Ok gentlemen, I've been trying to put this one together for forever now. The jacket and glasses are the real deal, but the rest are "frugal" options:
The shoes are the Aldo's, the pants Banana Republic Kenfields. The shirt is Orlebar Brown Felix, which is expensive, but still frugal compared to the TF. I got the tailor to shorten the polo and give a straight hem to replicate the TF look. Hands down, the Felix is the best alternative I've found for this outfit, as it retains an air of high quality and is just a fantastic polo well worth the money. Wearing my Invicta ProDiver on some NATO brand I can't remember:
Working on my review of the jacket for IA, should be up early next month.
Agreed, the Felix by Orlebar Brown is a fantastic polo (dare I say it, a lot better than the Sunspel Riviera). Too bad they only make them in jersey fabric this season. Does anyone know whether the massey polo shirt has te same fit as the Felix?
Thanks guys! That does suck that they only make the Felix in jersey this season. Hopefully they will bring the other style back. The shirt really holds up well. Been wearing it once a week for months now and I wash it on cold and gentle in the washer and it only seems to get better each time! Much easier to maintain than the Sunspel for certain. I like the style of the Sunspel, but the style of the Felix is just as good in its own way. Haven't tried the Massey, but they do look similar in texture to my Felix.
Thanks guys! That does suck that they only make the Felix in jersey this season. Hopefully they will bring the other style back. The shirt really holds up well. Been wearing it once a week for months now and I wash it on cold and gentle in the washer and it only seems to get better each time! Much easier to maintain than the Sunspel for certain. I like the style of the Sunspel, but the style of the Felix is just as good in its own way. Haven't tried the Massey, but they do look similar in texture to my Felix.
Looks great, JB! I've just shared your post on Instagram in my stream! Looking forward to the review
I saw that blazer at the Macy's here in NYC on monday and wasn't impressed. Didn't have the linen thing happening which is key for the Spectre jacket. I'm still patiently waiting for a good alternative, after seeing the real Brunello up close. Linen and the right color of brown is key with this thing.
In other news, Dappered.com has a good article on affordable polos. Should be some good DC, Connery and Moore alternative that can be had!
I saw that blazer at the Macy's here in NYC on monday and wasn't impressed. Didn't have the linen thing happening which is key for the Spectre jacket. I'm still patiently waiting for a good alternative, after seeing the real Brunello up close. Linen and the right color of brown is key with this thing.
In other news, Dappered.com has a good article on affordable polos. Should be some good DC, Connery and Moore alternative that can be had!
Given that we're so close to summer, I'm assuming H&M has to come out with another variation on that linen blazer they had last year, which seemed to be a well-liked alternative.
And I noticed canoe2 updated the posts and included a Perry Ellis jacket, but Macy's has anothersimilar brown Perry Ellis jacket that seems to be decent as well?
April's been my "get better at photography" month. So I'm testing out not only the camera but also different layouts, etc. for the site. Here are some of the things I've been working on:
SPECTRE Mr. White
Goldfinger Golf
Craig Vodafone ad
Couple of things about this one. First, no it's not a cardigan. But at this point, I think if I came home with another shawl collar cardigan it would drive my beautiful and extremely patient wife over the edge. Shawl collar sweaters, however .... :v
Second, I don't think we ever see the belt in the ads. But I just assume he's always wearing that R.M. Williams one when I can't see one.
Another option for the Vodafone campaign. I took the pic of DC from Bond Lifestyle (credit where credit's due!)
CR Venice look, with the Magnoli polo
CR M's Flat
And CR Ocean Club arrival
I'd love to hear any feedback you guys have: what you like, what you don't, suggestions, etc.
Great pics! I love the lesser talked about outfits in CR. I'd like to put these together as well as the "balcony with Mathis" one. What are the checkered grey pants?
What is the white shirt you used as the alternative for the Ocean Club arrival, Canoe? I can see Banana Republic, but I would be interested in more details.
