Thursday 10 March 2016

Product Review - Accessories by The Dark Knot

Craig of That Dapper Chap reviews ties, pocket squares and lapel pins available from The Dark Knot and offers readers an exclusive 15% discount.


Myself and Harry wear accessories by The Dark Knot

Product



Today's product review focusses on accessories from Dark Knot, an outlet for gentlemen's ties, lapel pins and pocket squares to pep up your daily looks and help you to stand out from the crowd. 

You're able to buy an item just on it's own or alternatively they offer a starter kit and a tie subscription where you are sent a surprise tie every month for just $62.00

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Sunday 26 April 2015

What I Wore Today - A Sunny Wednesday

That Dapper Chap takes us through his look for Wednesday.



Enjoying the spring sunshine

The outfit laid out and ready to wear

Wednesday started like any other average Wednesday but I was pleased to see that the sun was shining. I wast pleased however with how my hair decided to collapse in the light spring breeze the second that I left the house! 

The stroll to work, bags packed with goodies

I was styling a photo shoot on Wednesday afternoon so I had a couple of bags with me, filled with various shirts, blazers, ties and accessories. It's a project that I've been working on with a local hair stylish and a local award winning photographer so I was excited that we were finally getting around to the shoot, after a few delays. You can expect the first blog story on that very soon.

A closer look at the handmade lapel pins

So, to the outfit. As you know chinos are a staple items for me and I haven't worn theses camel coloured ones for a while. I like blue and brown as a colour combination so chose a denim shirt and blazer. I've hopefully avoided that 'double denim' look here!

To give the look a bit of a vintage twist I opted for some button on braces and some two tone brogues. The vintage paisley scarf also goes to maintain this look and also keeps in with the colour theme.

Floppy hair, not the look I was going for



Time to get to the office!

As for accessories, I went for a striped knitted tie and added some home made lapel pins to the denim blazer, throw in a pocket square and you've added enough personality to ensure the look come across as considered. 

The full look, complete with scarf to keep out the chill

A close up of the tie and tie clip

Yes, those bags were as heavy as they look

The red and blue paisley pocket square

The two tone brogues give a vintage look



Where it's all from


Two Tone Brogues: London Brogues

Navy Ribbed Socks - CNYTTAN

Beige Chinos: Next

Button On Braces: Next

Denim Shirt: Topman

Denim Blazer: Ebay

Knitted Tie: Ebay

Vintage Tie Clip: Ebay

Vintage Scarf: Thrifted

Lapel Pins: Home Made

Pocket Square: Primark

Vintage Suit Carrier: Thrifted

Brown Holdall: River Island


THANKS FOR READING!

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Saturday 27 September 2014

Autumn Reds

That Dapper Chap shows us todays look incorporating Autumnal reds.


While the evenings are getting noticeably cooler, the days are still somewhat warm. Even though we're right at the end of September Autumn hasn't quite made his way into our lives just yet. So, with that in mind I thought I'd wear this unlined red cotton blazer, as it will probably be the last time this year that I get to wear it.


To go with the autumnal red theme I chose a retro print shirt and a knitted tie, both adding interest and texture to the look. The boots are also burgundy and are a resent acquisition and one I am most pleased with.


You'll see under the boots I'm wearing some red and navy polkadot socks which continue the colour story with the blue of the jeans and the retro red and blue print of the shirt.




 



My accessories today were my Daniel Wellington watch with handmade burgundy leather strap, some burgundy and navy beads and my new favorite thing: my 'Dapper Chap' tie bar with was sent to me by instagrams greycardigan. I didn't take pictures of the watch and bracelets as I totally forgot! But I did get a picture of the tie bar.









Where's it all from?


Burgundy leather boots: Next

Red and navy polkadot socks: Corgi

Skinny fit jeans: Burton Menswear

Belt: Burton Menswear

Retro print shirt: Next

Burgundy knitted tie: Next

Unlined Cotton Blazer: Next

Tie Bar: Simple Hands

Sunglasses: Oscar Wylee

Vintage Style Bag: Next

Pocket Square: Primark

Lapel Pins: Home made

THANKS FOR READING!

