Your one stop
shopping for clothing, accessories, grooming, wine and spirits,
cigars, leisure, and for your home!
On The Fly is committed to outfitting the modern gentleman with
solutions that acknowledge his discerning tastes and busy
schedule. They're mission is to edit the world of choices
available to their customer in such a way that he can be confident
that every purchase is a stylish one.
Pictured on
the left: On The Fly Bespoke
Letterpress Stationery - Fedora!!
Here is a Special Discount for Ask Andy readers:
15% OFF
your first order by entering the code ThxAndy at
checkout.
The code can only be used once per customer.
The Spring Sale kicks off with 35% off all seasonal goods (Bills
Khakis Limited Edition, Ike Behar casual shirts, select belts
from Martin Dingman and Bill Lavin, braces from Trafalgar,
wallets from Hlaska, and more...
You can also shop
the new San Francisco showroom. To set up an appointment,
e-mail, fax, or give them a call.
1 Embarcadero Center, Street Level,
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone
toll free 1-877-547-2720. If you do
not reach a customer service representative directly,
feel free to leave a message. The message will be sent
to us via e-mail as well and we will respond as soon
as we possibly can.
Oriental Tailors was created with two
main goals set in mind: to have a business that would create high
quality personalized custom tailored shirts and to preserve, if not
revive, some old and sadly dying crafts by local communities of
skilled tailors – handmade fabric assembling – as opposed to mass
machine-produced items.
Our shirts, especially made for you, and the unique treatment you
will receive at Oriental Tailors, will definitely make your shirt
shopping experience with us an unforgettable one.
Elegant, unique, and
comfortable.
Whoever said that you can’t have all the above rolled into one
especially tailored shirt with the styling and fabrics of your
choice? Go through the fun but effective steps on our
site to produce your shirt.
My shirt is very well made. Their house
fabrics are all Thomas Mason. I chose this check pattern and
French Cuffs with rounded finish.
The buttons on the shirt I ordered
are mother of pearl, and their standard buttons are bone. And talk
about a quality feature there are 8 buttons down the front placket!!
And the last one has a horizontal button hole. I also went
with the "specially knitted" option for the stitches. I also like
the removable collar stays.
You'll enjoy the options and the prices!!
They have some specials so contact them and
make sure you tell them you're from Ask Andy!
The Aspinal range of mens gifts offers a collection of exquisite leather gifts for husband, father, boyfriend or son. The men's leather gift range includes leather wallets, leather briefcases, business and office accessories, leather diaries, leather journals, leather photo albums, mens leather belts and many more perfect gift ideas for him - that will last forever. For that extra personal touch almost all our men's gifts can be personalized and of course exquisitely gift wrapped and boxed in
Aspinal's signature gift presentation and sent with your hand written message on our
Aspinal signature gift card. If you need help please don't hesitate to call our Customer toll free help line.
Aspinal of London
Aspinal House
Longfield, Midhurst Road
Fernhurst, Surrey
GU27 3HA, United Kingdom
Call Toll Free 1-888-325-3302
International +44 1428 648 180
Just
got two shirts from Moniker!
First
the shirts from Moniker are really fantastic, great details, but before I
get into those details I've got to tell you what fun (yes fun!) shopping on
the Moniker site is. They have an interactive system and you build
your very own shirt. You can "drag" just the features you want for
your shirt. And the choices of features are seemingly unending!
Plus you'll be very pleased with the
unbelievable price for the
quality of fabric and artisan skill that goes into making your custom shirt.
I got these two fabrics:
One of the choices is the
different fabric inside the cuffs, which you can almost see on the blue
herringbone (middle photo). Each shirt has 7 buttons down the front
(including the collar button) and the bottom button goes into a horizontal
button hole with a different color stitching!! Each shirt comes with
an extra set of collar stays, and here's a neat touch - a small square of
the shirt fabric. You can take that in with you to buy a necktie!
Moniker's stated goal
on every shirt, for every customer, is to give the best value available.
