The London Lounge

Dear Wiltshiresaint, What ever style of shoe you decide to buy I think you would regret not buying calf leather shoes, which from makers such as Crockett & Jones, Cheaney and Barker are well within your budget. These days the alternative seems to be what I’ve heard described as corrected leather. It...

The Bates Burlington Fedora is a little gem! I tried hats at twice the price and then found the Burlington. The instant I looked in the mirror I knew it was the hat for me and now have it in black and grey.

Regards

Ray

Does the chap in the wedding photo really have a double cuff and cuff links / button type affair on his dinner jacket ?

So what we’re saying is, this has come about for no other reason than a general dumbing down of formality if you like. I suppose women have endured the same fate with the introduction at supposedly formal occasions of those ghastly little black dresses. Well this has somewhat annoyed me and I for on...

Hi If I understand correctly what you’re saying it was simply that when dinner suits were first worn we generally didn’t wear fold down collars. But can you shed light on when or why in certain circles the wing collar with black tie seems to have become some what of a faux pas. When quite clearly a ...

I think this question is probably aimed at UK members as it seems there are quite clearly different rules in the states and the rest of Europe. I have always been led to believe that, the correct form is to wear a fold down collar with black tie. A wing collar is worn with white tie, and indeed in m...

I think I'm wright in saying that this book has already been adapted for the small screen and will be aired in the UK this summer.

Ray

Hi Gruto Yes I think your probably right, but hey you don't go to a Jaguar showroom to buy a Merc. If you shop in Jermyn street you are going to be getting a very classic Brittish style shirt. I have always found H&H to be very accomadating. I think we need to remember these people are working for u...

I've been fortunate to have had my shirts made bespoke by many of the above named since the late eighties. If nothing else the last seventeen years has taught me a number of lessons. You need to be 100% clear about how you want your shirt. Cloth, Cut, Cuffs and Collars do you want them detachable? P...

Hi Cufflink

No sadly I don't. I think if one isn't carefull it can create a slightly dandyish look which is not a look I would choose..... hence the book.

Regards
Ray

Dear All If the question were asked in the UK I would suggest 99% of gentlemen would say their choice of foot wear for such an ocasion would be a plain black toe capped Oxford. It's also worth noting that patent leather, like wing collared shirts are the choice for white tie not black tie. Although ...

Hi Cufflink

Thanks, thats very interesting I have recorded the isbn number and will order a copy in the uk

Regards
Ray

Dear Sir

I have just followed your links and found two references one to ''boutonniere vase'' and the other ''lapel flower holder''. Using these references I've found one or two second hand and a chap on ebay selling new ones.

thank you
Ray

Has anyone noticed Poirot's buttonhole or to be precise the silver flower holder that seems to be fitted to it? Doe's anyone know what they were called? and can you still buy them?

Dear Sir, I have two james Smith umbrellas. one less formal in a dark green with a one piece ash stick/handle and the other for formal occasions in black with the ebony stick. they are both examples of British workmanship at it's best. I understand the majority of our kings, Queens and princes have ...