Who in your part of the world is buying $700 boots? Drug dealers? Corrupt politicians? or are jungle botherers really well paid these days
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
) buffoon yes, corrupt no, and last time I checked Johnson wasn't implicated in a Un led investigation into drug trafficking financing his politics? I've never been to Guatemala I'm sure it's lovely, I have spent time at batsub in Belize which is just next door, and yes corrupt politicians and drug dealers are rife there. Unlike thrift shops! But it was a long time ago now, looking at what you've bagged in your local thrift shops it's rich pickings indeed.
) buffoon yes, corrupt no, and last time I checked Johnson wasn't implicated in a Un led investigation into drug trafficking financing his politics? I've never been to Guatemala I'm sure it's lovely, I have spent time at batsub in Belize which is just next door, and yes corrupt politicians and drug dealers are rife there. Unlike thrift shops! But it was a long time ago now, looking at what you've bagged in your local thrift shops it's rich pickings indeed.
They say the quickest way to lose friends is to discuss politics and religion So this is all I'm going to say on the matter. First, I'm about the most apolitical person you'll meet. Mainly because governments the world over are plagued with corrupt politicians. It may not always be drugs. Maybe it's real estate, maybe it's weapon sales, maybe it's secret bank accounts in Panama or the BVIs, maybe it's coordinating with foreign governments to win elections, maybe it's stealing government funds, maybe it's money laundering or bribery. Is one type of corruption better or worse than another? I can't say; in the end they all end up hurting the citizens.
But the thing I've found that makes the difference isn't the absence of corrupt politicians. It's the strength of the rule of law in any given country and the quality of the education of the population. I don't think the UK or Canada or the U.S. or Sweden, etc. have fewer corruption problems because the individual politicians are less corrupt. It's because the citizens of those countries are better educated and therefore less likely to elect overtly corrupt politicians to begin with and it is easier to discover acts of corruption and successfully prosecute them. So, while I may be apolitical, I am a huge supporter of educational initiatives.
As for Guate: hell no, it's not perfect! But that UN led investigation was overwhelmingly supported by 100,000s of Guatemalan citizens protesting non-violently every weekend for months on end. And it led to the arrest and conviction of the President, the VP, several members of congress and ministers, and some prominent business people. The case actually had very little to do with drugs or trafficking (it was more about stealing from the customs and tax offices and creating 100s of fake government jobs so they could collect the salaries). And the second-in-command of the CICIG investigation is a Guatemalan woman named Thelma Aldana, who represents the Public Ministry and national government. She's the one that prosecutes the cases. So changes are coming here (which terrifies some other LatAm countries) and the rule of law is getting stronger. But none of these changes happen overnight. It's a process.
Careful up there on that soap box canoe2, you'll get a nosebleed
Seriously, well said and I agree....mostly.
As you say, on with the budget bond outfitting -{
Speaking of which, is there an English or translated version of the Vodafone ad by any chance?
That's sold out, but it just goes to show that it is worth checking for actual brand items, some get heavily discounted, I found this cardigan for $70 a while back but couldn't find anyone to ship it over the pond for me. I've since bought a new one with tags off a fellow member.
Canoe, I am more interested in where these thrift stores are that you find such great things. I am in California and around me there is nothing.
I think your main challenge in California is competition! Reading some of the stories the pro-thrifters in California tell, every Goodwill sounds like a battle-zone! ) But those guys do come up with some truly impressive finds!
I won't repeat everything from my reply to Shadowfall. Just to sum up: there really isn't much where I live either. The main reason I started finding decent things is because I stuck with it and I got my hands dirty digging through the worthless stuff. Most thrift store employees have no idea who Zegna or Canali or Turnbull & Asser are. So they hang the one or two "great" pieces that do come in right beside all the crap. So it's fun to show my "finds" to people that appreciate them (as I'm sure it would be for anybody). But nobody's interested in a photo of the hundreds of ties I had flip over to find one Zegna label.
Shadowfall mentioned a Bond-themed treasure hunt. Would anyone else be interested? I'd be happy to organize one if enough people want to give it a try.
Chriscoop: I'll keep "soapbox" off the list of things people need to find
Speaking of which, is there an English or translated version of the Vodafone ad by any chance?
That's sold out, but it just goes to show that it is worth checking for actual brand items, some get heavily discounted, I found this cardigan for $70 a while back but couldn't find anyone to ship it over the pond for me. I've since bought a new one with tags off a fellow member.
I'm showing the grey as sold out. But when I click on the Army Green color all the sizes show up as available and I can add it to my cart.
If anybody is looking for a solid alternative option for the QOS Levi's, I recommend this pair of John Elliott GAP GQ jeans from a partnership they did about a year or so ago. They seem to pop up on eBay a lot and are well-constructed with a nice slim fit (they are pretty tapered at the ankles). If anybody wears John Elliott's stuff you know that (especially in prior seasons) his clothes are cut pretty skinny so I'd recommend sizing up. I'm normally a 32 waist and got a 33 that fits perfectly. Here's a link to a pair currently on eBay. Hope this helps somebody in their search!
