There's a few things in the post I've already shared here and few other things I found along the way. Nothing earth shaking, but there are still some decent deals.
I cheated a little in this one and looked at options for 4 pairs, using the navy and light grey suit trousers as stand alone pants. But I included some full suit alternatives as well just in case anyone is looking for one.
This is an update of a post from a couple of years ago, with new options for the TB espadrilles and sandals, Moore suede bit loafers, some sneakers and the NTTD boat shoes. Tried to mix up the styles a little to offer something for everyone.
Thanks guys. Pure luck to find them. @Agent Eternal unfortunately they're too small (I'm a 10.5 and these are an 8.5). But they're a nice addition to the collection and will make a good prop for photos.
I haven't done one of these in a couple of years (I think the last one was 2019?). Not much directly Bond related in the post but there are a few fun finds inspired by other style icons that I thought were worth sharing.
Yep, that Patterson Belstaff is nice. Luckily I've nabbed 2 other Belstaff jackets (one black, one dark brown) that I've had for a couple of years that have fit the bill and have that nice, broken in look. The brown one looks particularly nice with the 5-6 years of usage that I've put into it.
Current rankings (updated 12/21)
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>NTTD>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>DN>YOLT>OP>
TND>TWINE>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton
Any chance of resurrecting your Patterson project with that maker? The prototype looked really good, albeit in brown. I know you mentioned tweaks were needed and covid put a damper on it. Just curious if possible. Were they working from a sample jacket or pictures only?
Regarding the leather jacket, I can certainly recommend Bill Kelso Mfg if you've come across them? They use some of the best leather I've come across and don't need breaking in, but I guess it comes down to whether you like any of the designs! 😊
@TheExit148 I would have to say no at this point. The main issue for me was the leather and the price. The leather was decent quality but it just wasn't going to break-in and patina the way the Belstaff does. And by the time we had calculated all the extras, the price was creeping up to over $400. For a hundred more you could get a Schott model on sale that came close to the look of the Patterson. Honestly, any project that I do like this needs to be something I would be proud to have you guys own and needs to represent good value for the money. And it just didn't click this time.
@emtiem I definitely know Kelso! And he does have an amazing reputation and makes some beautiful jackets. I think I've included his Westfall as an alternative for the Menlo in past posts. For today's post, I was looking at off-the-rack options for the Patterson, which I don't think he has. As I said, there are definitely some out there (Aero leather does a nice one). But the leathers are all pretty heavy. Anyway, I came across the one in the post from Cockpit, I've spoken with them in the past and think they're really nice people. So I thought I'd share it. But I'm always looking at options, especially for the Craig Fall Jackets post.
Hi all! I thought I'd take a short break from sharing affordable alternatives and write a little about how I search for affordable alternatives. So the post today discusses some of the insights I've gathered over the last six years or so of running IA and a few of websites I consistently use to find options.
I'm sure not everyone will find this particularly interesting. But if enough people have questions, comments, suggestions I'll be happy to write another one and share more.
I find it very interesting! The hunt for alternatives has always been a community effort, and I still do my own searches regularly and try to share anything Bond-related I come across. It has been getting rarer though due to a combination of the items I already have, the lack of new movies coming out, and of course the amazing website you have built. 👍️
On the subject of ebay, I would add how helpful it is to create custom searches for several products at once, which one can keep checking over time.
"I'm afraid I'm a complicated woman. "
"- That is something to be afraid of."
hey now! I don't own TWO Pattersons, lol. I have two other Belstaffs!!!!
Don't lump me in with the 1%, amigo. :)
Current rankings (updated 12/21)
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>NTTD>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>DN>YOLT>OP>
TND>TWINE>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton
This year (in what I'm sure will be a controversial move) I decided not to include the tight trunks from Goldfinger and Casino Royale. For two reasons: first, it's really difficult to find more than one or two options for those designs. And second, when I've included them in the past, almost no one clicks on the links. Which tells me not that many people are interested in them. So I thought I'd skip them this year and focus on the finding more alternatives for the popular styles. Don't hate me ....
@armenianmovieman those both look great, nice finds! To my eye, the first one is the better match. But I'd be careful. That photo is actually from the 2018 Brunello Cucinelli catalog!
