This one is mainly for those of you in the UK. I thought this Lands' End jacket in the navy would make a good alternative for the NTTD Barbour Graham and now it's on sale on the UK site for only 48 pounds. Only sizes large to XXL left though. Just note it is lightly insulated.
Also, @Thomo that Mango Outlet shirt you suggested as an alternative for the NTTD Connolly made the post and I gave you credit for the find. But it has a one-piece collar so in white it also makes a great alternative for Brosnan's DAD white linen Cuba shirt! It's almost sold out in the UK, but they still have a decent amount of sizes left on the U.S. site:
If there's anyone on the thread that would be willing to purchase a couple of the latest Iconic Alternatives for Summer Shirts for me and post them from the US to UK I'd be very grateful! Loads of great choices but some that are out of reach for us UK residents. PM me if you're a kind soul!
Also, @Agent Eternal I totally missed giving you credit for sharing the Proper Cloth alternative for the NTTD Connolly shirt in Part 3. I've fixed that now. My sincere apologies for the lapse. Please, if anyone else sees me missing giving appropriate credit, just let me know. I hope you folks know it's never intentional.
And just a heads up that I'm taking a 1 week break from the site to re-charge the batteries, organize things for the 2nd half of the year and take care of some business/personal stuff (hello dentist!). So the next post will be coming on June 9 or 10. But I have a lot still planned for June (swimwear, Father's Day, some watches and a look at some other style icons). So I hope it will be worth the wait.
It’s rhodium plated just like the original and has the same rounded slide design, I think the only thing against it is that it’s a smidge longer than the original but at half the price I don’t mind. Either way I’m wearing it at work today and the pictures don’t do it justice, it shines and looks great in the light and holds my tie more securely than the last alternative I had.
I believe the code jacksparrow should still give you a slight discount too, hope people check it out because I like the look of a tie slide but couldn’t pull the trigger on the screen accurate one so this helped me find the budget middle ground.
Tried to mix it up this year so there's a little something for everyone. Lots of new posts coming for the rest of this month, so I'll keep everyone posted!
Lots of new alternatives for everything from the From Russia From Love shorts up to NTTD. I think I've covered them all this time (including the black ones from CR which I missed the first time).
I realise this is completely the wrong time of year to be asking this sort of question, but I was rewatching David's winter coat test video (https://youtu.be/4ZudyvclLXU) and had an epiphany on how cool Craig's Four Seasons fur jacket is.
Is this something you could take a look into for a future post?
Hey Kris! Absolutely, I love that jacket as well. As you said, there won't be much out there right now. But if you want a really good deal and don't mind getting it now, I'd suggest two routes:
1. Look for a vintage shearling bomber on ebay, poshmark or etsy. I have a vintage shearling coat from the 80s (not a bomber, more of a hip length McQueen style) from Sawyer of Nappa and the quality is amazing. Seriously, they don't make shearling like they used to unless you want to pay $2000 plus for a new one. And since Craig's is such a traditional style, you should be able to find a vintage match with a bit of hunting around and patience. The only thing I'd caution is to ask any seller about the condition of the outer suede. It will dry out over the years and can become like brittle paper.
2. Keep on eye on Yoox. They are always selling off season jackets from fashion and designer brands at pretty deep discounts. There may only be 1 in a model you like in your size, but if it works for you, you can save a decent chunk of change.
Hope that helps!
Also, a new review is up on IA: the Aurelien suede espadrilles. Kind of a non-Bond item, but I've recommended things from this brand before (terry polos and the blue version of these shoes). So I thought it was time to discuss the quality, price, etc.
@SiCo@Sir Miles Hello gentlemen! Is it my imagination or did the AJB threads lose a bunch of pages? It seems like the last post in this thread is from July 2019.
Also, I received an automated email that I had been "unbanned" from AJB. Not sure if I did something wrong and was actually banned, or if it was a glitch.
Just FYI! Enjoy your weekend!
Edit: well, that was weird. Now I can see all the most recent posts. Sorry, to bother you!
@canoe2 I tried to post a new topic on Orlebar Brown jacket sizing and was notified that it would have to be approved. I later tried again and it posted immediately. The first attempt showed up 24 hours later.
Also, for anyone who saw your post on Massimo Alba Corduroy Duster alternatives, the Billy Reid Flight Jacket is 50% off. Note that every other jacket in the sale is now a final sale item although the Flight jacket is not, at least for today.
