What would you buy in London?

[The_Foxx]

OK, tickets purchased and hotel reservations are set for my short trip to london in April. So, now I'm wondering what some ideas might be for purchases while there? I don't want to break the bank by any means (sort of like I did in Manhattan in December.....)

I was thinking maybe a nice english umbrella with solid cane shaft, some streetwear, and....?? ideas, please!

I'm looking forward to visiting edward green, but how much would the newmarket boots run now that the dollar is getting beaten down by the british pound, like a drunk fat man in a wifebeater shirt punching a hooker in the stomach?

 

[Maharlika]

I'd go to Old Bond Street/Jermyn Street and should have all the shops you need including John Lobb shoes. Last time I went last September, I visited Taylor's and bought all the shaving/grooming essentials. Might as well get a good shave while you're there. Make sure you say hi to Leonard, he's running the store and the third or fourth generation of Taylors. He'll even tell you which cologne Prince Charles wear. There's always No. 1 Savile Row Gieves and Hawkes for bespoke suits and if you like young sportswear, visit Maharishi boutique at Covent Garden and get a good haircut from Trebor Sorbie across the street. A good Fish n' Chips is called Sea Shell around the station from Marylebone. If you have time, go for high tea or better yet a nice dinner for two at the Savoy. Enjoy London, I absolutely love it.

 

[coachvu]

My treat last time I went was a Geo F. Trumper badger brush, stand, and shaving soap. A Brigg umbrella sounds like a good idea, as well.

 

[The_Foxx]

all excellent ideas!! i will definitely add a shave a geo trumper to the list, and was thinking about where to get a very cool, sharp new haircut. i couldn't find anything online about Trebor Sorbie, though. Can someone recommend the best hair salon for men in london?

Umbrellas-- Brigg or Fox?

 

[LabelKing]

Perhaps pay a visit here:

http://www.bentleyslondon.com/

 

[Britalian]

Trebor Sorbie? Is that the guy who charges a fortune for his designer mints?

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

Umbrellas-- Brigg or Fox?
Why not go to James Smith? Cheaper than Brigg and harder to find in the US.

 

[sloaney]

Get yourself a Barbour quilted jacket
Very chic out of England, though less so now since every other NYC yuppie banker is wearing them walking up and down Madison Avenue

 

[11hr]

If you are looking for a sharp new 'do, I might consider seeking out one of the salon schools or look for "models wanted" sign in the high end chains. I tried to schedule a Vidal Sasson cut, but couldnt, then right around the corner from Savile Row saw a sign at Toni and Guy. For a $10 tip I had the best haircut of my life from someone who had switched salons and was learning the "house style".

As RJMan said, a look at James Smith Umbrellas, as they cut to your height.

If you want to see a bit of the old British Empire, stop in Purdey or Holland and Holland. Sloan Square area, I think. Fox tobacco for the same sort of deal.

I would also seek out an old chemist for shaving gear. I ended up getting a Vulfix brush for 1/3 the price of Taylor's. Kent brushes are also nice and seem very "English" to me.

 

[fatherseanfan]

A bespoke suit from Tom Mahon.

 

[Will]

I am a Sassoon customer in the United States but I like Trumper's haircut better. When I was in London monthly I'd always get cut on Jermyn Street.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by 11hr

If you are looking for a sharp new 'do, I might consider seeking out one of the salon schools or look for "models wanted" sign in the high end chains. I tried to schedule a Vidal Sasson cut, but couldnt, then right around the corner from Savile Row saw a sign at Toni and Guy. For a $10 tip I had the best haircut of my life from someone who had switched salons and was learning the "house style".

As RJMan said, a look at James Smith Umbrellas, as they cut to your height.

If you want to see a bit of the old British Empire, stop in Purdey or Holland and Holland. Sloan Square area, I think. Fox tobacco for the same sort of deal.

I would also seek out an old chemist for shaving gear. I ended up getting a Vulfix brush for 1/3 the price of Taylor's. Kent brushes are also nice and seem very "English" to me.
Vulfix makes a nice brush, but certain shaving connoisseurs say that Simpson's makes an ideal brush. They also take old ivory snooker balls to recycle them as handles for their brushes.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by RJman

Why not go to James Smith? Cheaper than Brigg and harder to find in the US.


and they will cut it to your hieght right then and there.

 

[The_Foxx]

ok, how about a good bookstore on/ close to piccadilly? I'd like to pick up the The Man's Book by Thomas Fink, British Style by Roetzel (any info on this book??) and maybe Hackett's book Mr Classic

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

ok, how about a good bookstore on/ close to piccadilly? I'd like to pick up the The Man's Book by Thomas Fink, British Style by Roetzel (any info on this book??) and maybe Hackett's book Mr Classic
Why, there's a Waterstone's on Jermyn St.

However, Mr Classic is a LOT of money for a lot of Hackett ads and a few pages of nearsighted-size large print copies of Jeremy Hackett's columns.

Do you mean British Tradition by Roetzel? It's an interior design book. From the Amazon.uk synopsis:
Synopsis
"British Tradition and Interior Design" gives readers an insight into the lifestyle and culture of the inhabitants of the British Isles. It takes you to historical palaces, mansions, manor houses and apartments, both in the country and in cities, explains their architecture and history, and describes the classical furniture and accessories that are a must in those bastions of traditional style. Why is the Great Hall today only used as an entrance hall, and when did the rooms become what they are now? How have the functions of dining rooms and living rooms, nurseries and studies changed over the years? Where did the King go when he felt the call of nature? And on what sort of mattress does today's queen sleep? Explore the various rooms and halls of British homes, their diverse history and current uses. This book traces the roots as well as the current characteristics of the world of British homes and life.