Some of you may find this hard to believe, but (with the exception of the Venice look and the watch, the suede boots and the Persols used in a couple of other pics) everything is thrifted. Here's the breakdown:
1. Mr. White photo
-Jacket: older Banana Republic
-Sweater: Wool/cashmere from Nordstrom
-Pants: older (2009?) Zara micro-check trousers with frogmouth pockets (I had to get these tailored to make them slimmer)
-Hat: Polo
-Boots: Timberland Smuggler's Notch Boots (got them at sample sale)
-Belt: Nordstrom Italian leather braided
Total price: $50 (the boots were the most expensive at $35)
2. Goldfinger Golf Photo
-Sweater: vintage Fred Perry 100% Cashmere V-neck
-Polo: John Ashford
-Pants: Reallllly old vintage Haggars with frog mouth pockets (I would never wear these in real life; I think they're from the 1960s)
-Shoes: Vintage Bass made-in-U.S. tassel kiltie Weejuns
-Belt: Coach
-Hat: some cheap no-name thing I picked up for like $0.25
Total Cost: around $15.00
3. Craig Vodafone Ad Photo
-Sweater: Levi's Shawl collar sweater (I've just thrifted a better one from Banana Republic, so I'm going to redo these photos)
-Long sleeve T-shirt: Banana Republic
-Jeans: Pepe London (I've had these for years)
-Belt: Badgery Belts alternative for the R.M. Williams ($60)
-Socks: who knows? They were the right color and cost me $0.10.
Total cost (without the jeans and the belt): $6.00
4. Venice Look Photo:
Like I said, I paid full retail for almost everything is this one.
5. M's Flat Photo:
-Coat: vintage Malcolm Kenneth wool/cashmere blend topcoat. This one is actually a bluish light grey on dark grey barleycorn pattern.
-Polo: vintage Alfani made in Italy 100% merino wool. Believe it or not , Alfani actually did some very nice pieces back in the old days, before Macy's turned the brand to crap.
-Trousers: older Alfani glencheck 100% cotton pants
-Belt: Coach
Total Cost: $8.00
6. Ocean Club Photo:
-Shirt: Older Banana Republic 100% cotton with self track stripes. If I'm reading the tag correctly, I think it's from the 2010 season.
-Pants: Banana Republic 100% linen from 2014
Belt: Coach
Shoes: My To Boot suede chukkas that I've had for a few years now.
Sunglasses: my old Ray-Bans
Total Cost (without the boots and sunglasses): $4.00
So with thrifting and using stuff I already had, I was able to put all these together for less than $100.
New post! Affordable Alternatives for the Steve McQueen waxed motorcycle jacket. I looked for options for both the Barbour and the Belstaff:
chriscollins007North Somerset , England Posts: 1,154MI6 Agent
Fair play Canoe you are the King of frugal
love the photos pal , nothing wrong with your photography.
You really are making things easy , well done and thank you for all the time you put in to these outfits.
canoe2 I (WE) appreciate and applaud all your efforts and successes in finding budget items that look remarkably similar and are remarkably cheap.
But, since it is the end of the month, maybe there's a poster or a reader out there who wants a nice investment piece for payday. This is most likely a rip off to some, but this Vince sweater seems to be a great alternative to the green Vodafone sweater.
It is on sale for $122.50 but it isn't clear how long the sale will last.
Great find on the Nordstrom's cable knit turtleneck! I've been looking everywhere for a match that's at least merino wool or similar. Plenty of women's models out there but not men!
Some of you may find this hard to believe, but (with the exception of the Venice look and the watch, the suede boots and the Persols used in a couple of other pics) everything is thrifted. Here's the breakdown:
1. Mr. White photo
-Jacket: older Banana Republic
-Sweater: Wool/cashmere from Nordstrom
-Pants: older (2009?) Zara micro-check trousers with frogmouth pockets (I had to get these tailored to make them slimmer)
-Hat: Polo
-Boots: Timberland Smuggler's Notch Boots (got them at sample sale)
-Belt: Nordstrom Italian leather braided
Total price: $50 (the boots were the most expensive at $35)
2. Goldfinger Golf Photo
-Sweater: vintage Fred Perry 100% Cashmere V-neck
-Polo: John Ashford
-Pants: Reallllly old vintage Haggars with frog mouth pockets (I would never wear these in real life; I think they're from the 1960s)
-Shoes: Vintage Bass made-in-U.S. tassel kiltie Weejuns
-Belt: Coach
-Hat: some cheap no-name thing I picked up for like $0.25
Total Cost: around $15.00
3. Craig Vodafone Ad Photo
-Sweater: Levi's Shawl collar sweater (I've just thrifted a better one from Banana Republic, so I'm going to redo these photos)
-Long sleeve T-shirt: Banana Republic
-Jeans: Pepe London (I've had these for years)
-Belt: Badgery Belts alternative for the R.M. Williams ($60)
-Socks: who knows? They were the right color and cost me $0.10.
