The Ivy budget... Who'll own up to their missus having a go at them from time to time? I got well over my credit card limit during two or three visits to Russell Street, plus having them send stuff through the post: two slack jackets, desert boots, Sanders... And now I'm skint, hence the charity shop dipping and more time spent tending the roses. I set myself a modest limit whenever I head off anywhere and flinch if I think anyone is trying to overcharge me. I also think: do I need another? I got away with £40 last time in Nottingham: a Grenfell zippered jacket, a shirt and a paisley silk tie made in the 60s for Harrods. Just liked the look of it.
Fascinated by the notion of Harpo being willing to spend over £100 on an Orvis cardie. My workhorse Pendleton, now in for repairs, was about £3. I won't shell out much for dessies either.
So what's your limit? And how tolerant is your ball and chain?
Just think by the way, £300 on a copy of 'Classic Cafes' could buy you - what?
I'm not saying I'd willingly spen £100 on a cardie for the sake of it Rip, if I could find one for £20, that I like, I'd get that (as I've said, I buy most of my knitwear from the Edinburgh Woollen Mill!). But, if it looks exactly what I want, and the quality is there, and I can afford it, then I'm getting it - within reason of course. Though different people have a different understanding of what is reasonable........
Oh aye, not criticising... just interested...
If the particular item makes my sartorial dick hard, "Budget" is just the name of a rent-a-car company. I don't like buying based on what's "the best value" anymore.
ie: my Alden cordovan longwings. $600 but no regrets. Could live with them being the only shoes I own, or ever will own.
It just always seemed a touch alarming that Russell Street had an attic full of Chipp, Haspel, Troy Guild, Linet, Halrin, Andover Shop, Norman Hilton, Brooks, Press and Royce that had just slipped his mind...