Hey Canoe - I've just received the VB Men’s Slim Fit Cardigan from Amazon. I've actually bought VB before and the quality is normally very good - especially for the price. The cardigan looks really, really good. Will take some photos and post them up, but I would say it is a great budget option.
Hey Canoe - I've just received the VB Men’s Slim Fit Cardigan from Amazon. I've actually bought VB before and the quality is normally very good - especially for the price. The cardigan looks really, really good. Will take some photos and post them up, but I would say it is a great budget option.
Great to know! Could I use one of your photos in the blog post? I was thinking it would be helpful if others could also share pics of their "alternative" purchases that I could publish next to the product images from the manufacturers; then we can do a side-by-side comparison between the "idealized" version of the items and what they actually look like in the real world. Let me know what you think!
Hey Canoe - I've just received the VB Men’s Slim Fit Cardigan from Amazon. I've actually bought VB before and the quality is normally very good - especially for the price. The cardigan looks really, really good. Will take some photos and post them up, but I would say it is a great budget option.
These any good to you? Feel free to use them as you wish. Sorry for the brightness of them - very bright light directly overhead! The cardigan is definitely a very black, black!
If I was to change anything I might splash out on some nicer buttons, but on the whole I think it's a really nice piece - and a great find from you.
As I've said, I've bought VB before and they wash / wear a lot better than knitwear I've bought at 2 or 3 times the price.
These any good to you? Feel free to use them as you wish. Sorry for the brightness of them - very bright light directly overhead! The cardigan is definitely a very black, black!
If I was to change anything I might splash out on some nicer buttons, but on the whole I think it's a really nice piece - and a great find from you.
As I've said, I've bought VB before and they wash / wear a lot better than knitwear I've bought at 2 or 3 times the price.
Has any body ever found a decent budget replacement for the CR Jack Purcell OTR boots ? the nearest ive seen are Converse Hollis
any other ideas any one
Ask and you shall receive ... -{
Alternatives to the Converse Jack Purcell OTRs from Casino Royale; unfortunately I couldn't find much for UK members
I said before I wasn't going to do a post on alternatives for the TF Solden Jacket since it seemed like the best options had already been shared. But after digging around a little I've found some others that haven't been mentioned so it seemed like a good time to put together a list:
Thank you James Brosnan! That gives me some places to start. How is the Topman jacket coming along?
I was inspired by Mantis's The Bond Experience video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ0Qnv_078w) and looked up alternatives to the Orlebar Brown light blue linen shirt Bond wears under the Matchless on the train:
Also did a general site clean up, with dead links removed and some new options added and prices updated on various posts. No surprise: a lot of the different sweater options are are on sale now, and the 2 Zara Matchless alternatives are heavily discounted. I tried adding some more alternatives for UK members in some of the older posts as well.
Still waiting on the jacket. Nice post on the linen shirts! Didn't notice Uniqlo had the linen shirts back up. I got one in blue last year to put together the TND Broznan outfit and they are spectacular for the price. The collar is very small too like the OB one David reviewed. I'm gonna order that light blue one tonight. You just made me a very happy man! Thanks!
Here are some additional options for the following boots from Aldo;
Tetbury = Mirarwen
Chelsea = Dilks
Thanks! I've added the Dilk to the R.M. Williams post; I already had theh Mirarwen listed on the Terbury post, with credit given to you (I think it was the last one listed).
Is this a good alternate for the Tom Ford Harrington from QoS? One of the first results on eBay when one searches for Harrington jacket in men's clothing....
Is this a good alternate for the Tom Ford Harrington from QoS? One of the first results on eBay when one searches for Harrington jacket in men's clothing....
Thanks for sharing that! I think the key to getting a good TF Harrington alternative is finding one without the knit elastic cuffs and hem. It should look closer to the Baracuta G4 model than the G9.
