Congrats Dominic – you win a $200 gift card to Johnston & Murphy!

Here’s what Dom (can we call you Dom?) had to say about his look:

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider (J.Crew)

Splurged a bit on these last summer and so glad I did. I have to guard against wearing these too often, as they are comfortable, stylish and go with basically everything I wear. Tried to get just the regular Sperry Top-Siders first (they were less expensive) but couldn’t get past the stiffness/newness. I love the weathered look of these and, though you can’t see it in the pic, there’s a cotton chambray lining in the footbed that elevate these to another level. Fantastic shoe.

Shirt: Selvedge Chambray Utility Shirt (J.Crew)

My wife bought this for me after our first son was born. She was on bed rest for the final four months of her high-risk pregnancy, and I picked up the slack around the house — cleaning, cooking meals, walking dogs, getting her to appointments, etc. Really shined a light on everything she does for our family and every time I wear this shirt, I think of her and those days.

Pants: Vintage Slim Garment Dyed Jeans (J.Crew)

Got these a couple weeks ago, for 19.99 off the sale rack at the Third Street Promenade store in Santa Monica. First foray into dyed denim. So far, so good.

Tie: Floral Print (Liberty of London for Target)

Bought for less than $30 at a spring-themed NYC pop-up store (42nd and 6th) that Target and Liberty of London teamed up on a few years ago. A smidge wider than I prefer (I think it’s right at 3″; normally I’m at 2.5″ or less), but it screams spring/summer and pairs nicely with the chambray and khaki.

Sunglasses: Chocalate / Amber Premium (Knockaround)

I can’t remember how I found this San Diego-based brand, but most likely through one of the men’s lifestyle blogs I read. Can’t beat the price ($14) or the style. Wore these on a recent visit to my hometown of Nashville, where a friend remarked: “Those sunglasses are so California.” Love that.

Watch: Timex Military Watch (J.Crew)

Received as a Christmas gift three years ago and haven’t taken it off since. Of the 7-8 bands I own, I wear this red one the least. Only wear it when an outfit needs a pop of color, as it can be a little too much otherwise.

Picture Location: Long Beach, Calif

I took the first one (on a timer) in the backyard of our Craftsman-style bungalow in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. My wife Danny took the second one in front of our next door neighbor’s house.

Gabi’s Take:

Firstly, I love those boat shoes. They just seem especially put together for a pair of boat shoes. But what really made me root for Dominic was the chambray shirt and floral tie combo. Everything together feels so perfectly spring-timey.

Megan’s Take:

At first, I thought, boat shoes? For a shoe-themed Outfit of the Week? But when I read Dominic’s description, I realized I could totally relate. I bought my first pair of Sperry’s three summers ago (ed. note: why do I remember these things??) and I went back to Nordstrom twice before pulling the trigger on that purchase. For a shoe that’s supposed to get beat the heck up, it struck me as a lot of money. Of course, now it’s three years later, and those things have molded to my feet like pigs in a blanket. I can’t imagine not having them. It was one of a few purchases around that time that put me on a “buy better, buy less” trajectory, and I think it’s as good a shoe as any to exemplify the idea of “stepping up your footwear game.”

Congrats Dominic!

Tell us:

What was your first “expensive” (and that can mean different things to different people) shoe purchase?