Hi all
UNCLE27: looks great! You okay with James Brosnan or me adding your pics and review to the post?
Updating some older posts with new options. Should have some ready for a little weekend reading.
In the meantime, Civilianaire is having another big blow out. Not really Bond related, but a lot of people here bought stuff in the last sale. The feeling is the style comes close to what DC wore in TGWTDT.
Well, here's a quick update and review on this find...
The shirt arrived in the UK in just 10 days. Not bad. Especially as it was delayed by Her Majesty's Customs and Post Office.
My first impressions - this is a quality shirt!! It's made of Rayon - apparently a semi-synthetic material chemically altered from natural materials. Which means it's lightweight, very soft and very comfortable. Like a very smooth, light cotton. Apparently Rayon doesn't hold the heat like cotton though, therefore ideal for tropical shirts to be worn in Hawaii. Or Cuba B-)
The shirt is designed to be worn loose and has a straight bottom/hem. The buttons are made from bamboo but could easily be changed to white to reflect the original if needed. The pattern on the pocket matches the pattern on the shirt and the colour is less dark, slightly more mid-blue than the website picture suggests. Sizing - this is a large, loose fitting shirt. Check the size chart before ordering.
Overall, I'd say this is a very comfortable, quality made shirt and excellent value for money. In my opinion, this is about as close as we'll get to the Cuba shirt and certainly offers the same look.
I'd happily recommend it B-)
What's the fit like because according to the size guide I should order a M but I am normally an XL. Do they fit larger?
Pussy Galore: “My name is Pussy Galore.”
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
Yes. I ordered a medium which I'd say is more like an XL fit.
I'd normally wear a 44" suit / 17" shirt. This is designed to be a loose fitting tropical shirt. I am happy with the M, it fits well and was the right choice.
Definitely check the size chart on this shirt and choose wisely.
Yes. I ordered a medium which I'd say is more like an XL fit.
I'd normally wear a 44" suit / 17" shirt. This is designed to be a loose fitting tropical shirt. I am happy with the M, it fits well and was the right choice.
Definitely check the size chart on this shirt and choose wisely.
Sounds like you are about my size so thanks for that info!
Pussy Galore: “My name is Pussy Galore.”
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
And someone left a new suggestion for the BC Linen Blazer in the comments ("Nick"; not sure if that's someone here?). It's from H&M BUT sizes are going FAST!
And someone left a new suggestion for the BC Linen Blazer in the comments ("Nick"; not sure if that's someone here?). It's from H&M BUT sizes are going FAST!
I've just ordered the H&M linen blazer mentioned by canoe2 from the UK H&M site. If you're going to order one save a few quid by signing up to their newsletter and get 25% off one item. When it arrives I'll post a quick review.
Think the jaeger is sold out, if you go the jaeger site via a browser it doesn't come up in a product search
Well that's weird. It was working when I tested it yesterday morning, but now the "Color" option has disappeared, which I think is stopping us from selecting the size. Sorry about that guys!
And someone left a new suggestion for the BC Linen Blazer in the comments ("Nick"; not sure if that's someone here?). It's from H&M BUT sizes are going FAST!
I've just ordered the H&M linen blazer mentioned by canoe2 from the UK H&M site. If you're going to order one save a few quid by signing up to their newsletter and get 25% off one item. When it arrives I'll post a quick review.
I'm sure this is the same h&m blazer I bought last year, I'm really happy with it, it looks and feels for more expensive than it is.
Hi guys. My first post here and I thought I'd add a couple of budget Spectre jackets for people in the UK.
The Ted Baker does look quite like the Varvatos. The two Reiss jackets are only vaguely similar as they have perforated suede panels on the arms and front. But the Reiss jackets are currently on sale for a good price so a possible consideration for someone on a tight budget.
I saw that one online. But, you are right. That is not the same one. The pattern is definitely different. I should have mentioned that there are no pockets on the one in the picture above either. But, the color and the pattern are so good that one could just buy two and get a tailor to make the pockets out of the material from the second one. My tailor quoted me at 40$ to add the pockets. I got the Steel & Jelly alternative (when it was still available) in my size and one in large, and I plan on doing the modification this fall. I got my shirts for $20 each, so that makes the shirt $80 when all said and done.
