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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Tuesday, 19 August 2014

Cardigan time

After sleeping with the bedroom window open last night I woke to a pretty chilly bedroom and pulled up the duvet while I drank my coffee and happily let the cat curl up on me for added warmth. 

So, keeping with a summer floral shirt I pulled out an oversize burgundy cardigan as I knew I'd need it for my walk to work.



Throwing a couple of chicken pitta breads and an apple into my vintage leather case, I grabbed my phone and off I went. The chill was a bit of a shock! After such a warm few weeks I'm not used to it but at least I can start to think about my autumn wardrobe!













Purple leather brogues: ASOS
striped socks: Topman
Burgundy cords: Next
Floral shirt: Primark
Belt: Burton Menswear
Bow Tie: vintage via Etsy
Cardigan: H&M 
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Watch Strap: hand made, hand dyed leather by BWeiss Leather
Briefcase: Vintage
Flower pin: handmade



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Thursday, 14 August 2014

Meet Oscar Wylee

That Dapper Chap introduces us to one of Australia's leading eyewear brands

WHO ARE OSCAR WYLEE?

Founded in 2012, Oscar Wylee are an Australian eyewear brand based in Sydney and run by two savvy gents called John and Mike who, according to their web site supply glasses to the curious.


Yours truly wearing Oscar Wylee



Model wears Xander in Tortoise
Being a curious kind of chap I popped over to their site to have a look at their range after we struck up an online conversation.

I was immediately impressed by their vintage style range. The shapes and colours available are not the run of the mill stuff and there really is something there for all tastes. If you're more of the quirky type, maybe you fancy trying Leo in a peach fade. Maybe you're a vintage style gent who would suit Merriweather in the Auburn Tortoise colourway. Whatever your style, there will be something you like here.
Model wears Winston in black


WHAT ARE OSCAR WYLEE ALL ABOUT?


The idea behind Oscar Wylee is simple: to provide high-quality, affordable eyeglasses with a vintage feel. They say that they're not doing anything too complicated, but they are cutting out the middleman, thereby giving you the same glasses direct from the factory, minus the price tag.

From top to bottom: Merriweather, Zann and Winston
Until recently Oscar Wylee were based out of John's garage. They say that it's been "fun" but a lot of the work was carried out in a stairwell so they've now moved in to smart new space and are doing very well, even having their own showroom where you can see all of the frames and meet the team.


From top to bottom: Harper, Leo in peach fade and Leo in Tabby Tortoise 


I CARE FOR EYECARE


One thing that sets Oscar Wylee apart from other eyewear brands is their commitment to Cambodia's continuing problem with eyecare. For every single pair of glasses that you buy they donate to this incredible cause, making a real difference to peoples lives by helping to save their sight.

Please take a minute to watch this video to learn more about the campaign.





MY OSCAR WYLEE SUNGLASSES

So after building a relationship with Oscar Wylee they kindly sent me a sample from their range of sunglasses to wear and test out. I wanted something a little different and was spoiled for choice here. 

After a whittling down my choice I opted for Perry in the Aged Bourbon colourway and before long a beautiful box arrived on my door mat with a lovely note from the guys at Oscar Wylee.


The presentation box with personal hand written note
Cool, clean and well presented

Wearing my Perry sunglasses
The glasses are great, they fit well are are well made. Not only that but I chose a great design. My friends are already jealous and they did a tour of the office being tried on by my colleagues when I wore them to work. In short I'm impressed. Impressed by the range, impressed by the service and very impressed by their dedication to such a great cause.

The branded leather cases lined in royal blue

My Perry sunglasses
Zara shirt and tie and my Oscar Wylee Perry sunglasses

Thanks for reading, be sure to check back for an update as I'll be getting some Oscar Wylee prescription glasses too.


FIND OSCAR WYLEE

Call: (02) 8355 4646
Fax: (02) 8355 4640

Showroom
320 Sussex Street, 
Australia
Sydney NSW 2000

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Wednesday, 13 August 2014

Tudor print

During my recent trip to Birmingham I stopped into the Zara store and among the usual shirts this teal green and white patterned shirt jumped out at me. Looking at the pattern I initially thought it was a Christmas print as it encorporates stags and trees. 


Looking at it a little closer, other images came to the fore and it soon became apparent that it is a medieval or Tudor design. Move over Henry Viii.

After grabbing the shirt I strode off towards the fitting room and on the way this diagonal striped tie caught my eye. The colours went really well so that came with me too! 



The trousers are a new purchase too, they're a skinny fit design and went well with the style of the shirt. As the trousers have a black trim on the pocket I opted for black loafers and my black leather briefcase and belt to complete the look.



The tie clip is a vintage slide on style which I embellished with a metal pistol charm and a bit of glue. The green teal bracelets are also a home project.





Black leather loafers: Scooter by Monk
Socks: Topman
Dress trousers: Next
Shirt: Zara
Tie: Zara
Tie clip: Vintage
Sunglasses: Oscar Wylee
Briefcase: vacation purchase from Tunisia
Bracelets: handmade
Watch: Timex Weekender with nato band

THANKS FOR READING!
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© That Dapper Chap

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