Budget Bond Collectors Resource

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  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    canoe2 wrote:
    That jacket is great, I've been after one similar for a long time (with the zipper on the front), may I ask what you searched for to find it?

    Sure! It took me a while to find it and I needed to get some modifications done to it (lining changed and sleeves narrowed). It's a vintage Oakwood in Buffalo Leather, so it's thicker than the original Menlo. I paid $70 + $10 shipping on ebay. I set up a search with the following criteria:

    Category -> Fashion -> Men -> Coats and Jackets

    and then I entered the search term "distressed leather jacket"; you'll get about 5000 results, so you need to use the filters on the left column to narrow it down (click on the "see all" text to display the search filter lightbox; it's easier to use). I used these filters:

    Size: small, medium, large (some of the older jackets fit BIG, so before you buy one contact the seller for the exact measurements; the tagged size doesn't help much)
    Style: Basic jacket, Flight/Bomber, Motorcycle, Not Specified
    Color: Brown, Not Specified
    Material: Leather
    Brand: You'll have hundreds to choose from, so I just left this blank
    Condition: I selected "used", but if you want to see "new" jackets, just leave this blank
    Price: $0.01 to $200 (I always start at $0.01 because some listings start with low initial bid amounts, like $1.00)

    The rest of the search filters (location, format, delivery options) I just left blank. Then you click "Apply" and the results are displayed. I also like things to be displayed from highest price to lowest, so I select the "Price + shipping: highest first" option from the "Sort" drop down. Then I click the "Follow this search" text to save the search. Then start looking through the results.

    Some other tips:

    -Oakwood, Wilson, Andrew Marc, M Julian, Eddy Bauer are all brands with decent leather, but the older jackets are sized very big and boxy, so think about sizing down (but again: ask the seller for the specific measurements to be sure). You can also check out Gap and JCrew jackets. But honestly, you'll never know what brand the right jacket will come from.

    -When you are on the product page for a specific jacket, make sure you scroll through the "People who viewed this item also viewed", "People were also interested in" and "See what other people are watching" pics. Sometimes you'll find options in those sections that didn't show up in your original search.

    -The key things you're looking for in the jacket design are the shirt collar, the action back and the waist adjuster tabs. It will probably take some patience to find a jacket that has all 3 in your size.

    -Don't be afraid if the jacket looks a little beaten up in the pics. As long as there are no tears in the leather, there is a lot you can do to bring an older jacket back to life. That's what I did with mine, and someone recently offered me $300 for it.

    Here's one from GAP that may work (sorry, don't know your size). Priced at $144.99:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-GAP-Dark-Brown-Distressed-LEATHER-Jacket-size-Small-/152131212783

    s-l500.jpg

    I still keep my original search active, and I try to regularly update the Menlo post on the website with the best options I found on ebay (I last did an update about a month ago so some of the listings may be out of date):

    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/11/30/levis-menlo-leather-jacket-skyfall/

    Good luck and let me know if I can help anymore!
    Chriscoop wrote:
    This one is similar, and a pretty decent enjoying Death alternative.
    Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151939361003

    That one does look good in terms of the styling! There are a lot of those inception replicas on ebay.
    Yeah. I've noted them as a possible menlo alternative for a while now, just the rear buckle detail lets it down.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • VoxIsMyCowboyVoxIsMyCowboy Posts: 47MI6 Agent
    Thanks I'll check them out
  • angelicbondangelicbond Posts: 194MI6 Agent
    canoe2 - Well done! That is a fantastic Enjoying Death outfit. Jacket is perfect!

    I finally debued my Skyfall Midnight Blue Tuxedo on Saturday night. I have had it since Christmas but this was my first oppurtunity to wear it. It was $179 from the good folks at jbsuits.com It got a fantastic reaction. I'm hoping to wear it again in August! (Any excuse really. I'd wear it down the shops if I could ;-))

    image.png
    Instagram: mybudgetbond
    Twitter: @mybudgetbond1
  • MrIceGuyMrIceGuy AUSTRALIAPosts: 114MI6 Agent
    looking good. I got mine from their as well my tux was good but it is a hit and a miss with them. now all you need are some mother of pearl button studs and links -{ :007) congrats
    canoe2 - Well done! That is a fantastic Enjoying Death outfit. Jacket is perfect!

    I finally debued my Skyfall Midnight Blue Tuxedo on Saturday night. I have had it since Christmas but this was my first oppurtunity to wear it. It was $179 from the good folks at jbsuits.com It got a fantastic reaction. I'm hoping to wear it again in August! (Any excuse really. I'd wear it down the shops if I could ;-))

    image.png
  • Colonel PotterColonel Potter Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Angelic,

    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Angelic,

    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?

    JB Suits is very shady. They've stolen material from my blog to use on theirs. They use mostly photos of clothes that they didn't make. But it looks like they got in trouble with the Bond people because they no longer say James Bond or use the names of any of the Bond films in selling their clothes.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • Colonel PotterColonel Potter Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Angelic,

    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?

    JB Suits is very shady. They've stolen material from my blog to use on theirs. They use mostly photos of clothes that they didn't make. But it looks like they got in trouble with the Bond people because they no longer say James Bond or use the names of any of the Bond films in selling their clothes.

