New Season Zara JV Alternative with waist tabs removed!!!
Okay so after some quiet patience with a scalpel blade, magnifier, bright light and a suede brush I have removed the waist adjusters from my new Zara JV alternative. A little scary but actually quite easy and works. The first 3 pics are after removal but before treating with a double sided suede brush, last 3 pics are after carefull brushing and finally a couple of bad light pics of the whole ensemble.
New Season Zara JV Alternative with waist tabs removed!!!
Okay so after some quiet patience with a scalpel blade, magnifier, bright light and a suede brush I have removed the waist adjusters from my new Zara JV alternative. A little scary but actually quite easy and works. The first 3 pics are after removal but before treating with a double sided suede brush, last 3 pics are after carefull brushing and finally a couple of bad light pics of the whole ensemble.
Nice work explore, very handy with the old scalpel aren't we?! Was it really simple or am I going to wish I never started after being crouched over the jacket for 4 hours picking every stitch out with trepidation, for fear of ruining the jacket?! Do you think that faded area will blend a little more over time and wear?
I think you've pulled the look off very nicely!
The "faded" areas are really just from the brushing now and I am certain will keep blending in - you really don't notice the sites of the tabs at all in real life.
It is pretty easy - I think the secret is not to pull at the stitching at all so that you don't expand any of the needle holes - take your time - it took me about an hour in total and then a bit of brushing and smoothing - I am sure the fabric will continue to "bounce" out where the patches were as well. One of the patches had very tight stitching which need a bit of patient teasing but the rest were pretty straight forward, I am not a seamstress or tailor by any stretch of the imagination and if I can manage it then anybody can!!!
- it is a great outfit - trousers are the Burtons', £15, mock turtle is an M&S, £22.50 in a sale and shoes are the John White Westbury 111's which are great and versatile for lots of outfits.
New Season Zara JV Alternative with waist tabs removed!!!
Okay so after some quiet patience with a scalpel blade, magnifier, bright light and a suede brush I have removed the waist adjusters from my new Zara JV alternative. A little scary but actually quite easy and works. The first 3 pics are after removal but before treating with a double sided suede brush, last 3 pics are after carefull brushing and finally a couple of bad light pics of the whole ensemble.
Nice work explore, very handy with the old scalpel aren't we?! Was it really simple or am I going to wish I never started after being crouched over the jacket for 4 hours picking every stitch out with trepidation, for fear of ruining the jacket?! Do you think that faded area will blend a little more over time and wear?
I think you've pulled the look off very nicely!
New Season Zara JV Alternative with waist tabs removed!!!
Okay so after some quiet patience with a scalpel blade, magnifier, bright light and a suede brush I have removed the waist adjusters from my new Zara JV alternative. A little scary but actually quite easy and works. The first 3 pics are after removal but before treating with a double sided suede brush, last 3 pics are after carefull brushing and finally a couple of bad light pics of the whole ensemble.
Nice one, I'm pleased you've finally addressed your blue suede jacket needs -{
Here is the Matchless alternative I scored. Not suede but a nice lightweight jacket for the summer. As with most Zara stuff I sized up from a Barbour large to an XL:
Here is the Matchless alternative I scored. Not suede but a nice lightweight jacket for the summer. As with most Zara stuff I sized up from a Barbour large to an XL:
Hi, Usually a 40-42 chest size. As a comparison, I wear the Barbour Skyfall jacket in lrg but always find the body fit of the Zara jackets requires the XL over the lrg. Maybe if I worked out the lrg would be fine!
I've been away for a bit (took some digital detox time to recharge the batteries and remind myself what the world looks like beyond a screen). But I'll be right back at on Monday. Some cool stuff coming up!
A heads up to anyone looking to buy the Neil Barrett alternatives from Cinque. I ordered a pair of the Cinque Cilestro Trausers from the website linked on Iconic Alternatives — www.cinqueonlinestore.com — and received a confirmation back that I thought was legitimate. Subsequently, however I received no tracking number. When I emailed to request one, I was given a "China Post" tracking code (Cinque is based in Germany), which set my alarm bells ringing.