Total cost (without the jeans and the belt): $6.00
4. Venice Look Photo:
Like I said, I paid full retail for almost everything is this one.
5. M's Flat Photo:
-Coat: vintage Malcolm Kenneth wool/cashmere blend topcoat. This one is actually a bluish light grey on dark grey barleycorn pattern.
-Polo: vintage Alfani made in Italy 100% merino wool. Believe it or not , Alfani actually did some very nice pieces back in the old days, before Macy's turned the brand to crap.
-Trousers: older Alfani glencheck 100% cotton pants
-Belt: Coach
Total Cost: $8.00
6. Ocean Club Photo:
-Shirt: Older Banana Republic 100% cotton with self track stripes. If I'm reading the tag correctly, I think it's from the 2010 season.
-Pants: Banana Republic 100% linen from 2014
Belt: Coach
Shoes: My To Boot suede chukkas that I've had for a few years now.
Sunglasses: my old Ray-Bans
Total Cost (without the boots and sunglasses): $4.00
So with thrifting and using stuff I already had, I was able to put all these together for less than $100.
New post! Affordable Alternatives for the Steve McQueen waxed motorcycle jacket. I looked for options for both the Barbour and the Belstaff:
Seeing as in the UK charity shops are far more abundant than thrift shops, has anyone found any particularly good budget pieces from charity shops? I've always found the men's section severely lacking in comparison to the women's in most of these places.
Seeing as in the UK charity shops are far more abundant than thrift shops, has anyone found any particularly good budget pieces from charity shops? I've always found the men's section severely lacking in comparison to the women's in most of these places.
On the thrifting thread over at styleforum, there are a few gentlemen from the UK. And, in general, they say the same thing as you: lots of women's wear, limited men's selection.
What I can say is this: I'm not in the U.S. either and pickings are pretty slim where I live. So I certainly didn't find everything I wanted in one shop. I've been hunting for months now to get the pieces together. And as you probably noticed from my descriptions of the photos, not everything I used is super high-end. Alfani, Zara, Banana Republic and Nordstrom aren't exactly Cucinelli, N.Peal or Ford. But, for this project, I was much more interested in the "look" of the piece than the label. That's why I bought the Malcolm Kenneth coat. That thing's at least 40 years old. But it's a barleycorn pattern in colors that come close to what was used in CR.
Now I've also managed to pick up a decent amount of cool non-Bond stuff along the way (Canali, Burberry, Aquascutum, Versace, beautiful Pendleton wool blankets, Samuelsohn, Zegna, some rare Polo pieces, lots of Allen Edmonds shoes, Alden, Oxxford Clothe, Brooks Brothers, Dunhill, Ferragamo, Thomas Pink, Turnbull & Asser, etc.). For example, this morning I found a pair of unworn $700 Prada boots and bought them for $10. But those were literally the only thing I found in the store.
In other words, good stuff is ALWAYS out there, no matter where you are. Finding it is a combination of perseverance, patience, knowledge and luck. And the first three are the most important. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty, sift through hundreds of ratty t-shirts and smelly sport coats, and not lose hope on those days when you find absolutely nothing. 99.99% of what's in any charity or thrift store anywhere in the world is garbage. But when you find that 0.01%? It gets addictive fast!
