I
received and responded to the following email and thought that it might be of
interest to others.
“ADG -
I've admired your blog for several years, and
always look forward to reading your posts.
As a father of ______, I've really appreciated the view that you
have given us of your relationship with your daughter. It's honestly
heartwarming to see parents that consciously put a lot of thought and energy
into their kids in spite of demanding work schedules and other challenges.
Thank you for that.
Anyway, I've noticed that you've
purchased a number of items from Bookster, and was curious as to what your
experience has been with them as a merchant.
For quasi-MTM, they seem decently priced, and it looks like the quality
is pretty good from the pictures that I've seen on the website and your
blog. Any thoughts you may have would be
greatly appreciated.”
My
reply…
“I’ve
ported your email over to where I do most of my emailing/communicating. Here’s
the deal on Bookster—at least MY deal:
1. I’ve only had them make trousers for me
so far but I’m over the top pleased with the value of the garment.
2. Bespoke trousers courtesy of the likes
of Flusser and London Savile Row guys are absurdly expensive. And even a guy
like me who can usually rationalize anything, can’t do so on this point. That
level of work/”quality” is superfluous in a pair of odd trousers/casual
trousers. Why spend the money on something that doesn’t need to be THAT good.
3. I tend to speculate that their jackets
would be on par with the value that I’ve assigned their trousers. I’m brimming
with sportcoats and my suits rarely get worn so I’ve not had them make me a
jacket yet. I’ve had feedback from a couple of people who have and they’ve been
completely satisfied.
4. Regarding Fit—I’m an easy 33 waist
trouser and my jackets aren’t problematic because I remain height/weight
proportionate. But the Bookster stuff is cut with a high gorge and fitted
waist—things that are quintessentially English and things that I love. But if I
ever have them make me a jacket, I’m gonna mail them one of my best fitting
sportcoats so that they can take measurements and determine my size
accordingly.
5. Their delivery time is becoming
slightly longer than what is stated as their average time frame. However, when
you email them for a status update, they are very transparent about where they
are in the process. There’s a slight delay in shipping my latest pair of
Bookster trousers but I’m fine with it. Why? Because I believe them to be
courteous and transparent about their workload when I enquire and finally, I’m
pleased to know that they are busy and thriving.
Trusting
that this helps you a bit, I’m gratified by your comments about my daughter.
She’s a blessing of inestimable value.”
ADG
Posts
5 comments:
I'd like to add my endorsement for Bookster. I have a suit, made to my measure. I also have three of their jackets which I got when they cleaned out their samples via eBay. And finally, I have a pair of trousers I ordered after the fact to match one of the jackets.
I was surprised at the slightly low rise on the first pair of trousers and specified a little longer one on the second pair- no problem, only a slight charge. They are a great value and you can get all sorts of custom features: pockets, pleats, linings, trims, buttons, etc.
The eBay sales items are an excellent value- discounted from what is already an economical price- and they tend to be in fairly usable sizes (40R and 42R, lately some 38R) often with working sleeve buttons. I believe they have even added a 3/2 roll lapel on one of their jackets.
As ADG has alluded elsewhere, these goods are fairly heavy.If you plan to wear a suit outdoors in 45-50 degree weather, this is the suit for you. If you don't, be sure to check the fabric weights.
Once you are on their list, Bookster will send occasional sale offers, usually reducing your total price by 5-10%. You can also save a little by watching the rise of the dollar against the pound.
Eponymous "Shaggy" Woof-Warp
I'll take that shooting jacket...off the rack....
Four Bookster jackets, and considering the pattern for the fifth. I get the action back, specifically for my inaction: reading sprawled in the coffee house easy chair. I always feel like I'm getting Bookster "on sale", as the material, quality, and MTM features would at least double the price if I got it here.
Nothing like strong endorsements from satisfied customers. Glad to hear that my general "take" on Bookster is consistent with y'all's.
I like the RUDE PINK lining material on my jacket. When I win the lottery, I am going to get the tan-with-pink-windowpane done up in a suit.
Wentworth Tradd
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