“I’ve had it with department store belts. I’ve gone through at least three, maybe four belts in the past year or so. Everyone one of the belts I bought either cracked or the leather casing wore off in short order. The next time I buy a black belt, or any belt, it is going to be one that will last”.
With those words announced to my wife and a renewed commitment to purchase a quality belt, I made my own declaration of independence from would be belts about a month before Brittany’s wedding.
The question boiled down to one of two choices:
- Would I continue to settle for an imitation belt?
- OR
- Would I invest in the “real thing”?
My bride and the-bride to-be already made plans to dress me up for the big day. New suit. New tie. New shoes. New socks. I’ll stop there so as not to wig you out!
I bought a new belt in September. It lasted a month before the casing began to peel. Over the past year I have spent at least $140 on belts.
I had my eye on a belt from Saddleback Leather, but heretofore did not want to fork over the additional cash. Now was the time to take the plunge.
I got on Saddleback’s website, only to find out that the belt I needed was out of stock and might not be available until near or after the wedding.
I DID NOT WANT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER BELT!
I made an inquiry via their customer service link and this is the reply I got (complete reply included for emphasis – Jodie was being REAL):
Hey there, Bruce!
Jodie here, just dusting off my boots and Saddleback satchel after an awesome weekend in Mexico celebrating our 10th Anniversary of this place… man, it sure was a blast! I sure hope YOUR week has been going as remarkably well as mine! 🙂
Ahhhh, those beautiful Old Bull Belts. Gosh, I wish I had better news for ya’, Bruce but we’re expecting those to come back around here toward the beginning of November. I’m afraid we’re cuttin’ it kinda’ close with that upcoming wedding. I’d love to give you a high-give and a firm date for their arrival, but that wouldn’t be fair to you (or that bride-to-be)!
I have to say, I got a lil’ giddy when I read that it was your daughter getting married; being the youngest of three girls myself and daddy’s lil’ girl, those kinda’ things just pull on my heart strings! Kinda’ like this song (and maybe it will get ya’ even more in the weddin’ mode):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmC3rJR7E98
As far as how dressy that new carbon black is, I’d say if it’s a black-tie affair or something over the top, I’d definitely try to get your hands on one of our older style-belts (off of Dave’s Deals, eBay or from another Saddleback family member willing to let one go). The new carbon black IS phenomenal but I don’t want to take the reins on making that decision for you since it isn’t my wedding and I don’t know the bride-to-be! Ha! And hey, that’s always an option, too… maybe you two can sit down and you can let her see what we’ve got to see if she gives you her white-veil thumbs up or a “Dad/Daddy/Pops!!!! I love that leather, but not until after the reception!” 😉 That might be the smartest way to go! 🙂
But again, we’re hoping and praying they’re gonna’ show up early November. If you can’t wait on confirmation of that or those to arrive, you could hop on over to Colonel Littleton’s place. They’ve got some pretty sweet leather over there and I know they’ll go real nice with whatever suit you’ve got. You can find those here:
http://www.colonellittleton.com/shop/apparel-and-belts/belts.html
We’d certainly love to have you sporting a Saddleback belt at your daughter’s wedding; it would be real special for us. But we also want you to be all set and minimize any of that last-minute stress, so we’ll leave the decision in your hands now!
Is there anything else we can do for you? Don’t hesitate to give us a shout if you think of any more questions; that’s what we’re here for and we’re always real happy to help!
Make it a memorable day now and be sure to bless somebody! Happy planning! 😉
With a Smile,
Jodie, “I don’t do heels unless they’re on a boot!”
Saddleback Leather Company
I never in my life had such a customer friendly response to an inquiry. It sincerely made me feel “wanted”. I would have purchased swamp land in Florida from Saddleback if they offered it to me!
After several more rounds of emails to Jodie and her pals, I was informed the belt was available and it would get here before the wedding. I got my debit card out and made the purchase on the spot.
It has been well worth the investment. It is awesome and comes with a 100 year guarantee. The business card that arrived with the package stated, “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead!”
In case you are interested, me and my belt, along with the new bride made it down the aisle!
The belt saga got me thinkin’on the difference between IMITATION and AUTHENTIC in realms other than belts.
Imitation looks real on the outside. It hides under its façade. When put to the test it rarely if ever holds up. Imitation is a poser.
Authentic suggests:
- “In it for the long haul”
- “Built to last”
- “True to the core”
Imitation or Authentic when discussing belts or other material possessions is one thing.
When it comes to character qualities do you let who you really are surface? Are you “real” or “pretend”? It is something worth thinking about.
P.s I would recommend Saddleback Leather in a heartbeat if you are looking for leather goods!