Most Wanted Affordable Style – February 2016

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.

 

Banana Republic Modern Slim Soft-Wash Blazer – $175

Lots of potential here. Washed for a softer drape and look than a standard sportcoat. They say it’s fully lined, but it might be lined in cotton instead of the usual BR poly or poly/blend? In their true-slim “modern slim” fit, which will be well appreciated by some but cursed by others. Especially if their sleeve buttons are functional, and thus, tough to tailor. But it could be a real winner for some, and might become a go-to favorite casual blazer to wear when you want to dress up jeans.

 

Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Watch – $378.13

Unpretentious but still a wearable piece of art. Terrific proportions and weight. Spendy for those who normally wear a Timex, but worth saving up for if you like the looks of a field watch. 42mm in diameter shown here, but they make a 38mm version as well. If you’re not a suit & tie guy, this is easily the kind of watch you could wear every day for a year. It’d look great each time, and you wouldn’t get tired of it.

 

Tickets to “Hail, Caesar!” (opens 2/4)

The Coen brothers. Limp Clooney. Goof and winky cheese for miles. If “The Artist” was a love letter to Hollywood, maybe this’ll end up being Tinseltown’s roast? From the trailer, it looks like it’s somewhere in between. At the very least, the (extensive) cast appears to be having a ball in it. Should make for a great date-night movie.

 

Brooks Bros. Nautical Shawl Collar – $98.50 (or, a cheaper version)

First, a hundred bucks for a cotton sweater isn’t going to be viewed as “affordable” to most of us. So eyes are currently pealed for something similar, yet less expensive than a Benjamin. This one though is from the younger leaning, trimmer fitting “Red Fleece” line (which has a tendency to go on sale, so, sit tight and you should be able to get it for less). All cotton. Big fan of the stripes extending all the way through the cuffs. Makes you want to plan a trip to a shore somewhere come spring.

 

Calibrate Double Monk in “Luggage” or “Nutmeg” Suede – $130

Nordstrom’s terrific bang-for-the-buck brand just released a couple new shades in their well received double monk. The brown “luggage” leather has been around for a while, but it’s the navy suede and “nutmeg” suede shown above that are new to the lineup. And it’s the nutmeg that’ll look great with dark denim now, as well as lighter colored & lighter weight pants once spring rolls around. Ships and returns for free since it’s Nordstrom.

 

BONUS: GAP 1969 Broken Twill Straight Fit Jeans – $59.95

Jeans for the jeans addict that aren’t blue jeans. Efforting an in-person with these, and hoping they’re either mid or lighter weight, which would be perfect for the warmer weather ahead. Big fan of the dove grey and green shades (which, are perfect for this time of year too).

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