I just received my Gagliadi jacket (budget alternative for the Brunello Cucinelli), and it's very well made, especially for the price. At this stage I've tried a number of alternatives — J.Crew, H&M, Hilfiger, even some thrifts — and I have concluded that this look won't ever work if you don't get the pants exactly right. A more brown jacket, like the J.Crew, allows you to go with a more traditional khaki pant but when you go with a jacket that's more taupe (i.e has some greenish/grayish hues) then the pants need to have some of that same hue. It's a really difficult balance with this look in terms of contrast!
I actually didn't buy the Banana Republic shirt. I got the Steel & Jelly a while back for $20 a pop, and I plan on adding the pockets in the fall. I will definitely write about the experience and post pics when I do though. I still need a good Menlo alternative unfortunately, as finding one in XS has been very hard indeed. I almost got the real deal in XS for like $650 a few months back, but was outbid at the last minute
James Brosnan: Ah, I understand. Sorry I misread your post. That sucks about the Menlo. If you want, I can keep my eyes open for a decent alternative on ebay. Not a Menlo, obviously, but there are lots in the $60 to $100 range that could do the trick. Just let me know.
Last update for awhile: alternatives for the J.Crew Kentons
I just received mine and think (comparing to the pics shared by other members) that it's a great alternative.
It has no pattern but a little structure to the fabric given it's 100% linen. Doesn't look like it has as much structure as the BC though.
I've taken a close-up pic in natural lighting along with my Pantaloni Torino trousers (BC alternative), Prada belt and the TF Henry's. No complete outfit pics yet as the jacket goes straight to the tailor but will make sure to upload them once I have the complete alternative outfit.
I normally take size 48/50 in jackets and this size 48 fits well over the shoulders.
And yes, you are of course welcome to use any pictures/information for the site, happy to help
is anyone else in the US having an impossible time with Burton Menswear alternative to the Neil Barrett trousers. they sort of brag about how many countries they ship to but the US is not an option in any of their lists. it seems almost impossible to find a customer service email as well. when i did loop around and finally find one, i received no reply.
even when you click on "shipping to the united states" the drilldown menu does not list "the united states"
is anyone else in the US having an impossible time with Burton Menswear alternative to the Neil Barrett trousers. they sort of brag about how many countries they ship to but the US is not an option in any of their lists. it seems almost impossible to find a customer service email as well. when i did loop around and finally find one, i received no reply.
even when you click on "shipping to the united states" the drilldown menu does not list "the united states"
Which trousers are you talking about?
Pussy Galore: “My name is Pussy Galore.”
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
Comments
UNCLE27: looks great! You okay with James Brosnan or me adding your pics and review to the post?
Updating some older posts with new options. Should have some ready for a little weekend reading.
In the meantime, Civilianaire is having another big blow out. Not really Bond related, but a lot of people here bought stuff in the last sale. The feeling is the style comes close to what DC wore in TGWTDT.
https://civilianaire.com/
I bought a couple of their henleys and t-shirt. Really like them!
Yes, of course, feel free to use this material as you wish!
I have posted a shorter comment and link but adding this in would be better.
Updated posts coming soon. In the meantime new post is up. Hope folks find it helpful (I definitely learned alot writing it).
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/07/29/find-great-deals-on-ebay/
What's the fit like because according to the size guide I should order a M but I am normally an XL. Do they fit larger?
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
I'd normally wear a 44" suit / 17" shirt. This is designed to be a loose fitting tropical shirt. I am happy with the M, it fits well and was the right choice.
Definitely check the size chart on this shirt and choose wisely.
Sounds like you are about my size so thanks for that info!
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
Added a couple of solid new options for the TF Knit tie:
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/01/18/tom-ford-spectre-morocco-knit-tie/
And a very nice new "Best Option" for the TF QoS Cardigan!
