Re: [EXTREMELY OT] White tie

["mark_harrison_uk2" <mph@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Ho Yin Ng <yahoogroups@h...> wrote:
> Anyone know of anywhere were I can get secondhand "white
tie" attire?

Yes.

> Preferably in London at rock bottom prices?

No :-(

The Oxfam in Broad Street, Oxford used to be a vaguely reliable source
of such things second-hand. I assume that there'll be something
similar in Cambridge. Not sure you'd consider either of these easy to
get to, mind.

Bear in mind, however, that White Tie is, erm, obscure these days. It
comes up a lot less often than Black Tie.

Check who wrote the invitation. Specifically, check whether they are
American! Our cousins across the pond use slightly different
terminonology, and you may find that Black Tie (aka dinner jacket aka
black tuxedo) is acceptable rather than what we would call "White
Tie". Note further that the English "White Tie" is
_completely_
different from a White Tuxedo.

Also, check whether you actually want a Morning Suit. This is very
commonly confused with White Tie, but a lot easier to get hold of.

Rental of Morning Suits from Moss Bross is possible, but you will need
to book (and if you are wanting to rent for a day like Royal Ascot,
when everyone wants, you will need to book WELL in advance.)

If I were buying, then I'd try Gieves and Hawkes. Not because it's
cheap, but because you will only need to buy once, for your whole
life, and for that matter, for the lives of your sons. Either at the
"original shop" in Saville Row, or (if you're a cheapskate like
me) at
one of their Factory Outlet shops in Gunwharf Key (Portsmouth) or
Bicester Village (Bicester.) I find that the Portsmouth outlet tends
to have a better range of formalware, with the Bicester one better for
coats and shirts.

Don't forget shoes. White tie is NOT worn with leather shoes. You have
only one choice - patent leather (the REALLY REALLY shiney thing) with
black ribbon laces. Black Tie _is_ worn with normal leather shoes, as
is Morning Dress.

Finally, White Tie means wing collars, and that means REAL bow-ties,
not fake ones. It's not difficult to learn to do - but if you're not
used to it, practice in advance. Tie Rack has a good handout sheet on
how to pull it off. The secret is DON'T use a mirror - it's actually
far easier to get right by FEEL than by SIGHT, and looking in a mirror
actually makes things harder.

Regards,

Mark, who really CAN tell the difference between Black Tie, White Tie,
Morning Dress and Sub Fusc at 50 paces.