The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – Oct. ’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: BR 40% off w/ very few exclusions (exp)

Second month in a row that Banana Republic (as well as GAP and Old Navy) have offered really nice sized discounts, with unusually few exclusions. Traveler Jeans were hovering between $70 and $80 all month. BR’s terrific, bang for the buck shoe collection was right around $100 depending on the model. Their new topcoats, just in time for the colder months, weren’t excluded as “BR Picks.” And even most of their sportcoats and blazers were getting the cut. Not sure if this new-ish strategy, of excluding far, far less, is gonna stick or not. But many thanks to them once again.

 

Best Indiv., Bang-for-Buck Deals: Abboud AE Sale & Spier & M. Suit Sale

If you would have told me that by the time October was up, you could have purchased a pair of first quality Allen Edmonds dress shoes, plus a half-canvas wool suit, for $530… total… I would have asked what, precisely, you were inhaling. But that actually happened last month. Joseph Abboud knocked 40% off their collection of AEs for a limited time, and Spier & Mackay dropped the price on their suits to just under $300 USD. Both deals have expired, but, geeze. Not bad if you’re the type who likes to suit up and lace up a nice pair of American Made shoes.

 

Best Sportcoat: JCF Moleskin Sportcoat – low to mid $100s

Outstanding, once again, from J. Crew Factory. Mostly unlined. Soft, but not stiff or overly thick moleskin. Easy to tailor sleeve buttons. Tail isn’t chopped. Has gone for as low as $100. Full review here, and here’s how to wear it.

 

Best New Shoe Debut: John W. Nord. ‘Grosetto’ Monk Strap ‘ $225

Further proof that Nordstrom continues to lead the pack when it comes to big box clothing retailers. 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.

 

Best Advice most likely to get Ignored: Prioritize Non-Overhead Lighting

Why go out and get a bunch of lamps if every room in your place has tons of lights in the ceiling? Because you could wear a potato sack around all day everyday too, yet the alternative looks and feels much better.

 

Best Giveaway: Allen Edmonds Dalton Boots

Just in time for fall. And… well… look at em’. Congrats to A. Shiau who won the boots.

 

Largest difference between two people when comparing the fashion sense as well as finger length between the two parties: Russell Westbrook and that double bird giving dude.

C’mon sir. Self delusion seems to be an issue here. He’s Russell Westbrook. You’re you. So keep those tater tot digits in your pockets. This is where we seem to be at in society. The relentless market based insincere elevation of an individual’s self worth is now producing an utter disconnect with reality, and thus, subsequently produces emotional outbursts at trivial events. Translation: Some of us (many of us) are so goddamned spoiled and our egos are so overly inflated that we throw tantrums over stupid shit. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook in a… kilt? I got nothin’.

 

Most Useful Post for those of us Stuck in a Blue Rut: 4 Fall Colors

The writer of this post is currently wearing three blue articles of clothing. Four if you count the subtle stripes on my shirt. Blue is intoxicating. It’s easy. It looks great on everyone. But if you find yourself in that rut, then lean on camel, light grey, burgundy, and forest green. All of which look especially great during the fall months.

 

Best $10 Style Pickup: TheTieBar Wool Plaid Double Sided Pocket Square

Wool fabric that’s not bulky or scratchy. Plaid on one side with a tiny floral pattern on the other. The kind of crisp blues and greens that you can see this time of year in icy skies in flyover country and up on the northern coasts. Super versatile. Here’s one way to wear it.

 

Most Wheelhouse Dappered Post: Best Fall/Winter Outerwear of 2016

Saw some feedback on Threads that was dismayed about how many topcoats were on this year’s list. First, I’ll get your refund in the mail. Second, there’s a reason why topcoats dominated this year, and have dominated in years past. It’s because compared to the other styles, they are by far the most versatile, as well as visually appealing, option on the market. Simple but still damn handsome. You can wear them dressed up, or with a pair of boots, jeans, and a sweater on the weekend. And if you find one that balances good quality with a fair price, you can wear it for years and years and years to come. They’re the navy or charcoal two-button notch lapel suit of the outerwear world. So… that’s why they were focused on.

 

Best Accessory Based Lyric of a Recently Released Song…

“Players. Put your. Pinky. Rings up. To the. Moon.”

Bruno Mars should do the Superbowl Halftime show every single year. Either that or Springsteen. If you don’t crack a smile watching that 24K video, I feel bad for ya. That choreography is so smooth.

 

Most Obvious Omission in the Scariest Trends List: Joggers

Purposefully omitted for diplomatic reasons. Some of the fans who love em tend to defend them like denim heads defend their selvedge. And the last time I questioned selvedge, I got an email saying “I expected better from you.” Not kidding. Anyway, I still don’t get joggers. But again, forever and always, this website isn’t about me. So if you like joggers? More power to you.

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