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/11/30/quantum-of-solace-black-shawl-collar-cardigan/
And someone left a new suggestion for the BC Linen Blazer in the comments ("Nick"; not sure if that's someone here?). It's from H&M BUT sizes are going FAST!
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/03/spectre-linen-blazer/
Twitter: @mybudgetbond1
However they don't ship to the USA.
Any of my UK brethren willing to help me out?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Base-London-Marauder-Mens-Boots/dp/B00WOI1FMS
I've just ordered the H&M linen blazer mentioned by canoe2 from the UK H&M site. If you're going to order one save a few quid by signing up to their newsletter and get 25% off one item. When it arrives I'll post a quick review.
Well that's weird. It was working when I tested it yesterday morning, but now the "Color" option has disappeared, which I think is stopping us from selecting the size. Sorry about that guys!
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/06/spectre-matchless-craig-blouson/
Unfortunately, I can't find it on the website. Maybe someone else will have some luck finding it.
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
Don't think this is it, but it looks similar: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1051792&vid=1&pid=304475002
Missing the pockets though.
The Ted Baker does look quite like the Varvatos. The two Reiss jackets are only vaguely similar as they have perforated suede panels on the arms and front. But the Reiss jackets are currently on sale for a good price so a possible consideration for someone on a tight budget.
Varvatos alternative #1 - Ted Baker "Gregg" £399:
http://www.tedbaker.com/uk/Mens/Clothing/Jackets-Coats/GREGG-Suede-Harrington-jacket-Navy/p/129722-10-NAVY
Varvatos alternative #2 - Reiss Cristo Navy £225:
https://www.reiss.com/p/suede-bomber-jacket-mens-cristo-in-navy/
http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/reiss-cristo-suede-stand-collar-jacket_903-10025-137015CRISTO/
Matchless alternative - Reiss Cristo Grey (actually more of a stone or light sand) £150:
https://www.reiss.com/p/suede-bomber-jacket-mens-cristo-in-grey/
http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/reiss-cristo-suede-stand-collar-jacket_903-10025-137015CRISTO/
I saw that one online. But, you are right. That is not the same one. The pattern is definitely different. I should have mentioned that there are no pockets on the one in the picture above either. But, the color and the pattern are so good that one could just buy two and get a tailor to make the pockets out of the material from the second one. My tailor quoted me at 40$ to add the pockets. I got the Steel & Jelly alternative (when it was still available) in my size and one in large, and I plan on doing the modification this fall. I got my shirts for $20 each, so that makes the shirt $80 when all said and done.
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
James Brosnan: nice score! Now PICS!
Cheverian: Hope it works for you! Pics please!
Another update (this was a big one; basically rewrote the whole post): Neil Barrett SPECTRE trousers, with a new best option:
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/11/neil-barrett-trousers/
Working on a few more updates and part 2 of the ebay post.
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
Last update for awhile: alternatives for the J.Crew Kentons
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/01/j-crew-kentons-spectre/
No spectacular finds, but some okay budget options have been added. I don't think we'll see the likes of the Aldo alternative for a while ...
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/08/02/successful-ebay-buying-strategies/
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/08/04/best-budget-bond-finds-july-2016/
http://www.yoox.com/dk/49157307EV/item#sts=orders80&cod10=49157307EV&sizeId=7
The price went down with €100 just after I ordered mine
I just received mine and think (comparing to the pics shared by other members) that it's a great alternative.
It has no pattern but a little structure to the fabric given it's 100% linen. Doesn't look like it has as much structure as the BC though.
I've taken a close-up pic in natural lighting along with my Pantaloni Torino trousers (BC alternative), Prada belt and the TF Henry's. No complete outfit pics yet as the jacket goes straight to the tailor but will make sure to upload them once I have the complete alternative outfit.
I normally take size 48/50 in jackets and this size 48 fits well over the shoulders.
And yes, you are of course welcome to use any pictures/information for the site, happy to help
even when you click on "shipping to the united states" the drilldown menu does not list "the united states"
Which trousers are you talking about?
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”