Budget Bond Collectors Resource

canoe2

Decided to finally start organizing all the links to Budget Bond/DC alternatives I've found. Turned into this site:

https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com

Amazing what you can do when you're sick in bed with the flu and bored.

Few things:
1. Many people here deserve credit: Mantis and Matt S for inspiration and ideas, and Ornithologist who suggested a way to keep track of the links we share on this thread: http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/46768/suggestion-updated-craig-era-wardrobe-alternatives-thread/. I still think that thread would be a great idea.

2. This a quick and dirty site, but if I post a link shared by another user, or use a picture, I am trying to give credit. If I have missed someone or if you do NOT want your link shared, I will happily remove it.

3. I am NOT selling anything on this site, and I am not making any money off it (affiliate links, etc.). It is just a way to curate some of the cool/interesting/affordable items I/we come across. If you do find a link that looks suspect, please let me know and I will change it.

Rather than try to organize things by film/actor, I organized them by item, with about 5 to 10 budget options for each; keeping the number of options low should help me remove dead links. If you want to share something you find, let me know in the comments of the site or PM me here and I will add it as soon as I can (I don't plan to be sick forever, so it probably won't be added immediately). Likewise if you have an item you are looking for, PM me and I can have a look or share what others find. I will keep adding things as I can; right now I am finishing up posts for alternatives to the TF Harrington jacket, the Riveria Polo, braided leather belt, NP Spectre sweaters, Levis 306 Sta-prests.

All the best

writingsonthewall

Hey,

Took a glance; nice, clear design, very eye-friendly. Looks like a good idea to me.

It might be useful to refer to the original item and price for people to better compare (though potential users will more than probably be aware of those details beforehand).

Other than that, well done, and get well soon!

canoe2

writingsonthewall wrote:

Hey,

Took a glance; nice, clear design, very eye-friendly. Looks like a good idea to me.

It might be useful to refer to the original item and price for people to better compare (though potential users will more than probably be aware of those details beforehand).

Other than that, well done, and get well soon!

Thanks!
I intend to add the original items a) when I know what they are ) and b) when I can still find them and get the price. It was a case of first populating the site with a reasonable enough number of items to be interesting, and then going back to fill in some details.
All the best!

TeenageBond

This just what I've been looking for!

Great finds BTW! :007)

Bond Collectors' Weekends

LOVELY site. Well done!

canoe2

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback and hope it helps the community. It was basically 10 minutes of work with a Wordpress template to set up, so I can't take much credit. I thought it was an easy format to organize the things many of us are looking for.

Also just added some new posts and another Menlo alternative. Then I think I need some sleep. If the wife sees me working too hard she'll make me head back to the office ...

Ornithologist

Excellent site! Very well done. And thanks for the credit
This almost makes my thread idea redundant, but then again it's more about crowd-sourcing the search process than anything else.

James Brosnan

Very cool site. The time and effort is much appreciated {[]

canoe2

James Brosnan: Thanks, I've learned a lot from this site (and enjoyed seeing what others have to share); thought it was time to give a little.

Ornithologist: happy to give credit where it is due! I still think your thread is a great idea: as you say, it can be the place for people to share their finds and the site can be used to curate.

canoe2

I thought some people may be interested to know what the most popular items are on the site so far:

Out of the 14 items I have posted so far, the TF QoS black cardigan is number 1 by a long shot, followed by the Kentons, the Levi's STA-PREST 306s, the grey cardigan DC wore in a street pic, and the Barbour. Everything else is getting about the same number of views. Looks like that QoS Mathis Villa look is still really popular.

The Red Kind

Nice piece of work canoe2. Thanks for doing this {[]

MFisher

Absolutely brilliant collection here... Thanks so much for this! Bookmarked

canoe2

Thanks again, glad to hear people are enjoying it! Now send links and share you finds!

