The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – June ’16

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 it’s 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 was…

 

Best Sale: Allen Edmonds Shoebank Tent Sale

Warwicks for $149? The awesome Corwnwallis for under $200? Staples like the Strand and Fifth and Park Ave. for under two hundred as well? Sure, you gotta make a phone call and play the 2nds quality game (unless you’re lucky enough to live near an outlet)… but still. As long as the blemish or minor defect isn’t too noticeable, that’s a lot of shoe for the price. Sale expired yesterday, Sunday 6/26.

 

Most Useful & Slightly Embarrassing Post: Minimize Sweaty Armpits

I can still remember being in 7th grade, sitting in Mrs. West’s Social Studies class, feeling the ever-so-often, disgusting trickle of sweat run from an armpit down my rib cage and to my waist. And ever since then, I’ve been trying to dial in my sweat-reduction strategies. I don’t have a medical condition. I just sweat a tad more than most. So this is the grand culmination of those decades of trial and error, with a focus on not resorting to pit-stain causing antiperspirants. Deodorant? Of course.

 

Most “Wheelhouse” Dappered Article: Best Sunglasses <$100

Too few sunglasses sit in the sweet spot between gas station cheapies and high end designer shades. But, there are some there, and you’d be surprised at the quality you can get for $30 – $99. From aviators to wayfarers and everything in between. Big fan of the updated “clubmaster” style from Suncloud shown above.

 

Best Giveaway: Allen Edmonds St. John’s Double Monks

Good gravy they’re something. And many thanks to Allen Edmonds, as well as all the other brands/retailers who wanted to participate in giveaways this month, since we’re very strict on what we’ll do and won’t do in return.

 

Most over-mentioned pattern: Nautical Stripes

But… but… they look really good… don’t they? Shown above: Brooks Brothers Red Fleece Cotton/Silk Shawl Collar, Lands’ End Cotton Breton Stripe Crew, Lands’ End Cashmere Breton Stripe Crew, Banana Republic Cashmere Striped Crew.

 

Worst Review: Bendjamin on J. Crew’s Irish Linen Ludlow

Some days. Humans. Seriously.

 

Best Deplaning Hat: LeBron James

Sip and savor it, haters & trolls. Also, points to the omnipotent in attendance at the parade.

 

Best use of a discarded box that used to hold ground buffalo found in an alley dumpster: Free Handsome Sign

Hands were washed, thoroughly, after getting the photos.

 

Best Cheap Accessory: Pocket Squares

They don’t have to be pricey (they’re just squares of fabric), and they don’t have to be “poof out of the pocket” showy. But a very subtle bit of pocket square, showing just above the breast pocket on a jacket, can go a long way. Five pocket squares to acquire, if that’s your thing, can be found here.

 

Best Style Reason to Look forward to Fall: AE Liverpool Chelsea

Yes, that’s a lot of Allen Edmonds mentions for one Month that Was post. But they nailed it this time around, so, good for em’. Now if the weather could just cool off sooner this year, so we can all get into boots. Both old favorites, and new additions… the Liverpool is at the top of some of our lists.

 

Best Close Up: Vintage Omega Speedmaster

Brilliant images from Dave I., who also put together some solid pointers for buying a vintage watch. As you can guess, he set out to find, and did end up buying, a vintage Omega Speedmaster.

 

Worst Close Up: 1st Attempt at a new Handful Header Image

Ew.

Feeling Nostalgic? Here’s the archive containing previous editions of Best of the Month that Was.