@armenianmovieman it took me a second as well! But the pic looked very much in the same style as other BC photos I've seen. So I got a little suspicious. And, unfortunately, Etsy is getting overrun with the same fly-by-night Asian companies that are taking over Ebay and Amazon. And they almost never use photos of their actual products.
New post: I've reworked the very old post on Daniel Craig bags and luggage.
This one covers alternatives for the Manhattan Portage messenger bag, Epperson Mountaineering pack, Frost River Flight Bag, the Coronado black CXL leather duffel bag and the Globe-Trotter suitcase.
Non-Bond post today. I really liked what Ryan Reynolds was wearing for his interview with David Letterman, so I went hunting for some affordable alternatives
On Thursday I'll be publishing the post on Spy Style from non-Bond movies (The American, Knight and Day, The November Man and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy). And Thread is once again offering a draw for a $100 Gift Certificate to go along with the post. So we also have that to look forward to!
As mentioned before, I worked with Thread on this post (non-sponsored) and they are giving away a $100 Gift Certificate you can use for anything on their site. You'll need to use the dedicated link in the article to enter and create an account but there is ZERO cost or committment to buy anything. And I can assure you Thread is not one of the companies that constantly spams your inbox with promos. They're pretty respectful with regards to that. Good luck if you decide to enter!
Comments
Enjoy your rest John!🍻
Morning all!
After a lazy holiday Monday, I've just published the latest best budget style finds
There's a few things in the post I've already shared here and few other things I found along the way. Nothing earth shaking, but there are still some decent deals.
Cheers!
John
Hi everyone! New post: alternatives for the CR Linen Trousers:
I cheated a little in this one and looked at options for 4 pairs, using the navy and light grey suit trousers as stand alone pants. But I included some full suit alternatives as well just in case anyone is looking for one.
Cheers!
John
Great article and options John
@Aussiebondguy Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Time to turn our attention to footwear
This is an update of a post from a couple of years ago, with new options for the TB espadrilles and sandals, Moore suede bit loafers, some sneakers and the NTTD boat shoes. Tried to mix up the styles a little to offer something for everyone.
Enjoy your Sunday!
John
Speaking of Bond shoes: had fun thrift find today
The soles are beaten to hell and the heels are completely worn down. But I wasn't going to leave them for $4!
The uppers don't look beaten up at all. Great find! I hope they are your size!
Great find. I love it when I find Bond brands like OB and Sunspel in charity shops for little money 💥
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukey_sparrow/
Thanks guys. Pure luck to find them. @Agent Eternal unfortunately they're too small (I'm a 10.5 and these are an 8.5). But they're a nice addition to the collection and will make a good prop for photos.
Morning all! New edition of the very old series 5 Things I Want
I haven't done one of these in a couple of years (I think the last one was 2019?). Not much directly Bond related in the post but there are a few fun finds inspired by other style icons that I thought were worth sharing.
Cheers!
John
Yep, that Patterson Belstaff is nice. Luckily I've nabbed 2 other Belstaff jackets (one black, one dark brown) that I've had for a couple of years that have fit the bill and have that nice, broken in look. The brown one looks particularly nice with the 5-6 years of usage that I've put into it.
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>NTTD>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>DN>YOLT>OP>
TND>TWINE>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton
Any chance of resurrecting your Patterson project with that maker? The prototype looked really good, albeit in brown. I know you mentioned tweaks were needed and covid put a damper on it. Just curious if possible. Were they working from a sample jacket or pictures only?
Regarding the leather jacket, I can certainly recommend Bill Kelso Mfg if you've come across them? They use some of the best leather I've come across and don't need breaking in, but I guess it comes down to whether you like any of the designs! 😊
@TheExit148 I would have to say no at this point. The main issue for me was the leather and the price. The leather was decent quality but it just wasn't going to break-in and patina the way the Belstaff does. And by the time we had calculated all the extras, the price was creeping up to over $400. For a hundred more you could get a Schott model on sale that came close to the look of the Patterson. Honestly, any project that I do like this needs to be something I would be proud to have you guys own and needs to represent good value for the money. And it just didn't click this time.
