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.
Wolverine “Hensel” Chukka – $195 | 1901 ‘Barrett’ Chukka – $125
Both have potential to be super versatile additions to your collection. A suede chukka, yet one with a more dressed up sole like these (as compared to a crepe sole desert boot) can be worn with just about anything. Jeans and a t-shirt? Sure. Casual sportcoat and chinos? Absolutely. The Wolverine option is made in Portugal, and that deep shade of grey is dead square perfect. Meanwhile, Nordstrom’s 1901 chukka could (could) be made impressively well for the price. Got a pair on the way for an in-person. Really liking the Danite-like rubber stud sole on those.
Fossil Wakefield Chronograph – $54.00 ($135)
How do you spell super-inexpensive, beautifully designed, 70s motor-sport inspired styling? Apparently, F-O-S-S-I-L is your answer. Any other brand name on that watch and it never gets this low. Fossil just seems to carry with it some (unfair)… uber-youthful connotations. But that thing, right there, is a looker. And 100m worth of water resistance, and the perforated leather band, are all nice bonuses. Nice triple-date cutout window too. Big thanks to Logan G. for the tip. UPDATE: And now sold out at The Rack. But Wally World has em’ for $72.
Slim or Cont. Fit Spier & Mackay “Blue Watch” Sportcoat – $270ish
Super 110s Australian Merino Wool. Patch pockets keep it casual, but that black-watch like “blue watch” pattern makes it real easy to make fancy. Wear it with a light blue or crisp white shirt, jeans, and some suede chesleas or monk straps and you’ve got one hell of an eye catching date outfit. Price can vary depending on the exchange rate, being that Spier & Mackay is a Canadian company.
Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey – $45 – $55
Teeling’s introduction into the market was their flagship Irish Whiskey that gets aged in Rum barrels. That aging lends it a subtle sweetness, without going over the top. This is different. This stuff? They skip the sweeter rum barrels and go to California Red barrels. Bottled at 46%. It’s an accessible, nicely complex sipper that’s great for those “oh that’s right, it gets this cold” evenings to come. Light on the dark red fruit. More of a dry rose character, followed by the familiar chew of baked sweet breads and warming spices. Honestly leans closer to a winter wassail than a cab in terms of overall background influence. But it’s still an Irish whiskey. And a really good one at that.
J. Crew Textured Stitch Cotton Cardigan – $98.00
Hard to do “Masculine” and “Cozy” at the same time. But this thing seems to do just that. Plus, it’s cheaper than previous textured cardigans that J. Crew has cranked out (usually they’re in the low $100s). Hang out for a sale and you’ll probably be able to get it for $70ish. Which isn’t a bad price for a do-anything layer to pack for a long week away in the mountains, or, have on hand around the house to wear… or offer to a guest… when the sun goes down.
BONUS: Charles Tyrwhitt Brown Grain Single Monk – $219
Goodyear welted. A nicely placed silver tone buckle. Grained leather adds texture. The kind of shoe that’s gonna work its way into way more outfits than you could have ever imagined. Should see lots of duty with jeans, and even some navy suits with a light blue shirt, chambray pocket square, and no tie.
Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.