Thanks very much for the tip! I received mine and it’s a bit large but probably not enough to go down a size. The label says not to tumble dry, but it would be great to shrink it a bit. Has anyone ever dried the sunspel polo? Any advice would be much appreciated!!
What size did you buy and can you take some chest measurements?
I’m usually a 42 - 44 suit and bought an xxl. I’ve never bought that size in my life but did so because the rake said that xl was equivalent to a 42 and i know it’s a slim fit.
Anyway, I am going to dry it a bit and see what happens.
What size did you buy and can you take some chest measurements?
I’m usually a 42 - 44 suit and bought an xxl. I’ve never bought that size in my life but did so because the rake said that xl was equivalent to a 42 and i know it’s a slim fit.
Anyway, I am going to dry it a bit and see what happens.
How did the washing of your shirt go?
Well, it shrank a bit but not enough to look as I wanted it to. My plan - which I probably should have done right away, was to have it dry cleaned first. This is how I will care for it and as I'm sure you all know, cotton expands when it'd dry cleaned. Therefore, once I know how it fit once dry cleaned, I will then take it to my tailor to be taken in a bit. I think its worth it for such a good deal. Thanks for checking in.
I’m usually a 42 - 44 suit and bought an xxl. I’ve never bought that size in my life but did so because the rake said that xl was equivalent to a 42 and i know it’s a slim fit.
Anyway, I am going to dry it a bit and see what happens.
How did the washing of your shirt go?
Well, it shrank a bit but not enough to look as I wanted it to. My plan - which I probably should have done right away, was to have it dry cleaned first. This is how I will care for it and as I'm sure you all know, cotton expands when it'd dry cleaned. Therefore, once I know how it fit once dry cleaned, I will then take it to my tailor to be taken in a bit. I think its worth it for such a good deal. Thanks for checking in.
Could you give me an idea of how much the polo shrunk in the chest/shoulders and how fast delivery was?
Well, it shrank a bit but not enough to look as I wanted it to. My plan - which I probably should have done right away, was to have it dry cleaned first. This is how I will care for it and as I'm sure you all know, cotton expands when it'd dry cleaned. Therefore, once I know how it fit once dry cleaned, I will then take it to my tailor to be taken in a bit. I think its worth it for such a good deal. Thanks for checking in.
Could you give me an idea of how much the polo shrunk in the chest/shoulders and how fast delivery was?
The shrinkage was somewhat significant (don't know exactly) and the delivery was very prompt. It was free and I live in the US.
Just got this, it's pretty slim fitting but looks the part as a luxe version of the ocean club shirt in Casino Royale. Has more or less the right details and isn't uncomfortable to wear.
Greeting all! I hope everyone has been doing well!
Lots of stories to tell. Main one is the relaunch of the Iconic Altenatives site (with a slightly different focus) coming next week. The relaunch was actually planned for February. However, a fun fire that almost destroyed the 2nd story of my house caused a slight delay. But more about all of that later.
For now, here are some post updates for the spring/summer:
By tomorrow, I should have the posts for the Kenton boots, the Venice Polo, the OB blue linen shirt and a few others updated. Also, the Tom Ford Spectre Polo. This one from Burton (on sale for 20 GBP) is probably going to be the Best Opton (despite the funky collar):
I'm glad to see it's coming back, love the site! Sorry to hear of your fire woes but glad things are looking up! I look forward to seeing the site updates. Chris
Very sorry to hear about the fire. I hope everyone is okay.
Regarding the Baracuta G9 Harrington, if you are patient eBay is a great resource for vintage jackets. The made in Taiwan or Hong Kong Van Heusen Baracutas can be found cheap. I found a Made in England Baracuta under the Four Climes label for a very good price. 100% cotton. I believe it dates to the early 1980s. A pressing at my dry cleaners and it looks near mint.
Just FYI re: Spectre Cucinelli Blazer - the Vendoneire option is currently on sale at £50 from its £140 normal price. I’ve bagged one and will let you know.
Just wanted to say ‘thanks’ for all of the work you put into your site. I have picked up so many high quality, great looking items - without having to spend eye watering sums of money!
Thanks for the kind words everyone! Good to be back! Wish it had been sooner.
A good house fire is always fun! Of course the most important thing is no one was hurt and the family is fine. Couple of pics:
What remained of my son's room
The upstairs family room
My office also got a little scorched. Ironically, the fire isn't what causes the most damage. It's the smoke, ash and water from the hoses. For example, I lost most of my office furniture, my computer and a bunch of clothes thanks to some over-enthusiastic hose use by the fire fighters. Everything gets caked in a lovely black paste that's impossible to remove. And of course the floors flood with about 4 inches of water.
But the best part is the 6 weeks after when you have the clean up crews, construction guys and painters running all over your house. It's very easy to focus on work with the constant sound of hammers, industrial air filters, drills and dogs barking at strangers going on all around you.
