18 October 2009

Knowing When to Say "No"

It's not always an easy thing to turn down a spectacular item at a spectacular price. But if shopping at thrift stores has taught me anything, it is the value of discernment. Even when buying cheap, if not especially, a man should insist on a high level of quality and a style that suits him. That said, I was recently forced to pass on one of these:

Patchwork tweed sport coat, The Andover Shop.

The one I found was legitimate, actually the jacket in the picture, actually from Andover Shop, for $7.49. At the Andover Shop they cost $1275 (yikes!). The thing fit me like a glove, but, alas, close inspection revealed it to be more than a little moth eaten. Some things just weren't meant to be , I guess. It's probably for the best, because as much as I like to push the envelope of traditional menswear, if ever there was a tough garment to pull off successfully, this is it.


But damned if it wouldn't have been something with some grey flannels and a cream colored wool turtle neck...

p.s. A.D.G. is back! Score one for the good guys! Good thing I didn't take down his link.

23 comments:

Young Fogey said...

I was dumbstruck for a moment, and then...

Well, I don't wish to be unkind, so I will refrain from saying what I thought. I'll just say that I hope never to see one in real life.

P.S.: Where on earth could you wear one, even if you did have one?

Giuseppe said...

Fogey,

I'm glad it was moth eaten. If it wasn't, I might have bought it just because I know that it is expensive.

As for where to wear it, the answer is at the weekend house in the English countryside, I suppose...such a place I am not likely to visit any time soon.

Anonymous said...

That outfit is perfect. I love it to death. I would wear it to go antiquing or while visiting art galleries or while dining at a country in. Seriously, it's the bees knees.

Anonymous said...

"... at the weekend house in the English countryside."

Even then, please stay indoors for everyone else's sake. Egad.

Old School said...

Giuseppe,

You have demonstrated that you have better sense than the Andover Shop.

Paul said...

I though of you this weekend - and also thought you'd be proud of me! The wife and I were out "garage sailing" in a rather expensive neighborhood on Saturday. I found a practically-brand-new 100% cashmere jacket (pockets still stiched together) - and I snatched it for $1.00!!! I had a pile of shirts and slacks to go to the cleaners, so I sent this find along for cleaning (just in case) and will pick it up this afternoon - can't wait to wear it to work on Tuesday.

JKeohane said...

I'm with Fogey on this one. It looks like someone car-bombed a Proust convention.

L.A.S said...

What about buying stuff and selling it on eBay to gain a little extra cash for that next find in which you are compelled to say, "Yes"...

DAM said...

I saw this come across eBay recently and too passed. I love patch mad - even in winter - but this crossed the line a bit.

Young Fogey said...

L.A.S.,

If you have an eye for quality; if you have knowledge of what people value; if you have access to high-end items; and if you have the willingness to sell on eBay, I think you could pull it off.

Reading your comment and writing my reply, I almost wish I would have bought that lightly-worn pair of Crockett & Jones shoes I saw the other day. $20 for a $600 pair of shoes. They might have gone for $100 or more--but then again, many of the C&J shoes currently available on eBay have no bids on them.

Then again, an enterprising young man could make a business out of reselling quality merchandise just the way I've described. Perhaps I'm not as young as my moniker suggests ;-)

C.Sharp said...

The Andover Shop look. One gets it or they do not. Those guys can do some wild pattern mixing also.

ADG said...

I'm so not the authority on this shit and indeed-I've been known to pimp my outfits a bit but I'd have to pass on this one too.

C said...

I probably would have bought it and worn it anyways, if it fit me.

Anonymous said...

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think it is great. If I had that kind of money to burn, I would buy it new.

Giuseppe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Young Fogey said...

"P.s. Anyobody steals my idea, I'll kill you."

Remember he's Italian--he means it.

;-)

DAM said...

That's a brilliant idea, why would you share that... Pull an Eddie Ross and start selling on this stuff on etsy to test the waters.

Paul said...

The store sounds like a great idea. Think of the J. Press store in New Haven and you have the venue.

Anonymous said...

Some of my friends think my Nantucket Reds are a bit wild, so what do I know. Never the less, I would kill for that outfit. It would be great to be buried in.

Giuseppe said...

You're right, I've said too much. Comment deleted.

Those of you who read that comment, I'll still kill you if you steal my idea...

Especially if you're from New York.

tintin said...

I like it. And I'd have bought it in a heart beat. I saw a guy last Xmas wearing one in the lobby of the 4 Seasons. Everything (even Bud lite) has it's place and you have to be able to discern what that place is. If you don't get it - - best not to even try.

Laetitia :-) said...

Sorry, but mad (and bad at that) patchwork belongs only on the bedspread of a sewing enthusiast with no eye for lines.

Tweedmans Vintage said...

I like the jacket, just for its quirky look. Must have taken some sewing .... : )