I bought this shirt for 20$ on sale. The same sale is happening today. For 20$, it's a great option. It's slim fit, not banded at the waist, but tight on the waist to give that accentuated V look. The sleeves hit high on the bicep, maybe even too high for some, but I like it. It's not a knit weave. It's more like jersey, but not exactly that either. The collar is solid and similar to the Sunspel collar type, but no bottoms on the placket. Not nearly as deep of a V as the TF though. No logos, and color is just as seen in the picture.
It's a decent match with the cuffs and color, but it's a classic pique. Nice thing is they have these in regular, slim, and tall. I grabbed the slim and it gives a nice SA fit.
Love the Christmas wish list! I noticed you put the Topman jacket as the top choice for the Matchless alternative. I actually went with the Topman jacket and I have to say that it is very nice. The suede is very good, light weight, and buttery as hell. For 300$, you get what you pay for; and, I grabbed it on sale for 240! The color is not as light as the Matchless, but is nearly spot on and is lighter than the Kenton's in Sahara.. I'm going to have the collar altered just like you did. I will post a 2 part review of the jacket on this thread. The first part of the review will go over the pros and cons and have some pics before the collar alterations. Then I'll post a review and pics of the jacket after collar alterations.
Some things to note right off are that the jacket is super thin, probably thinner than the matchless. The sleeves are tight on the forearms and the jacket is slim fit in the shoulders and chest but not in the waist. I'm normally an XS, but I had to go with an XXS to get a good slim fit and the jacket still doesn't hug my stomach like the Matchless (from what I've seen from pics on here). It doesn't look bad closed, just not super slim fit. But, this is because it's not that type of jacket. The jacket is still very slim and fits me perfectly when open, and since I live in Florida, that's really all I will ever need. The quality of the jacket for the price cannot be understated though. It is very nice, very real suede. Not sure what kind of suede, as all it says is "leather". I'll go over more detail and provide pictures in my reviews. Probably take a few weeks or so.
This really doesn't feel like a budget option because of the quality, but relative to other $185 possible options for the navy beanie this is is bargain.
So, as promised, here is the first part of my review of the Topman alternative to the Morocco suede jacket. This review is of the jacket as it is, before altering the collar. I cannot express how nice the jacket is for the price. The suede is supper soft and light. It’s normally $300, but I grabbed it for $240, so that leaves me some room for the alteration. Here are some fit pics:
Note that I am wearing the jacket with the Aldo boots, so the color of the jacket can be compared to that. I love the jacket. I don’t even mind the pocket detail because it’s pretty subtle. Though, I do wish there was less stitching detail in the chest area, but ya can’t have it all. Oh, and please excuse my baggy Express chinos; as they are all I have at the moment. The shirt is the Express alternative. My glasses are the Persol 3028S model that I was already in my wardrobe. Next, a pic of the jacket zipped up:
You can see that the jacket does not fit tight out the waist, but it is slim fitting in the chest and shoulder area. I am a size XS in the Barbour, and the XS Barbour fits tighter than this jacket in the armpit, but about the same everywhere else, but this TOPMAN is an XXS. I tried an XS first, but it was way too big. I’m not sure what my sizing issues translated into for anyone else, but I would recommend trying your normal size and one size down if possible. Now, you may have noticed in the pictures above that I am wearing the cuffs unbuttoned; the reason for this best explained in the picture below:
So, you can see that, when the cuffs are buttoned, the slimness of the sleeves in the forearms really begin to show, and the sleeves ride up my arm, especially on my watch arm (watch: Invicta Pro Diver on random Amazon NATO strap). I don’t mind keeping the cuffs unbuttoned, I like the look. But, if wearing cuffs unbuttoned is not your thing, I think the cuffs could fairly easily be stitched shut at a good roomy spot by a tailor (you can be the judge from my cuff pics below). So, here are some pics of the jacket details:
Looks nice! You could probably even have your tailor remove that front pocket as well. I'm looking at doing something similar. Can you post pics again when you get the collar altered?