Today I received a knockoff pair of Diesel Fashion Jeans! The label, hilariously, says they are made by Diesel Cluthing. I clicked on the website I had ordered the pants from and, as you can see, it no longer links to anything. I just successfully disputed the purchase with my credit card, thank goodness, so I'm not out any money. I also now own a hilariously cheesy pair of jeans.
My advice, if you're really into these pants, go straight through Cinquestore.de.
Not related to iconic alternatives but as a warning following the above:
There seem to be increasing numbers of websites that use a ".co.uk" domain address that are actually located in China - once you get through several layers of other countries of origin - or a ".com" that purport to be european/USA/wherever but are actually still in China.
I learned through error - bought a pair of Nikes and when they arrived they were nothing like the ones I ordered (and probably fakes, lets be honest!); contacted them, they said, 'busy warehouse, sorry', wouldn't accept return, hassle, hassle. Long story short I got some of the money back but eventually gave up as it wasn't worth my time pursuing any longer.
I'd look out for: "items in stock" number - if it's a past season/hard to find item and they list "210 in stock" or whatever - highly unlikely, Language - read their "about us", or similar, if the English is poor, again, dodgy and avoid. I believe you can also search for how trustworthy/dodgy a site may be.
As I said, I've had no problems with links from Iconic Alternatives, just thought I'd share my experience as I've searched for Bond related items as we all do.
My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
Okay, so after my long post regarding James Bond parties I was in the mood to continue writing. Last week I received 3 pairs of Cheaney shoes that I bought in their winter sale. I kept one pair in size 10, returned the 2 pairs that I ordered in size 10.5 and am waiting for the arrival of another pair in size 10 now that I know what size I need.
The last few years I have bought 3 pairs of Church’s shoes (Consul, Chetwynd and Ryder III) but decided to start looking for another brand after an issue I had with my last purchase (Ryder III). Also I wanted some shoes on Dainite soles because the weather in the Netherlands and my 30 minute walk to work is quite hard on leather soles. Church’s doesn’t make any dress shoes on Dainite soles so I had to look elsewhere. As a Bond fan my next logical step was to turn to Crockett & Jones. However, for some reason my feet don’t match the lasts of C&J. I tried quite a few but none of them felt good like the 173 last of Church’s. So I kept looking for another option. Somewhere along the way I learned about Cheaney.
As a bit of history, Joseph Cheaney and sons has been making shoes in Northamptonshire since 1896 and are owned by Jonathan and William Church who bought the company in 2009 from Prada who own Church’s. Their classic latst like the 125 and 6184 are a bit wider in the toebox than other brands which suits my feet better than the elongated lasts of C&J. They also make shoes for Herring shoes. Although their shoes are not cheap they are cheaper than C&J and Church’s, made in England by a reputable manufacturer and they have a sale twice a year.
So far I am really happy with my pair of Kelmarsh (black semi brogue oxfords) and hope my Harringtons (black cap toe oxfords) will arrive soon. They are built on the same last so I expect the fit to be the same.
Just a disclaimer, I am in no way related to Cheaney nor will I profit from any shoes they sell to fellow Bond fans. Again, these shoes are not the most budget friendly, but might be a good alternative to other English brands when for some reason you are looking for something else than Crockett & Jones or Church’s. I will post some alternatives to the shoes Bond wore, most of these will have a clasiic, rounded shape. However, they do make quite a lot of contemporary (sleeker, pointier) shapes as well.
Some Bond alternatives. If interested it might be a good idea to compare the prices on Cheaney’s own site to a site like Herringshoes.co.uk because often (when not on sale on Cheaney’s own site) Herring shoes is quite a bit cheaper especially for people outside the UK.
Scotch and soda have 50% off many lines and free shipping, and dare I say it Reis have just announced final reductions, you'll find some decent Spectre Altausse n peal jumper options and some decent bondian suits at discounted prices.
