10 May 2010

Trans Continental Thrift Shopping

Back when I started this blog, I had no idea that I would wind up making so many "imaginary" friends...you know, the kind you sort of know, but they live God-knows-where and you'll likely never meet. Dorky, maybe, but so be it.

Back around Christmas time, frequent commenter "Young Fogey" and I worked a trans-continental trade of epic proportions, resulting in my ownership of a head-to-toe suit in Black Watch flannel. The Fogey has an eye for the Tartan, it turns out, even if it may be a bit wild for his own taste. So today, this box shows up at my house:
Inside, I find this stunner. Plaid this big, and so much of it, may not be for a lot of guys, but I absolutely love this thing, brass buttons and all. It actually reminds me a little bit of the jacket I'm wearing in my profile photo, all those years ago. Good thing the Fogey lives where it's generally too warm for these things, and he's smaller than me, and he's not down with that much plaid.
Open patch pockets, excellent pattern matching,

Side vents, again excellent pattern matching, and a very British bit of waist suppression,

Best of all, the label. Not only is it from the same Bermuda store as the super red shorts I recently acquired, but it was made by London tailors Alexandre, then of Oxford Street, now of Savile Row. Yikes! That sure is some nice wool. Can't wait till next Fall to wear it (although, with temps in Boston currently hovering around 50 with gusting winds, it might come out tomorrow).

Grazie Mille, Fogey. I really owe you one. My eyes are wide open for odd vests that are to short for me.








9 comments:

Young Fogey said...

Glad you like it so much. Just think of it as my subscription fee. You've already saved me hundreds, if not thousands, in the building of my wardrobe, so sending a little something your way that I'd know you'd like is just my way of saying "thank you" for such a wonderful blog.

Vests, yes, but if you really feel the need to reciprocate, 2" red foulard or striped bow ties would also be appreciated....

Young Fogey said...

Incidentally, folks, the red of that jacket isn't scarlet--it's fuchsia. Beautiful colors that suit me--but not as a jacket. I would have loved a vest or tie out of that material, though....

Main Line Sportsman said...

That jacket is terrific! Paired with some gray flannels it makes the perfect Christmas cocktail party uniform...
I might take it to my tailor....have the lapels switched to shawl collar velvet and create a custom dinner jacket that would knock 'em dead!

Thornproof said...

Damn! Now that is a nice jacket from a great manufacturer.

I would love that jacket for my Christmas ensemble. I all ready have the sweater vest to go with it.

Hope you enjoy it!

Matt said...

Lyndsay tartan? It'd match my kilt.

Scott Alexander said...

I'm sure you'll wear it quite well, G. I've found a few oxfords by the English Sports Shop, and the quality is impeccable.

What are your sizes? I just picked up a collection of three-piece suits by J.Press and Chipp that would never fit me. They're all yours if they'd fit.

Young Fogey said...

Hey, Scott,

I'm a 36 or 37 short--would they fit me? (grin)

Jho78 said...

Matt, I don't know about a matching jacket and kilt... It sounds like the dreaded Scottish Tuxedo.

Summer is a Verb said...

That blazer is AWESOME! XXOO