If you don't mind the knit cuffs and hem, then there are a lot of options (and as Mantis said, your option is a crazy cheap price). And the G9 is a classic style in its own right, probably more famous than the G4: Steve McQueen, James Dean, Elvis, the list goes on ...
I tried the jacket on today; a few notes:
[list=*]
[*]The jacket is nylon but it has a very soft hand, close to cotton.
The fit in the body is true to size but the cut of the arms is narrow and the sleeves are a little long.
The jacket is completely unlined so it is super lightweight.[/*]
[/list]
Overall it is a very nice piece, although I think $124.00 is a little high. The one I saw was priced at $89.00. I own a few other Color Siete pieces and have been very happy with the quality.
They have them in bittersweet chocolate, just select through the colors. I posted a link to the skinny fit, but they have these in slim fit too. I grabbed a pair on Black Friday sales in slim and they are very good quality, and now The brand has the bond connection due to the Kenton's. The skinny is probably a more SA fit though.
They used to come in a color called Dark Slate which was pretty much identical to the SA color as far as I can tell. It's kind of magical--it's like a dark chocolate normally, but in the right sunlight it looks much lighter, whereas it easily can take on a blue hue in some lights too.
I strongly suggest them as a budget alternative if you can find them. I emailed J. Crew about it and they said they may come back in a future season because the color was apparently pretty popular.
They have them in bittersweet chocolate, just select through the colors. I posted a link to the skinny fit, but they have these in slim fit too. I grabbed a pair on Black Friday sales in slim and they are very good quality, and now The brand has the bond connection due to the Kenton's. The skinny is probably a more SA fit though.
They used to come in a color called Dark Slate which was pretty much identical to the SA color as far as I can tell. It's kind of magical--it's like a dark chocolate normally, but in the right sunlight it looks much lighter, whereas it easily can take on a blue hue in some lights too.
I strongly suggest them as a budget alternative if you can find them. I emailed J. Crew about it and they said they may come back in a future season because the color was apparently pretty popular.
That's pretty awesome, because the bitter sweet ones I have only take on a brown and black appearance, depending on the light. I noticed watching the lodge scene in Skyfall recently that his appear almost blue in some of the scenes, so the ones you are describing sound perfect. Plus, I can't say enough good things about the consistency and quality of JCrew pants as of late.
They have them in bittersweet chocolate, just select through the colors. I posted a link to the skinny fit, but they have these in slim fit too. I grabbed a pair on Black Friday sales in slim and they are very good quality, and now The brand has the bond connection due to the Kenton's. The skinny is probably a more SA fit though.
They used to come in a color called Dark Slate which was pretty much identical to the SA color as far as I can tell. It's kind of magical--it's like a dark chocolate normally, but in the right sunlight it looks much lighter, whereas it easily can take on a blue hue in some lights too.
I strongly suggest them as a budget alternative if you can find them. I emailed J. Crew about it and they said they may come back in a future season because the color was apparently pretty popular.
That's pretty awesome, because the bitter sweet ones I have only take on a brown and black appearance, depending on the light. I noticed watching the lodge scene in Skyfall recently that his appear almost blue in some of the scenes, so the ones you are describing sound perfect. Plus, I can't say enough good things about the consistency and quality of JCrew pants as of late.
Speaking of cords, Banana Republic is having a bit of blow out right now and their cords are going for $22.99 (the final discount is added automatically at the check out). The do a dark grey and also lighter colors if anyone wants to try to dye them.
They have them in bittersweet chocolate, just select through the colors. I posted a link to the skinny fit, but they have these in slim fit too. I grabbed a pair on Black Friday sales in slim and they are very good quality, and now The brand has the bond connection due to the Kenton's. The skinny is probably a more SA fit though.
They used to come in a color called Dark Slate which was pretty much identical to the SA color as far as I can tell. It's kind of magical--it's like a dark chocolate normally, but in the right sunlight it looks much lighter, whereas it easily can take on a blue hue in some lights too.