I know some people are asking if this is a good fit for Bond's style or are finding it difficult to wear (for reasons I try to address in the post). So I tried to work it into some different looks to see how we can use it. Very interested to hear what you guys think!
FWIW I own the Connolly jacket. I should have bought the XL but I let someone at Connolly talk me into the L and then never followed through with the exchange in time. My bad. As a result, the jacket fits me more like a shirt than a jacket but not terribly far off from some of the pics we've seen of Craig wearing it.
That being said, there are few other Bond authentic items I wear that get as much praise as that jacket, especially from women. The linen fabric is the key. The alternatives get the shape more or less right, but the unusual weave and quality of the linen is what elevates the real thing IMO.
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,754Chief of Staff
@canoe2 there was a glitch with the system…namely my finger and very slow loading pages 🙈
I was trying to clear the spam filter and it all went slightly wrong - apologies for the confusion.
Jeremy is one of my favorite podcasters and a wealth of information. So I really appreciated him taking the time to share his thoughts on a variety of topics. Some very interesting insights into how luxury brands function today and why we still admire the same style icons from 60 years ago.
Great update! Lots of nice things there; I must say I've been considering both the Baltic and Loriers - I really love the style of them both. Of that bunch though I'd say the San Martin is a great buy: they're really well-made and even have a retro size.
I just saw this nicer photo of it on Reddit:
It's not a posh watch and no-one will mistake it for a Sub, but it's quite handsome for a cheapie.
Morning all! @The Red Kind Thanks! The party was a big success!
@emtiem That does look sharp! Hard to judge sometimes when I'm basing everything on website product shots.
New Post: a non-Bond topic. Exploring the style of the Icons from the Golden Age of Hollywood, with alternatives for some of their most classic pieces:
So lots of Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn, etc. This the first post in a series I want to do, with the next them being Riviera Style in the 1960s and then the Cowboys and Rebels of Hollywood. Love to hear what you guys think!
Great stuff! This sort of thing may well come in handy when it gets to Goodwood Revival season - it's always good to have some period dress tips for that!
The idea is to create a series of practical guides to help us beginners get started with some Bond worthy experiences. So I also want to cover rock climbing, scuba diving, wine tasting and golf. I'll be talking with experts in each activity to get the best advice and insights. I figured we have all this Bond clothing, we might as well get out there and use it doing Bond stuff! 😎
Love to know your thoughts and if you have any ideas for other activities. Emtiem already has me thinking about car racing 😁
So back in January, I approached an American company called What Price Glory who specialise in fabricating military garments, particularly from the World War 2 era.
They had an authentic UK Commando Sweater in the colour olive that matched the N.Peal NTTD Commando sweater (see attached). In discussion with the company, I managed to persuade them that making a navy blue alternative was a worthwhile business model - even if it wasn't strictly accurate with the time period. I'm pleased to say they have delivered on their commitment; their 'professional' take on the UK commando sweater in navy blue is now online and is by far the best garment alternative around. Although it may not be at the forefront of our minds during the middle of the summer season, the 100% wool garment is bound to sell out expeditiously.
Comments
Greetings all! Part 3 of the Bond Summer Shirt series is now live: Focus on linen shirts this time, with some odds and ends thrown in.
Also, a couple of deals I ran across.
This one is mainly for those of you in the UK. I thought this Lands' End jacket in the navy would make a good alternative for the NTTD Barbour Graham and now it's on sale on the UK site for only 48 pounds. Only sizes large to XXL left though. Just note it is lightly insulated.
Also, @Thomo that Mango Outlet shirt you suggested as an alternative for the NTTD Connolly made the post and I gave you credit for the find. But it has a one-piece collar so in white it also makes a great alternative for Brosnan's DAD white linen Cuba shirt! It's almost sold out in the UK, but they still have a decent amount of sizes left on the U.S. site:
Cheers!
John
John. I like that white version too. Thanks
If there's anyone on the thread that would be willing to purchase a couple of the latest Iconic Alternatives for Summer Shirts for me and post them from the US to UK I'd be very grateful! Loads of great choices but some that are out of reach for us UK residents. PM me if you're a kind soul!
Hi gang!
New post is up on the James Bond polo shirts
Also, @Agent Eternal I totally missed giving you credit for sharing the Proper Cloth alternative for the NTTD Connolly shirt in Part 3. I've fixed that now. My sincere apologies for the lapse. Please, if anyone else sees me missing giving appropriate credit, just let me know. I hope you folks know it's never intentional.
