Are these G & G shoes the Most Beautiful EVER?

Just got these incredibly beautiful shoes from Tony Gaziano & Dean Girling!

They are Bates loafers, wholecut in Vintage Pine with brogueing on the toe.

Remember they just announced their new revised website and online boutique:

We are pleased to announce that our new website and online boutique is now open offering you a chance to view and purchase from our collections of Bespoke, Deco and Bench Made shoes.

Visit our Online Boutique to view a selection of our Bench Made collection. Also available is a range of bags, belts and shoe accessories.

Gaziano & Girling made-to-order service is also available, you have the choice of style, last shape, width, leather colour and sole specification, ultimately giving you a personal pair of shoes.

The post G & G Shoes appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

BOOKSTER

www.bookster.co.uk

British Tailored Tweed Jackets, Coats and Suits, Wool Worsted Suits, Riding Jackets & Shooting Clothing. Individually Tailored in England from a wide range of the Finest British Cloths and Bespoke Options.

Bookster was founded in 2003, specialising in finding and selling the best vintage & classic tweed clothing. In 2007, we introduced our own Made to Order Tweed Jackets, Tweed Suits, Riding Jackets, Country Clothing and Overcoats. In 2009 due to customer demand, we added a range of worsted and wool suiting cloths. Individual garments can be ordered with bespoke sizing and feature options in a wide range of British cloths.

You can choose standard sizing through to full made-to-measure at accessible prices. True to our vision, all garments are made in England from a wide range of fine British Cloths; Scottish Tweeds including the finest Scottish Mills and Island Tweeds from Harris and Islay and Wool Worsted Suitings woven in Yorkshire. Our latest introduction to our range is Irish Tweeds and Lambswool by Magee of Donegal.

We still offer carefully selected Vintage Tweed Items which can be seen in our Bookster Classic and Vintage Online Shop.

The post Bookster British Tailored Town and Country Clothing appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I just got a great shirt from Natty Shirts!

Nice fabric -  I chose 100% super fine Egyptian cotton weaved in 100 single cotton yarn  and mercerized for zero shrinkage and a silky smooth feeling, and only $99.

Removable plastic collar stays and an extra metal pair was included.   Seven front buttons.

There are some excellent choices of collar, placket, sleeve cuffs, and fit styles.

The selection of details you want for your shirt and entering your measurements is easy on the website.

Some minor disappointments were the location of the monogram.  I had requested it on the pocket but it was on the right cuff.  As you know I consider cuff monograms as crass!  Since I requested no pocket that might have confused them.

MOP buttons – the really thick ones.  I know you guys like them but I find them hard to button.  The ones for the shirt cuffs are impossible to button with the shirt on.  But I evidently made a mistake in the size when I entered the cuffs and they are big enough to put on without me unbuttoning them.  (My fault).

No split yoke.

Natty Custom Dress Shirts do not charge any premium for product features because they are standard on all Natty Dress Shirts.

They  offer luxury features such as single-needle stitching, 20 stitches per inch, and bamboo cotton’s German fused collar with removable collar bone which gives you a true shape of collar.

Natty shirts provide its customers with more than 120 fabrics in Plains, Checks, Stripes and Poplin patterns, from amongst the finest European weavers.

Natty Shirts has developed strong connections with world’s renowned Tailor Made Clothing companies to share the sense of exclusivity.

They are able to focus primarily on customer service since they don’t deal with mass production but concentrate on individual satisfaction

They’ve been around since 2003 but went online in 2010 for better customer convenience.

Natty reviews each and every individual pattern before sending into production.

They have four offices and admit they “are in a continuous process of learning in perfecting the custom shirt according to the sizes provided with the least amount of issues for our members”.

Natty shirts are also trying to provide the fastest delivery service in the custom made dress shirt industry –  within 7 business days!

The post Natty Shirts appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I went with the “yellow” sport jacket from ModainStyle   and it was a good choice since it’s more brownish and a great looking jacket! It does have a light yellow glen-plaid pattern with blue window pane.

The fabric, correctly marked as viscose (rayon) from bamboo – same process as normal rayon that is made from wood fibers is really soft and silky. It will be the perfect summer jacket.

The brand,Metamoda Firenze 1970, is a label created by Moda in Style and offers authentic Italian clothing at affordable prices!

Most of the fabrics used with this label come from Biella, manufactured by Luigi Botto,Policarpo, Zignone, etc. They are great fabrics at a lower cost, but on par with bettern know manufacturers like Loro Piana, Zegna, Cerruti 1881.

