http://j.simons.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/index.jhtml
John's window today...
Seersucker Sack jacket, Blue/White. Perfect Ivy shoulders.
Pale Linen Slack jacket, just this side of Cream. 3 to 2 roll, patch & flap, also in Black & Navy.
3 Btn, soft shoulder, Ivy suit in mini Dog's-Tooth check. A lovely soft Grey.
Blue-y Checked Baracuta G9.
Orange Baracuta G9.
Lovely soft Fawn G9-esq Golf jacket. 'UTE'? 'UKE'?
Tartan checked Ivy cap.
Black 'Bass' Beefrolls.
'Playboy' ankle boots in Charcoal & a deep Brown.
Half-Sleeve 'Hagar' checked BDs in a wonderfully cool looking lightweight cotton.
Slim knit striped ties, but really subtle stripes.
Cool cotton knit socks.
White T's or Grey T's - The only other colour that really works!
Out on a limb: Even "O'Connells" has nothing as good as J.Simons.
Pure Ivy League.
No 'Trad' rubbish.
The best Ivy shop in the world.
David
Can't form an opinion vs. the American shops but it sounds like a place worth seeing if I am overseas in the future.
Anyone know about the "Belmondo" overcoat (other than it is worn outside your clothing for warmth)?
More than just saying 'it's a nice coat' I'm not sure what to add re: The Belmondo...
Medium weight cloth, a nice cut, very stylish look to it.
I didn't invest, but I admired it back when it was coat weather.
It was nice & sunny yesterday...
Here is where I had my coffee:
http://www.richoux.co.uk/picadilly.htm
J.S. still checks out vintage finds from all over. A chap I know passes 'ebay' finds on to him from time to time to be refurbished and showcased in the shop. The quality control standards at the shop are very high tho' as everything goes out with Mr. Simons' approval & he has his name to consider.
... Can't think of many other shops which are just one man's vision...
Here is where I had a drink before I caught my train home:
http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=191
t.
Here I ate Salad Nicoise with a half-bottle of the house Chardonnay:
http://www.pizzaexpress.co.uk/rest/rd10.htm
Here I bought Easter Chocolate for Mrs & Miss Lean:
http://www.prestat.co.uk/
Then I bought this CD:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Workout-Hank-Mobley/dp/B000GPI18W/ref=sr_1_1/202-5135398-1033442?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1175859570&sr=1-1
t.
Here I looked at Redwings:
http://www.citikey.com/business/10006366
One day I may buy some.
My old dentist is nearby so I popped in to buy a toothbrush & use their bathroom.
http://www.citikey.com/business/10475051?all=covent+garden+dentists&city=London¤t=1&total=1
They were not happy about this...
t.
I bought a pair of Redwings well over ten years ago from an old shoemaker in a dingy old shop right nearby Shoemart in Nowalk, Connecticut. He clearly new his stuff. They were the most comfortable work boots I've ever owned (you wouldn't catch me on the job in sneakers), and they're still going strong. I'll probably be wearing them a lot again if I'm seized with an uncontrollable urge to buy and restore an old house.
This place would probably make the Trads cream their flat front uncuffed trous. I don't think I can comprehend what it would do to the hardcore Ivy Leaguers.
Nice. I'll be swinging by 2 Russell St at the end of the year. It's amazing JSimons has managed to "keep the faith" for so long, at least from what I've heard
Last edited by Terry Lean (2007-04-10 10:56:03)
Last edited by Incroyable (2007-04-10 10:58:31)
Last edited by Terry Lean (2007-04-10 12:27:55)
Cute:
Internet 'Mods' sneer at John Simon's London 'J.Simons' shop.
Internet 'Trads' sneer at Charlie Davidson's Cambridge 'Andover Shop'.
John & Charlie should obviously dumb down to keep the forumites happy!
IMVVVVHO,
t.
Last edited by Terry Lean (2007-04-10 13:12:09)
The whole internet Trad deal, to me at least, is like a bunch of guys trying to create their own subculture that revolves around this "traditional old school money ideal". They seem to obsess over "trad vehicles", "trad watches", "trad pets", "trad wives".....I guess they put the "trad" term in front of everything they do to try and fit into it. What's funny is that since "trad" isnt a recognized subculture, other than on AAAC, they must relish walking around being part of such a "secret society".
I grew up as subculture boy, having my fair share of time in scenes, and like most subcultures, as soon as you call your scene "a way of life" (which I'm sure trads do, tho maybe not as directly as that) and prescribe to the "uniform" of that "way of life" you've delved into the realm of costume rather than style. Most subcultures (punk, mod, skinhead, goth, industrial, new ro etc) cater to youth, as it should be, since you gain a foundation for forging your own sartorial identity later on (but let's face it, all subculture kids prescribe to a recognizable uniform). But to be in your 30s+ as "trads" are, it's pretty f'ing silly (and late) to be associating with an "internet scene" and revamping your wardrobe to fit into it.
Ivy league doesnt have all that baggage (imho). It's a particular look that references a particular time, and can be worn in 2007 without looking like you came from a time machine in the 50s/60s. Although someone can still look costumey decked out in "ivy league", but someone with style knows how to edit his choices to avoid looking like a caricature.