And they do that with quality fabrics, proven work-personship, and a
willingness to spend time and money on details that others can't or won't
match.
it's important for
Ask Andy Members whenever they place an order on the Moniker site, should
follow that order up with an email to "pimp@monikerwear.com",
and use that email to tell Kristin the special touches they want us to put
on your shirt.
I thought there was
every option imaginable on the website, but when I placed my order Kristin,
pimp@monikerwear.com contacted me and had more option suggestions!!
They have so many great options that it's just not practical to put all the
options onto the website. One of Kristin's suggestions was to add the
different fabric inside the cuffs of the blue herringbone.
I just got these fantastic
shoes from Forum Member Ron Rider of
Rider Boot Companyhttp://riderboot.com/
Classic unlined Shell Cordovan Pennystrap on a full
leather
sole and combination heel. 86 last
Ok, I know I am calling this a
boot line, but I can’t help a
good looking pennystrap –
especially in Shell Cordovan.
Our item RBPS1
is an UNLINED Shell Cordovan
loafer on the 86 last, which is
a round toed last for a very
classic look that can work with
either casual or dress options.
RBPS1 features
a mid height vamp, and a double
soled construction (thought both
the mid and outsoles are lighter
for this style) made with
‘Rapid’ stitching (open channel
fully stitched) for easy
re-soling and very long life.
This item is available in our
own #6 Shell Cordovan from
Horween, as well as a few pieces
in Natural Shell Cordovan with
Brandy Scotch Grain Shell
Cordovan strap and topline.
Fit note – We suggest you fit
this shoe 1/2 size smaller than
typical, and for sure 1/2 size
smaller than our other boots.
As an unlined shoe, and due to
the fitting of the last, we
would prefer a fit where the
foot completely fills the shoe
and allows for the material to
wrap around in a snug way thru
wear – as a moccasin should be
fit. -- Ron Rider
Bespoke England have years of
experience in handling English Footwear including London &
Northampton’s finest Bootmakers such as John Lobb, Edward Green,
Crockett & Jones and more recently, Gaziano Girling.
They also have experience in English Antiques including Leatherwear,
Vintage luggage, Jewellery and Bridle wear. And check out
their extensive line of accessories including shoe brushes, shoe
trees, shoe horns, etc.
My first Lobb's!!!
I just received these John Lobb Cheltenham one of the Prestige line
Loafers in Burnt Orange Calf. Not only are they exquisite, but
they fit perfectly and I got the elegant the shoe trees shown in the
photo.
--
Andy
Welcome
to the ADVENT
OF TIME collection of solid gold and stainless
steel deployant buckles. Each of our wristwatch buckles
is individually hand constructed in 18kt. and 14kt.
plumb gold. We produce our gold watch buckles in 3
colors, yellow, white and rose.
There are five distinctive gold watch buckle models,
each representing a different period of design. Choose a
watch buckle that fits your personal style and taste and
harmonizes with your watch.
The folio is fully lined in leather on the inside (this
is an area where some manufacturers will skimp).
The business card holder
in brown:
The
business card holder is lined with a heavy 10 ounce
cotton fabric that is very hard wearing.
They are so
beautiful that I wished they made shoes! Wow what great
leather. -- Andy
So what's so
great about M & W?
All products are
Made in USA
and every product is handcrafted
(their master craftsman has more than 30 years of experience).
These items
are made of full grain, front quarter horsehide. It’s a very
tough leather that lasts forever and looks better and better as
it breaks in and ages.
Horsehide has a
rich history of usage in jackets for the military, aviators, and
motorcycle enthusiasts. You can currently find several
manufacturers making reproduction jackets, but no one (until now)
has taken this leather into the business travel world.
The business travel world dishes out a lot of abuse (planes, trains,
and automobiles!), so we feel that the timing is ripe for products
that can take the punishment and look good in the process.
I just got my order
of some
underwear from Key Largo Underwear for me and my wife!!
It's great underwear!