The made in Italy jacket is half canvassed and half lined (again perfect for spring/summer/autumn wear in Southern California) and has nice looking elbow patches giving it a distinctive sport jacket style element. And it’s well made, including lining up the pattern at the sleeve to the body.

I have not taken this to my alterations tailor before the photos, but it seems to fit fine. Maybe shorten the left sleeve? It’s a notch lapel, two button, double vent, and look at this unique sleeve button treatment.

The jacket has working buttons/holes but very cleverly the two bottom sleeve buttons are left closed so your tailor can shorten the jacket from the sleeve end. When working sleeve buttons are finished many tailors often refuse to do the work or charge more. You can open the button holes by just slitting them, but it’s better to have the tailor do it.

Moda in Style has a special discount for AskAndyMembers — 10% Discount!   (use code ANDY10 at checkout).

You’re getting an entirely made in Italy sport Jacket, already a steal at $248 at another 10%off so you have an even better deal,

Might as well fill up your closet with these great suits and sport jackets!

The post Modainstyle appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

Just got these great shoes Cheaney ‘Howard’ in Mahogany Grained Calf.

They are the perfect casual shoes, but with some panache – beautiful color and grain.

Shoehealer, http://www.shoehealer.co.uk and new Website currently under construction www.fineandcountryfootwear.com  are suppliers of English Hand Made Shoes by:

 Loake, Tricker’s, Alfred Sargent, Barker, Church’s, Cheaney, Crockett and Jones, Sanders and the Australian Boot Ian Harold.

And they are the UK leading specialist in the supply of custom made Tricker’s to your exact requirements.

The Shoe Healer Ltd is a Family run business with over 25 years experience in the shoe care and repair industry. That basis has given them a wealth of knowledge, and combine that with the highest level of Customer Service and Quality possible, they have built a formidable reputation as a ‘Destination Shop’ for aficionados of England’s finest Footwear.

They also have a great lowest price guarantee.If you see the shoes at a lower price just contact them and they will beat the low price on a like for like basis by 5%!

Plus they have a great offer for AskAndy Members. Free Shoe Cleaning Brushes with each order.Just put the Code SHAA2013 when you check out.

Their website, while not showcasing all of the models by the UK Shoemakers they work with (all are available – just contact them), is full of wonderful values, a fantastic selection, shoe care accessories and tips.

Company Director Richard is always ready to offer help and advice at info@shoehealer.co.uk

The post The Shoe Healer Ltd. appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

Had this handsome sport jacket made by Tailor of China!

It’s a two button, peak lapel made of pure wool, working button holes, beautiful wooden buttons, good looking silk lining, handmade armholes, and pick stitching.  Brown herringbone with an attractive window pane check pattern of oranges.

Note the wooden buttons undone in the new “golf” style!

I got this jacket in record time including sending them a jacket to copy!

They have a large number of skilled tailors who have been making clothing for over 20 years.  The tailors have experience with both machine made and handmade garments. 

They get high quality fabrics at a discount which saves money.

But the advantage is that they can make your design. Whatever you want.  Just send them photos of the garment and/or fabrics or choose from their large selection on their website.  Or do what I did and send them you’re favorite to copy.

Tailor of China is really easy to work with and respond to e-mails promptly.

Here are some photo of their shop.

The post Tailor of China appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I ordered these shoes and shirt from Johnson and Murphy.

The Angler Slip On.  Tan Water-Resistant Leather/Beige Dri-Lex Mesh      $140.00

It features Multiple drainage holes, which allow one-way water dispersal, while carbon mesh wicks water away from the foot to maintain dryness.

·       Made of water-resistant leather and mesh with XC4 cushioning, plus a removable insole to adjust width from medium to wide.

·       Sheepskin and Dri-Lex® fabric lining.

·       Rubber sole. (Don’t know how the Beatles got involved but I always did like them!! )

The perfect shoe for Southern California casual.

The shirt is an easy care (no wrinkles) model in 100% cotton.  I got the Blue Triple Check, only $98.00

The versatile pattern works with a necktie or just as a sport shirt.

·        Specially finished to emerge from the dryer or suitcase virtually wrinkle free and retain a neatly pressed look throughout the day.

·        Point collar, removable stays, chest pocket, two-button cuffs.

·        Rounded shirttail hem.

·        Machine wash.

As you know Johnson and Murphy is a well established American company started in 1850 in Newark, New Jersey. Originally called the William J. Dudley Shoe Company after the owner.

James Johnson joined the company as partner in 1880. When Dudley died the name was changed to James Johnson Company.

