Monday, September 10, 2012

Thrifters: Be on the Lookout

Amb. Joseph V. Reed
Anderson and Sheppard- A Style is Born

One of the wardrobe foundations of any man who lives where cold winters exists should be the classic camelhair polo coat. A Double breasted, patch pocketed, peak lapeled, with or without the half belted back, sleeve cuffs or other geegaws polo, will outlive the first 2 generations of men who own the coat, with the benefit of it never going out of style. New, they cost a bomb.

Global warming be damned, I'm in the hunt for one, but am unwilling and unable to pay retail, or even spring "get rid of 'em" prices. I wanna thrift store find.


Thrifters/Estate salers, if you run across a great one, especially one several generations old, in size 46-52 pick it up for me. Remember, we're thrifting, I've waited this long, so what's a few more years, please don't get carried away. If the label says Jos Banks, run away.


Toad

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

You want true camel HAIR, not camel COLOR wool, correct? I'm going into town to my favorite antiques/consignment mall later this week, but Meg will probably have one for you by the end of the day.

-F

Toad said...

I'd prefer camelhair, please. Ancient, heavy.....

Anonymous said...

Actually, if the label is Red and says Jos. Bank, grab it. I had an old Made in Maryland Jos. Bank camel hair overcoat (single breasted) that was bullet proof. If not for weight gain, I would still be wearing it, rather than passing it on to a young, thin relative.

And be careful of moths. Camel hair seems to be tastier to them than wool.

T said...

Ha. When I was a kid I was the recipient of many of my cousin's out-grown Banks cast-offs from his Boy's Latin days. They didn't seem to be too horrible...at least not back in the 80's.

At some point I was given a Yves St. Laurent camelhair coat in slate blue that was purchased in Paris back in the 70's by my Dad's best friend...and like a huge dumbass, I donated it, even though it was nicely made and fit perfectly.

The moral of the story is never bequeath anything nice to a 17 year-old kid.

Toad said...

Remember the original Banks catalogs?

My bonus son was given a very nice camel coat several years ago, and tossed it out saying "he'd quit his job if it required wearing coats like that." I hope he eventually learns.

Anonymous said...

I actually saw one today. A little worn, but not too bad. Size 40. From a long defunct local men's store. Camel hair. Fully canvassed. Gorgeous.

Pink Socks said...

Not sure if this would interest you? Not DB but good quality, heavy camel coat in lambswool.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aquascutum-camel-lambswool-overcoat-Crombie-fabric-Great-condition-price-/251001571980

If you want more details, please let me know either via eBay or Tumblr.

Pigtown*Design said...

I do see them occasionally, but I am generally not looking in the men's overcoat department. But will keep my eyes open.

Thanks for the challenge, Flo!

And T... it's Boys' Latin. Not Boy's Latin. FYI

Toad said...

Pink Socks that is a gorgeous coat, as you pointed out not exactly what I am looking for but I will seriously consider it.

Old Polo said...

When I was playing, nobody wore them. Maybe because it was in Texas and never got that cold. Come to think of it, didn't see 'em in Wyoming when I was playing there. However, I am on alert and who knows...mean time, I wish you the best in your search.

Johnny said...

I bought one on eBay 11 years ago for around $175. It has seen heavy use every year, but still looks as good as the day I got it.

Anonymous said...

Meh?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COMBES-MCLEOD-Vintage-Englad-Long-Wool-CASHMERE-Coat-Mens-Size-XL-Camel-/120984138600?pt=US_CSA_MC_Outerwear&hash=item1c2b377368

-F

Toad said...

Flo, that may very well end up in my closet. Thank you!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Yay! If not, look what other bit of genius I just found!

http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_2172

-F

Toad said...

ADG has been searching for a dressing gown pattern for ages. He'll be chuffed

T said...

Meg—Oops.

Anonymous said...

Just wish I could find the patch pockets you wanted so much. This guy's dreaming, maybe he'd negotiate price behind scenes. The buttons don't seem right, do I see pickstitching?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59526166/vintage-lazarus-mens-camel-hair?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=mens+overcoat&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage

-F

ADG said...

Looks like all of your little minions are on the case. I'd sell you mine but it's a 38 regular. You could use it as a pocket square, maybe?

ADG

Ps...Mine never left the closet last winter. Just didn't get cold enough. The winter before? Seems like I never took it off.

ADG said...

That Combes-McLeod thang at 49 bucks is good enough!

1. Get it.

2. Have your tailor put fresh, slightly lighter colored buttons on it.

3. Dry clean it.

4. Bam!

Anonymous said...

...and now you have ME wanting one.

This would have been too big, but @ $21 I would have excavated my Singer, and done what was necessary!

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Nordstrom-100-Camel-Hair-Full-Length-Trench-Coat-10192702.html#des

-F

Anonymous said...

$40.00 -- unbelievable. If only we could figure out the size and gender.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84063498/jacobsons-pure-camel-hair-extra-long?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_includes[0]=materials&ga_search_query=hair&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery

TaTa, off to read Mencken...

-F

men overcoats said...

Nice your style is different and great from others...
really fantastic overcoats..

men overcoats

Les Goins said...

Hey!
:-) I was in fashion retail for 30+ years, and even though was on "NERD", Planning side, not Buyer...have always felt pretty confidant in my sense of style..

SO, imagine my delight when, this last Summer, at Mission Possible Thrift, I came across a 40R (UNfortunately, MY size, not YOURS...:-)
Black Diamond Cashmere, Double-breasted, 1/2 belt, Camel color Polo Coat (made for KOSIN'S...??) for UNDER $10 (once I had them apply my 25% Discount Card)...

My GF, (VERY conservative) won't let me wear this to her Club...says All I need is the right hat and I could start getting "my girls" together...LOL!

Just sent her links from Brooks and Gucci for these, ranging from $1000 to 2350...

I IS a Classic and I plan to treasure it, forever...!:_)
Enjoyed your Blog!
Les