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Monday 1 September 2014

The retro print shirt

That Dapper Chap shows us todays look and talk about style influences from previous decades.


Today's look started with this retro print shirt. Not only is the print retro with it's red and navy blue elliptical, interwoven pattern but the entire design is retro. Inspired directly by the 1970s it's a great modern shirt with that vintage edge.


You'll see immediately that the collar is larger than those that we're seeing from the majority of shirts on the market. When the collar is laid flat you can see that it spreads slightly too to create more of a point at the tips, something that is classically 1970s and conjures images of bearded, long haired gents in flares and sandals and with a guitar slung over their shoulder.


Is it me or have the last few years opened up the doors to a variety of styles which cover many decades of style, but taking the best of the cuts, patterns and shapes from each and making them 'now'. We've seen a huge amount of 80s inspired clothing but none of the voluminous and illuminous vulgarities that graced the streets in 1984. We're seeing heritage styles that give a gentlemanly nod to the 20's, 30's and 40's but without the harsh, thick and itchy fabrics that they used back in the day. And even though the 90s are still fresh in some of our memories, some styles from that-no-so-far-away decade are creeping back too.


One company that is offering the best mix of the decades, that I have found, is Next. In their current collection they're offering urban styles with 90s influences, 70s print shirts, like the one I'm wearing today along with thin knit buttoned and collared sweaters, 80s influenced sweaters in block patterns and wool suits and collarless grandad shirts just like those worn by our forefathers while shovelling coal in the 20s.






So whatever decade you may favor, take the best of what it had to offer in a new way. You don't have to go the whole hog and add those cordoury flares and platform shoes with your 70s print shirt. Just team it with modern items as I have, like this skinny fit blazer and chinos. It could be argued that the blazer is 60s style and that the chinos are 50s or 80s, as they were big in both eras, but whatever mix of items you wear, it doesn't matter so long as you are wearing it well and make it your own.






Black leather kilted tassle loafers: Monk
Baton Rouge unmatched socks: Oybo
Navy slim fit chinos: Next
Retro print shirt: Next
Navy skinny fit textured blazer: Topman
Burgundy knitted tie: Next
Ties clip: vintage via eBay
Burgundy paisley pocket square: Primark
Black leather briefcase: holiday purchase in Tunisia
Lapel pins: home made
Bracelets: home made

THANKS FOR READING!

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Saturday 23 August 2014

Product Review - Southern Gents

That Dapper Chap reviews some of the gentlemen's accessories available from Southern Gents and shows us some styles that can be created with them


READ ON FOR AN EXCLUSIVE THAT DAPPER CHAP READER DISCOUNT

Just some of the range of items available from Southern Gents


MEET THE SOUTHERN GENTS

A few short weeks ago I started chatting to Tunde at Southern Gents, a charming fellow, passionate about mens accessories and with an aim to get us gentlemen dressing more sartorially.

From a small beginning in 2011, blogging online, they made the transition to an online store just a year later with the aim to be the number one manufacturer of mens accessories and signature items, with the craftsmanship of J.Crew and a budget which doesn't break the bank.

Gingham pocket square and camo and floral pocket rounds $12-$20

Working from their home office they design all of the pieces on offer themselves and use preferred manufacturers who execute their designs to the highest standards.

I asked Tunde what his message would be to That Dapper Chap readers, he replied "dressing your best will not only bring out the best in you, but will make you feel good about yourself, and convince others to take you seriously" I couldn't agree more!


The 100% silk Savannah tie $32 and the anchor lapel pin $15


PRODUCTS

Southern Gents sell a wide range of mens accessories, all designed to enhance your look and add detail and personality to your everyday outfits. 

As a fan of self tie bow ties I'm pleased to see that they have opted for this version rather than the pre-tied version, these are more sartorial and traditional, giving a genuine un-uniform look when tied.

The Oxford bow tie $25
With 14 adjustable bow ties currently available on the site (Aug 14) there is something there for everyone, from the quirky Yorkshire Terrier print to the traditional black, with different coloured velvets bow ties in between.