In 1885 William A. Murphy, a businessman bought into the company and it was renamed Johnson and Murphy.

The post Johnson and Murphy (more than shoes)! appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I ordered a sport jacket, shirt and trousers from Ravi recently on his Los Angles visit.

And then I did the unpardonable to him! When I got home I looked in my closet and discovered a sport jacket very similar to the fabric pattern I had just ordered. Just a simple case of the customer not being prepared!! (And, hey, it’s difficult to get in my closet to see what’s there! )

Well I looked at the Ravis Custom Tailor website and picked out some alternative fabrics, and then e-mailed them. I was afraid that the order was already in or they wouldn’t want to change to something I hadn’t actually looked at.

They could not have been nicer or more effective with their customer service. They immediately e-mailed me with some suggested fabric choices. I picked one and will be happy to share my reviews when the ensemble arrives.

Thanks Ravi for being so customer oriented!

Here are my sport jacket (a light weight plaid – brown and blue – with a spectacular lining!!) gray trousers that are wrinkle resistant and my blue check shirt. 

All fit great, excellent attention to detail and I received all of these within a month of ordering! (unlike some recent experiences! ).

 

Thank you Ravis Tailors!

The post Ravis Custom Tailor appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

What a great concept – you can be your own shoe designer!  The process is even fun.  There are so many different choices so you can have the exact combination of colors where you want them on your shoes. 

Look at the process here http://www.itailor.com/designshoes

And the price of your designed custom shoes is only $119.  Want a better deal?  For limited time use this coupon and get 30% off Coupon Code : AskAndy30 

I went though and came up with these.  I was going for a unique fashion forward look, like nothing I had in the shoe wardrobe.  I’m pleased with the fit, the quality for such a low price (you can get several).   I might have gone for a less pointy toe, but otherwise I’m happy with these.

They arrived quickly in a good looking box with velvet cloth shoe covers.

Why not design some for your friends!

A little hard to see in my photo, but the sole of the shoe says “Designed by Andy Gilchrist”!  I think I’m going to order another pair!

The post NEW from iTailor.com — iShoes appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

Passaggio Cravatte Neckties

I just got a work of art! A Passaggio Cravatte Necktie. I don’t know whether to tie it around my neck or frame it in the living room.

The fabric is outstanding and every step is done by hand.

The necktie I received is a seven fold but not thick like other seven folds I’ve had. Either the superior fabric or the outstanding crafting by the artisans make the necktie unique.

Passaggio Cravatte Necktie

I worked with Gianni Cerutti for my necktie.

Seven Fold Passaggio Cravatte Necktie

Passaggio Cravatte was founded in 2010 by John Cerutti and Marta Step. The history (on the website) is very interesting.

They do not sell anything that is ready made. Everything is custom using only the hands.

Custom Made Neckties

They are the only necktie maker in Italy to offer the ancient seven-pleat necktie that is all internal and hemmed by hand in a single piece silk.

They also offer 4 folds, in addition to the classic tie, in a single piece of silk.

4 Folds Passaggio Cravatte Necktie

The fabrics are 90% real vintage. All are hand-printed with patterns and unique hard to find, and all are now virtually unobtainable. They are true museum pieces in limited edition.

Contact them through http://www.passaggiocravatte.com/ and tell them AskAndy sent you!

The post Passaggio Cravatte Neckties appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I’m always saying that I could use a good stiff belt! But when I saw this one:

…from www.equusleather.co.uk I couldn’t resist. Of course it’s not stiff, but a beautiful hand crafted supple bridle leather. (Sedgwick first selection)!

The solid brass buckle in the design of an English stirrup is fantastic. It’s cast in Walsall in the heart of the UK. Not sure the photo does it justice.

I got the London Tan and the belt is 1 1/4″ wide. The finish and the edge dressing is exceptional. Each belt is made to measure And since I’ve been losing weight lately (walking everyday and drinking only cheap gin) I was a little worried to order such a handsome belt, but it’s unique in that there are 7 backslots or holes (giving you 6 inches of adjustment). I ordered the one to fit my new size, but I won’t worry too much if I lose another 50 pounds.
No chance of that; the gin isn’t that cheap!

These really are nice handmade leather belts and the site features more than just fantastic belts! Everything from dog collars, leather bags, and antique leather luggage, to leather care products.

Equus Leather is offering AskAndy Members a generous 15% discount for items purchased before March 31, 2011. The coupon code for the checkout is AskAndy15%

Equus Leather is run by Charlie Trevor and Dawn McCormack from the heart of rural Northumberland in the UK. Charlie manages the leatherwork and creative side of the business and Dawn ably deals with the photography, administration and all things that make the business tick. Charlie has been producing leather and bridlework since 1995.