Perfectly styled cotton with an extra feature - a wicking layer. If
you play golf in Palm Desert in the summer like I do it's not a
luxury - it's a necessity!! Plus the wicking feature is just
more comfortable.
The fabric is combed Ring Spun and
body is 100% cotton knit in a tradition 1x1 double needle rib knit.
One of the features I really like
is the substantial waist band. The first part of underwear to go is
the elastic. It will "bacon" from the dryer and the rubber or
spandex will start to break. So covering the waist and leg bands
will make the garment last a lot longer. Plus it feels better on
the skin and will absorb moisture.
They have an excellent selection of
styles for men and women.
Ask Andy Members
Save 25% by using code 4000 at check out. Free
shipping and handling for USA (lower 48) and Canada. Try 1 pair now
and then reorder and stock up.
Tommy
John just sent me some undershirts from their new
Second Skin Collection.
They say it’s a functional luxury collection of both underwear
(tops and bottoms) and outerwear (casual tops). They are
incredibly lightweight and extremely soft. They claim them as
the “ultimate undershirt.” I have to agree as Tommy John has
the softest shirt I have ever worn!
It includes
Tailored Stretch™ technology
offering a one of a kind fit technology, which keeps the shirt
tucked in. They fit men of all sizes, regardless of body shape,
to solve the age old problem of undershirts not staying tucked
in. It performs like an undershirt should; doesn’t bunch up,
doesn’t ride up, and hugs the body very nicely to ensure it
stays tucked in all day.
This is one of the most innovative ideas I’ve seen in a long
time and I’m sure you’ll see the line of undershirts in major
department stores very soon. Please use coupon code
“askandy” through Fathers Day for 10% off and FREE shipping!
BOOKSTER1UK
Purveyors of distinctive tweeds and fine quality clothing,
vintage and modern. Specialising in unique, hard to find
apparel. This extraordinary UK E-bay shop enjoys a worldwide
reputation for quality, value and service.
We've
been busy expanding. Here's some interesting news for
AskAndy members.
We now have a
large warehouse here in rural Herefordshire that serious
buyers can visit by appointment. So far bookings include
visitors from Switzerland and Scandinavia and future visits
planned by USA customers when they visit the UK. It is a
veritable 'Aladins Cave' as we only list a fraction of our
stock in our eBay store.
No leather
couches yet, it is a basic storage facility in an idyllic
rural setting, hundreds of tweed jackets and more. There are
lots of other places to visit nearby to make it a great
English 'Day Out'.
Bookster Club -- Our growing number of regular
customers inspired us to start an exclusive club. Its not
your typical loyalty card operation requiring you to collect
points, the benefits are , appropriately 'bespoke', and can
include shipping discounts, bulk purchase discounts, quality
free gifts etc.
Barbour Jackets -- Through an
associate of ours, we are able to offer huge savings on some
models of NEW Barbour Wax Cotton Jackets, and a full range
of high quality used Barbour Jackets. None of these are
listed in our e-bay store, anyone interested should contact
us for more information.
Bookster Hacking Jacket embodies all that is best in the
way of styling, from the three button front through to the 3
hacking style slant pockets and functional collar tab.
Tailored in England and designed to be versatile and
suitable for equestrian, formal and casual wear. We’ve used
the finest tweed such as Johnstons of Elgin Saxony, and
Glenhunt Home Spun.
To launch the Bookster Original range of tweed clothing, we
have on offer, at a special introductory price, a selection
of exceptional English Craft Tailored Tweed Hacking Jackets.
Choose
from six different cloths, standard sizes currently in
stock, short and long lengths,
available to order, additional bespoke features to
order, matching waistcoats and trousers to order.
We have expanded our range
of cloths and added our estate tweed shooting suit. most
of our items are to order , with a turnaround of 4-6
weeks, so forward planning is a good idea.
Corduroy trousers are ready to join the range too!
