How to spend your tax refund, with style in mind

The $1526.50 Style Splurge:  Spending half this year’s average Tax Refund

Now, before all the armchair Suze Orman’s get their knickers in a twist, know that this is an annual tradition. And it’s hypothetical. We’re not even, again, hypothetically spending an entire average tax refund. So, for the love of Dave Ramsey’s tighty whiteys, let’s keep it in perspective. Now w/ that said, the average refund this year is $3,053. That’s a lot of money, and one hell of a 0% interest loan to provide Uncle Sam. Most of us aren’t getting back anywhere near that, but for farts and snickers, we’ll cut half off this year’s average (for the savings account) and fake-spend the rest.  Because really, what’s the fun in hypothetical splurging if you can’t do it responsibly? 

 

Bonobos Unconstructed Wool Blazer in Bright Navy – $398

Can’t say enough good things about these blazers. I’ve worn mine in everything from single digits to 110 degrees in Las Vegas. They are totally unconstructed and the only lining is in the sleeves. The weave of the wool is on the looser side, which delivers a nice texture and incredible ventilation. Made from Italian wool from the Barberis mill. Available in either their “standard fit” (good for the guys with some muscle or other bulk on their frames) or the truly slim “slim fit”. Non functioning sleeve buttons at the cuffs make for super easy tailoring. Available in numerous colors, but this “bright navy” true-blue is spot on for the upcoming warmer months, and it’ll also look terrific with dark wash denim once it cools off. ($1128.50 left)

 

Allen Edmonds Warwick Single Monks in Walnut – $295 ($395)

Now a hundred dollars off thanks to the currently running Allen Edmonds Anniversary Sale. Stunners. Simple. Lots of leather with beautiful burnishing at the toe. Hard not to stand out (in a good way) when you’re in a pair of these. Now if they could just make em’ in their standard, brown-burnished calf, and we’d be good (they only make them in black, walnut, and the very red “Oxblood”). Full review can be found here.  ($833.50 left)

 

Persol New 649 series PO8649S Havana w/Green Lens – $205

Insanely expensive, but boy did Persol nail the refreshing of their 649 series. Perfectly balances contemporary design with retro cues. More frame/lens combos are available, but this havana w/ green (or are they grey?) lenses are fulfilled by Amazon. So that means quick shipping and easy returns. UPDATE: Looks like these now might be sold out via any sellers that are being fulfilled by Amazon. And if it’s not fulfilled by Amazon, returns could get sketchy, so be careful. ($628.50 left)

 

Ledbury Blue or White Fine Twill Mid-Spread Dress Shirt – $145.00

Almost a hundred and fifty bucks for ONE dress shirt? Again, this annual tax refund post always carries with it a bit of a “treat yo self” feel. And while Ledbury’s dress shirts are pricey, they’re worth it. Yes really. The Fine Twill fabric is super smooth but not shiny. They’re made in Europe with a construction that’s durable but still lightweight and airy. And their collars along with their hallmark, slightly lowered button stance are unmatched. Sure it’s just a shirt. But it’s not just any shirt. It’ll be one you reach for time and time again. ($483.50 left)

 

L.E. Cashmere Breton Stripe Crewneck – $119.40 ($199)

Above price reflects a 40% discount. You might have to wait a bit for that to happen, but it’s worth it. A perfect mid to lighter weight cashmere in a terrific spring/summer color and pattern. Soft and strong. Great with jeans, shorts, and lightweight chinos. ($364.10 left)

 

Timex Waterbury Chrono in Natural / Tan – $119.00

The Timex Red Wing series are now on back-order through Todd Snyder (yet still available through END.), but what’s getting lost in the shuffle is the pretty darn fantastic looking Waterbury chrono with that cream colored dial. $119 via END, but you’re on the hook for international returns. $158 via Todd Snyder, where they also say the strap is from Red Wing too? Interesting. ($245.10 left)

 

PF Flyers x Todd Snyder Nubuck Rambler Lo – $100 ($149.99)

Soft, nubuck style suede (think suede with a super close crew/buzz cut… soft but no real nap to it) in a classic court-style sneaker from Todd Snyder’s collaboration with PF Flyers. On sale too. ($145.10 left)

 

Mitchell Leather Horween Chromexel Money Clip Wallet – $79.00

Somewhere between a bulky billfold and a super slim card case that just doesn’t hold cash well would be these things. Brilliant design with a tension clip inside that makes removing and inserting bills a breeze. Wide selection of Horween Chromexel shades. Beautiful to start and only gets better with age. Available with or without the logo. Made in the USA. Review here. ($66.10 left)

 

Suitsupply Green Suede Woven O-Ring Belt – $39.00

Certainly warm weather appropriate but can do some work in the fall and winter as well (would look great with a blue on blue, navy sportcoat + dark wash jeans setup). A desaturated shade of green, woven suede, and o-ring buckle closure. Ships and returns free since it’s Suitsupply. ($27.10 left)

 

J. Crew Tipped Wool Pocket Square – $14.99 FINAL w/ TIMETOSHOP

Wool from Italy that has a nice weight to it. Cream (instead of bright white) border is a little more subtle. And there’s just enough fabric there that when folded, it grips the interior of a suit jacket/blazer pocket and doesn’t slide down as much as other pocket squares. Shown here with J. Crew’s summer weight Ludlow cotton/linen sportcoat. More info over here. ($12.11 left)

 

Ninkasi Spring Reign Northwest Pale Ale – $9ish – $12ish for 6

Coming to the end here, so, let’s celebrate. Ninkasi’s Spring Reign is a mighty fine beer for when the sun finally comes back out, but temps are pleasant instead of full bore hot. A really nice balance between malt and hops, with some bright bitterness that arrives, and leaves, without crushing your palate. It’s refreshing but not weak. Plenty flavorful without being syrupy. A perfect beer for the March – May window where it’s sunny during the day, yet it’s cool enough for pants and a sweater in the evening.

 ($0.00 left)

And we’re done. To all the CPAs out there, congrats on reaching this year’s finish line.