Please contact them to design your own belt with different available buckles and leather colors.

Charlie’s philosophy is
“I grew up using the leather suitcase that my Grandmother travelled around the world with and my Father to this day uses his Grandfather’s cartridge belt. We aspire to produce leatherwork that has the same quality and longevity and am proud to produce goods that don’t fit with the current ethos of poor quality, low price and disposability of all things.

We want to make products that fit with the values of a now past generation of craftsmen, where over engineering and pride in product were the prime consideration and profit was a natural result of producing a top quality product. ”

The post Equus Leather appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

The Hanger Project has been a legend here on AskAndy, and now the world for their luxury hangers.  It just keeps expanding with high quality products and great customer service.

Just look at their new line of  fantastic socks!  I just got some of their Palatino Dress Socks, which are the pinnacle of cotton dress socks.

There is no finer cotton dress sock in existence. Knitted using a 260-needle machine, which only three companies in all of Italy possess, and the finest Egyptian Mako cotton available. The 260-needle knit produces a very fine, thin sock that is slightly sheer in appearance and incredibly comfortable.

The result is a super-fine dress sock that allows for superior breathability and all but disappears on your foot.

The availability of seven sizes guarantee a perfect fit without bunching for uncompromised comfort, and thirteen colors!

On this sock, they added a 1×1 “Gambaletto” rib (below the top elastic band) that stretches like an accordion over the calf for additional comfort. It is “more elastic” (without using any elastic — it is 100% cotton) than the same area of the rest of the 920L sock that has a 8×2 rib.

For those that prefer mid-calf socks, The Hanger Project also has a collection of fantastic mid-calf socks. Again, knitted using the finest cotton, available in seven sizes, and thirteen colors!

Also available is their wool sock, the Palatino Lana Pura Super-Fine OTC Wool Socks, which are appreciated for their superior moisture-wicking and temperature-control, knitted using the highest yarn density for superior softness and comfort. Available in seven sizes and six colors!

The post Socks from the Hanger Project! appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I keep hearing great things about Robinson’s Andrew Jackson from the Members here and decided to check them out.   Great website – easy to navigate and a huge selection of different brands.

http://www.robinsonsshoes.com/

And watch for their new website launching within the next few months.

They offer a Bespoke Shoemaking Service, an Irish Brand of Footwear, an Expert Repair Service and two Stores offering a full range of quality Ladies and Men’s Footwear.

I really like the look and story about the Brogues, but since my shoe closet is full of oxfords, which I only wear with suits and don’t have the occasion much to wear suits I opted for some Barkers!

These fit my Palm Desert lifestyle perfectly.  The delivery was faster than I was expecting, and non EU customers do not pay the VAT.

Robinson’s Shoemakers is a family run business since it was established in 1954. They pride themselves in providing quality materials and excellent customer service.

Since the beginning they have been as traditional as possible in both their approach to making and repairing shoes but also their approach in selling shoes.

Their personal service is fantastic and Mr. Robin Stewart is a joy to work with. Tell them you came from AskAndy!

The post Robinson’s Andrew Jackson Irish Brogue appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

 Tassel Mate the “shoetree” for tassels

Just found a great new product that actually solves a problem!  We put shoe trees in shoes to help keep their shape, why not take better care of the tassels on our shoes!!

I’ve used rubber bands in the past to tame those wild and crazy tassels, but now this product does it best.

I like tassel loafers and once you read the history of them in my book The Encyclopedia of Men’s Clothes, I think you’ll have a greater appreciation for them as well.

These Tassel Mate’s from www.tasselmate.com are a clever device to renew your shoe’s tassels.  It’s magnetic device in a cloth which surrounds the tassel and holds it in place for storage or rejuvenation.  There are very precise instructions included on how to make your shoe tassels new again.

Only$24.95 for two sets.

Tassel Mate is the invention of Alan Neal. He designed and created this solution to the disfigured tassels problem after replacing many pairs of his own; the loafers themselves were still in excellent shape, it was the tassel adornment that did not stand the test of time.

Tassel Mate, when used on new tassel loafers, keeps them looking impeccable, and revitalizes misshapen tassels on the loafers you already own for a crisp polished look.

Tassel Mate can be purchased alone, or in combination with TruShape Leather Conditioner, which will help keep your tassel loafers looking as perfect as when you first took them out of the shoe box.

Before

 During

After!