I'm sorry if it seems like I'm pushing the idea of thrifting a little too hard. But I started IA because I wanted all of us to have a way to find the pieces we want at prices most of us can afford. If my experience is anything to go by, then thrift and charity shops (and e-thrifting) should certainly be considered as sources. I did a kind of inventory of the stuff I have the other day. And I calculated that I've managed to collect over $50,000 of clothes and shoes for an investment of just over $1000. It's hard to argue with that math.
Seeing as in the UK charity shops are far more abundant than thrift shops, has anyone found any particularly good budget pieces from charity shops? I've always found the men's section severely lacking in comparison to the women's in most of these places.
On the thrifting thread over at styleforum, there are a few gentlemen from the UK. And, in general, they say the same thing as you: lots of women's wear, limited men's selection.
What I can say is this: I'm not in the U.S. either and pickings are pretty slim where I live. So I certainly didn't find everything I wanted in one shop. I've been hunting for months now to get the pieces together. And as you probably noticed from my descriptions of the photos, not everything I used is super high-end. Alfani, Zara, Banana Republic and Nordstrom aren't exactly Cucinelli, N.Peal or Ford. But, for this project, I was much more interested in the "look" of the piece than the label. That's why I bought the Malcolm Kenneth coat. That thing's at least 40 years old. But it's a barleycorn pattern in colors that come close to what was used in CR.
Now I've also managed to pick up a decent amount of cool non-Bond stuff along the way (Canali, Burberry, Aquascutum, Versace, beautiful Pendleton wool blankets, Samuelsohn, Zegna, some rare Polo pieces, lots of Allen Edmonds shoes, Alden, Oxxford Clothe, Brooks Brothers, Dunhill, Ferragamo, Thomas Pink, Turnbull & Asser, etc.). For example, this morning I found a pair of unworn $700 Prada boots and bought them for $10. But those were literally the only thing I found in the store.
In other words, good stuff is ALWAYS out there, no matter where you are. Finding it is a combination of perseverance, patience, knowledge and luck. And the first three are the most important. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty, sift through hundreds of ratty t-shirts and smelly sport coats, and not lose hope on those days when you find absolutely nothing. 99.99% of what's in any charity or thrift store anywhere in the world is garbage. But when you find that 0.01%? It gets addictive fast!
I'm sorry if it seems like I'm pushing the idea of thrifting a little too hard. But I started IA because I wanted all of us to have a way to find the pieces we want at prices most of us can afford. If my experience is anything to go by, then thrift and charity shops (and e-thrifting) should certainly be considered as sources. I did a kind of inventory of the stuff I have the other day. And I calculated that I've managed to collect over $50,000 of clothes and shoes for an investment of just over $1000. It's hard to argue with that math.
Cheers! {[]
I think talking about thrifting is great as it allows bond fans and fans of a sartorial nature in general an idea of how to dress well on any level of budget. Definitely keep up the good work. You could set up a good challenge around finding a bond related item or items for a set budget and get people to compare finds. I think I'm going to have to hit up some charity shops further afield in my quest of some good pieces.
I actually organized a Bond themed treasure hunt on another forum. Lots of fun! Let me work on something. It will definitely give us all something to do while we wait for Bond news! {[]
Comments
The shoes are the Aldo's, the pants Banana Republic Kenfields. The shirt is Orlebar Brown Felix, which is expensive, but still frugal compared to the TF. I got the tailor to shorten the polo and give a straight hem to replicate the TF look. Hands down, the Felix is the best alternative I've found for this outfit, as it retains an air of high quality and is just a fantastic polo well worth the money. Wearing my Invicta ProDiver on some NATO brand I can't remember:
Working on my review of the jacket for IA, should be up early next month.
Cheers guys -{
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/
Thanks for sharing the info.
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/
Looks great, JB! I've just shared your post on Instagram in my stream! Looking forward to the review
Spectre linen blazer alternate for $40 shipped?!
In other news, Dappered.com has a good article on affordable polos. Should be some good DC, Connery and Moore alternative that can be had!
https://dappered.com/2017/04/polopalooza-the-best-looking-affordable-polos-of-2017/
If it had a ticket pocket it would be a decent goldfinger hacking jacket alternative.
I'm assuming you mean a linen vibe\style.
Given that we're so close to summer, I'm assuming H&M has to come out with another variation on that linen blazer they had last year, which seemed to be a well-liked alternative.