Man I would love to make this mine! Alas they refuse to ship to Australia Anyone who can help a brother from down-under?
I use PayPal's HopShopGo forwarding service for all my US -> Aus parcels. Pretty good prices, DHL shipped and haven't had any issues with my 20 or so orders done though them.
I use PayPal's HopShopGo forwarding service for all my US -> Aus parcels. Pretty good prices, DHL shipped and haven't had any issues with my 20 or so orders done though them.
Thanks for the help JTM. I'd just set up my account with HopShopGo, and then when I am ready to make the purchase online my jacket size has sold out! FML X-(
Alas, the problem with all these more affordable options is that they are cut "fashionably" short (which looks absolutely clownish). I'll have to try if that's the case with the massimo dutti because I'm tending to dislike my H&M linen blazer because of it.
"I'm afraid I'm a complicated woman. "
"- That is something to be afraid of."
I've finally figured out how to update the Dr. No Crab Key outfit to my liking. I went with the Sunspel sky polo. For contrast, I went with Orlebar Brown chinos with side tab adjusters. The side tab adjusters really keep the vibe of the outfit even though the color is different. I'm using my Invicta ProDiver on a Connery NATO as I don't have a black leather strap yet. The real find here though are these Sperry canvas boatshoes; they are really good alternatives to the two-eyelet derbies Connery wore. Not sure if the exact shoes I'm wearing can be found now, but Sperry still makes a similar pair:
I've finally figured out how to update the Dr. No Crab Key outfit to my liking. I went with the Sunspel sky polo. For contrast, I went with Orlebar Brown chinos with side tab adjusters. The side tab adjusters really keep the vibe of the outfit even though the color is different. I'm using my Invicta ProDiver on a Connery NATO as I don't have a black leather strap yet. The real find here though are these Sperry canvas boatshoes; they are really good alternatives to the two-eyelet derbies Connery wore. Not sure if the exact shoes I'm wearing can be found now, but Sperry still makes a similar pair:
Hey Canoe! I'm enjoying your pics and outfits on your instagram. I've been a bit jeans-obsessed of late. Wondering what jeans you own? Looking for darker washes and fades in a slim fit similar to The Scotch and Sodas, Rag and Bones, etc...
Hi!
I have Pepe London (slim straight solid dark wash), AG, Levis 511s and Guess (Lincolns I think?). Those are the ones I tend to use the most in the Instagram pics.
For reviews: I really like the fit of the Pepes and AGs. The Guess are also comfortable but not as comfortable as the first two. The 511s I mainly use for beaters around the house. Of course all this depends on your body type!
I don't know about you guys, but I've lost hope on a cheap budget alternate for the Morocco linen blazer.
Until I noticed these guys on eBay by just searching "Tasso Elba linen."
There are versions of the Tasso Elba linen jacket with flap pockets instead of the patch pockets now offered. Looks like a pretty good alternative. And for only around $30!
This with some Dark Pebble Dockers and that's a desert look for around $50.
I'm under the impression H&M will release another version of their dark khaki linen blazer this summer, so I'm just holding out hope for that. But if you really need a linen blazer this seems like a decent option.
But if anyone wants a look that matches both top and bottom, that "professional" wool look and less casual linen look, you can get a Tommy Hilfiger jacket in Tan Solid for $150 off Amazon.
I'm going to get back to the simpler posts for a while and do some updates. Then I want to tackle Bond style for thinner guys and shorter guys. Any suggestions on these topics are most welcome!
Comments
They say the quickest way to lose friends is to discuss politics and religion
But the thing I've found that makes the difference isn't the absence of corrupt politicians. It's the strength of the rule of law in any given country and the quality of the education of the population. I don't think the UK or Canada or the U.S. or Sweden, etc. have fewer corruption problems because the individual politicians are less corrupt. It's because the citizens of those countries are better educated and therefore less likely to elect overtly corrupt politicians to begin with and it is easier to discover acts of corruption and successfully prosecute them. So, while I may be apolitical, I am a huge supporter of educational initiatives.
As for Guate: hell no, it's not perfect! But that UN led investigation was overwhelmingly supported by 100,000s of Guatemalan citizens protesting non-violently every weekend for months on end. And it led to the arrest and conviction of the President, the VP, several members of congress and ministers, and some prominent business people. The case actually had very little to do with drugs or trafficking (it was more about stealing from the customs and tax offices and creating 100s of fake government jobs so they could collect the salaries). And the second-in-command of the CICIG investigation is a Guatemalan woman named Thelma Aldana, who represents the Public Ministry and national government. She's the one that prosecutes the cases. So changes are coming here (which terrifies some other LatAm countries) and the rule of law is getting stronger. But none of these changes happen overnight. It's a process.
Now back to cool clothes!
Cheers! {[]
Seriously, well said and I agree....mostly.
As you say, on with the budget bond outfitting -{
https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/1778042/rag-bone-standard-issue-avery-shawl-collar-cardigan?color=ARMY%20GREEN
Speaking of which, is there an English or translated version of the Vodafone ad by any chance?