    Interesting. BTW, I admire your blog and its attention to detail very much. Keep up the good work!
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Angelic,


    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?

    JB Suits is very shady. They've stolen material from my blog to use on theirs. They use mostly photos of clothes that they didn't make. But it looks like they got in trouble with the Bond people because they no longer say James Bond or use the names of any of the Bond films in selling their clothes.

    Interesting. BTW, I admire your blog and its attention to detail very much. Keep up the good work!

    Thanks!
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Angelic,

    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?

    JB Suits is very shady. They've stolen material from my blog to use on theirs. They use mostly photos of clothes that they didn't make. But it looks like they got in trouble with the Bond people because they no longer say James Bond or use the names of any of the Bond films in selling their clothes.

    Interesting. BTW, I admire your blog and its attention to detail very much. Keep up the good work!
    Matt is the bond outfitting oracle. -{
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    You ain't kiddin'. I use Matt's blog as the encyclopedia for Bond clothing. And, on the rare occasion that his blog doesn't provide me with the detail I'm looking for, I ask him a question about it, and he provides an explanation with details I never would have noticed. I'm sure he gets tired of hearing it, but his efforts have not only inspired many of us, but define Bond clothing for all of us. -{
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    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/
  • MrIceGuyMrIceGuy AUSTRALIAPosts: 114MI6 Agent
    As i said its a hit and miss. Have had a couple of good suits (for the price) then i have had a few suits where the material have been either the wrong material or cut poorly. The last suit i ordered was the windowpane spectre suit and it came with brown windowpane not light blue.

    But for $200 you take the risk.

    Hope this helps.
    Angelic,


    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?
  • Colonel PotterColonel Potter Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    MrIceGuy wrote:
    As i said its a hit and miss. Have had a couple of good suits (for the price) then i have had a few suits where the material have been either the wrong material or cut poorly. The last suit i ordered was the windowpane spectre suit and it came with brown windowpane not light blue.

    But for $200 you take the risk.

    Hope this helps.
    Angelic,


    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?

    Thanks, Ice. How is their customer service? I was just as concerned about that as I was with the quality of the product.
  • MrIceGuyMrIceGuy AUSTRALIAPosts: 114MI6 Agent
    edited June 2016
    Again a hit or miss. They sent me the wrong suit once and offered to exchange it for the correct one I ordered or a discount on another suit. I went with the discount as the one they sent me I was going to get at some stage anyways. All in All i guess it was ok at best. Initial contact can take a little while but was not to bad once contact was made, they even questioned some of the measurements i sent, as they believed they looked odd. but when I called them out on the wrong colour for the windowpane after several emails i have not had a response. Suits are clearly laminated. As you can see buy some of my photos fit is pretty good. design is not 100% accurate but pretty close. the windowpane was the last suit i ordered and might be the last, because of their nill response.
    MrIceGuy wrote:
    As i said its a hit and miss. Have had a couple of good suits (for the price) then i have had a few suits where the material have been either the wrong material or cut poorly. The last suit i ordered was the windowpane spectre suit and it came with brown windowpane not light blue.

    But for $200 you take the risk.

    Hope this helps.
    Angelic,


    First of all, thanks for the tip about the Mexico scene inspired suit. I got it and its solid quality for the price!!

    The tux looks great!! Although there are a lot of options, I always thought that JB suits looked shady. They use pics of the actual pieces in some cases and also - and this is something that our good friend Daniel Love (Silverfinger) should be aware of - used a pic of his Skyfall peacoat.

    Any other experiences with them? The price and options are tempting. Mr Ice Guy, any advice?

    Thanks, Ice. How is their customer service? I was just as concerned about that as I was with the quality of the product.
  • angelicbondangelicbond Posts: 194MI6 Agent
    I had no idea that they were slightly dodgy. The Skyfall tux is the only thing I have ordered from them (I have managed to source other budget variations myself).
    Instagram: mybudgetbond
    Twitter: @mybudgetbond1
  • Colonel PotterColonel Potter Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Thanks for the input, gents. I was thinking about the outerwear as opposed to a suit.
  • drum007drum007 New York, NYPosts: 684MI6 Agent
    Just picked up 2 pairs of the Florsheim Constable Chukkas, Black and Brown Suede. Really great quality for the sale price ($119 US) and fits the bill perfectly for the Church Ryders and Tetburys. Happy camper here!!!