Coogan of London have massively increased there range, I know they've been mentioned before for there Hampton budget church ryder alternatives. I've had a pair of these for about 6 months and they're holding up just fine though I don't wear them daily. Some not bad islay ish boots, they have a mock dainite soul which is rubber, comfortable but probably not hard wearing but hey for £40 a pair what do you expect. http://www.cooganlondon.com/hoxton-mens-brown-brogue-boots.html
Coogan of London have massively increased there range, I know they've been mentioned before for there Hampton budget church ryder alternatives. I've had a pair of these for about 6 months and they're holding up just fine though I don't wear them daily. Some not bad islay ish boots, they have a mock dainite soul which is rubber, comfortable but probably not hard wearing but hey for £40 a pair what do you expect. http://www.cooganlondon.com/hoxton-mens-brown-brogue-boots.html
+1 -{ I bought a pair a few months ago, they're very comfortable and holding their good looks (much like myself ) though I don't wear them every day. I'm very tempted by the Isley lookalikes for £40 too...
Coogan of London have massively increased there range, I know they've been mentioned before for there Hampton budget church ryder alternatives. I've had a pair of these for about 6 months and they're holding up just fine though I don't wear them daily. Some not bad islay ish boots, they have a mock dainite soul which is rubber, comfortable but probably not hard wearing but hey for £40 a pair what do you expect. http://www.cooganlondon.com/hoxton-mens-brown-brogue-boots.html
+1 -{ I bought a pair a few months ago, they're very comfortable and holding their good looks (much like myself ) though I don't wear them every day. I'm very tempted by the Isley lookalikes for £40 too...
I am also but in which colour? The oxblood or the dark brown?
Coogan of London have massively increased there range, I know they've been mentioned before for there Hampton budget church ryder alternatives. I've had a pair of these for about 6 months and they're holding up just fine though I don't wear them daily. Some not bad islay ish boots, they have a mock dainite soul which is rubber, comfortable but probably not hard wearing but hey for £40 a pair what do you expect. http://www.cooganlondon.com/hoxton-mens-brown-brogue-boots.html
+1 -{ I bought a pair a few months ago, they're very comfortable and holding their good looks (much like myself ) though I don't wear them every day. I'm very tempted by the Isley lookalikes for £40 too...
Whilst on the subject of boots, DC was spotted running to the theatre this week for his matinee othelo performance, he was wearing R.m Williams gilchrist Chelsea boots.
Is that the screen accurate jacket? I didn't think they made the jacket in XS? Is this just a jacket that looks very similar? It's hard to tell because we can't see the collar very well.
Nevermind. I see that it's not the SA jacket. It's darn close thoug, and for a great price. I was about to pull the trigger, but I would rather get the SA one, even if I can only get it in S. Great find though man!
Whilst on the subject of boots, DC was spotted running to the theatre this week for his matinee othelo performance, he was wearing R.m Williams gilchrist Chelsea boots.
Whilst on the subject of boots, DC was spotted running to the theatre this week for his matinee othelo performance, he was wearing R.m Williams gilchrist Chelsea boots.
Comments
Okay so after some quiet patience with a scalpel blade, magnifier, bright light and a suede brush I have removed the waist adjusters from my new Zara JV alternative. A little scary but actually quite easy and works. The first 3 pics are after removal but before treating with a double sided suede brush, last 3 pics are after carefull brushing and finally a couple of bad light pics of the whole ensemble.
Nice work explore, very handy with the old scalpel aren't we?! Was it really simple or am I going to wish I never started after being crouched over the jacket for 4 hours picking every stitch out with trepidation, for fear of ruining the jacket?! Do you think that faded area will blend a little more over time and wear?
I think you've pulled the look off very nicely!
It is pretty easy - I think the secret is not to pull at the stitching at all so that you don't expand any of the needle holes - take your time - it took me about an hour in total and then a bit of brushing and smoothing - I am sure the fabric will continue to "bounce" out where the patches were as well. One of the patches had very tight stitching which need a bit of patient teasing but the rest were pretty straight forward, I am not a seamstress or tailor by any stretch of the imagination and if I can manage it then anybody can!!!
- it is a great outfit - trousers are the Burtons', £15, mock turtle is an M&S, £22.50 in a sale and shoes are the John White Westbury 111's which are great and versatile for lots of outfits.
