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#1 2009-07-31 10:50:33
- Chris_H
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- From: Watford
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The soft line according to Chris H
Most of the clothing we discuss here comes from either J. Simons, the USA, ebay or some other internet source or from thrifting.
I was out shopping with Mrs H the other day. As we wandered around the sales in our local Mall it occured to me to try to create an acceptable outfit from cheap sale items easily available on any high street. I came up with this:
Marcus Law dark brown Desert Boots £20 TKMaxx
Maine grey/green linen 5-pockets £16 Debenhams sale
Madras check shirt £10 Uniqlo sale
Navy Cashmere crew-neck £25 M&S sale
I bought all the above items except the Uniqlo madras.
Anyone got any tips for cheap high st ivy?
I realise where most of this stuff is made, but I really don't want this to turn into into another 'sweat shop labour' discussion.
Cheers
Chris
Last edited by Chris_H (2009-07-31 10:53:15)
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#2 2009-07-31 11:53:35
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
I honestly wouldn't know where to go, Chris. Certainly not outside London. Inside, I suppose I would sniff around Brooks Brothers - anticipating disappointment. My Dad seems to go in for stuff like Racing Green, and I wouldn't have thought he'd venture far from a mall or similar; not nowadays. Our local TKMaxx I've never found to be a bit of good.
#3 2009-07-31 11:54:39
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
My Dad's 75 by the way. John Simons' generation more or less. Jazz, polo shirts, boat shoes.
#4 2009-07-31 12:01:30
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
I was just trying to see if an acceptable look could be created using an easier route, just an exercise really.....agewise I pitch in midway between yourself and your Dad.
Last edited by Chris_H (2009-07-31 12:03:37)
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#5 2009-07-31 12:07:07
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
I think this is well worth exploring - particularly during a recession. The Beatnik might have something to contribute here. I think you (like my old Dad) found the shopping very acceptable in the American malls, didn't you?
#6 2009-07-31 12:15:35
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
The US Factoy outlet malls in the 1980's and early 1990s were excellent sources, Bass, Gant, London Fog, Dexter, Duck Head etc., also there were the first Brook Brothers factory outlets when M&S cleared the BB decks.
Reflecting on my original point the look would be better 'topped off' with a genuine ivy piece, say a lightweight feathertweed sack or well broken in barn coat.
Last edited by Chris_H (2009-07-31 12:22:59)
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#7 2009-07-31 12:21:09
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
Yeah - at one remove, I really benefited. Even my daughter got discounted OshKosh. He chose well on the whole, and still wears a bottle green RL, US made polo shirt I'd have his hand off for. Loved Ken Lovegrove's look last summer: dark blue polo shirt and jeans. Absolutely relaxed. A very down to earth guy.
#8 2009-07-31 12:29:39
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
From what I've seen recently, all of the newer factory malls have the same big name stores selling mostly cheaper stuff specially made for the outlets, rather than factory seconds or ends of ranges from their main branches.
Ken 'owns' that tee-under-polo look.
Last edited by Chris_H (2009-07-31 12:32:12)
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#9 2009-07-31 12:32:00
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
We're planning a trip to Cape Cod next year. Maybe I could ask your advice nearer the time - particularly about what to avoid. I suppose I would apply more or less the same rules as here; but two heads are better than one.
#11 2009-07-31 12:34:14
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
Happy to help. we'll talk near the time.
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#13 2009-07-31 12:37:26
- Staceyboy
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
http://thetownoutside.tumblr.com
#14 2009-07-31 12:40:06
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
Those cords sound all right. I bought Vineyard Vines needlecord from the States. Schtick.
#15 2009-07-31 12:47:46
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
I'd like to think, pondering all of this, that Americans during the Boom Years tended to shop in the high street (Main Street?), rather than flocking in their hundreds and thousands to Brooks, Press or wherever. Sears, then? Montgomery Ward? I'm sure I have old catalogues somewhere. And didn't early mods buy from wherever offered 'The Look'? C&A in one instance?
#16 2009-07-31 12:50:02
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
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#17 2009-07-31 12:59:06
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
Last edited by Chris_H (2009-07-31 13:01:16)
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#18 2009-07-31 13:43:11
- Alex Roest
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
#19 2009-07-31 14:47:06
- 1966
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
Actually, this afternoon I realised I was mainly wearing recent high street items.
White T
Navy knitted cotton polo shirt (sale item)
Stone flat front chinos (ditto)
Tobacco Clarks Dessies
What really fascinates me is why these "acceptable" get-ups can still be assembled from contemporary stuff now. You'd expect us 21st century civilians to sport our shiny silver jumpsuits by 2009, but no. Five pockets, checked shirts and wool crew necks on every high street.
The bare fact that some of the clothing that was around "then and there" is now here, still, relatively unchanged... I think it's pretty mind boggling really.
#20 2009-07-31 15:03:02
- Alex Roest
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
We might just as well admit we discussed this over a few pints last night eh, Rob ? 
#22 2009-08-01 03:07:48
- Alex Roest
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
#23 2009-08-01 04:48:29
- Prof Kelp
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
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#24 2009-08-01 05:20:39
- One Trick Pony
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
Looks like The Beatnik really started something with his 'Cotton Traders' purchases. Nothing like being at the cutting edge. And he thought he'd never make the grade: not on this forum.
#25 2009-08-02 12:51:59
- Chris_H
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Re: The soft line according to Chris H
I'm not particularly trying to conduct a 'drive to the bottom' pricewise.
Just interested in well-made, good fitting basic items that fit into the ivy cannon, without regard to the label or where they might be manufactured and the added cost that brings.
Last edited by Chris_H (2009-08-02 12:57:23)
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