And just a heads up that I'm taking a 1 week break from the site to re-charge the batteries, organize things for the 2nd half of the year and take care of some business/personal stuff (hello dentist!). So the next post will be coming on June 9 or 10. But I have a lot still planned for June (swimwear, Father's Day, some watches and a look at some other style icons). So I hope it will be worth the wait.
Cheers!
John
Thanks John: you deserve a break! 😎
Wanted to throw this alternative for the No Time to Die tie clasp into the ring
It’s rhodium plated just like the original and has the same rounded slide design, I think the only thing against it is that it’s a smidge longer than the original but at half the price I don’t mind. Either way I’m wearing it at work today and the pictures don’t do it justice, it shines and looks great in the light and holds my tie more securely than the last alternative I had.
I believe the code jacksparrow should still give you a slight discount too, hope people check it out because I like the look of a tie slide but couldn’t pull the trigger on the screen accurate one so this helped me find the budget middle ground.
Well my week off went a little longer than expected! But there's a new post up now: Father's Day Gift Guide for the Bond fan
Tried to mix it up this year so there's a little something for everyone. Lots of new posts coming for the rest of this month, so I'll keep everyone posted!
Cheers and enjoy your Saturday!
John
Big post update on Bond swimwear is now live
Lots of new alternatives for everything from the From Russia From Love shorts up to NTTD. I think I've covered them all this time (including the black ones from CR which I missed the first time).
Cheers!
Hey John,
I realise this is completely the wrong time of year to be asking this sort of question, but I was rewatching David's winter coat test video (https://youtu.be/4ZudyvclLXU) and had an epiphany on how cool Craig's Four Seasons fur jacket is.
Is this something you could take a look into for a future post?
Cheers,
Kris
Hey Kris! Absolutely, I love that jacket as well. As you said, there won't be much out there right now. But if you want a really good deal and don't mind getting it now, I'd suggest two routes:
1. Look for a vintage shearling bomber on ebay, poshmark or etsy. I have a vintage shearling coat from the 80s (not a bomber, more of a hip length McQueen style) from Sawyer of Nappa and the quality is amazing. Seriously, they don't make shearling like they used to unless you want to pay $2000 plus for a new one. And since Craig's is such a traditional style, you should be able to find a vintage match with a bit of hunting around and patience. The only thing I'd caution is to ask any seller about the condition of the outer suede. It will dry out over the years and can become like brittle paper.
2. Keep on eye on Yoox. They are always selling off season jackets from fashion and designer brands at pretty deep discounts. There may only be 1 in a model you like in your size, but if it works for you, you can save a decent chunk of change.
Hope that helps!
Also, a new review is up on IA: the Aurelien suede espadrilles. Kind of a non-Bond item, but I've recommended things from this brand before (terry polos and the blue version of these shoes). So I thought it was time to discuss the quality, price, etc.
Cheers!
John
Also, I've tried to post this comment a couple of times, but the system hasn't let me. So apologies if it shows up multiple times!
@SiCo @Sir Miles Hello gentlemen! Is it my imagination or did the AJB threads lose a bunch of pages? It seems like the last post in this thread is from July 2019.
Also, I received an automated email that I had been "unbanned" from AJB. Not sure if I did something wrong and was actually banned, or if it was a glitch.
Just FYI! Enjoy your weekend!
Edit: well, that was weird. Now I can see all the most recent posts. Sorry, to bother you!
John
I might try and get you banned for making me spend too much money 😄
@canoe2 I tried to post a new topic on Orlebar Brown jacket sizing and was notified that it would have to be approved. I later tried again and it posted immediately. The first attempt showed up 24 hours later.
Also, for anyone who saw your post on Massimo Alba Corduroy Duster alternatives, the Billy Reid Flight Jacket is 50% off. Note that every other jacket in the sale is now a final sale item although the Flight jacket is not, at least for today.
Happy Father's Day to all you dads!
@Westward_Drift that is such a cool looking jacket.
@emtiem Hate the game, not the player 😁
Speaking of which: new post! 4 Ways to Wear the Matera Jacket
I know some people are asking if this is a good fit for Bond's style or are finding it difficult to wear (for reasons I try to address in the post). So I tried to work it into some different looks to see how we can use it. Very interested to hear what you guys think!
Cheers!
John
Nicely done! I'll be using these suggestions.
