Duncan's reviews
Review of Richard James
11 Aug 07, 16:50
The Perfect Experience 
Looking for the perfect white shirt (a hobby of mine) I visited Richard James as a last attempt whilst I'm sure the more enlightened would have visited it first.
The store is classic designer, expensive chic whereby the staff look like models and there is one shirt per 1000 sq ft. The assistant who helped me looked like Sophie Dahl (post plus size modelling). She was extremely informed and patient. Unlike every other store I'd been that day she let me actually try on the shirts I was considering to buy... yes she could cope with unfolding them and refolding them which seems like a big no no everywhere else.
The shirt that I bought fitted perfectly and whilst a little more expensive than Primark I'm going for that whole cost / no. of wears equation. If I'd had more money I would have bought another 10 shirts... and a suit... and a some shoes. If you really want to pimp it up you can visit Richard James bespoke across the road where I presume a Giselle look a like helps you out.
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Review of Gieves and Hawkes
11 Aug 07, 16:41
Great Range & Helpful Staff 
I visited Gieves & Hawkes looking for a double cuffed white shirt for my wedding. The staff were extremely friendly and knowledable. They are not snooty in any way which I can pick-up pretty quick being a Geordie living in Chelsea.
They have a great range of suits, shirts and ties. If you are looking for something for a special occasion I would definitely recommend them as they will spend a lot of time with you to help you find the right item.
The one thing that annoys me however whenever I try to buy a smart shirt is that they never let you try on the actual shirt as its always folded up. The result is that you are given something in the same size which looks absolutely nothing like what you are looking to buy - think purple, woven checks when you are after a crisp white shirt. Luckily in Gieves they didn't have any "open" shirts in my size so I got to try on the real thing which is so much better.
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