Best of luck - let us know how you get on
Nice one, I'm pleased you've finally addressed your blue suede jacket needs -{
Well 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/
http://www.zara.com/uk/en/collection-ss … 01679.html
I've been away for a bit (took some digital detox time to recharge the batteries and remind myself what the world looks like beyond a screen). But I'll be right back at on Monday. Some cool stuff coming up!
All the best!
John
Today I received a knockoff pair of Diesel Fashion Jeans! The label, hilariously, says they are made by Diesel Cluthing. I clicked on the website I had ordered the pants from and, as you can see, it no longer links to anything. I just successfully disputed the purchase with my credit card, thank goodness, so I'm not out any money. I also now own a hilariously cheesy pair of jeans.
My advice, if you're really into these pants, go straight through Cinquestore.de.
There seem to be increasing numbers of websites that use a ".co.uk" domain address that are actually located in China - once you get through several layers of other countries of origin - or a ".com" that purport to be european/USA/wherever but are actually still in China.
I learned through error - bought a pair of Nikes and when they arrived they were nothing like the ones I ordered (and probably fakes, lets be honest!); contacted them, they said, 'busy warehouse, sorry', wouldn't accept return, hassle, hassle. Long story short I got some of the money back but eventually gave up as it wasn't worth my time pursuing any longer.
I'd look out for: "items in stock" number - if it's a past season/hard to find item and they list "210 in stock" or whatever - highly unlikely, Language - read their "about us", or similar, if the English is poor, again, dodgy and avoid. I believe you can also search for how trustworthy/dodgy a site may be.
As I said, I've had no problems with links from Iconic Alternatives, just thought I'd share my experience as I've searched for Bond related items as we all do.
The last few years I have bought 3 pairs of Church’s shoes (Consul, Chetwynd and Ryder III) but decided to start looking for another brand after an issue I had with my last purchase (Ryder III). Also I wanted some shoes on Dainite soles because the weather in the Netherlands and my 30 minute walk to work is quite hard on leather soles. Church’s doesn’t make any dress shoes on Dainite soles so I had to look elsewhere. As a Bond fan my next logical step was to turn to Crockett & Jones. However, for some reason my feet don’t match the lasts of C&J. I tried quite a few but none of them felt good like the 173 last of Church’s. So I kept looking for another option. Somewhere along the way I learned about Cheaney.
As a bit of history, Joseph Cheaney and sons has been making shoes in Northamptonshire since 1896 and are owned by Jonathan and William Church who bought the company in 2009 from Prada who own Church’s. Their classic latst like the 125 and 6184 are a bit wider in the toebox than other brands which suits my feet better than the elongated lasts of C&J. They also make shoes for Herring shoes. Although their shoes are not cheap they are cheaper than C&J and Church’s, made in England by a reputable manufacturer and they have a sale twice a year.
So far I am really happy with my pair of Kelmarsh (black semi brogue oxfords) and hope my Harringtons (black cap toe oxfords) will arrive soon. They are built on the same last so I expect the fit to be the same.
Just a disclaimer, I am in no way related to Cheaney nor will I profit from any shoes they sell to fellow Bond fans. Again, these shoes are not the most budget friendly, but might be a good alternative to other English brands when for some reason you are looking for something else than Crockett & Jones or Church’s. I will post some alternatives to the shoes Bond wore, most of these will have a clasiic, rounded shape. However, they do make quite a lot of contemporary (sleeker, pointier) shapes as well.
Some Bond alternatives. If interested it might be a good idea to compare the prices on Cheaney’s own site to a site like Herringshoes.co.uk because often (when not on sale on Cheaney’s own site) Herring shoes is quite a bit cheaper especially for people outside the UK.