And I noticed canoe2 updated the posts and included a Perry Ellis jacket, but Macy's has anothersimilar brown Perry Ellis jacket that seems to be decent as well?
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/perry-ellis-mens-slim-fit-jacket-suit-separate?ID=2904681&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120156340007961337&CAAGID=18782550785&CATCI=pla-139418557505&cm_mmc=Google_Mens_PLA-_-Men%27s+Apparel+-+Men%27s+Tailored+-+GS_Perry+Ellis-_-70559936705-_-pg1987_c_kclickid_29340581-28ae-4c65-a4a2-5ef5abe1f870&trackingid=403x1987&catargetid=120156340001676814&cadevice=c&gclid=CN31p5zHstMCFU6CfgodYI8Ffg
And some trousers to match? The lighting is pretty rough on this one so it's kind of hard to tell.......
Just wait for the monthly 30% off sale. May's sale should be in a few weeks.
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2319746/haggar-straight-fit-gabardine-dress-pants-men.jsp?color=Medium%20Taupe&prdPV=39
Gone for this one - http://www.selectedhomme.com/gb/en/slh/tailoring/blazers/slim-fit---blazer-16054940.html
Anyone be cautious need to size up , Im a 40/42 chest and size 50 was a bit tight , so waiting for my 52 and a free suit bag :007)
I'll show pics of outfit when arrived.
Nice one canoe
Glad you found something! Looking forward to hearing your feedback (and pics!)
SPECTRE Mr. White
Goldfinger Golf
Craig Vodafone ad
Couple of things about this one. First, no it's not a cardigan. But at this point, I think if I came home with another shawl collar cardigan it would drive my beautiful and extremely patient wife over the edge. Shawl collar sweaters, however .... :v
Second, I don't think we ever see the belt in the ads. But I just assume he's always wearing that R.M. Williams one when I can't see one.
Another option for the Vodafone campaign. I took the pic of DC from Bond Lifestyle (credit where credit's due!)
CR Venice look, with the Magnoli polo
CR M's Flat
And CR Ocean Club arrival
I'd love to hear any feedback you guys have: what you like, what you don't, suggestions, etc.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
John
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2015/12/22/casino-royale-long-sleeve-blue-polo/
Twitter: @mybudgetbond1
Some of you may find this hard to believe, but (with the exception of the Venice look and the watch, the suede boots and the Persols used in a couple of other pics) everything is thrifted. Here's the breakdown:
1. Mr. White photo
-Jacket: older Banana Republic
-Sweater: Wool/cashmere from Nordstrom
-Pants: older (2009?) Zara micro-check trousers with frogmouth pockets (I had to get these tailored to make them slimmer)
-Hat: Polo
-Boots: Timberland Smuggler's Notch Boots (got them at sample sale)
-Belt: Nordstrom Italian leather braided
Total price: $50 (the boots were the most expensive at $35)
2. Goldfinger Golf Photo
-Sweater: vintage Fred Perry 100% Cashmere V-neck
-Polo: John Ashford
-Pants: Reallllly old vintage Haggars with frog mouth pockets (I would never wear these in real life; I think they're from the 1960s)
-Shoes: Vintage Bass made-in-U.S. tassel kiltie Weejuns
-Belt: Coach
-Hat: some cheap no-name thing I picked up for like $0.25
Total Cost: around $15.00
3. Craig Vodafone Ad Photo
-Sweater: Levi's Shawl collar sweater (I've just thrifted a better one from Banana Republic, so I'm going to redo these photos)
-Long sleeve T-shirt: Banana Republic
-Jeans: Pepe London (I've had these for years)
-Belt: Badgery Belts alternative for the R.M. Williams ($60)
-Socks: who knows? They were the right color and cost me $0.10.
Total cost (without the jeans and the belt): $6.00
4. Venice Look Photo:
Like I said, I paid full retail for almost everything is this one.
5. M's Flat Photo:
-Coat: vintage Malcolm Kenneth wool/cashmere blend topcoat. This one is actually a bluish light grey on dark grey barleycorn pattern.