But enough complaining. Onwards and upwards as they say!
I'm working on the BC chinos and Kentons this morning.
I guess after the event this morning I should start looking for navy suits and converse hightops!
Armenianmovieman: those Express chinos look great! Including those in the post with credit to you.
Westward_Drift: you guys know I'm a big fan of the thrifts. I actually have 2 old Harringtons from Nordstroms that were made in Singapore. And I like the fit on those better than my Baracuta G9.
Ferinstal: don't know how I missed that sale! But I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of it!
They have set in sleeves, which I think isn't a good look for a Harrington Jacket. Also, the flaps on the pockets look weird. But still, for €70,- you can do a lot worse.
I am still a big fan of the Ben Sherman Harringtons that can be had for around €60,- with shipping. I have a few (my girlfriuend would say that I have them all). )
They have set in sleeves, which I think isn't a good look for a Harrington Jacket. Also, the flaps on the pockets look weird. But still, for €70,- you can do a lot worse.
I am still a big fan of the Ben Sherman Harringtons that can be had for around €60,- with shipping. I have a few (my girlfriuend would say that I have them all). )
Yes Peppermill, it is not a 100% catch with a Baracuta but like you said, for 70 euros the quality is here and the shape is not so bad :-)
For some reason this post is taking some time to update across the interwebs. The new version is showing up in some browsers and the old version in others. If you get the version from Feb 2018, then maybe try again later. I'm going to see if there's anything I can do to speed up the changes.
Thanks Chris and cheers to everyone in the budget group. That’s certainly me! It’s fun to throw such an easy look together. Such a Bond Experience moment gents. I had so many compliments from co workers with such a simple look thrown together like that. You would be surprised! Cheers all!
And great minds think alike, Chriscoop! I found that exact Mango shirt for the post! I gave you credit for the Next jeans. And just so no one thinks I'm trying to poach another man's find, here are the time stamps from the photo I uploaded and my post:
I'll be updating the OB Spectre shirt today and then on Thursday I am relaunching the site with it's slightly new direction.
Nice one, to be fair you can take your pick of grey jeans with Levis doing some too (DC worn brand) they are everywhere, id still like to find a shorter straight hem shirt. And boat shoes are on every store, from £14.99 to £199. Lots of good budget alternatives to be had.
Comments
How did the washing of your shirt go?
Well, it shrank a bit but not enough to look as I wanted it to. My plan - which I probably should have done right away, was to have it dry cleaned first. This is how I will care for it and as I'm sure you all know, cotton expands when it'd dry cleaned. Therefore, once I know how it fit once dry cleaned, I will then take it to my tailor to be taken in a bit. I think its worth it for such a good deal. Thanks for checking in.
Could you give me an idea of how much the polo shrunk in the chest/shoulders and how fast delivery was?
The shrinkage was somewhat significant (don't know exactly) and the delivery was very prompt. It was free and I live in the US.
It's the Slim 365 Comfort Stretch+ Chino in Cobblestone from Express.
https://www.express.com/clothing/men/slim-365-comfort-stretch-chino/pro/03083139/color/COBBLESTONE/size/38/i/32/?programId=101984266&merchantId=41548191&affiliateid=11759563&mrkgcl=638&mrkgadid=3250553423&CID=SEM_Goo-PLA-M-Main-Retail-25-000-Casual_Pants-US-Product-NA&SearchID=Goo-PLA-M-Main-Retail-25-000-Casual_Pants-US-Product-NA&product_id=16221833&adpos=1o16&creative=228691415483&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu9jB5ayS4QIVg8pkCh3eEgoNEAkYECABEgLZYfD_BwE
https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2824912/the-rail-velour-sport-shirt?color=BLACK
Lots of stories to tell. Main one is the relaunch of the Iconic Altenatives site (with a slightly different focus) coming next week. The relaunch was actually planned for February. However, a fun fire that almost destroyed the 2nd story of my house caused a slight delay.
For now, here are some post updates for the spring/summer:
CR Riviera Polo: lots of great options this season!
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/02/sunspel-riviera-polo-casino-royale/
N.Peal Skyfall sweater: getting a little warm for this one, but there's some good deals to be had right now
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/16/skyfall-n-peal-oxford-round-neck-sweater/
McQueen Style G9 Harrington:
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/07/20/steve-mcqueen-baracuta-g9-harrington-jacket/
QoS Harrington:
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/02/quantum-of-solace-harrington-jacket/
Belstaff Messenger Bag:
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/03/29/belstaff-554-colonial-messenger-bag/
Cucinelli Spectre Blazer: the Best Option for this is one of the best I've seen in a while. The Gagliardi one is also really solid.
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/03/spectre-linen-blazer/
Tom Ford Morocco Tie: Again, the best option looks great!
