I collect emblematic belts. I currently have 34 (pictured above) along with a few others (surcingles) in the closet. The majority of my collection has come from vacations, out-of-town travel, events, and golf courses, with the others coming from second hand stores, gifts, Ebay, or from local retail stores. I’ve always liked wearing them – they add a little character. I’m starting to see these out and about more often – which I think is a good thing. I’ve got a few more on ‘the list’, and I’m sure they’ll come in time…
Emblematic Belt Suppliers:
1. Leather Man LTD – the Mothership
3. Guy Harvey belts – his name should speak for itself
6. Sporty Dog – quite a few college belts
6. Vineyard Vines – very sturdy, and have a ‘cartoon’ undertone. They have also started carrying a few needlepoint selections.
6. Vineyard Vines – very sturdy, and have a ‘cartoon’ undertone. They have also started carrying a few needlepoint selections.
Needlepoint belts would be the obvious ‘upgrade’, but I’ve never been able to pull the trigger – mainly because they cost quite a bit more than the emblematics. If I were to pull the trigger – these are the ones I’d get:
1. Bluefish & Striper by Smathers & Branson2. Georgia Bulldogs (Red) by Smathers & Branson
3. Sea Island (Green) by Smathers & Branson
4. Honorable mention: Lobsters by Tucker Blair (not pictured)
Your collection is awesome. These were huge when I was in college and I have a few in the back of my closet. Guy Harvey is my go to. Great stuff!
This is AMAZING. I own one that I picked up in a Florida. Can you shorten the belt without taking it to a tailor? It would save me my lunch money.
That's some collection! I have one with Martha's Vineyard on it but I never thought about collecting them like post cards.
Man, you're making me jealous. I love the Hampden Sydney one. A couple of guys I know in Birmingham had them (because they went to Sydney) and it was enough to make me wish I went there just so I could wear the belt. The East Lake one is pretty sweet too, and I'm jealous that you got a Luden's one before they closed up shop.
L.A.S – thanks…Guy Harvey does good work.
Enthusiast – I have shortened a few – don't mess with the tabs, I just cut them where the belt is solid and re-sew it with the same color thread as the ribbon. I'll sacrafice that 'repair-look' as opposed to the cost to get it professionally shortened.
Skip – my wife and I are talking about visiting MV – I've got my eye on this one (http://www.theblackdog.com/product.php?productid=16493&cat=290&page=1) and this one (http://nantucketreds.com/mens/access/ackbelts.html).
Trip – I like the HS one as well. My brother–in-law plays lacrosse up there and sent it to me.
Wow.
That's ridiculous. Well Done. Have you seen the belt of the month club from Leatherman?
Additionally, Perlis has one when you make it to NOLA. Pick it up then.
Hey – Leatherman also has Needlepoint belts under their Austin Jeffers line – they are slightly less expensive than the Smathers & Bransons!
What an amazing collection! Your blog is great…I am going to post the link.
My Wife gave me an emboidered/needlepoint belt for Christmas that is "customized." It has the crest of my Alma Mater( Lehigh) the crest of my gun and raquet Clubs, hunting dogs, canoe, lacrosse sticks,shotguns etc. I really treasure it and it draws many favorable comments. Your collection is intimidating and impressive!
I believe that the crawfish belt is made exclusively for Perlis ( http://www.perlis.com/ ). You could probably get it there. Also, maybe Cecile could sell you one. Her email address is [Cecile at nolacouture dot com]