Hey GenericGuy - just wanted to say that I ordered the leather jacket and it is absolutely beautiful! Love the look of it and the quality is definitely at the £600 mark - not the £170 that I paid for it. It may not be the exact Bond item, but honestly, if it was...I doubt I could feel any better or more 'Bond-ian' (is that a word?) ;-) ) wearing it!
I've also ordered the trousers you listed above the jacket...I'll let you know if you are 2 for 2..! ;-)
And Canoe2...can I please just thank you for the time and effort you have put into this assignment!
I'm not well heeled enough to afford many (I have an Omega Seamster from Goldeneye and a pair of Crockett and Jones Highbury's - but that's it!) of the originals (and I have no problem with that!), so your time and attention still allows me to achieve a look that receives great compliments at a price that I don't have to sell my secret underground nuclear bunker to achieve...
Your time and attention to detail is incredibly appreciated.
Yes. Considerably.
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,746Chief of Staff
Hey GenericGuy - just wanted to say that I ordered the leather jacket and it is absolutely beautiful! Love the look of it and the quality is definitely at the £600 mark - not the £170 that I paid for it. It may not be the exact Bond item, but honestly, if it was...I doubt I could feel any better or more 'Bond-ian' (is that a word?) ;-) ) wearing it!
I've also ordered the trousers you listed above the jacket...I'll let you know if you are 2 for 2..! ;-)
Drum007: I will be doing a second review after getting the collar tailored. I should be dropping it off at the tailors tomorrow, and it can't come soon enough because the non-SA appearance of the collar is really getting to me, as the collar really defines the look for me. I'll detail the process and the results in the next review. I was thinking about getting the pocket removed, but I am worried about the stitching pattern remaining as holes on the front of the jacket, so I'm still undecided about that.
FYI, The Matchless jacket has a wire collar. Maybe thats something your tailor can do! Check out the Bond Experience video.
Thanks drum007. I remember seeing that from David's video, but I decided not to add the wire feature; I think it could easily be done though. I dropped off my jacket at the tailors yesterday. The lady was very helpful and was able to clip it with paper clips and little chip clips so we could adjust it until I got it to where I wanted it. I had done this at home, but I didn't have as many clips as she did, so I highly recommend clipping it and finding what you want by wearing it. Unfortunately, I live in a small town because of work, so the jacket won't be ready until January 25th and it cost me 80$ ?:) That's twice as much as what Canoe2 paid! The lady said the hard part was going to be the front of the collar because of the way it's designed she will have to open up the jacket near the zipper at that part. So, not sure if this price for altering this jacket might be normal, but something to keep in mind. Now I'm really glad I grabbed this on sale ) I went in knowing how high I wanted the collar and even after fold and clip fitting, I ended up keeping my originally estimated length. I'm at work now, but I'll post some pics of the underside of the collar and explain what I mean when I get home. And, of course, I'll review the whole process in 3 weeks
Here are the pics of the inside and back collar of the Topman Matchless alternative:
You can see from the second picture that the collar is basically divided into 2 halves (even though the bottom half does not span the entire length of the collar). You can also see that the top half is thicker than the bottom half. So, what I did is get the tailor to make the top half the same thickness as the bottom half. I measured the maximum thickness of the bottom half and got 1-1/4". So, I measured 1-1/4" from the intersection of the bottom and top halves and the tailor is taking off the remaining material on the top half. It wasn't much material taken off. And, of course, I had the tailor remove some material from the points of the collar, with the amount decided by clipping and seeing the fit until I got what I wanted.
The reason I made the bottom and top halves equal was because, looking at pictures of the Matchless jacket, it seemed like the collar was split into two approximately equal halves. Of course, that alone might not have worked with Topman jacket, but it turned out to be the best length on me, so it made things easier. Anyway, will post the results when I get the jacket back. -{
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a great holiday!
Back at it after a nice vacation. I'll have a new post coming this week, but in the mean time I updated options for the Matchless and Menlo.
Hold Command: I added your M&S option for the Harrington to the original post (with credit to you for the find).
James Brosnan: The Next jacket looks great! Surprised at the cost of the alteration. Maybe once it's done, we can put together an article for the site with the details of your experience?
Ferinstal: My pleasure! Glad it's helping!
Thanks to everyone else for sharing your finds! When the articles are ready for some of those items, I will make sure to include your finds.
