Most Wanted Affordable Style – October 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.

 

Banana Republic Wool Blend Topcoat in Navy or Camel – $350.00

Banana Republic seems to put out a fantastic, well executed, classically styled topcoat every year. And this year appears to be no different. Italian wool blend exterior. Covered placket this time around (they’ve done uncovered in the past). Perfect, mid-thigh length. Hacking pockets on the front are perfectly angled so you can slip your hands inside with ease (much easier than flap, straight horizontal pockets). Starting price is $350, and one would expect these to be excluded from sales for a bit. But eventually? You have to think they’ll come up for a code. (Meanwhile, if you prefer to show your buttons, then little brother GAP has a similar camel coat minus the covered placket this year.)

 

David Beckham for H&M Modern Essentials Flannel Blazer – $49.99

As long as the fit isn’t too bad? This could be a serious winner for the price. 60% wool, 37% polyester, 2% acrylic, 1% nylon fabric. Sure does appear to have a totally unlined back. Perfect shade of dark charcoal. Easily paired with cords or dark denim. From the just released Beckham collaboration/ad campaign.

 

John W. Nordstrom ‘Grosetto’ Monk Strap – $225.00

Wow. Made in Italy, sleek without getting spear like, and not as expensive as much of the competition. Probably a blake stitch? Nice that they have a rubber insert in the sole to avoid fall/winter slippage. And that dark red, “bordeaux” color is more versatile than some would think. Nice work, again, Nordstrom.

 

Standard Instruments Pilot Mission Timer Watch – $162.98 ($267)

A watch that can take a summer beating, yet looks fantastic up against the heavier knits (think fisherman / nautical sweaters) of fall. That case shape. Oyster-y. Casual, rugged, but designed with serious purpose and based on military designs from the 1970s. No branding on these things. Swiss Rhonda quartz movement, and despite being quartz, there’s a nice, almost mechanical/automatic heft to it. But it’s not weighty either. 42mm in diameter, but wears larger thanks to the 47mm lug to lug distance (yet it still doesn’t look or wear like a monster). Was going for around $200 for the longest time. Now $162, and ships and returns for free.

 

GAP Merino Blend Stripe Cable Knit Scarf – $29.97 w/ TREAT ($49.95)

You can either go big and bold with the red and navy, or, be more subtle with the black and grey. Either way, you get that terrific texture thanks to the cable knit, and the fat rugby stripes should jump nicely up against a solid topcoat. 50% merino, 50% nylon. Should just about always be on sale.

 

BONUS: Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea Boot – $220.00

Back in stock, and just in time for fall. Not a risk, like H&M’s suede chelsea, yet not as wince-worthy expensive as the AE Liverpool. Made in Spain with a Blake Construction. Also available in black or “Arabica” smooth calf. Rubber, subtle studded sole. Full review here.

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