Here is a possible Mr. White/ Dior Jacket from Mango. I'm NOT sure if the shearling collar comes off (there is button in one pic that looks like it is for attaching the collar), but if it does, it could be an option for those who can't get the NEXT jacket.

http://shop.mango.com/US/p0/men/clothing/jackets/faux-shearling-pocket-jacket/?id=53035580_99&n=1&s=prendas_he.chaquetas_he&ident=0__0_1449081407362&ts=1449081407362&p=53

drum007

I posted this in one of the other threads. Here's the Banana Republic budget alternative "Solden" jacket which I picked up today in store for $87 (normally $175). By far, one of the closest alternatives to the Tom Ford out there and can't beat the price! I couldn't be happier. :007)

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1714310020004&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ajb007.co.uk%2Fpost%2F793793%2F&siteID=brafcid527534240&ap=2&pid=1714310020004&tid=braff6147222&cid=1026865&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.6147222

canoe2

drum007 wrote:

I posted this in one of the other threads. Here's the Banana Republic budget alternative "Solden" jacket which I picked up today in store for $87 (normally $175). By far, one of the closest alternatives to the Tom Ford out there and can't beat the price! I couldn't be happier. :007)

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1714310020004&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ajb007.co.uk%2Fpost%2F793793%2F&siteID=brafcid527534240&ap=2&pid=1714310020004&tid=braff6147222&cid=1026865&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.6147222

Glad to hear you like it and thanks for sharing, I will try to get it posted ASAP!

Also, Sierra Trading Post seems to be having a sale on Barbour (unless that is common for them); the Barbour Lutz is on sale for $170 in size large only.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/barbour-lutz-jacket-waxed-cotton-for-men~p~8947j/?filterString=mens-sportswear-jackets~d~424%2F&colorFamily=01

[img]https://julesb_co_uk.secure-cdn.visualsoft.co.uk/images/barbour-lutz-waxed-jacket-p753478-1753810_zoom.jpg[/img]

I also just posted some alternatives to the Sunspel Polo:
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/02/sunspel-riviera-polo/

TheGrimFandango

Awesome site, already found some great alternatives through it!

You might want to consider adding this LL Bean option for the Menlo jacket: http://m.llbean.com/product.html?&skCatId=82953&page=signature-leather-jacket#82953. Haven't seen it in person but looks super close in the pictures.

canoe2

TheGrimFandango wrote:

Awesome site, already found some great alternatives through it!

You might want to consider adding this LL Bean option for the Menlo jacket: http://m.llbean.com/product.html?&skCatId=82953&page=signature-leather-jacket#82953. Haven't seen it in person but looks super close in the pictures.

Thanks, could be a great option. But it looks like its out of stock online. It may turn up in store or at one of their outlets.

canoe2

So, the TF QoS cardigan is still the most popular post. After searching high and low for a reasonable alternative, I've updated the post with the best option I could find (warning: it's not exactly "budget", but could be an excellent investment piece):

https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/black-shawl-collar-cardigan/

I've also added options for the N.Peal mock turtleneck, the X to Ki, the OB swim shorts, and the grey cardigan from the street pic.

Next up: Mr. White/Dior Homme jacket. Wish me luck! )

TeenageBond

canoe2 wrote:

drum007 wrote:

I posted this in one of the other threads. Here's the Banana Republic budget alternative "Solden" jacket which I picked up today in store for $87 (normally $175). By far, one of the closest alternatives to the Tom Ford out there and can't beat the price! I couldn't be happier. :007)

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1714310020004&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ajb007.co.uk%2Fpost%2F793793%2F&siteID=brafcid527534240&ap=2&pid=1714310020004&tid=braff6147222&cid=1026865&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.6147222

Glad to hear you like it and thanks for sharing, I will try to get it posted ASAP!

Also, Sierra Trading Post seems to be having a sale on Barbour (unless that is common for them); the Barbour Lutz is on sale for $170 in size large only.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/barbour-lutz-jacket-waxed-cotton-for-men~p~8947j/?filterString=mens-sportswear-jackets~d~424%2F&colorFamily=01

[img]https://julesb_co_uk.secure-cdn.visualsoft.co.uk/images/barbour-lutz-waxed-jacket-p753478-1753810_zoom.jpg[/img]

I also just posted some alternatives to the Sunspel Polo:
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/02/sunspel-riviera-polo/

Good find with the Barbour jacket .