    Thanks to Iconic Alternatives for the links!

    http://www.florsheim.com/shop/style/12118-245.html?utm_source=LinkShare&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=LinkShare
  • Enjoying DeathEnjoying Death Toronto, ON CANADAPosts: 1,231MI6 Agent
    edited July 2016
    Aspecto is having a sale on the Adidas Hamburg Trainers which look very similar to the Adidas Gazelle's from Skyfall except for the gum outsole. Sizes 11 & 12 sold out though.

    http://www.aspecto.co.uk/mens-c1/mens-shoes-c4/trainers-c16/adidas-originals-hamburg-trainers-p6623
    Pussy Galore: “My name is Pussy Galore.”
    Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
  • chriscollins007chriscollins007 North Somerset , England Posts: 1,154MI6 Agent
    edited July 2016
    Finally sorted my morroco outfit thanks to canoe2 - :007)
    Screen accurate
    TF shirt
    Omega sm300
    TF tie thanks Simon
    TF Henry's

    Alternatives -
    Aldo boots
    Esprit chinos
    Magee linen jacket
    Dents belt

    https://postimg.cc/image/7utekdh47/f0158254/
    007 reporting for duty
  • chriscollins007chriscollins007 North Somerset , England Posts: 1,154MI6 Agent
    Problem uploading images , anyone having same issue ?
    007 reporting for duty
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    Problem uploading images , anyone having same issue ?

    The new image loader is annoying. The most consistent way I've been able to post an image with it is:

    1. Press upload image as usual.
    2. Click on "Postimage" icon to go to their website
    3. Upload image from their website.
    4. Copy "Thumbnail for Forums (1)" url link.
    5. Paste link into post and it will show as a picture when you preview it.

    Others may have found easier ways, but that's been working for me. I think the issue is with compatability, so on my iPhone and my tablet, I have to do it the long way as described above.
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    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/
  • canoe2canoe2 Posts: 2,007MI6 Agent
    Hello all! Had to spend some time on real world stuff that forced me to check out for a couple of weeks. But we're back in action with lots of posts planned for July!

    MrIceGuy: When you get your duffel, could you share some feedback? I'd be happy to add it to the post!

    angelicbond: Do you mind if I add your tux pic to the Gallery?

    drum007: Glad the site helped you! When you get them, could you share some feedback? I'll add it to the post.

    chriscollins007: Again, glad the site helped! Looking forward to seeing some pics! You can email them to me at info@iconicalternatives.com if that is easier and I'll add them to the Gallery (with your approval of course).

    New post is up: How to buy your first custom dress shirt

    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/07/06/how-to-buy-your-first-custom-dress-shirt/

    Thanks again for your patience and support everyone!
  • chriscollins007chriscollins007 North Somerset , England Posts: 1,154MI6 Agent
    Finally sorted image out

    Finally sorted my morroco outfit thanks to canoe2 - ajb007/bond
    Screen accurate
    TF shirt
    Omega sm300
    TF tie thanks Simon
    TF Henry's
    Alternatives -
    Aldo boots
    Esprit chinos
    Magee linen jacket
    Dents belt

    https://postimg.cc/image/7utekdh47/f0158254/
    007 reporting for duty
  • chriscollins007chriscollins007 North Somerset , England Posts: 1,154MI6 Agent
    Thanks pal your a genius :)
    Problem uploading images , anyone having same issue ?

    The new image loader is annoying. The most consistent way I've been able to post an image with it is:

    1. Press upload image as usual.
    2. Click on "Postimage" icon to go to their website
    3. Upload image from their website.
    4. Copy "Thumbnail for Forums (1)" url link.
    5. Paste link into post and it will show as a picture when you preview it.

    Others may have found easier ways, but that's been working for me. I think the issue is with compatability, so on my iPhone and my tablet, I have to do it the long way as described above.
    007 reporting for duty
  • angelicbondangelicbond Posts: 194MI6 Agent
    canoe2 wrote:

    angelicbond: Do you mind if I add your tux pic to the Gallery?


    Absolutely!
    Instagram: mybudgetbond
    Twitter: @mybudgetbond1
  • chriscollins007chriscollins007 North Somerset , England Posts: 1,154MI6 Agent
    pic up now so feel free to add :007)
    https://postimg.cc/image/7utekdh47/f0158254/
    canoe2 wrote:
    Hello all! Had to spend some time on real world stuff that forced me to check out for a couple of weeks. But we're back in action with lots of posts planned for July!

    MrIceGuy: When you get your duffel, could you share some feedback? I'd be happy to add it to the post!

    angelicbond: Do you mind if I add your tux pic to the Gallery?

    drum007: Glad the site helped you! When you get them, could you share some feedback? I'll add it to the post.

    chriscollins007: Again, glad the site helped! Looking forward to seeing some pics! You can email them to me at info@iconicalternatives.com if that is easier and I'll add them to the Gallery (with your approval of course).

    New post is up: How to buy your first custom dress shirt

    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/07/06/how-to-buy-your-first-custom-dress-shirt/

    Thanks again for your patience and support everyone!
    007 reporting for duty
  • canoe2canoe2 Posts: 2,007MI6 Agent
    chriscollins007 and angelicbond: Thanks! Your photos are in the gallery

    New post: Best Budget Bond finds from June

    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2016/07/07/best-budget-bond-finds-june-2016/
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Nice new post canoe2,but now you've put me in the same position as you with that mango jacket....damn it! Does need outweigh a why not bargain??????
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • coaram94coaram94 Posts: 99MI6 Agent
    I dig the monthly articles on good deals, canoe2. I just ordered the Lands' End Turtleneck Sweater to hopefully complete the Mr. White outfit!
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    That's it, pulled the trigger on the mango belstaff alternative! I'm looking at that I've saved some money while canoe2 has been away :D
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
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