I strongly suggest them as a budget alternative if you can find them. I emailed J. Crew about it and they said they may come back in a future season because the color was apparently pretty popular.
That's pretty awesome, because the bitter sweet ones I have only take on a brown and black appearance, depending on the light. I noticed watching the lodge scene in Skyfall recently that his appear almost blue in some of the scenes, so the ones you are describing sound perfect. Plus, I can't say enough good things about the consistency and quality of JCrew pants as of late.
I was floored when I found them. It was a couple of years ago. They hardly fit at first but I guess they stretched out pretty quickly, or else I lost weight. Just wish I could find another pair--I haven't really been gentle washing these ones, and I think they've lost some of their color. Still pretty dark though.
Speaking of cords, Banana Republic is having a bit of blow out right now and their cords are going for $22.99 (the final discount is added automatically at the check out). The do a dark grey and also lighter colors if anyone wants to try to dye them.
That's a good deal. I usually prefer the way J. Crew does everything over Banana Republic, but BR's cords seem a little thicker to me when I've handled them in store, though I don't actually own any. I think I prefer J. Crew's fits.
Just got my Uniqlo, light blue linen shirt in and my RL, BC alternative belt, and I am very happy with both!
The shirt is lighter blue than it looked online, and you can see the weave pattern in the picture above. I would have liked it to be more of a sky blue, but I'll live. The shirt is see-through, but not overly see-through; it's just the right amount in my opinion. The shirt is regular fit, and I had to get an XS, so I can't size down. But if you want a slim fit, you might have to size down. I would show some fit pics, but I gotta get it tailored slimmer first.
The belt is great! I love the details that do match the BC belt, and the belt completely captures the vibe of the BC one, to me. The belt feels like a wicker basket to me, which is cool. The belt is rather small though. I'm usually a 30, and I got a 32, and it just fits me. Usually 32's have a lot of belt left over on me, so I thought this one would too and I could tuck it in like DC does, but there is nothing left. So, if that was an issue for you, keep the sizing in mind.
Anyway, I tried the outfit in with my horrible grey chinos from Express and now the chinos are irritating me more than ever. So that brought me to realize that I need a better BC trouser alternative, so I'm on the look out, and will post if I find anything good. But, that also got me wondering, what you might have found for the BC pants canoe2, as I didn't see a post yet about them. I mean come on man! What, do you have a life or something? )
Just got my Uniqlo, light blue linen shirt in and my RL, BC alternative belt, and I am very happy with both!
The shirt is lighter blue than it looked online, and you can see the weave pattern in the picture above. I would have liked it to be more of a sky blue, but I'll live. The shirt is see-through, but not overly see-through; it's just the right amount in my opinion. The shirt is regular fit, and I had to get an XS, so I can't size down. But if you want a slim fit, you might have to size down. I would show some fit pics, but I gotta get it tailored slimmer first.
The belt is great! I love the details that do match the BC belt, and the belt completely captures the vibe of the BC one, to me. The belt feels like a wicker basket to me, which is cool. The belt is rather small though. I'm usually a 30, and I got a 32, and it just fits me. Usually 32's have a lot of belt left over on me, so I thought this one would too and I could tuck it in like DC does, but there is nothing left. So, if that was an issue for you, keep the sizing in mind.
Anyway, I tried the outfit in with my horrible grey chinos from Express and now the chinos are irritating me more than ever. So that brought me to realize that I need a better BC trouser alternative, so I'm on the look out, and will post if I find anything good. But, that also got me wondering, what you might have found for the BC pants canoe2, as I didn't see a post yet about them. I mean come on man! What, do you have a life or something? )
Comments
Great work again!
Hey Canoe - I've just received the VB Men’s Slim Fit Cardigan from Amazon. I've actually bought VB before and the quality is normally very good - especially for the price. The cardigan looks really, really good. Will take some photos and post them up, but I would say it is a great budget option.