Tennyson

Another couple that may be worth adding, especially for the Brits. good old M&S

they do a decent OB swim short
http://www.marksandspencer.com/quick-dry-adjustable-waistband-swimshorts/p/p22399057

Also lightweight linen jacket like the BC Morocco Jacket (its slightly darker in real life)
http://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-slim-fit-2-button-jacket/p/p22420936

canoe2

Tennyson wrote:

Another couple that may be worth adding, especially for the Brits. good old M&S

they do a decent OB swim short
http://www.marksandspencer.com/quick-dry-adjustable-waistband-swimshorts/p/p22399057

Also lightweight linen jacket like the BC Morocco Jacket (its slightly darker in real life)
http://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-slim-fit-2-button-jacket/p/p22420936

Thanks! Someone suggested the swim shorts in the comments on the site and I added them. Right now I'm trying to decide what's next: the braided leather D ring belt DC seems to wear everywhere, the linen BC jacket, or johnny collar TF Spectre polo. As soon as the linen jacket post goes up, I will make sure to include the M&S option and credit you.

Mr. White/Dior jacket options are now posted; obviously the Next jacket was the first choice, but I think I found a couple of others I haven't seen mentioned here.

Here's the link: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/dior-homme-mr-white-jacket/.

canoe2

Just posted options for the Brunello Cucinelli Linen Jacket (got sick of blue clothing).

https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/spectre-linen-jacket/

canoe2

Back at work now and the clients are calling, so the pace will have to slow down a little on this side project. But I'm still working on finding alternatives and keeping this going. Like to know what people are most interested in; I've made good starts on:

[list=*]
[*]the woven/plaited leather O Ring belt DC wears (non-Bond)[/*]
[*]the Y-3 Jacket,[/*]
[*]the Neil Barrett London/poster pants,[/*]
[*]or the TF Morocco polo[/*]
[/list]

Or is there something else? PM me or leave suggestions here.

Right now I can probably turn out 1 or 2 posts a week and still keep the other lists relevant and up to date.

I also thought it would be fun if one of the watch experts in the community wanted to write about some good looking budget options for Omega/Rolex. Anyone???

Cubby

Congratulations, great site design! I always wanted a site like this to go along with Mr. Zaritsky's "Frugal Bond" videos.

001

LOVE this site!!! Please keep it up!!

The Bond Experience

WOW! How did I miss this? You did an an amazing job on this site!

Thunderpussy

{[] I agree with everyone else, great site.

canoe2

Thanks again all!

Just an update on stats: Budget alternatives to the QoS cardigan is still the most popular post with almost twice as many views as any other post. https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/black-shawl-collar-cardigan/.

Second is the BC Linen Blazer: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/spectre-linen-jacket/

All the other posts have about the same number of views.

Any suggestions for what people want to see next?

the woven/plaited leather O Ring belt DC wears (non-Bond)
the Y-3 Jacket,
the Neil Barrett London/poster pants,
or the TF Morocco polo

001

canoe2 wrote:

Thanks again all!

Just an update on stats: Budget alternatives to the QoS cardigan is still the most popular post with almost twice as many views as any other post. https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/black-shawl-collar-cardigan/.

Second is the BC Linen Blazer: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/spectre-linen-jacket/

All the other posts have about the same number of views.

Any suggestions for what people want to see next?

the woven/plaited leather O Ring belt DC wears (non-Bond)
the Y-3 Jacket,
the Neil Barrett London/poster pants,
or the TF Morocco polo

Casino Royale! All 3 cardigans, especially. (I know, it isn't an option posted, but MAN...love CR!)

canoe2

Thanks for the suggestion 001.

Just posted options for the TF Morocco Polo.
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/tom-ford-banded-hem-johnny-collar-polo/

Will keep adding alternatives as I find them.

armenianmovieman

drum007 wrote:

I posted this in one of the other threads. Here's the Banana Republic budget alternative "Solden" jacket which I picked up today in store for $87 (normally $175). By far, one of the closest alternatives to the Tom Ford out there and can't beat the price! I couldn't be happier. :007)

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1714310020004&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ajb007.co.uk%2Fpost%2F793793%2F&siteID=brafcid527534240&ap=2&pid=1714310020004&tid=braff6147222&cid=1026865&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.6147222

drum, I'm glad you like it.

Canoe2, if you put this on the site, I hope you'll give credit where credit's due.

Another (comparatively) budget alternative is for the Matchless jacket..... code SHOP25 knocks it down to $770 before tax until Monday (2 days).......

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/theory-arvid-amorim-suede-jacket?ID=1481558&upc_ID=2572725&Quantity=1&seqNo=1&EXTRA_PARAMETER=BAG





For the next 24 hours if you are a member of their Loyalist program you may get an additional $25 reward card per $100 spent so the Matchless alternative will have a net cost of $600.