Featuring:
Functional Collar Tab
Single Breasted
Three Button Fastening
3 Hacking Slant Pockets
Breast Pocket
Two inside tweed inset pockets
Deep Single Vent
Floating Canvas Hair Panel
Fully lined with
Co-coordinated Luxury Satin
Got my Bookster Hacking Jacket!!
It's the Lomond
(see photo at left) and I think the bottom button is
fastened to show all three buttons on the website.
What's really odd is that this jacket fits perfectly!!
??? The sleeves are perfect (that never happens) and
the area below the neck in the back looks like it was
tailored (in Savile Row) just for me. also ??
Now maybe I was lucky, or I'm just the perfect body
type for the typical British country estate squire.
Any way I'll now have to sell my small beach house
(and small lot) and acquire a large country estate in
England or Scotland just to properly wear this
incredible jacket.
Also got the brown moleskin trousers to wear with it.
Can't wait for winter and those chilly 50 degree temps
here in So. California, USA!!
No, no
moleskin isn't from a mole!!
Moleskin is an abrasion and tear resistant fabric
made of tightly woven long-staple cotton. It was
developed in the 14th century for hunting
and fishing attire. Moleskin’s reputation for
toughness was so good it found use as aprons to
protect workers from splashes of molten metal in 16th
Century English foundries.
And Bookster uses the
finest quality moleskin available.
Thanks Bookster!
-- Andy
Gilchrist
And here's some good news
Ask Andy members get 5% off the purchase price!!
Just use the discount Codeword
Clydesdale.
Just enter CLYDESDALE in the
promotional code box and the discount will be
automatically applied.
We are ever happy to consult with
customers to help ensure they get just what they want.
Skype Telephony means we can talk to each other at length
if needs be, our Skype ID is bookster1uk
Dave Welch of http://www.AustinTaylor.net has
a beautiful shop in Irvine, (Orange County) CA. I went to Orange
County for a second fitting and everything was perfect! So I took
home a new beautiful sport jacket!
The sport jacket fabric was selected from the Vitale Barberis, Como
II collection, super 120s. It's a brown with window pane overlays
of blue and a subtle orange.
The trousers are chocolate brown selected from the Vitale Barberis,
Blazone collection, super 120’s.
The shirt fabric was selected from the Soktas fabric collection from
Turkey (2 ply 120s) with a blue and brown stripe that also
coordinates with the sport jacket.
But the details!! Oh the details:
The Sport Jacket has working sleeve buttons, of course, peak lapels,
pick stitching ... but also a vent belt that really works.
And look at that lining! Good thing I went with the
conservative one!!
The Trousers have the most unusual but impressive heel guards I've
ever seen, maybe because they were personalized with my name!!
And a Belt buckle tab!
The Shirt fabric has an incredible "wow" factor. I put it on and
didn't want to take it off - EVER! And the French Cuff tabs
that the cuff links go through that holds the bottom of the cuff
together better than just the link alone. It
may be an exclusive Dave Welch design for Austin Taylor.
Dave has two collections, one that is MTM (although it's really
close to bespoke) and a Bespoke line. The prices of the Made To
Measure start at approximately:
Suits
$895
Sport jackets $695
Trousers $295
Shirts (Dave has some fabulous fabric choices!!) start at $159
The Bespoke is fantastic. He's trying to make it more attainable
and if you live anywhere near Orange County, CA it's going to be
more accessible. More accessible than flying to London and getting
measured on Savile Row!!And I think you're going to get a comparable
or better suit!! With Super 120s Dave's bespoke suits will start at
only $1795 !! The fabric choices will be a wide selection of
Australian Merino fabrics.
This blazer sells for, ready, only $139!! It's not only
good looking with classic styling; it's an amazing
value. Granted it's not a custom made Brioni blazer,
but for the price, the workmanship, the style it's a
wonderful value. Much more value that you can expect in
any $139 garment!! It's actually an amazing value at
twice or three time the price.
What's great is the wrinkle proof quality it has from a
blend of wool and polyester, BUT the fabric looks great
with no shine!! I met Scott Anderson recently for
lunch; he said "Look at this!", and he folded up the
Blazer and sat on it during the rest of lunch!!!