I think your main challenge in California is competition! Reading some of the stories the pro-thrifters in California tell, every Goodwill sounds like a battle-zone!
I won't repeat everything from my reply to Shadowfall. Just to sum up: there really isn't much where I live either. The main reason I started finding decent things is because I stuck with it and I got my hands dirty digging through the worthless stuff. Most thrift store employees have no idea who Zegna or Canali or Turnbull & Asser are. So they hang the one or two "great" pieces that do come in right beside all the crap. So it's fun to show my "finds" to people that appreciate them (as I'm sure it would be for anybody). But nobody's interested in a photo of the hundreds of ties I had flip over to find one Zegna label.
Shadowfall mentioned a Bond-themed treasure hunt. Would anyone else be interested? I'd be happy to organize one if enough people want to give it a try.
Chriscoop: I'll keep "soapbox" off the list of things people need to find
I'm showing the grey as sold out. But when I click on the Army Green color all the sizes show up as available and I can add it to my cart.
Nice find armenianmovieman! -{
Let me know if you need a hand getting it across the pond brother
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/
http://www.hm.com/us/product/67001?article=67001-A
https://www.ebay.com/itm/311852869814
Man I would love to make this mine! Alas they refuse to ship to Australia
I think the stock is merely migrating from Nordstrom's to Nordstrom's Rack.
I use PayPal's HopShopGo forwarding service for all my US -> Aus parcels. Pretty good prices, DHL shipped and haven't had any issues with my 20 or so orders done though them.
Thanks for the help JTM. I'd just set up my account with HopShopGo, and then when I am ready to make the purchase online my jacket size has sold out! FML X-(
http://shop.mango.com/DE/p0/herren/artikel/blazer/business/karierte-slim-fit-anzugjacke?id=83060026_51&n=1&s=prendas_he.americanas_he
Alas, the problem with all these more affordable options is that they are cut "fashionably" short (which looks absolutely clownish). I'll have to try if that's the case with the massimo dutti because I'm tending to dislike my H&M linen blazer because of it.
"- That is something to be afraid of."
I hope those after the size small got one.
Even though at second glance it looks way too much like the Dark Pebble Dockers from certain angles.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/men-39-s-wrinkle-free-relaxed-fit-comfort-waist-flat-front-casual-performance-chino-pants/10307505/_/A-ebSku_0035434100001042__10307505_catalog10002_en__US_EBSite?showProducts=111&color=257
And Banana Republic has one as well.
[url]
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=175361002[/url]
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/11934602661320394287?q=navy+canvas+sperry+boat+shoes&client=mobilesearchapp&rlz=1MDAPLA_en-USUS433US496&hl=en&channel=iss&v=25.0.152548370&noj=1&biw=414&bih=737&dpr=3&tch=6&wf=pp1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjvwNWX1dHTAhUF5YMKHbmxCccQvxMIsAEwAw
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/
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/
I have Pepe London (slim straight solid dark wash), AG, Levis 511s and Guess (Lincolns I think?). Those are the ones I tend to use the most in the Instagram pics.
For reviews: I really like the fit of the Pepes and AGs. The Guess are also comfortable but not as comfortable as the first two. The 511s I mainly use for beaters around the house. Of course all this depends on your body type!
Hope that helps! {[]
"- That is something to be afraid of."
Until I noticed these guys on eBay by just searching "Tasso Elba linen."
There are versions of the Tasso Elba linen jacket with flap pockets instead of the patch pockets now offered. Looks like a pretty good alternative. And for only around $30!
This with some Dark Pebble Dockers and that's a desert look for around $50.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TASSO-ELBA-ISLAND-NEW-Tan-100-Linen-2-Button-Blazer-Jacket-XL-45-47-129-TEDO-/401318366601?hash=item5d70704d89:g:oY8AAOSwRUhY~sY5
I'm under the impression H&M will release another version of their dark khaki linen blazer this summer, so I'm just holding out hope for that. But if you really need a linen blazer this seems like a decent option.
But if anyone wants a look that matches both top and bottom, that "professional" wool look and less casual linen look, you can get a Tommy Hilfiger jacket in Tan Solid for $150 off Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TK08QA/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
And then you can get matching pants for $70.
[url]
https://www.amazon.com/Tommy-Hilfiger-Mens-Flat-Front-Separate/dp/B003IHL1S2/ref=cts_ap_1_cts?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2798542082&pf_rd_r=GCH8KV7AE2DWPNVEMV9G&pd_rd_wg=H2fKj&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B004KJETJA&pd_rd_w=jGwFf&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=GCH8KV7AE2DWPNVEMV9G&_encoding=UTF8&th=1[/url]
Bond Style for Bigger Guys:
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/2017/05/07/bond-style-for-bigger-guys/
Any thoughts, suggestions, criticisms, ideas?
I'm going to get back to the simpler posts for a while and do some updates. Then I want to tackle Bond style for thinner guys and shorter guys. Any suggestions on these topics are most welcome!
Enjoy your Sunday!