Bargain Belts

For a long time I've enjoyed the streamlined appearance of an engine-turned buckle belt, but most options are fairly expensive with limited customizability and an extra fee for monogramming. Well, just over a week ago, my attention was brought to a post on the tumblelog This Fits revisiting an older post and the comments section from A Trip Down South. Following the post's advice, I ordered a monogrammed 1" Trafalgar belt buckle in 22K gold plate over brass from Dann Clothing for $55 (+18.39 for shipping) and a hole-less 1" cordovan colored crocodile print italian leather belt strap from Beltmaster for $18 (+$6 for shipping). Both arrived in under a week, and while the belt buckle is a steal for the price, the belt does leave a bit to be desired. The leather is thick and supple, and photographs well enough but it's not genuine crocodile leather. And though the snaps are of high quality metal, their facing is covered in black plastic (which isn't actually visible when worn). For $24, it's still an amazing belt strap, but another lesson for me that I'd be more satisfied saving up for the real thing. Better straps can be had for at least twice the price from the likes of Dann Clothing, Paul Stuart, or Sid Mashburn, but I'm not quite willing to invest that much in a belt yet (I have since traded in the strap for a plain leather one). Altogether, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better belt (buckle and strap) in this price range.