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/01/18/tom-ford-spectre-morocco-knit-tie/
By tomorrow, I should have the posts for the Kenton boots, the Venice Polo, the OB blue linen shirt and a few others updated. Also, the Tom Ford Spectre Polo. This one from Burton (on sale for 20 GBP) is probably going to be the Best Opton (despite the funky collar):
https://www.burton.co.uk/en/bruk/product/clothing-281559/mens-polo-shirts-281635/navy-open-collar-knitted-polo-shirt-8499703
But there's also this 29.95 GBP one from M&S
https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-blend-slim-fit-polo-shirt/p/p60217275
Anyway, looking forward to catching up with everyone!
John
"- That is something to be afraid of."
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
Very sorry to hear about the fire. I hope everyone is okay.
Regarding the Baracuta G9 Harrington, if you are patient eBay is a great resource for vintage jackets. The made in Taiwan or Hong Kong Van Heusen Baracutas can be found cheap. I found a Made in England Baracuta under the Four Climes label for a very good price. 100% cotton. I believe it dates to the early 1980s. A pressing at my dry cleaners and it looks near mint.
Just FYI re: Spectre Cucinelli Blazer - the Vendoneire option is currently on sale at £50 from its £140 normal price. I’ve bagged one and will let you know.
Just wanted to say ‘thanks’ for all of the work you put into your site. I have picked up so many high quality, great looking items - without having to spend eye watering sums of money!
A good house fire is always fun!
What remained of my son's room
The upstairs family room
My office also got a little scorched. Ironically, the fire isn't what causes the most damage. It's the smoke, ash and water from the hoses. For example, I lost most of my office furniture, my computer and a bunch of clothes thanks to some over-enthusiastic hose use by the fire fighters. Everything gets caked in a lovely black paste that's impossible to remove. And of course the floors flood with about 4 inches of water.
But the best part is the 6 weeks after when you have the clean up crews, construction guys and painters running all over your house. It's very easy to focus on work with the constant sound of hammers, industrial air filters, drills and dogs barking at strangers going on all around you.
But enough complaining. Onwards and upwards as they say!
The post on the TF Spectre Polo is updated:
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/05/tom-ford-banded-hem-johnny-collar-polo/
I'm working on the BC chinos and Kentons this morning.
I guess after the event this morning I should start looking for navy suits and converse hightops!
Armenianmovieman: those Express chinos look great! Including those in the post with credit to you.
Westward_Drift: you guys know I'm a big fan of the thrifts. I actually have 2 old Harringtons from Nordstroms that were made in Singapore. And I like the fit on those better than my Baracuta G9.
Ferinstal: don't know how I missed that sale! But I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of it!
Cheers all!
John
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/01/27/spectre-brunello-cucinelli-gabardine-chinos/
armenianmovieman: as I said, I gave you credit for finding the Express ones! {[]
Have a great weekend everyone!
https://www.thetiebar.com/product/33280sk
Not quite rust colored but 100% knit silk with a pointed end beats the grenadine ties and stuff as an alt.
Regarding the Baracuta G9, I'm surprised your researches never sent you to that French brand :
https://www.harrington.fr/fr/blousons-homme/10-blouson-harrington-original.html#/3-taille-l/7-couleur-beige
Lot of choices in different colors....a good budget "Bond/Craig" resource ;-)
Fred
Fred007: I actually saw that brand on Amazon UK. But when I went hunting for their website I couldn't find them. Thanks for the link!
I am still a big fan of the Ben Sherman Harringtons that can be had for around €60,- with shipping. I have a few (my girlfriuend would say that I have them all).
Yes Peppermill, it is not a 100% catch with a Baracuta but like you said, for 70 euros the quality is here and the shape is not so bad :-)
New updates for the J.Crew Kentons!
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/01/j-crew-kentons-spectre/
For some reason this post is taking some time to update across the interwebs. The new version is showing up in some browsers and the old version in others. If you get the version from Feb 2018, then maybe try again later. I'm going to see if there's anything I can do to speed up the changes.
Anyway, here's the best option:
https://www.contextclothing.com/brands/1892-by-thorogood/kenosha-tan-813-3363
Thorogood Kenosha on sale for $177, down from about $300. Brick red soles!
Have a great Sunday everyone!
John
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2019/04/30/daniel-craig-bond-25-jamaica-style/
And great minds think alike, Chriscoop! I found that exact Mango shirt for the post! I gave you credit for the Next jeans. And just so no one thinks I'm trying to poach another man's find, here are the time stamps from the photo I uploaded and my post:
I'll be updating the OB Spectre shirt today and then on Thursday I am relaunching the site with it's slightly new direction.
Cheers all!
John
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/2019/04/30/james-bond-black-silk-jamaica-shirt/
Cheers!