News

12th November 2011

Red and white spotted handkerchief

Many of you have been Googling "red and white spotted handkerchief" in search of our popular 22 inch patterned hankies. Lots of results pop up for a book called "The Red and White Spotted Handkerchief"  - so we thought we'd find out what it's all about.

"The Red and White Spotted Handkerchief" is a book of narrative poems by Tony Mitton. Jack sets off to seek adventure, taking crusts of bread tied up in his red and white spotted handkerchief. He encounters a mermaid and a genie, fairies and a dragon, a magic carpet and a treasure map, plus many other characters familiar from traditional fairy tales and fables.

After a magical journey he ends up safely back home. In a twist on the familiar frog-into-prince transformation, "the dragon turned into a girl" and Jack had found his Jill.

So if any of you young-at-heart folks would like to follow in Jack's footsteps, seeking adventure with your food tied up in a red and white spotted hanky, we can provide you with just the thing. The spots on ours are not quite as big as the spots on Jack's, and you might use your spotty handkerchief as a neckerchief or as a napkin on a picnic or camping trip, rather than to carry crusts - but who knows what adventures you might have!

 

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5th November 2011

Spotted handkerchief in starring role as doggy bandana

A red and white spotted handkerchief from our shop has been a successful purchase for a customer in the Midlands. Sally from Worcester emailed to tell us all about it.

"Hello Aidan. Thought you'd like to see these photos of our dog Tanni wearing your lovely red spotted handkerchief as a doggy bandana! She's a German Shepherd, 8 years old, and loves being the centre of attention. She enjoyed posing for photos in the recent sunny spell - the spotty bandana makes her feel a real star.

We'll now buy some Paisley patterned handkerchiefs from your online shop - because Tanni will be wanting a different pattern for each day of the week!"

Thanks for that, Sally. It's always great to receive feedback about our products. We reckon Tanni has the star quality to be the next Lassie!

 

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29th October 2011

Large patterned hankies: lots more uses

Large colourful hankies have a multitude of uses. More suggestions have been coming in, including cleaning the car windscreen and polishing reading glasses. We've just tested one of our large spotty handkerchiefs and agree that it's perfect for both jobs!

A lady on holiday in Brecon recently bought a whole set of all the patterned handkerchiefs. She told us that she was delighted to see them on display outside our shop because - although hats don't suit her - she finds that these 22 inch square handkerchiefs make perfect colourful headscarves.

One of our local customers has just bought a pair of spotted handkerchiefs to send to her grandson. He is on a gap year in Madagascar, and it's difficult to send things to him. So these multi-use handkerchiefs (or neckerchiefs or bandanas) are just the thing to pop in the post to him for Christmas!

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25th October 2011

Large handkerchiefs: what do you use yours for?

Our 22 inch square spotted and paisley handkerchiefs are popular purchases - but what do you use your hanky for? This question was addressed recently in a series of letters in The Telegraph. Readers' suggestions included using a handkerchief to tie up bean sticks in the garden, as a bandage, and for wiping drips when painting.

We know our customers use our handkerchiefs for many different purposes. Our red spotted and blue spotted handkerchiefs and Paisley pattern handkerchiefs are used by men, women, children as neckerchiefs, bandanas, and all-purpose cloths.

We've also seen quite a few used as sun-hats in the summer, and then as neckerchiefs to keep out the chilly winds in winter. A lady visiting the shop recently described how she uses them as miniature tablecloths on side-tables and plant stands. And we know some labradors wear them as doggy-bandanas!

How do you use your large spotty handkerchief?

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20th October 2011

Somax brushed cotton pyjamas: reassuringly warm and comfy

Somax's luxurious brushed cotton flannelette pyjamas are just the thing for these chilly winter nights. Pamper yourself with the warm, comfortable fabric and relaxed cut of these top quality traditional men's pyjamas.

The buttoned jacket top has a proper revere collar and a chest pocket. A tie-cord drawstring waist on the pyjama trousers allows you plenty of room for adjustment. The flannelette fabric (sometimes known as wincyette or cotton flannel) is easy to care for. The pyjamas will go in the washing machine at 40 degrees.

We have these traditional-style Somax pyjamas available in blue stripe and in wine (red) stripe. Sizes are Medium, Large. Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large, catering for chest sizes up to 48 inches (122 cm). And they're not just for men. We sell lots of flannelette pyjamas to ladies who appreciate their comfort and quality, both as sleepwear and as loungewear.

See the full details of Somax's traditional striped flannelette pyjamas in our online shop, or phone us on 01874 623613 if you have any questions. I'm certainly looking forward to keeping warm and snug in my Somax pyjamas throughout the winter!

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12th October 2011

Corrib Donegal tweed overcoat from Magee

Magee's Corrib overcoat has been generating interest from customers looking for a winter coat. But some of you have also been asking about the origin of the name "Corrib", so we'd like to tell you all about it.

Lough Corrib is a lake in the west of Ireland, in an area known as the Irish Lake District. It is the second largest lough (lake) in Ireland, after Lough Neagh. It offers great fishing for brown trout and pike. The River Corrib - one of the shortest rivers in Europe - connects Lough Corrib to the sea at Galway. The River Corrib is reknowned for its salmon fishing, and is also popular with white water kayakers.

Oscar Wilde's father built a summer house beside Lough Corrib, but the lough is best known for its beautiful scenery, part of which is now a wetlands conservation area.

Magee is proud of its Irish roots, and looks to the local landscape for inspiration when selecting colours for its traditional tweeds. With the Corrib tweed overcoat, the name too is inspired by the landscape.

