Search found 39 matches

by raykalendek
Tue Apr 05, 2022 7:34 pm
Forum: The Bespoke Forum
Topic: Optimo hats
Replies: 6
Views: 2494

Re: Optimo hats

Quality hats are usually pricey, regardless of the seller. Some of those in my modest collection were EBay purchases gotten at affordable prices. I’ve not personally dealt with Graham Thompson, so would be unable to provide anything of value about Optimo; however, I can recommend a few US hatters th...
by raykalendek
Sun Dec 19, 2021 11:57 am
Forum: The Structure of Style
Topic: Polo Coat question
Replies: 26
Views: 5587

Re: Polo Coat question

I’ve searched, unsuccessfully, for a camel hair cloth worthy of the cost of make-up, but have been disappointed. Great cloth of an appropriate weight, excepting Michael’s 1000g cashmere, simply hasn’t been available anywhere for a decade. I was in O’Connell’s yesterday and found two iterations of po...
by raykalendek
Sun Oct 17, 2021 2:49 pm
Forum: Your Questions and Answers
Topic: Factorial.
Replies: 7
Views: 2036

Re: Factorial.

Oxxford makes exceedingly well made suits and sports coats. Their RTW line can be found in many high-end clothing shops in the US; but how widely disseminated the brand is in the UK, I couldn’t say. For MTM, you would likely have to travel to the US to their main location in Chicago or flagship stor...
by raykalendek
Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:17 pm
Forum: The Bespoke Forum
Topic: RIP Charlie Watts
Replies: 4
Views: 2208

Re: RIP Charlie Watts

Great memory, a complement to the anecdote about him getting carefully showered, shaved and immaculately turned out to go deck Mick for drunkenly calling him early in the morning. A funny story, RJ…one that’ has endured for 50 years; however, I can’t help but believe that it’s apocryphal, although ...
by raykalendek
Tue Jul 11, 2017 9:27 pm
Forum: Your Questions and Answers
Topic: Midnight blue dinner jacket
Replies: 13
Views: 2551

Re: Midnight blue dinner jacket

I agree with Michael that mixing a midnight blue dinner jacket with black trousers might produce a jarring effect. I would stick to blue; however, for a summer or tropical soirée, this Esquire photo demonstrates the combination of a midnight blue DB dinner jacket with white or cream formal trousers....
by raykalendek
Fri Mar 10, 2017 12:53 am
Forum: Your Questions and Answers
Topic: Is there a place for Italian/French shoes in a classic wardr
Replies: 3
Views: 520

Re: Is there a place for Italian/French shoes in a classic w

I love the elongated, sleek, whippet like silhouettes and patina of these shoes. Think Berluti, Corthay, Aubercy, Scafora, etc. etc. As well as Bettanin & Venturi, Bontoni, Septieme Leguer, Caulaincourt, etc, etc. etc... My feeling is that most of the styles of shoes made by these makers are a bit ...
by raykalendek
Sun Feb 12, 2017 7:42 pm
Forum: Elegant Living
Topic: Hand crafted Sardinian Knives
Replies: 51
Views: 7493

Re: Hand crafted Sardinian Knives

I'd very much like to see this project moved forward. Are we nearing sufficient interest to proceed?
by raykalendek
Sun Feb 12, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Elegant Living
Topic: Beautiful Pens
Replies: 74
Views: 10129

Re: Beautiful Pens

I am chauvinistically loyal to Conway Stewart, having been fortunate enough to purchase several before the firm closed. I have never had a problem with them and would be completely lost if I had to purchase a fountain pen from a new manufacturer I'm also an enthusiast of Conway Stewart and saddened...
by raykalendek
Fri Jan 27, 2017 6:54 pm
Forum: Your Questions and Answers
Topic: Dress Socks
Replies: 18
Views: 1352

Re: Dress Socks

Finding quality socks that are appealing has been a challenge. Over the years, I've worn Pantherella, Bresciani, and Marcoliani (and others). These brands have always been serviceable and each has offered some classic designs. As to durability, they have all been fairly good. I'm awaiting a shipment...
by raykalendek
Thu Dec 01, 2016 10:49 am
Forum: Elegant Living
Topic: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: Availability in the US
Replies: 12
Views: 1172

Re: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: Availability in the US

Thank you, all, for your responses. It will take time, but I'll sample, in so far as I am able, your recommendations of balsamics and try to up my game in my sherry vinegar purchases, as well. Most readily available sherry vinegars are as marginally serviceable as balsamics, but I suspect that high-...
by raykalendek
Mon Nov 07, 2016 5:29 pm
Forum: Your Questions and Answers
Topic: Tie Knots
Replies: 5
Views: 605

Re: Tie Knots

Usually a four in hand or when I've needed a bit more knot heft, a half windsor. Just to shake up my routine, I've occasionally used a Pratt, but it's not really (IMO) a very appealing knot.
by raykalendek
Wed Oct 26, 2016 9:37 pm
Forum: Elegant Living
Topic: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: Availability in the US
Replies: 12
Views: 1172

Re: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: Availability in the US

Gentleman, thank you for your kind replies. As I anticipated, and Michael has reaffirmed, markets for this product both within and outside of Italy are fraught with uncertainty and fraud. I guess that I've little choice but to continue on my quest by trail and error.
by raykalendek
Sat Oct 22, 2016 6:29 pm
Forum: Elegant Living
Topic: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: Availability in the US
Replies: 12
Views: 1172

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: Availability in the US

For decades I've been disappointed with the quality and/or honest marketing of "balsamic" vinegars available on the US market. Whether in the finest shops of our largest cities or those of purveyors of speciality gourmet foods, I've had no success finding Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale that carries th...
by raykalendek
Mon Feb 08, 2016 4:46 pm
Forum: The Structure of Style
Topic: The role of bespoke in a relaxed environment
Replies: 46
Views: 3832

Re: The role of bespoke in a relaxed environment

Too much thinking about it is absolutely useless. These stories about the tweed jacket, the casual suit, the brown suit are pretty much our archaic cultural view on what was "correct" to wear in the free time or outside of town 50 years ago. The reality is, that jeans, t-shirt and a polyester or co...
by raykalendek
Thu Feb 04, 2016 2:05 am
Forum: The Bespoke Forum
Topic: Inside information
Replies: 6
Views: 1304

Re: Inside information

Being one who despises having anything in his trouser pockets (especially his hands), and finds unattractive the jacket-deforming effects of bulky items in exterior coat pockets, inside jacket pockets for slim wallets, business card cases, glasses, etc. seem essential. I'm rather consistent and mini...