Great to know! Could I use one of your photos in the blog post? I was thinking it would be helpful if others could also share pics of their "alternative" purchases that I could publish next to the product images from the manufacturers; then we can do a side-by-side comparison between the "idealized" version of the items and what they actually look like in the real world. Let me know what you think!
These any good to you? Feel free to use them as you wish. Sorry for the brightness of them - very bright light directly overhead! The cardigan is definitely a very black, black!
If I was to change anything I might splash out on some nicer buttons, but on the whole I think it's a really nice piece - and a great find from you.
As I've said, I've bought VB before and they wash / wear a lot better than knitwear I've bought at 2 or 3 times the price.
Delivery from Amazon in the UK normally 2-5 days.
Excellent, thank you! I've already updated the post with two of your pictures and your comments. Again, I appreciate the help.
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/black-shawl-collar-cardigan/
If anyone else has pics they want to share for other alternatives they've purchased, just let me know I will be happy to include them in the posts.
Ask and you shall receive ... -{
Alternatives to the Converse Jack Purcell OTRs from Casino Royale; unfortunately I couldn't find much for UK members
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/converse-jack-purcell-otr/
How does this one look?
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2016/01/10/tom-ford-solden-jacket/
I think I've given the correct credit to other members; let me know if I missed anyone.
I've also added some new options for the J Crew Kentons:
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/j-crew-kentons/
Still nobody that wants to tackle a watch alternatives post?
PO - Rotary Ocean Avenger, Orient Mako
Rolex Sub Date - Invicta Pro Diver
Spectre LE - Seiko SNZH55
These are the best options that I know. There have also been a few posts on here that have some good options.
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 was inspired by Mantis's The Bond Experience video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ0Qnv_078w) and looked up alternatives to the Orlebar Brown light blue linen shirt Bond wears under the Matchless on the train:
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/orlebar-brown-linen-shirt-from-spectre/
Also did a general site clean up, with dead links removed and some new options added and prices updated on various posts. No surprise: a lot of the different sweater options are are on sale now, and the 2 Zara Matchless alternatives are heavily discounted. I tried adding some more alternatives for UK members in some of the older posts as well.
All the best!
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 hthomas for his review and to Obi Sean Kenobi and Cubby for some of the suggested alternatives.
Because sizes in most of the teal N Peal Skyfall sweater alternatives were running low, I added a new alternative: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/n-peal-oxford-round-neck-skyfall-sweater/
Since I was looking around at boots anyway, I added some new options for the Tetbury: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/crockett-and-jones-tetbury/
And the R.M. Williams Chelsea Boots from Layer Cake: https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/14/r-m-williams-chelsea-boots/ (more expensive options at the bottom of the post).
Great info on your site Canoe2.
Here are some additional options for the following boots from Aldo;
Tetbury = Mirarwen
Chelsea = Dilks
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
Thanks! I've added the Dilk to the R.M. Williams post; I already had theh Mirarwen listed on the Terbury post, with credit given to you (I think it was the last one listed).
http://www.gordonbros.de/schuhe/gregory-4809.html
$27 with free shipping. Can't go wrong?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARRINGTON-JACKET-MENS-CLASSIC-VINTAGE-RETRO-SCOOTER-1970S-BOMBER-TRENDY-COAT-/181662457780?var=&hash=item2a4bed1fb4:m:m9ObkcTPVXPGUc4P2Ngl4nQ
Thanks for sharing that! I think the key to getting a good TF Harrington alternative is finding one without the knit elastic cuffs and hem. It should look closer to the Baracuta G4 model than the G9.
If you don't mind the knit cuffs and hem, then there are a lot of options (and as Mantis said, your option is a crazy cheap price). And the G9 is a classic style in its own right, probably more famous than the G4: Steve McQueen, James Dean, Elvis, the list goes on ...
Thanks! I have added them to the list of alternatives, credited to you.