After lunch it was unwrinkled.
It's perfect for a student in High School or College
that needs a basic blazer. It's perfect for anyone
getting started in business and for me it will be the
ideal travel blazer. Plus I may keep it in my car -
just in case!!
And prominently displayed in the inside collar of the
Blazer is a tag with "Made In The USA"!!
PatrickJames
are fine men's clothing stores mostly on the West Coast, but
it doesn't matter where you are since they have a fantastic website!
I just got a couple of great sweaters, Some fun Espadrilles
for summer and some belts - Tommy Bahama and Allen Edmonds (they
have a great selection of Allen Edmonds!).
Drakes London
The discerning few want things that are difficult to find, accessories that are chic, have unique style and where quality is a must – in other words, things that are really better than the norm.
Drakes handmade ties are made in their central London studio, using only the finest quality silk, cashmere and wool fabric qualities. Every Drakes tie is cut and sewn entirely by hand and goes through 19 quality checks before delivery.
Our luxury scarf collection ranges from the lightest weight over sized cashmere wovens to our specialist cashmere Shetland scarves and includes reversible wool knit scarves and wool/silk for the ultimate in classic variety.
New for autumn 2008, Drakes are now selling finest quality shirts, luxurious Scottish cashmere sweaters, over the calf wool socks, Irish linen handkerchiefs, exclusive cuff links, men's belts, unique fold-away travel umbrellas, picnic blankets and throws.
One of the highest quality neckties
I've ever worn! -- Andy Gilchrist
You might remember
that The Hanger Project came from you,
Ask Andy Forum Members, discussing where to get a great hanger.
Forum member Kirby found the answer for all of us!!
10% discount
for AAAC members with the Promotion Code "AskAndy"
I just had the opportunity to try an innovation in underwear!! Sorry nothing to do with Victoria's Secret.
This is a man's undershirt called RibbedTee™ available at http://www.ribbedtee.com/and it's a unique combination of what's great in a ribbed athletic tank undershirt with the traditional Tee, with an improvement on both!
You get the close fit, comfort and cooling effects of the ribbed fabric with a tee's underarm perspiration and deodorant/anti-perspirant protection for your shirt. These undershirts, both crew or V-neck, feel really good, fit closely so you don't get any bunched up fabric under your shirt, and stay tucked in (the length, top of shoulder to bottom, is cut extra long and engineered with a tailored cut - the bottom is 1" narrower than chest)!
They've even solved the loose sleeve problem with form fitting sleeves that stay in place. Your choice in black or white. The black version is the same fabric, but has an even more "silky" feel.
And ready for the best part? The price!!! Only $18.50 for the white and $19.50 for the black - that's two per package!
It’s the perfect undershirt at a more than perfect price.
-- Andy Gilchrist
Tell them you came from Ask Andy and get 10% off that already incredibly low price!! Just use the coupon code
"AskAndy"
Men's RibbedTee Undershirt (White)
Available in V-Neck & Crewneck
$18.50 (package of two)
Men's RibbedTee Undershirt (Black)
Available in V-Neck & Crewneck
$19.50 (package of two)
For more information contact RibbedTee Customer Service at: info@ribbedtee.com or 877-594-9076
I just ordered some shoes from http://www.grapevinehill.com
Excellent selection of shoes at great prices and some reviews about
Grapevinehill on the Forums!
Prince Henry, is a family business
based in Bangkok, Thailand providing custom made suits at great prices
and they visit USA, Canada, UK and Australia regularly.
You can see their itineraries at
www.princehenry.biz/world-tour.html
Mention Ask Andy and get a 5%
discount
I
was measured for a sport jacket and trousers during one of their visits
to the USA. Great selection of fabrics and then I was fortunate
enough to visit Bangkok on a recent trip for a second fitting (you don't
have to do that!!). Here's some photos of my Prince Henry jacket:
High quality custom tailored
clothing, for not much more
than off the rack. Tell Vijay, Andy sent you!