Arthur III Alternative to the Church’s Chetwynd (GoldenEye)
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/classic-collection-c3/cheaney-arthur-iii-brogue-in-dark-leaf-calf-leather-p5
Jackie III Alternative to Church’s Ryder III (QoS)
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/country-leisure-collection-c7/cheaney-jackie-iii-r-chukka-boot-in-brown-suede-f-fitting-p99
Moorgate Alternative to Church’s Presley (TWINE) (more alternatives on the site)
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/city-collection-c4/cheaney-moorgate-plain-buckle-monk-shoe-in-black-calf-leather-p36
Wilfred Alternative to Church's Diplomat (GoldenEye)
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/classic-collection-c3/cheaney-wilfred-oxford-semi-brogue-in-black-calf-leather-p28
Fenchurch Alternative to Church’s Philip (QoS)
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/city-collection-c4/cheaney-fenchurch-oxford-in-black-calf-leather-leather-sole-p32
Shadwell Alternative to C&J Tetbury (Skyfall)
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/city-collection-c4/cheaney-shadwell-chukka-boot-in-black-calf-leather-p38
One last addition, Berkeley as an alternative to the Crockett & Jones Alex
http://www.cheaney.co.uk/collections-c2/classic-collection-c3/cheaney-berkeley-whole-cut-oxford-in-black-calf-leather-p1
That's a pretty large site trying to find six different pairs of shoes by image alone.
Sorry about that, I have added the name of and a link to the shoes in my original post.
+1 -{ I bought a pair a few months ago, they're very comfortable and holding their good looks (much like myself
Did you guys go for your usual size at Coogans?
Ps Chriscoop - probably the dark brown although they both look good -{
Thank you gentlemen. Keep us posted on the Isley alt's...
c&d that was my first thought too -{
Loads of budget alternatives out there.
https://m.burton.co.uk/en/bruk/product/tan-suede-look-chelsea-boots-6185432?geoip=noredirect&cmpid=ppc_pla_UK_ip&utm_medium=cpc&istCompanyId=2ce96ba2-dcd5-416e-9d2e-419beaae72b0&istItemId=xitaqitrpq&istBid=tztx&gclid=Cj0KEQiAh4fEBRCZhriIjLfArrQBEiQArzzDAbmYdX_feb91c3AUZB-7gYzHzYQKBdcU_yJdVmWqVzoaAl9i8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.shuperb.co.uk/mens-c5/boots-c29/chelsea-boots-c10/stockwood-mens-suede-chelsea-boots-tan-p12938/s99652?gclid=Cj0KEQiAh4fEBRCZhriIjLfArrQBEiQArzzDAabNBQ-C9QdarlZ9RzrKjozQWAGMjoLqs_qSdU5rIkUaAkEY8P8HAQ
https://psyche.co.uk/man-c1/h-by-hudson-tamper-suede-chelsea-boots-p17620/s150645?utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=VS+-+%28SC%29+Niche+brands+%28Low+Volume%2FHigh+ROI%29&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=sZKgtihcv|pcrid|84608682919|pkw||pmt||pdv|m|&gclid=Cj0KEQiAh4fEBRCZhriIjLfArrQBEiQArzzDAR2y53sV0bE04aNudwgWL8Pb9USKi33FhTQZUE6YuvcaAhlm8P8HAQ
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mens+tan+suede+chelsea+boots&sa=X&biw=360&bih=512&tbs=cat:187,pdtr0:936965%7C936966,pdtr1:924868%7C924870,pdtr2:938475%7C958694,pdtr3:962255%7C962262,vw:g,init_ar:SgVKAwi7AUoKUggIxLk4IMa5OEoKUggI66M5IObBOkoKUggIhZg5IIaYOUoKUggIz906INbdOg%3D%3D,ss:44&tbm=shop&prmd=simvn&srpd=15246998646149382588&prds=epd:4442790277207127341,cdl:1,cid:14451951743349059969&ved=0ahUKEwjMxJna1dHRAhVCthoKHaiwBOUQgTYI0AQ
Personally I would probably go with the h by hudson option, I've got a few pairs of their shoes/ boots and have been suitably impressed
Is that the screen accurate jacket? I didn't think they made the jacket in XS? Is this just a jacket that looks very similar? It's hard to tell because we can't see the collar very well.
Nevermind. I see that it's not the SA jacket. It's darn close thoug, and for a great price. I was about to pull the trigger, but I would rather get the SA one, even if I can only get it in S. Great find though man!
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/
I bought him this bag for Christmas.
https://www.frostriver.com/shop/luggage/flight-bag/
If so then yes I've had no complaints they are leather soles and not like the r.m Williams soles on Dc's boots.