They don't sell the jacket directly from their website but I did find it here.
http://shorebrand.com/collections/mens-hoodies-sweatshirts/products/nylon-jacket-1
I tried the jacket on today; a few notes:
[list=*]
[*]The jacket is nylon but it has a very soft hand, close to cotton.
The fit in the body is true to size but the cut of the arms is narrow and the sleeves are a little long.
The jacket is completely unlined so it is super lightweight.[/*]
[/list]
Overall it is a very nice piece, although I think $124.00 is a little high. The one I saw was priced at $89.00. I own a few other Color Siete pieces and have been very happy with the quality.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O971MHK/ref=s9_simh_gw_g193_i2_r?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=17S0BYGZDNK4Y7RVKHVW&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/tom-ford-spectre-morocco-knit-tie/
Edit: Just updated the post to include another option and give credit where it is due. Sorry I missed you the first time MFisher. {[]
And in the sale too. Although the website only lists one size (S) available, my local store had different sizes on the shelf.
http://uk.tommy.com/Wool-Roll-Neck-Sweater/0887883855,en_GB,pd.html?cgid=202000#!color%3D501%26start%3D36%26sz%3D12%26size%3DL
They used to come in a color called Dark Slate which was pretty much identical to the SA color as far as I can tell. It's kind of magical--it's like a dark chocolate normally, but in the right sunlight it looks much lighter, whereas it easily can take on a blue hue in some lights too.
I strongly suggest them as a budget alternative if you can find them. I emailed J. Crew about it and they said they may come back in a future season because the color was apparently pretty popular.
That's pretty awesome, because the bitter sweet ones I have only take on a brown and black appearance, depending on the light. I noticed watching the lodge scene in Skyfall recently that his appear almost blue in some of the scenes, so the ones you are describing sound perfect. Plus, I can't say enough good things about the consistency and quality of JCrew pants as of late.
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/
Speaking of cords, Banana Republic is having a bit of blow out right now and their cords are going for $22.99 (the final discount is added automatically at the check out). The do a dark grey and also lighter colors if anyone wants to try to dye them.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1014858&vid=1&pid=673173022
They also have a ton of other stuff on sale that has been recommended here as alternatives. For example, the BR Soldon Jacket alternative is on sale for about $70.00: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1014857&vid=1&pid=171431002
I actually picked up a pair of those J Crew Cords in brown; agree they are very nice!
I was floored when I found them. It was a couple of years ago. They hardly fit at first but I guess they stretched out pretty quickly, or else I lost weight. Just wish I could find another pair--I haven't really been gentle washing these ones, and I think they've lost some of their color. Still pretty dark though.
That's a good deal. I usually prefer the way J. Crew does everything over Banana Republic, but BR's cords seem a little thicker to me when I've handled them in store, though I don't actually own any. I think I prefer J. Crew's fits.
Here you go:
https://iconicalternatives.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/neil-barrett-trousers/
The shirt is lighter blue than it looked online, and you can see the weave pattern in the picture above. I would have liked it to be more of a sky blue, but I'll live. The shirt is see-through, but not overly see-through; it's just the right amount in my opinion. The shirt is regular fit, and I had to get an XS, so I can't size down. But if you want a slim fit, you might have to size down. I would show some fit pics, but I gotta get it tailored slimmer first.
The belt is great! I love the details that do match the BC belt, and the belt completely captures the vibe of the BC one, to me. The belt feels like a wicker basket to me, which is cool. The belt is rather small though. I'm usually a 30, and I got a 32, and it just fits me. Usually 32's have a lot of belt left over on me, so I thought this one would too and I could tuck it in like DC does, but there is nothing left. So, if that was an issue for you, keep the sizing in mind.
Anyway, I tried the outfit in with my horrible grey chinos from Express and now the chinos are irritating me more than ever. So that brought me to realize that I need a better BC trouser alternative, so I'm on the look out, and will post if I find anything good. But, that also got me wondering, what you might have found for the BC pants canoe2, as I didn't see a post yet about them. I mean come on man! What, do you have a life or something?
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/