Here I am again with a new selection. The chance of my last purchases decided that this time it would be placed under the sign of the very good quality/price ratio!
So after the safari jacket and henleys from last time, this Sunday, we're going to talk about French t-shirts, minimalist Italian sneakers... All at a very attractive price.
Four Tricot De La Tour T-shirts
Tricot De La Tour is the manufacturer of a 100% French brand of t-shirts that is very popular in our columns.
And it turns out that this manufacturer has its own brand, which it calls "Moulin Neuf". And of course, as a "workshop brand", it can charge very competitive prices, since it is its own supplier.
The "royal chiné" model. The color is splendid!
In terms of quality, the product is practically the same, apart from one or two finishes.
We also find the heavy jerseys with a mottled effect that made the success of the French brand in question... In short, for prices between €19 and €26, it's a great deal.
Just one problem: the pattern is totally ABSURD in length. Even though I'm not very tall at 1m71, the tee covered my entire buttocks and even lower.
Candid photo of the "chiné royal" model, before her retouching. Much, much too long. The face was cut off due to intense fatigue that day.
But it is not without a solution: after I requested a product return, the after-sales service informed me that it is entirely possible to adjust the length free of charge.
After removing a good nine centimeters from them , I am the happy owner of a size 4, which fits me perfectly according to my tastes in t-shirts, that is to say well adjusted.
The very beautiful knit in the mottled green color, seen up close.
In total, I ordered four copies: a " royal chiné ", a chiné green , and two ecrus. For the latter, it is the only color that is available in a lighter knit weight.
Also note that they have a bit of an odd sizing system from 1 to 14, in which my size 4 is equivalent to a men's S.
The sleeves being proportional to the starting length, I would however be obliged to roll them up to wear the tee.
Another quick photo. But it's still much better after editing. Fitted, comfortable, and most importantly, not too long.
I wonder if they could have done the free sleeve alteration too. If any of you order from them, feel free to ask and let me know what happens.
The little "elasticated ribbing" finish that I like on the sleeves of the t-shirt. That said, on mine, you can't see it since they have to be rolled up to be worn.
Tangeant maintenance products
Okay, let's be serious, friends. Every time I put supermarket stain removers like K2R or Eau Ecarlate on a piece of clothing, my hands are always irritated afterwards. I have to say that it's effective: the stains really come off. But at what cost, and wouldn't some of the epidermis come off with it too?
And without being an expert on the subject, I also wonder if these are not products which contribute to the degradation of ecosystems once released into our waters...
The stain remover is the product that really motivated this little test.
And it turns out that by looking at the new products at Asket , I noticed that they were distributing a small collection of cleaning products: a detergent, a stain remover and a fabric softener. All made from 100% natural ingredients.
As it is a brand that I trust a lot , I thought I would give it a try.
So for the occasion, Asket sent me, in addition to the products, a shirt and a t-shirt that had not passed quality control, so that they could serve as guinea pigs...
Result: no surprises for the stain remover and fabric softener, they do their job, leave the laundry clean and soft, as well as a pleasant smell. There is also no need to put a lot in the machine.
Fabric softener, a product that I normally never use for fear that its components will damage my pieces. But given the composition, the risk seems low...
Now for the real test: the stain remover.
So I set about happily staining the Asket shirt with various culinary substances.
The stains, before washing. From top to bottom: balsamic vinegar cream, Tabasco, and walnut oil. The test is pretty rough.
I follow the instructions on the product, and let it work for a few minutes before washing (delicate cycle, 30°). Here is the result when it comes out of the drum:
Only a little bit of Tabasco remains (top right, it's just a shadow). If I had let the product sit a little longer before washing, I think that would have been enough to get rid of it.
The stain remover is pretty effective, even if that damn Tabasco doesn't come off the first time. In a bit of a hurry, I immediately reapplied a lot of product without letting it sit, and started a second wash... Result: the stain had moved into the fabric. Not very smart! So don't forget that the effectiveness of stain removers also depends on how you apply the product. I would probably try (hahaha) to remove this mark again once the shirt is dry, and I think that a more rigorous application would be more effective.
In any case, the test is conclusive for me, and I really consider replacing my classic cleaning products with alternatives like these.
Sneakers Artisan Lab
Yet another pair of minimalist sneakers, in classic colors and shapes... And MORE pre-orders after a crowdfunding campaign. For many of you, this pair holds no surprises.
So why talk about Artisan Lab ?
Because despite the feeling of déjà vu, this brand seemed to me to offer a very good deal on paper : Italian leather with a convincing appearance, beautiful shape, Italian manufacturing, work on the support of the arch of the foot... All for a very competitive price. ...I really had to check if we had a good address for our future recommendations.
I say "check" because many brands launch a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign promising the moon in terms of quality, only to end up with a product with annoying flaws.
One of the brand's models, in its "off-white" color. In the photo, it looks good.
But for once, I unfortunately won't have much to say about this gem...
I had contacted the brand two weeks ago, who had given me the green light to send me a pair that I could have examined and tested here, but they have not given any further news.
Due to the vagaries of logistics, I will not be able to give you my opinion on it. However, I will give you a little update if I receive the pair in the coming weeks.