The post Tassel Mates appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

I just received a “Finn” wallet and passport case from WaterField Designs   http://www.sfbags.com

Both are beautifully hand crafted. I got the full-grain cowhide but it feels like a natural deerskin in camel. 

I really like the size – perfect for my recommendation for men to carry their wallet in the front trouser pocket! Back pocket wallets are the major cause of men’s back problems!

All their wallets have a generous capacity while remaining notably thin.  Both have zipper closures so nothing can fall out and inside compartments for credit cards, cash, etc.  The passport wallet is a perfect size too, and has a soft suede-like lining on one side.

The Finn comes in 4 sizes explained on the website, which let you choose the right size for you –  Travel with just cash, cards and ID or to go for the hybrid wallet-smartphone options for iPhone, Samsung S4 or HTC One.  Or carry your cash, cards, ID, phone, passport and tickets, all in one safe place.

Here are the choices of fabric and colors:

Leather

Black

Cowboy Brown

Camel

Grey

Forest Green

Red

Tan Waxed-Cotton Canvas

Silver nylon “Flash” (black and silver pattern) 

Hand-made to exacting standards entirely in the USA, San Francisco, to be be exact. This quote from them is great:

“WaterField bags are designed and made in San Francisco, where rent is high, labor expensive, and competition is intense. We wouldn’t go anywhere else.” !!!

Plus they have a complete line of bags, look at their website – you’ll be impressed. Tell them you’re from AskAndy when you order.

The post WaterField Designs Wallets and Bags appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

At the recent AskAndy London Event I had the pleasure to meet Adrian Gilbert of Sartorial Footwear and Steve Allen, Production Director for Sartorial Footwear.

They had made a beautiful pair of shoes for me.  They make velvet and leather slippers with stunning quilting inside the shoe.  You can be sure that I’m not just going to wear these by the fireside sipping Cognac.  These shoes are going out on the town.

Check the shoes on http://www.sartorialfootwear.com/

Everyone at the AskAndy London Event were envious of my new Sartorial Footwear shoes!

The post Sartorial Footwear appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

Finally, the answer for shorter men (the 25% of the male population who are 5’8″ and under) in finding fashionable clothing that actually fits! 

http://www.PeterManningNYC.com

Peter Manning/Five Eight New York was founded on a simple premise: Men 5’8” and under have the right to be able to buy clothes that fit properly and feel great. If you are 5”8 and under, and care about how you look, and has probably rarely, if ever, been able to buy a pair of pants or anything else that fit off the rack.

They carry inseams 27″, 28″ , 29″ and 30″ on all their pants. (no one else does that!).

Their customers are men from all 50 US states and more than10 foreign countries.

For Peter Manning, yes he really exists, creating this company has been a lifelong dream.

When he was ten years old and wanted bell bottoms and his mother told him  that by the time she shortened them they wouldn’t be bell bottoms anymore!

And this is really great!  They have designed a new and proprietary size system for shirts, polos, tees, sweaters, blazers, ties and trousers.

Their system gives you the information you need to make a decision about what size is just right for you, using your weight and height to guide you to find your ideal size.

At Peter Manning they do everything possible to insure that you are happy with your purchase.  If it is just not right, it’s their goal to allow you to return your purchase in the easiest way possible.

They are dedicated to never stop working to bring you the best fitting, best made clothes you have ever worn.

And don’t forget the discount for first time orders.  Look for it on their Home Page.

The post Peter Manning for gentlemen 5′ 8″ and under appeared first on Ask Andy About Clothes.

Our good friend Chay Cooper recently put his best foot forward and he was wearing Wildsmith Shoes!

Chay was previously employed at Alfred Sargent where he developed the AS Handgrade and AS Exclusive collections and has now left to become one of the Directors at Wildsmith aiming to reinvigorate the famous shoe brand to former glories with a classic RTW collection of high quality and attractive pricing. 

I was attracted to these Trinity Chestnut loafers.

Wholecut with beautiful and unique brogueing.   Wildsmith has just reduced the price of these to only £305, (about $499.80), and they have beautiful hardwood shoe trees for only £65 (about $106.52).

Wildsmith handmade shoes were established in London in 1847, repairing the shoes and boots of the Household Cavalry.

Progressing onto shoemaking, the company enjoyed the patronage of many esteemed and notable clients including HRH King George VI, for whom the original Wildsmith loafer was created.  

Now they craft their shoes in Northamptonshire with the same luxurious quality and attention to detail that gave the original Wildsmith shoes their established acclaim and sell via their concession in Savile Row and their website www.wildsmith.com  

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