I just ordered two sport jackets and
trousers to go with them from
www.CustomMen.com Stay tuned and I'll let you know how
they turn out!! --
Andy
Got the two sport jackets and they're
perfect! Both jackets are light
weight wool and linen blends by Marzoni and the trousers were
tropical wool by Zegna and Dormeuil. The Olive jacket has dark
olive trousers and the blue jacket has navy. Since I couldn't
be personally measured, I sent Vijay one of my best fitting suits.
The CustomMen jackets
actually fit better across the back than the original suit!! I
don't know how they did that so I asked! Vijay said his father
heads up the Hong Kong tailoring division and he thought that the
back shoulder area should be modified to give me more comfort!
Blue jacket with navy trouser.
These are not the pants that came from
CustomMen.
I paired some tan trousers for a more summer look.
How about that lining!!
I just received a bespoke shirt in this Blue on Blue Over-check
Italian fabric, 100% Cotton, Two-Fold, Poplin, $110.00
Bawden Bespoke is based in Australia (have you checked
the exchange rate lately!!!) but works from their internet site
where you go through a step-by-step self measurement process. If
you have a great fitting shirt you can use that as a guide. Take
the process serious and put some time into it. You choose your
fabrics, styles, and details.
They are great about offering recommendations so make sure you
communicate with them via e-mail.
They manufacture the shirts in Singapore which provides
reasonable prices, access to the highest quality materials,
machinery and skilled employees.
The shirt has split yoke, sleeve gauntlet buttons, good fabric
(hey I chose it!), 7 buttons on the front placket including one
horizontal button hole at the bottom. Their shirts have
“pucker-free” seams!It’s a process similar to fusing a collar and
may be unique to Bawden Bespoke shirts!
They don’t currently offer visable monogramming as an option,
but are building a new interface to offer more options in the coming
months. The monogram is hidden on the front bottom and is a
free feature for our US customers as is a great surprise! The
package including a monogrammed handkerchief.
The only improvement necessary I can see is more substantial
collar stays. They come with those clear plastic ones that once
you've removed them, you'll never find them again. But that's an
easy fix, and Bawden just told me they are switching to the stronger
white collar stay!
This is the wallet I use
and recommend! Order it from
First Street
through the banner below. It's Item # 01344 at only
$29.95.
Rogue Wallet
A unique wallet that was specifically designed to be kept in the front pocket.
They have other versions as well!!
Plus it may save you some
future back pain!
-- Andy Gilchrist
From The Encyclopedia of
Men's Clothes, Wallet Chapter:
Ergonomic fashion fundamental – Two smaller
wallets carried one each in the front pockets instead of the rear.
It will save back strain and pain. When you sit on a large billfold pressure is
placed on your sciatic nerves and muscles. Many back problems have
been related to this practice.
There is another advantage to
carrying two small billfolds in your front pockets. The first
wallet keeps your credit cards, important stuff and some cash. The
other has some cash you don’t mind “donating” New York Style to
muggers.
Rogue Wallet
A unique wallet that was specifically designed to be kept in the front pocket.
I used to own 5 steamers.
I just ordered one of these and then immediately ordered a second
one!
It's the best steamer I've found.
Hold lots of water (tap) and heats up immediately! Doesn't
run out of steam and is so much easier to use that those with an
attached tank.
-- Andy
Gilchrist
I just got three T. M. Lewin shirts two in the “Luxury” fabric and
one in a “waffle weave”.
Out of all my quality features listed in The
Encyclopedia of Men’s Clothes these shirts do well!
Split cut
on the bias (diagonal),
yokes
Two piece non fused collars
Good quality fabrics
Pattern matched on the front
Seven buttons on the front
Front Placket Cross
stitched buttons
Plastic collar stays, removable and with the T.M. Lewin name on them
so I know which shirt they fit!!
ANDY'S
GIFT GUIDE 
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After lunch it was unwrinkled.
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