FWIW I own the Connolly jacket. I should have bought the XL but I let someone at Connolly talk me into the L and then never followed through with the exchange in time. My bad. As a result, the jacket fits me more like a shirt than a jacket but not terribly far off from some of the pics we've seen of Craig wearing it.
That being said, there are few other Bond authentic items I wear that get as much praise as that jacket, especially from women. The linen fabric is the key. The alternatives get the shape more or less right, but the unusual weave and quality of the linen is what elevates the real thing IMO.
@canoe2 there was a glitch with the system…namely my finger and very slow loading pages 🙈
I was trying to clear the spam filter and it all went slightly wrong - apologies for the confusion.
@Cheverian thanks for the insights. I still haven't seen the Connolly irl so it's interesting to hear about the quality of the fabric.
@Sir Miles no problem. It's happened to me as well,
I like the outfits you've put together there John👍️
Thanks for the expert advice John, I will certainly heed it in my search!
Kris
@The Red Kind Thanks! If I get a spare second I might actually try some of them myself and take pics. 😁
@kristopherm3 My pleasure! Feel free to send a link for any of your finds to me. Happy to give an opinion on what might be a good buy.
New post! This one is a little different:
Jeremy is one of my favorite podcasters and a wealth of information. So I really appreciated him taking the time to share his thoughts on a variety of topics. Some very interesting insights into how luxury brands function today and why we still admire the same style icons from 60 years ago.
Cheers!
John
sale on for quite a few things polos etc etc
Morning all! Just updated the post on the Bond Rolex 6538 with a bunch of new alternatives
Kind of swamped, planning my son's birthday party for Saturday!
Another great article John👍️
Many happy returns to your son for Saturday. Hope all goes well🎉
Great update! Lots of nice things there; I must say I've been considering both the Baltic and Loriers - I really love the style of them both. Of that bunch though I'd say the San Martin is a great buy: they're really well-made and even have a retro size.
I just saw this nicer photo of it on Reddit:
It's not a posh watch and no-one will mistake it for a Sub, but it's quite handsome for a cheapie.
Morning all! @The Red Kind Thanks! The party was a big success!
@emtiem That does look sharp! Hard to judge sometimes when I'm basing everything on website product shots.
New Post: a non-Bond topic. Exploring the style of the Icons from the Golden Age of Hollywood, with alternatives for some of their most classic pieces:
So lots of Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn, etc. This the first post in a series I want to do, with the next them being Riviera Style in the 1960s and then the Cowboys and Rebels of Hollywood. Love to hear what you guys think!
Have a great Sunday, gang!
John
Great stuff! This sort of thing may well come in handy when it gets to Goodwood Revival season - it's always good to have some period dress tips for that!
@emtiem I've never heard of Goodwood Revival, looks like a blast! Hope you go and have fun (and share pics!).
New post: I'm starting a new series called Summer of Adventure and kicking it off with Sailing
The idea is to create a series of practical guides to help us beginners get started with some Bond worthy experiences. So I also want to cover rock climbing, scuba diving, wine tasting and golf. I'll be talking with experts in each activity to get the best advice and insights. I figured we have all this Bond clothing, we might as well get out there and use it doing Bond stuff! 😎
Love to know your thoughts and if you have any ideas for other activities. Emtiem already has me thinking about car racing 😁
Cheers!
Great idea John. I am interested in all of those.
Just a few other thoughts;
Skiing
Whisky and Brandy
Parkour
Self Defence
Great ones! I had some of those on the Wish List for the fall and winter. But parkour and self defense are interesting!
Evening all,
So back in January, I approached an American company called What Price Glory who specialise in fabricating military garments, particularly from the World War 2 era.
They had an authentic UK Commando Sweater in the colour olive that matched the N.Peal NTTD Commando sweater (see attached). In discussion with the company, I managed to persuade them that making a navy blue alternative was a worthwhile business model - even if it wasn't strictly accurate with the time period. I'm pleased to say they have delivered on their commitment; their 'professional' take on the UK commando sweater in navy blue is now online and is by far the best garment alternative around. Although it may not be at the forefront of our minds during the middle of the summer season, the 100% wool garment is bound to sell out expeditiously.
You are all very welcome
https://onlinemilitaria.net/products/1013-UK-Commando-Sweater/
https://onlinemilitaria.net/products/8475-James-Bond-Style-Royal-Navy-Blue-Wool-Pullover-Sweater/