Vintage elegantly dressed black gents......

For quite some time I have been thinking of these two vintage photos of these gents looking very elegant and classic in their outfits which are also timeless. The photos depicts well cut clothing, the jackets are soft shouldered, the trousers high risen on the waist. The shirt sleeve length just perfectly done, then to top it all, walking sticks, a boater hat and a Homborg. Dapper, elegant, classic & timeless. Oh, forgot the well polished punched cap toe shoes or Balmoral boots and the perfect length of the cuffed trousers.

Viewing these photos, I can not imagine anything but that the clothing is "bespoke" and commissioned not ready to wear, thus the perfect fit and elegant look. A time when men took pride in their looks before stepping out of their doors. 

 The second photo below depicts a standing gent and one sitting. Standing gent wearing a three piece, two button single breasted suit, white or creamed shirt. Again here the trousers are high in waist, jacket very trimmed. Elegantly polished cap toe Oxfords. Sitting gent also three piece suit, crisp white shirt and a stripped tie, an elegant hat that could be a Homborg or Lord's hat, he is also wearing a well polished Oxford laced shoe. Simply elegant and timeless attire.

Photos sourced from The Sartorialist, I believe.

Vintage American made alligator shoes

To be nostalgic about an era long gone and unknown to me. I found these alligator shoes made by American shoe companies who no longer produce this type of handcrafted items. The two pairs sampled here are from Bostonian and Florsheim, the latter being/was a Chicago based shoe company. 
These shoes are just beautiful and stunning and have aged very well over time. 

A vintage three tier plain Derby by Bostonian (USA)

 A Norwegian split toe Derby alligator by Florsheim (USA) from the 1940's.

Photos sourced from Vintage Shoes Addict

Vintage Gentleman's Astrakhan overcoat from 1907

Dear Readers, I could not resist blogging about the below vintage Astrakhan coat when I spotted it on eBay - UK,  genuine piece of history, a luxurious and imperial Gentleman's Astrakhan coat from 1907. The coat is made of luxurious materials which are: Astrakhan (pure Persian lambswool) collar of the finest quality, heavy wool (felt) forming the main body of the coat; Mink/Sable/musquash fully lined. These materials create a very insulating overcoat that is incredibly thick and carrying some weight. 
The previous owner (D. G. Landale, Esq.) was probably a man of wealth and power, as this piece did not come cheap even back then in 1907. All in all a very beautifully made overcoat that will keep even the Siberian winter cold far away from the wearer.

The vintage Astrakhan coat from 1907.

 Mink/Sabble fur inner-lining

 Wrap-up with Astrakhan collar

 Ticket pocket and turn-up sleeve, nice touch.

 Details of the back of the coat

Photos sourced from eBay-UK