Most Wanted Affordable Style – March 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.

 

Timex Waterbury Blue on Brown Chrono – $125 or 40mm – $100

Timex really has something with this retro-inspired “Waterbury” series. The chronographs debuted almost a year ago, but this just released blue dial / orange accents and brown (almost greyish?) strap is the newest design setup. Meanwhile, for those not in love with chronos? There’s a plain 40mm version as well. Fingers crossed these hit Amazon at a discount in the not too distant future.

 

Suitsupply “Athletic Fit” Wool Suit – $499

Wait, what now? Lost among the kerfuffle over Suitsupply’s newest hyper-sexualized ad campaign was the fact that they’ve very quietly debuted a new fit. It’s their “athletic” fit, which along with extra room in the chest and shoulders, comes with a lowered button position on the jacket. That’s great news for the pick-things-up-and-put-them-down crowd, as well as those who prefer a lower button stance than what the Suitsupply Napoli fit offers. Efforting an in-person review. Currently just offered in this navy wool option. Hoping for more colors/patterns in the future?

 

“Taboo” on FX Starring Tom Hardy

Holy… Tom Hardy playing a top hat wearing badass in a period piece with a story line that appears to involve revenge against the East Indian Trading Company? This could be awesome. Set for eight episodes, but it doesn’t appear that a release date has been revealed yet?

 

Franklin and Freeman “Mitchell” Chelsea in Brown – $65.97

No, they’re not as nice as the BR chelseas. But unlike the Banana Republic boots, these actually come in a standard dark brown. And for the price? They’re pretty good. The leather is a little shiny, but not awful. Sizing seems about right too. Maybe a half size small. (But, chelsea boots are supposed to hug your foot.) Rubber soles. Made in China. We’ll have a full rundown of a few picks from these new Amazon brand shoes as well as a look at the (Canadian Made) sportcoats and suits coming up soon.

 

UNIQLO Linen/Cotton Jacket – $79.90 | Club Monaco Cotton Blazer – $298

Just a bit of a price difference there, no? The UNIQLO option is a 55% linen / 45% cotton blend, and kudos to em’ for keeping the back unlined. It also appears that perhaps the sleeve buttons are non-functional? Button stance could be a bit lower, but for the price (and it’ll go on sale) is awfully right. Big fan of that medium blue with a bit of a slate tone to it. Meanwhile, Club Monaco has this “Dark Cherry” all-cotton sportcoat in their “new arrivals” section. Billed as a “lightweight shell blazer,” it could be perfect for the warmer months. Expensive, but finger’s crossed for a code.

 

BONUS: Flash Furniture Bentwood Conference Chair- $167.71

Sitting isn’t ideal (standing desks are awesome) but sometimes you have to plop down at a keyboard. This thing, which is sold and shipped by Amazon, looks, feels, and rolls great. Mid $100s ain’t cheap, but furniture as a whole ain’t cheap. It’s also the kind of desk chair that’ll actually add to the look of your home or office instead of detracting from it. Natural shade bentwood frame w/ black leather back & seat proves once again that black & tan can be a great color combination.

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