@Gymkata with the "I own TWO Pattersons" flex 😁
@emtiem I definitely know Kelso! And he does have an amazing reputation and makes some beautiful jackets. I think I've included his Westfall as an alternative for the Menlo in past posts. For today's post, I was looking at off-the-rack options for the Patterson, which I don't think he has. As I said, there are definitely some out there (Aero leather does a nice one). But the leathers are all pretty heavy. Anyway, I came across the one in the post from Cockpit, I've spoken with them in the past and think they're really nice people. So I thought I'd share it. But I'm always looking at options, especially for the Craig Fall Jackets post.
Hi all! I thought I'd take a short break from sharing affordable alternatives and write a little about how I search for affordable alternatives. So the post today discusses some of the insights I've gathered over the last six years or so of running IA and a few of websites I consistently use to find options.
I'm sure not everyone will find this particularly interesting. But if enough people have questions, comments, suggestions I'll be happy to write another one and share more.
Cheers!
John
I find it very interesting! The hunt for alternatives has always been a community effort, and I still do my own searches regularly and try to share anything Bond-related I come across. It has been getting rarer though due to a combination of the items I already have, the lack of new movies coming out, and of course the amazing website you have built. 👍️
On the subject of ebay, I would add how helpful it is to create custom searches for several products at once, which one can keep checking over time.
"- That is something to be afraid of."
hey now! I don't own TWO Pattersons, lol. I have two other Belstaffs!!!!
Don't lump me in with the 1%, amigo. :)
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>NTTD>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>DN>YOLT>OP>
TND>TWINE>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton
EAT THE RICH!*
*But take their Belstaff jackets first 😁
Happy Sunday, gang! I've updated the post on Bond swimwear:
This year (in what I'm sure will be a controversial move) I decided not to include the tight trunks from Goldfinger and Casino Royale. For two reasons: first, it's really difficult to find more than one or two options for those designs. And second, when I've included them in the past, almost no one clicks on the links. Which tells me not that many people are interested in them. So I thought I'd skip them this year and focus on the finding more alternatives for the popular styles. Don't hate me ....
Cheers!
John
Is it just me or does this blazer color get pretty darn close to the Brunello?
It's an Etsy blazer with pre-set sizes at $150.
Can't tell if the one on top is better, or the one below.
Or if they both suck. haha
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1144420827/men-linen-blazer-linen-blazer-for-men?click_key=556e0a45ac33e92f8eded66c9abb7d1460ce22e9%3A1144420827&click_sum=2affb4d1&ref=shop_home_recs_12&pro=1&frs=1
@armenianmovieman those both look great, nice finds! To my eye, the first one is the better match. But I'd be careful. That photo is actually from the 2018 Brunello Cucinelli catalog!
So who knows what the real thinkg looks like!
Post update: alternatives for the Belstaff 554 Messenger Bag:
I thought it was good time to revisit this one since he's been carrying it around almost daily when he's leaving the Macbeth theatre.
Cheers!
John
@canoe2 how did I miss it?!
Great catch! Thanks for the heads up! Messaged the seller about more pics of the matieral\blazer, so fingers crossed.
@armenianmovieman it took me a second as well! But the pic looked very much in the same style as other BC photos I've seen. So I got a little suspicious. And, unfortunately, Etsy is getting overrun with the same fly-by-night Asian companies that are taking over Ebay and Amazon. And they almost never use photos of their actual products.
New post: I've reworked the very old post on Daniel Craig bags and luggage.
This one covers alternatives for the Manhattan Portage messenger bag, Epperson Mountaineering pack, Frost River Flight Bag, the Coronado black CXL leather duffel bag and the Globe-Trotter suitcase.
Cheers!
John
Morning everyone!
Non-Bond post today. I really liked what Ryan Reynolds was wearing for his interview with David Letterman, so I went hunting for some affordable alternatives
On Thursday I'll be publishing the post on Spy Style from non-Bond movies (The American, Knight and Day, The November Man and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy). And Thread is once again offering a draw for a $100 Gift Certificate to go along with the post. So we also have that to look forward to!
Cheers!
John
Greetings, all!
New post on non-Bond Spy Movie Style is now live:
As mentioned before, I worked with Thread on this post (non-sponsored) and they are giving away a $100 Gift Certificate you can use for anything on their site. You'll need to use the dedicated link in the article to enter and create an account but there is ZERO cost or committment to buy anything. And I can assure you Thread is not one of the companies that constantly spams your inbox with promos. They're pretty respectful with regards to that. Good luck if you decide to enter!
Cheers, gang!
John