The diamond tip Ruby Red Plaid bow tie $22 in 100% cotton

Again with 18 neck ties for sale (Aug 14) the range is very good and you can pick up anything from a floral design for the spring and summer months, through club style ties to polka dots in 100% silks, wool and cotton. 

The Savannah tie in 100% silk

The Blue Momentum tie $28 in 100% wool
As well as ties and bow ties you can pick up a smart lapel pin to add that extra piece of personality to your jacket. While the range isn't exhaustive they have chosen well and offer 5 designs in 7 styles ranging from an anchor to a lions head. 

Black Antler, Anchor, Eagle, Pegasus, Lion & Silver Antler lapel pins

A sample of the Southern Gents tie collection
Not only is s-gents.com your place for neckwear but they also have other little gems available such as necklaces, suspenders, tie bars and shoe laces, all combining to create that unique look.

The Southern Gents necklace, tie bars, suspenders and shoe laces

One item that has made a big return is the pocket square and Southern gents don't disappoint in this department either. Not only do they offer pocket squares but pocket rounds too.

The pink gingham Roosevelt pocket square styled with a navy
waistcoat and my own pink flower lapel pin and the Savile Row bow tie
Some of the collection of Southern gents pocket squares

PRICES

For me, and every dapper gent on a budget the prices are very reasonable and you can easily pick up enough items to alter the look of a basic suit at a reasonable price. Big style at little cost.

Ties $25 - $35
Bow ties $22-$32
Lapel pins $15 - $20
Necklaces $20
Laces £8
Suspenders $18
Tie bars $10
Pocket Squares/Rounds $18 - $20


PACKAGING & PRESENTATION

The package of goodies arrived quickly and well packed in a nice sturdy white, flip lid box. Each item was carefully folded and presented and all wrapped in black tissue paper. 

The ruby red plaid bow tie styled with a navy blazer
and crisp white shirt. TDC's own lapel pins

The business card added that professional touch and I was impressed by the attention to detail. I would happily order items as a gift and not need to re package it before wrapping it, in the knowledge that what was inside was more than adequately displayed and packaged.

PERFORMANCE

All of the products were well made. I found no snags or loose threads. The pocket rounds are all professionally finished with stitched edges which were all incredibly neat and well executed.

The ties and bow ties tied securely and looked good when dressed.

The Oxford bow tie and Pegasus lapel pin styled with a navy blazer
with grey trim, white cotton shirt  and navy wool waistcoat
The lapel pins are also well made with the pin very securely attached. They have no sharp edges or tarnishing.


PERTINENCY

If you're a gentleman who has a basic black or navy suit but wants to inject some individuality into your look, but you don't have a Versace or Paul Smith budget, Southern gents is a great option for you. With great quality products at very reasonable prices they are a great alternative to the high street.


PRO’s (AND CONS)

Quality versus value for money is a big seller for me. This and the choice available makes Southern Gents a good contender for your accessory needs.


The only issue I found was that the ruby red plaid bow tie seemed a little long, even when reduced to the minimum length using the adjuster. Maybe this is a design flaw or I was sent a longer version in error. All of the other bow ties fitted perfectly when using the adjuster clasp and putting it to the correct length as indicated on the handy measurement tape sewn inside each bow tie.

PEOPLE

My team were impressed by the variety of samples and the uniqueness of some of the designs. They all agreed that the items were good value for money and commented on the quality of materials i.e. wool, cotton and silk rather than nylon or polyester.
The red plaid bow tie styled with a navy blazer
and my own pocket square and lapel pins


PRECIS

Overall Southern Gents offers a lot for the average gent who wants to add something to his existing style. Products are well made and well packaged. I would have confidence ordering again.

The 100% silk Saville Row bow tie


PROMOTION

How to find Southern Gents. Just click the links below:


THAT DAPPER CHAP DISCOUNT

If you like what you've seen here, get over to S-Gents.com and get ordering. The gentlemen at Southern Gents have given an exclusive 10% discount on all orders placed by That Dapper Chap readers. Simply enter thatdapperchap at the checkout!

And look out for the next That Dapper Chap contest held on Instagram for your chance to win some great goodies from Southern gents!


THANKS FOR READING!

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