10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Leather Sneakers, Fisherman Sweaters, & More

Seventy Five bucks. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a decent casual dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, with some of them much, much less. Expect these round-ups on a monthly basis. Got a tip on something for under $75? Send those in to joe@dappered.com.

 

Billy Reid K-Swiss Grey Leather Arlington Sneaker – $79 ($125)

Close enough to the $75 limit, plus, when the next extra 20% off sale items code comes along they’ll drop under. The white sneakers that aren’t white sneakers and have a bunch more curb appeal compared to an average plimsoll or court style sneak. Pale grey leather uppers. Navy K-Swiss stripes. Copper eyelets. Proof that you can take an absolute classic and improve on it.

 

Hinterland: Streams via Netflix

Dark & brooding without being whiny. Beautifully shot. A scenic tribute to Wales. Certainly has a bit of purposeful smart-casual style going for it too. Think lots of button downs, jeans, knit ties, and waxed jackets. Might even have to do a Steal the Style for it. Great chemistry between the five main actors. And, interestingly enough, each scene is actually fully shot twice. Once in English, and once in Welsh. Makes you want it to rain.

 

J. Crew Made in the USA Suede Belt – $55.00

USA Made. A versatile shade of brown suede (yes, you can wear this with dark brown leather shoes or boots). 1.25″ wide so not some clunky thing. And certainly feels like the type of item that J. Crew will put on sale from time to time with codes and promos.

 

J. Crew Factory SLIM Fit Cotton Cable Fisherman Sweater – $53.50

A good fisherman’s style sweater is something to behold. Problem is, they’re all cut like you’re gonna try and stash a few pounds of fillets between you and it for the ride home. JCF’s slim fit is the answer. Cut close enough to the body that if you don’t have a gut? You don’t get the classic fit sweater roll around the middle (or, at least not much of one). Whether you ever cast a net (or a line) here is irrelevant. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10” / 185.

 

Old Navy Navy Mac Jacket – $42.25 ($69.94)

Hat tip to reader Austin for sending in the heads up on this thing. 97% cotton / 3% spandex. But it might have some sort of water resistant coating to it? Maybe? Doesn’t look like a pure cotton trench from the online pics. Tough to beat a dead simple, navy mac. And this one, as long as it doesn’t really disappoint in the quality category, could be a serious steal depending on sales and codes. Currently 35% off through today (8/15) with no code needed.

 

Sam Adams Nitro IPA- $10ish / 4 pints

Will beer snobs find fault? Absolutely! THEY ‘RE BEER SNOBS! But if you’re a fan of nitros, and feel that the nitro IPA market, especially the at-home-drinkable IPA market, is a bit sad right now, then a tip of the cap is deserved for Sam Adams. Because while the “bright”-ness of this IPA leans more sharp, it’s still supremely drinkable. And accessible. And it’s a Nitro. Good on em’. Until another brewery comes out with a more widely available nitro IPA that I can grab in cans from the store on the way home, then I’ll be buying this.

 

Timex Fairfield Blue Dial / Tan Strap – $69.95

The dead simple, 41mm, Timex Fairfield only in the hugely popular blue and tan color scheme that the Weekender Chrono is made in? Brilliant. A new arrival, so expect more options on Amazon as time rolls on. Currently $99 direct through Timex. UPDATE: Annnnd it’s sold out via Amazon. Keep an eye out for more stock.

 

British Army Clasp Knife – $53.00

Spendy. Yes, but made in Sheffield England. Sheepfoot blade, can opener, and a marlin spike. The only thing that locks is the spike, but the tension is pretty strong here. So much so that you may have to oil up that can opener upon arrival (mine just about tore my thumbnail off). Is it just a pocket knife? Yes. Is it a work of art at the same time? You bet. Tools can also be works of art. All stainless steel.

 

B.R. Silk Cotton Cashmere Color Block V – $69.50

Why they call this a “Graphic” V-neck sweater is beyond me. It’s more of a colorblock than anything. Plus, the way that accent color is situated, it should make your shoulders look stronger. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Made from their super smooth, super strong, silk/cotton/cashmere blend. Also comes in a navy + marine blue combination. Always on sale.

 

Green Spot Irish Whiskey – $59.99

If you like Red Breast, this is certainly worth a shot. Matured in American Bourbon then Sherry casks. Perhaps a distant flavor cousin to McCallan 12? Younger for sure, but still far from wild. Like that kid relative who somehow seems wiser than his/her years. Flavor seems a little earthy up front, but after that it’s a nice, moderate level of sweetness. Something along the lines of a not overly-sugared apple or raisin quick bread. A little heat and spice, but nothing that knocks you upside the head. Fun stuff.

For other Best Bets under $75 from previous months, click here.