Magee's Corrib tweed overcoat is available in our online shop in chest sizes 38 to 46. For variations on these sizes, the Corrib is also available in Magee's Personal Tailoring service. Contact us on 01874 623613 or by email if you would like to find out more about this splendid coat with its impressive heritage. You too could be wearing a little bit of Ireland.

 

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7th October 2011

Magee Corrib overcoat in Donegal herringbone tweed

Magee's Corrib overcoat in Donegal tweed is a stylish and practical coat for winter wear. Rich dark herringbone patterns contrast with gold satin lining, giving a refined yet striking look, and the closely-woven 100% lambswool tweed gives natural protection against the elements. This was a popular overcoat last year and we're sure the 2011 version will be popular this winter too.

One of my customers, Mr J Noakes of Crewkerne in Somerset, was keen to have a Corrib tweed overcoat in the depths of last winter. He phoned the shop and we discussed his measurements before he purchased. He received his Corrib two days later, then wrote to tell us how pleased he was with it. "I am delighted with the coat which following your advice fits me perfectly and the herringbone tweed with the gold lining looks stunning."

The Corrib overcoat's fly front, slant pockets, Raglan sleeves, and full length give a clean and elegant appearance. A centre vent allows easy movement. Inside pockets for a wallet and an umbrella are practical touches. The cut of the coat means it can be worn over a jacket or thick jumper, making it ideal for days out in the winter. The photo above shows the Corrib overcoat worn with deep red Magee corduroy trousers. I know a Corrib combines well with a range of corduroys and moleskins in both bright colours and traditional country colours, as well as looking good with business attire..

The Magee Corrib overcoat is available ready made in chest sizes from 38 inches to 46 inches in our online shop. 48 and 50 inch chest sizes can also be supplied: contact us by email or by phone on 01874 623613. For more unusual sizes and variations, it can also be selected in Magee's Personal Tailoring service. A Personally Tailored Corrib coat is individually made to your specific requirements after an appointment with me to discuss your preferences and take your measurements.

If you would like to enquire about a Personally Tailored Magee Corrib Donegal tweed overcoat, contact us by email or on 01874 623613 and I will be pleased to help. For standard sizes, see the Corrib in our online shop.

 

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29th September 2011

Extra strong braces are popular purchase

Our extra strong braces (men's trouser suspenders) are proving as popular with customers in the online shop as they are in our shop in Brecon. The high quality wide clips on these braces give a strong grip for comfort and security all day long. The standard size braces are good for men up to approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 metres) and the extra long braces cater for men up to approximately 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 metres).

The new extra extra long strong grip braces are a great find for very tall and big men. If you are up to approximately 7 feet tall (2.14 metres), these are the braces for you. 

As well as being good for general wear, these extra strong braces are especially useful for gardening and other active wear where you are bending or stretching. The best recommendation comes from one of my customers, Peter Walton, who bought three pairs of extra strong braces. He emailed to tell us: "For once I can bend down in the garden without the dreaded "twang" of the back fasteners coming adrift!"

We are delighted to be supplying these heavy duty braces to customers abroad as well as in the UK. If in doubt about the size you need, do give us a call on 01874 623613 and we'll be pleased to help.

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21st September 2011

Magee Donegal Tweed sports jacket: personal tailoring perfection

A Magee sports jacket in handwoven Donegal Tweed has been prompting much admiration in the shop in Brecon. It's the first from the new Personal Tailoring range recently launched by Magee - and it looks stunning.

One of my regular Personal Tailoring customers wanted a country-style tweed jacket, and was impressed by the new Donegal Tweed selection from Magee. We discussed all the options, chatting about his preferences and what would suit him. He chose the jacket style and the fabric, a lovely traditional salt and pepper tweed with subtle flecks of brighter colours. Then he finalised his personal look with his selection of lining and horn buttons. His measurements and choices were sent to Magee in Ireland, and the jacket was made specifically for him. Before long we took delivery of the finished garment.

I'm grateful to my customer for letting me display his splendid new tweed jacket on a model in the shop for a few days so that other customers could see it and we could photograph it. It is a lovely example of Donegal Tweed at its best combined with Magee Personal Tailoring at its best. Contact us on 01874 623613 if you would like to find out more about Magee Personal Tailoring or enquire about my travelling tailor service. 

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15th September 2011

Magee men's corduroy trousers in stock

Magee corduroy trousers for men are in stock in Brecon now. Country green (olive) and gold corduroys are available in a range of sizes. Warm, comfortable, and smart, they are perfect winter wear for gentlemen in town and country.

Magee cords are top quality, closely woven 100% cotton with a deep and luxurious nap. They have a plain front, a zip fly, and eight belt loops. There are two deep side pockets, plus two hip pockets at the back with button fastenings. The half lining adds comfort and warmth, and the taped bottoms protect the fabric against wear. Practical as well as smart, they are machine washable at 30 degrees and can also be dry cleaned.

These top quality corduroys from Magee can be combined stylishly with other items from our range of menswear. They look especially good with a Viyella check shirt, a tweed sports jacket, and Anatomic Gel boots or shoes. As well as the colours and sizes of corduroy trousers in stock, we offer a wide range of colours in the Magee personal tailoring range that can be made into the perfect personal pair of cords for you. Contact us on 01874 623613 or by email  if you would like to find out more about the Magee corduroy trousers we have in stock or Magee personally tailored corduroys.

We also stock Meyer heavyweight corduroy trousers: these are available to buy in our online shop.

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