Comments
http://www.express.com/clothing/men/vtoneck-signature-polo/pro/4986281/cat1830014
I bought this shirt for 20$ on sale. The same sale is happening today. For 20$, it's a great option. It's slim fit, not banded at the waist, but tight on the waist to give that accentuated V look. The sleeves hit high on the bicep, maybe even too high for some, but I like it. It's not a knit weave. It's more like jersey, but not exactly that either. The collar is solid and similar to the Sunspel collar type, but no bottoms on the placket. Not nearly as deep of a V as the TF though. No logos, and color is just as seen in the picture.
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/
Thanks to kadd for the theory!
It will be in the sale at £29!
I have an account and get early preview / access to the sale, so those with an account may want to check it out, and others may want to open one.
Can you share the link?
Also, another budget Solden Jacket from H&M, $59.99 but only size large small in black: http://www.hm.com/us/product/40023?article=40023-E
I also updated the Menlo post with new options: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/levis-menlo-leather-jacket/
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/22/casino-royale-long-sleeve-blue-polo/
I probably won't be posting much more until early January; have a great holidays!
I grabbed this polo option from JCrew recently:
https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/polostees/slimshop/PRD~A6327/A6327.jsp
It's a decent match with the cuffs and color, but it's a classic pique. Nice thing is they have these in regular, slim, and tall. I grabbed the slim and it gives a nice SA fit.
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/
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/christmas-wish-list/
Happy holidays!
Some things to note right off are that the jacket is super thin, probably thinner than the matchless. The sleeves are tight on the forearms and the jacket is slim fit in the shoulders and chest but not in the waist. I'm normally an XS, but I had to go with an XXS to get a good slim fit and the jacket still doesn't hug my stomach like the Matchless (from what I've seen from pics on here). It doesn't look bad closed, just not super slim fit. But, this is because it's not that type of jacket. The jacket is still very slim and fits me perfectly when open, and since I live in Florida, that's really all I will ever need. The quality of the jacket for the price cannot be understated though. It is very nice, very real suede. Not sure what kind of suede, as all it says is "leather". I'll go over more detail and provide pictures in my reviews. Probably take a few weeks or so.
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/
Fishers Finery 100% Pure Cashmere Ribbed Hat (Mens, Navy) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RLYWS9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_ydzFwbDM7343Q
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/club-room-basking-unsolid-slim-tie-only-at-macys?ID=2457291&CategoryID=3303&LinkType=#fn=UPC_BOPS_PURCHASABLE%3D5204%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D522%26slotId%3D14
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/tricots-st-raphael-quilted-nylon-front-sweater-jacket?ID=2402581&CategoryID=4286&LinkshareID=th9ILo5LtqE-AXW12U49FyvjqBc8ytfbTQ&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-5-_-63-_-MP563
Mands are at it again:
QOS Harrington?
http://www.marksandspencer.com/mobile/mobile-search/P22429427
They also have a rust colour knit tie, with pointed end.
http://www.oliverwicks.com/product/brown-italian-100-grenadine-silk-tie
$69 bucks... looks good...
Note that I am wearing the jacket with the Aldo boots, so the color of the jacket can be compared to that. I love the jacket. I don’t even mind the pocket detail because it’s pretty subtle. Though, I do wish there was less stitching detail in the chest area, but ya can’t have it all. Oh, and please excuse my baggy Express chinos; as they are all I have at the moment. The shirt is the Express alternative. My glasses are the Persol 3028S model that I was already in my wardrobe. Next, a pic of the jacket zipped up:
You can see that the jacket does not fit tight out the waist, but it is slim fitting in the chest and shoulder area. I am a size XS in the Barbour, and the XS Barbour fits tighter than this jacket in the armpit, but about the same everywhere else, but this TOPMAN is an XXS. I tried an XS first, but it was way too big. I’m not sure what my sizing issues translated into for anyone else, but I would recommend trying your normal size and one size down if possible. Now, you may have noticed in the pictures above that I am wearing the cuffs unbuttoned; the reason for this best explained in the picture below:
So, you can see that, when the cuffs are buttoned, the slimness of the sleeves in the forearms really begin to show, and the sleeves ride up my arm, especially on my watch arm (watch: Invicta Pro Diver on random Amazon NATO strap). I don’t mind keeping the cuffs unbuttoned, I like the look. But, if wearing cuffs unbuttoned is not your thing, I think the cuffs could fairly easily be stitched shut at a good roomy spot by a tailor (you can be the judge from my cuff pics below). So, here are some pics of the jacket details:
Hope this helps -{
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/
Hey GenericGuy - just wanted to say that I ordered the leather jacket and it is absolutely beautiful! Love the look of it and the quality is definitely at the £600 mark - not the £170 that I paid for it. It may not be the exact Bond item, but honestly, if it was...I doubt I could feel any better or more 'Bond-ian' (is that a word?) ;-) ) wearing it!
