didn’t last long. Stuff went quick. Here’s to hoping this becomes a seasonal (or semi-annual) thing from now on?

Best Way to Wear your Suits More: Lose the Shoe Laces & Tie

If you’ve got a suit or two that you love, yet don’t find yourself in enough dressed-up situations to wear it often… then dress down your suit. It’s pretty simple. Skip traditional dress shoes in favor of chelseas, monk straps, or slim loafers (dress chukkas work too). Go with a matte tie or skip the tie all together. Here’s a full outfit example.

Best New Timepiece: Seiko’s New Dress Chrono

Got hands on with more than a few wrist watches this month, and by far, Seiko’s new chrono impressed the most. Full review here. Availability seems to be a bit spotty. Hope they make a few more dial color/strap color combos as well.

Best Excuse to send some cash North of the Border: Spier & Mackay

Again. Didn’t think this was going to work out. But it did, and then some. Me = hoser. As long as you’re willing to risk the potential return shipping, Spier & Mackay might just be the best bang for the Loonie out there right now. And the U.S. dollar’s strength against Canada’s Dollar helps push these half-canvas, well made suits down to the low $300s. Full review here.

Best Culinary Based New Year’s Resolution: Bourbon Cherries

As in… make some and keep a batch on hand for yourself and guests. Terrific for Manhattans and the like. Find out how to make them here.

Easiest way to refresh an old watch: Get a new strap

A new strap, especially one with some color, can do wonders for an old and tired watch. Now that the credit card bills are starting to roll in from the holiday shopping season, consider giving an old watch a new look, before dropping a ton of money on an entirely new timepiece. It’s amazing what a new strap on an old, favorite wristwatch can do. (More on the strap & watch above here.)

Best Sleek Winter Splurge: Billy Reid Horse Leather Boots

Currently sitting at $299 and final sale. So, they’re not cheap. At all. But those soles are incredible on wet and icy pavement. Plus the horse leather exteriors do a mighty fine job keeping winter’s precipitation off your feet.

Best Individual Item Steal: The JCF Chino Blazer for $65

It dropped that low during J. Crew Factory’s recent Extra 50% off clearance items promotion. It’s back up to $130, (check that, now $97.99 with the 25% off + free shipping code CHECKOUT) but it’s still on clearance. Lots of sizes left too. Might want to hang tight for another one of those extra half off clearance codes. Final sale though.

Quickest Way to Blow the Budget: Snowed in w/ the Power still on

If you got smushed under Old Man Winter’s thumb this week, yet you were lucky enough to have the power remain on, then online shopping might have become your wallet’s demise. Some of us need another sweater like we need another hole in our head. Doesn’t mean another one (or two) isn’t on the way.