@Stax whole-heartedly agree about the Spooner needing a wash, the collar is a bit atrocious. Yes, JS do deduct the VAT automatically but they're using UPS or someone of that nature who "consolidate" your order for you - IE you pay them the duty/import tax/VAT and in turn they (allegedly) pay it onto the relevant authorities. Plus an admin fee on top of their "shipping and handling". Cheeky gits.
I'm toying with a Gitman, Trunk had them on sale not so long ago, I'm quite liking the idea of a navy shirt.

With AFS on a hopefully short sabbatical and some enjoying other places, I thought it was time to surface from what has been an intense few months in work and home.

At this stage I am deliberate in buying items I track and add something distinct, so a few key buys a year not lots across it.

I bought a Grenfell harrington in olive green last month that is a beauty. The collar was less fabric based internally than the last two from them and all wonderful with it. It doesn't look Mod, Skin or old man ... just spiffing. Mrs Unseen likes Grenfell a lot.

I also picked up some perfect Sanders dark brown, split toe apron derbies with danite sole. It was in their outlet so shoes to last a life at a quarter of their original price.  (that little shoe shop on Middle Pavement here in Nottingham now gone Mrs Unseen reports).

Finally in their sale, I bought the Magee summer Adare jacket in green herringbone with their fleck woven in. Completely unstructured, hook vent, excellent lapels, fit is perfect for my 'traditional Irish man' shape and not slim in any way. It is a wonderful jacket.

I won an Austin Reed old jacket that is part cashmere in green with every Ivy detail and no darts for a tenner. It is truly a stunner and like a lot of my jackets - just needs a touch off the sleeves. Did anyone here sell that one? It was definitely their attempt to do an Ivy sack jacket.

I have my eye at Gloverall on that much reduced, zip up black wool jacket in their 365 range at some point. I bought all four colours of the shorter wool jackets in 2021 range on sale that were a bargain and usual perfect quality.

Hope everyone is well and avoids the Covid around that I am recovering from.

Oh and chaps, get yer tweedy rears back home here. Banter by the barbeque is fine for summer, but you'll want debate by the roaring fire soon enough.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2022-07-22 07:51:35)

‘Finally in their sale, I bought the Magee summer Adare jacket in green herringbone with their fleck woven in. Completely unstructured, hook vent, excellent lapels, fit is perfect for my 'traditional Irish man' shape and not slim in any way. It is a wonderful jacket.’

Spalpeen Ivy.

Interesting to read back my post...all UK and Ireland brands and manufacture there coincidentally.

AUS - I was interested in your post about the Magee jacket, I took a look,you mentioned ‘ hook vent’ which got me a little excited, but the magee website said side vents, I prefer your description,

AUS! Great to see you here again. I always appreciated your posts and open minded stance on Ivy.

I’ve taken a short break from TI myself while the dust settled around Woof’s departure, and the DW heckling, but time to dip my loafer back in the water.

Had a bit of Sanders luck myself a week or so ago. A charity shop turned up a pair of practically never worn Sanders desert boots (don’t know the name, sand colour with brick red sole) and a pair of Sears pebble grain longwings. Around £20 all in.

Wise lady. Always buy off season. I’ve bought a lot of lambswool and a cotton mac raincoat this last couple of weeks.

Focused at the moment on finding a wool herringbone overcoat. Balmacaan style. Especially tricky as I don’t shop on line. But one’ll turn up before the clocks change!

Tim - had an email from Kafka this morning, final sale prices, 50% off most items, they have a ' sales' dept to click onto, but in the ' main store' there are also sale items, a couple of nice jackets in East Harbour Surplus, 2 button navy cotton, & grey seersucker , don't appear to be any darts, centre vents, if they'd had a beige/sand I'd have gone for one, BTW - there are plenty of Gitmans on Maarkt ,

I've just purchased some more swim shorts in the Ralph sale.

They should have a buyer beware warning on their website as P&P is extortionate. (£10)

Having tried loads of different brands of swim shorts over the last few years I keep coming back to Ralph for their designs, comfort and fit.

I've developed a habit of buying stuff on ebay, nothing too pricey, normally late at night after a glass of red, then forgetting all about it until the postman arrives with a mystery parcel. I think subconsciously I'm sending myself little gifts without completely realising what I'm up to.

I'm with you Robbie. I stare at the box for months before opening. All the fun is in the anticipation. Once you start wearing it the joy wears off. Funny thing the human mind is it not?

It's the thrill of the chase. Once you've got your hands on it the excitements gone and it can sit in your wardrobe with the other stuff you didn't really need.

Look it at another way.How long will the stuff we like be readily available.

I love Keydge jackets and genuinely wish I had more of them. Each year they would enter Chiltern Street and there would be one or two to tempt the credit card.
Sadly no more.

The same can be said of Brooks must iron oxfords.

How about great loafers. 2RS laments the demise of Buffalo Creak Traders. Bass aren't as good as they once were. Allen Edmonds no longer make a trad loafer.

Where are all the bell sleeve cardigans.

I think you get to a certain stage in your life and you instinctively know what your sartorial parameters are. Sadly fashions change and this is reflected by availability.

Think of the clothes you're waiting to wear like putting down fine wine. You can be reassured that you'll always have something in stock. There will be plenty of occasions in the future to crack things open and enjoy them.

Also, with the rising price of clothing buying at the end of a season in the sale makes sound financial sense.

And this is what I continue to remind Mrs Singer of....

Last edited by AlveySinger (2022-08-02 07:52:08)