I've also ordered the trousers you listed above the jacket...I'll let you know if you are 2 for 2..! ;-)
(Thanks again - great finds!)
I'm not well heeled enough to afford many (I have an Omega Seamster from Goldeneye and a pair of Crockett and Jones Highbury's - but that's it!) of the originals (and I have no problem with that!), so your time and attention still allows me to achieve a look that receives great compliments at a price that I don't have to sell my secret underground nuclear bunker to achieve...
Your time and attention to detail is incredibly appreciated.
And that jacket is now out of stock !
How about some pics of you wearing it ?
Just give me a little time...
No problem...and thank you -{
Drum007: I will be doing a second review after getting the collar tailored. I should be dropping it off at the tailors tomorrow, and it can't come soon enough because the non-SA appearance of the collar is really getting to me, as the collar really defines the look for me. I'll detail the process and the results in the next review. I was thinking about getting the pocket removed, but I am worried about the stitching pattern remaining as holes on the front of the jacket, so I'm still undecided about that.
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/
Thanks drum007. I remember seeing that from David's video, but I decided not to add the wire feature; I think it could easily be done though. I dropped off my jacket at the tailors yesterday. The lady was very helpful and was able to clip it with paper clips and little chip clips so we could adjust it until I got it to where I wanted it. I had done this at home, but I didn't have as many clips as she did, so I highly recommend clipping it and finding what you want by wearing it. Unfortunately, I live in a small town because of work, so the jacket won't be ready until January 25th and it cost me 80$ ?:) That's twice as much as what Canoe2 paid! The lady said the hard part was going to be the front of the collar because of the way it's designed she will have to open up the jacket near the zipper at that part. So, not sure if this price for altering this jacket might be normal, but something to keep in mind. Now I'm really glad I grabbed this on sale
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/
You can see from the second picture that the collar is basically divided into 2 halves (even though the bottom half does not span the entire length of the collar). You can also see that the top half is thicker than the bottom half. So, what I did is get the tailor to make the top half the same thickness as the bottom half. I measured the maximum thickness of the bottom half and got 1-1/4". So, I measured 1-1/4" from the intersection of the bottom and top halves and the tailor is taking off the remaining material on the top half. It wasn't much material taken off. And, of course, I had the tailor remove some material from the points of the collar, with the amount decided by clipping and seeing the fit until I got what I wanted.
The reason I made the bottom and top halves equal was because, looking at pictures of the Matchless jacket, it seemed like the collar was split into two approximately equal halves. Of course, that alone might not have worked with Topman jacket, but it turned out to be the best length on me, so it made things easier. Anyway, will post the results when I get the jacket back. -{
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/
Back at it after a nice vacation. I'll have a new post coming this week, but in the mean time I updated options for the Matchless and Menlo.
Hold Command: I added your M&S option for the Harrington to the original post (with credit to you for the find).
James Brosnan: The Next jacket looks great! Surprised at the cost of the alteration. Maybe once it's done, we can put together an article for the site with the details of your experience?
Ferinstal: My pleasure! Glad it's helping!
Thanks to everyone else for sharing your finds! When the articles are ready for some of those items, I will make sure to include your finds.
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/
With winter coming on strong and stores trying to clear out inventory, I thought it would be a good time to look for warm jackets. Alternatives to the Moncler Cezanne from The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo:
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/moncler-cezanne-jacket/