-Polo: vintage Alfani made in Italy 100% merino wool. Believe it or not , Alfani actually did some very nice pieces back in the old days, before Macy's turned the brand to crap.
-Trousers: older Alfani glencheck 100% cotton pants
-Belt: Coach
Total Cost: $8.00
6. Ocean Club Photo:
-Shirt: Older Banana Republic 100% cotton with self track stripes. If I'm reading the tag correctly, I think it's from the 2010 season.
-Pants: Banana Republic 100% linen from 2014
Belt: Coach
Shoes: My To Boot suede chukkas that I've had for a few years now.
Sunglasses: my old Ray-Bans
Total Cost (without the boots and sunglasses): $4.00
So with thrifting and using stuff I already had, I was able to put all these together for less than $100.
New post! Affordable Alternatives for the Steve McQueen waxed motorcycle jacket. I looked for options for both the Barbour and the Belstaff:
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2017/04/24/steve-mcqueen-waxed-motorcycle-jacket/
love the photos pal , nothing wrong with your photography.
You really are making things easy , well done and thank you for all the time you put in to these outfits.
But, since it is the end of the month, maybe there's a poster or a reader out there who wants a nice investment piece for payday. This is most likely a rip off to some, but this Vince sweater seems to be a great alternative to the green Vodafone sweater.
It is on sale for $122.50 but it isn't clear how long the sale will last.
http://www.vince.com/long-sleeve-raglan-crew-neck-M38036448.html?dwvar_M38036448_color=455HCO#q=green%2Bsweater&start=2
On the thrifting thread over at styleforum, there are a few gentlemen from the UK. And, in general, they say the same thing as you: lots of women's wear, limited men's selection.
What I can say is this: I'm not in the U.S. either and pickings are pretty slim where I live. So I certainly didn't find everything I wanted in one shop. I've been hunting for months now to get the pieces together. And as you probably noticed from my descriptions of the photos, not everything I used is super high-end. Alfani, Zara, Banana Republic and Nordstrom aren't exactly Cucinelli, N.Peal or Ford. But, for this project, I was much more interested in the "look" of the piece than the label. That's why I bought the Malcolm Kenneth coat. That thing's at least 40 years old. But it's a barleycorn pattern in colors that come close to what was used in CR.
Now I've also managed to pick up a decent amount of cool non-Bond stuff along the way (Canali, Burberry, Aquascutum, Versace, beautiful Pendleton wool blankets, Samuelsohn, Zegna, some rare Polo pieces, lots of Allen Edmonds shoes, Alden, Oxxford Clothe, Brooks Brothers, Dunhill, Ferragamo, Thomas Pink, Turnbull & Asser, etc.). For example, this morning I found a pair of unworn $700 Prada boots and bought them for $10. But those were literally the only thing I found in the store.
In other words, good stuff is ALWAYS out there, no matter where you are. Finding it is a combination of perseverance, patience, knowledge and luck. And the first three are the most important. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty, sift through hundreds of ratty t-shirts and smelly sport coats, and not lose hope on those days when you find absolutely nothing. 99.99% of what's in any charity or thrift store anywhere in the world is garbage. But when you find that 0.01%? It gets addictive fast!
I'm sorry if it seems like I'm pushing the idea of thrifting a little too hard. But I started IA because I wanted all of us to have a way to find the pieces we want at prices most of us can afford. If my experience is anything to go by, then thrift and charity shops (and e-thrifting) should certainly be considered as sources. I did a kind of inventory of the stuff I have the other day. And I calculated that I've managed to collect over $50,000 of clothes and shoes for an investment of just over $1000. It's hard to argue with that math.
Cheers! {[]
I think talking about thrifting is great as it allows bond fans and fans of a sartorial nature in general an idea of how to dress well on any level of budget. Definitely keep up the good work. You could set up a good challenge around finding a bond related item or items for a set budget and get people to compare finds. I think I'm going to have to hit up some charity shops further afield in my quest of some good pieces.
There's actually quite a story behind where most of the things I find come from.
As for your somewhat derogatory generalizations of Latin America, I only have 2 words for you: Boris Johnson :v