Argentina - shoes, jackets, leather - sigh

[key_lime_pie]

Hey all -

In Argentina now, great leather, clothes, shoes to be had.

But I have a few questions if anyone is feeling generous and wants to offer their boundless knowledge about such things.

SHOES

I picked up 2 pair of leather soled shoes from Lopez Taibo ($110) - quality. In the states I usually stick with Tyrwhitt (because they have decent seasonal sales) - but when comparing these with the Tyrwhitt I'm really impressed (former)

lopeztaibo.com

They have some double soled (cap toe) shoes ($200), the manager showed me the breakdown - a piece of metal in-between the layers and some padding - but I guess I'm not sure what the benefit is with the two layers? Will they last longer? Think it's worth the cost (they are heavier). I try to take good care of my shoes - how long do you think a good pair of shoes can last?

LEATHER JACKETS

Also found a few calf skin leather jackets - soft as butter, handmade - asking $400 for each, they are really beautiful (argentinan leather) but not sure if I'd be getting a deal - compared to what I could pick up in NYC?

Don't beat me up - but I was looking at one of the Schott leather pea-coats in NYC for this winter - they're not beautiful like the calf skin - but they seem bullet proof. It's the same price - so I'm not sure which - a gorgeous calf skin - or the Schott..

SUIT JACKETS

I typically only wear suits, but recently have made the change and wear an evening jacket (sports coat?) out at night when just running around town - feels much more comfortable - and I think improves my image.

Here I've found a couple of crazy tweed (don't cringe) jackets I really like - again - all custom stuff but pricing in at $180.. Suits (wool) run around $280..

I guess I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and drop 2 - 3k and get some nice deals here - or if in fact they are really deals?

Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[Duveen]

Sounds like you aren't positive about this stuff - I'd hold off and keep to only a few 'deals' on things that you are sure you like. You are thinking about this the right way - these are trade-offs vs the many, many options that you'll have to choose from in NYC.

Add to that the fact that you are in a foreign environment and don't know the brands, and you run the risk of acquiring a lot of 'deals' (and tying up a lot of $$) in stuff that you later don't love. The other way to look at this is that your eyes are truly open without brand prejudice - you are truly looking at the garment itself and its appeal to you, not the status it might bring. You're also getting a different, likely more European style selection and may see pieces that you are not likely to find Stateside (though NYC has phenomenally good selection of just about everything).

Take advantage of the time you have, but only buy because you feel that you are getting fair value for $$. The retail there will be lower b/c the greenback still has buying power, but you are still buying retail - you should expect to be within spitting distance (maybe $200-300) of what you'd pay in NYC. Think of it as getting a 33% off sale, say, but don't kid yourself that you are snagging Kiton for the price of Jos A Bank. Argentina is not a known maker of tailored goods (or even shoes, really). Leather coats might be something to think about.

I am guessing that the 'crazy tweeds' are not custom suits @ $180-280, but rather off-the-rack. Or are you actually going to have one made up for you by a tailor for that price?

 

[kitonbrioni]

The prices sound good. Maybe it's worth a try and get a garment or two which you can live with a while before getting a wardrobe full.

 

[Hector Gallegos]

How ignorant can americans be?
For example, Lopez Taibo is recognized by al travellers to be one of the best shoes in the world.
When looking at a pair, can't you see the quality?
Clothing in Buenos Aires is derived from british quality an designs; can't you notice these?
Please don't buy anything. WallMart is your best bet.
Hector Gallegos (Peru)

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by Hector Gallegos

How ignorant can americans be?
For example, Lopez Taibo is recognized by al travellers to be one of the best shoes in the world.
When looking at a pair, can't you see the quality?
Clothing in Buenos Aires is derived from british quality an designs; can't you notice these?
Please don't buy anything. WallMart is your best bet.
Hector Gallegos (Peru)

This really means nothing to me. On one hand you're telling me Americans are ignorant of the fact that LT shoes are one of the best in the world. On the other, you're telling me to save money and go to the WallMart.

The LT website looks nice enough, but their lasts are horrible. Something about the shape of the uppers and the clunkiness of the soles gives me the creeps.

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by Hector Gallegos

Lopez Taibo is recognized by al travellers to be one of the best shoes in the world.

If only. When I looked at them they did not seem particularly well made or designed, and the leather was not exactly impressive.

 

[StockwellDay]

Originally Posted by Hector Gallegos

How ignorant can americans be?
For example, Lopez Taibo is recognized by al travellers to be one of the best shoes in the world.
When looking at a pair, can't you see the quality?
Clothing in Buenos Aires is derived from british quality an designs; can't you notice these?
Please don't buy anything. WallMart is your best bet.
Hector Gallegos (Peru)

Yeah, what the hell is this.

The guy is simply asking for advice and nowhere invites your condescension. Try being helpful. Why are you here anyways?

 

[zalb916]

I was in Beunos Aires in August. I found very little about the shoes, bags, or clothes that impressed me. The leather at most of the stores is nothing particularly great, and I didn't see any tailored clothing that was too nice either. The goods in Argentina are priced well, but the quality is nothing to write home about. If you want something of good quality, expect to pay commensurate prices. Otherwise, enjoy the inexpensive shopping, as there are few places around the world where our dollar doesn't completely blow.

 

[mack11211]

There are several threads on Buenos Aires; use the search function.

Lopez Taibo shoes that I saw in 2006 were not so exciting.

There is good leather to be had, but as with everything shop carefully.

 

[Orsini]

Originally Posted by Hector Gallegos

How ignorant can americans be?...
How gracious of you to point that out.

 

[Mr T]

Originally Posted by Hector Gallegos

How ignorant can americans be?
Hector Gallegos (Peru)

Aren't you also an American? Or, did you mean only North Americans - in which case I must point out that those damn Canadians being down the average.

 

[acidboy]

I am ashamed because I am a traveller and I do not recognize this one of the best shoes of the world!

 

[Clench Million]

Originally Posted by Hector Gallegos

How ignorant can americans be?
For example, Lopez Taibo is recognized by al travellers to be one of the best shoes in the world.
When looking at a pair, can't you see the quality?
Clothing in Buenos Aires is derived from british quality an designs; can't you notice these?
Please don't buy anything. WallMart is your best bet.
Hector Gallegos (Peru)

Whole lot of self-pwning going on in that post.