Torchia vintage tartan sport coat | Polo tartan shirt and silk knit tie | Brooks Brothers fair isle sweater | Polo corduroy trouser | J. Crew pocket square | Allen Edmonds wingtips 

A Kick in the Wallet, a Kick to the Head

Simply put, I love Allen Edmonds. Though I don't have the cash to buy a new pair, I've found a few dozen at thrift shops. Some are in excellent shape and have minor wear, some are scuffed and scratched. However, every pair has its place. When I discover a beat up brogue or damaged derby, I keep it for casual wear. Only the finest shoes are reserved for business and church. 

What does this have to do with the shoes above? This is a new pair of Allen Emonds, available at Brooks Brothers. I understand why Allen Edmonds would produce this shoe. There's money to be made selling artificially-aged stuff. What I don't understand the thought process of the guy wanting to pay $298 a shoe that already looks several decades old.

"I have $300 to spend on new shoes, but I don't want them too new. What will people think if my shoes are perfectly clean and the leather's all the same tone? What's this? Allen Edmonds has done the work for me? For only $298, I can act like I've recklessly worn these shoes for years. This decision certainly beats that of finding something similar at a thrift shop for a few dollars."

Questions From the Audience - Basics

Where do you buy your basics, and what rules of style apply? Tees, socks, etc.?
I stick to solid tees at all times, which I wear only underneath other shirts. I've seen several blogs recommend packs of heather grey v-neck tees to wear under shirts. Why grey as opposed to black or white? Black absorbs heat, while white reflects light and may show through your overshirt. Grey keeps you cool while absorbing light. I have no problem with this choice, aside from the fact that those Hanes or Fruit of the Loom multi-packs are cheap for good reason. The shirts are quite flimsy and wear out quickly. I prefer v-neck tees from Club Room at Macy's. These run $9.99 but you can generally purchase them under $7. If you check Macys.com on a regular basis, you can load up during a sale at under $4 a piece. The tees are 100% cotton, very soft, quite durable through wear and washing. 

I appreciate more variety in my sock selection. Target's Merona brand puts out a wonderful selection of quality socks each season. You can pick up combo packs under $6.50 and individual pairs under $3. Club Room also offers excellent socks under $5 a pair. I find the two brands to be similar in overall quality and variety, and at almost any time you can find styles on clearance for practically nothing. Discount stores like Marshall's and T. J. Maxx offer designer selections between 30%-75% off original retail. I most often buy any Polo socks here, as well as boot socks and athletic socks. I just bought my first few pair of Woolrich boot socks at Marshall's, and I've found them to be very soft and thick but uncomfortably warm. I enjoy athletic socks from standard athleticwear brands such as Adidas and Puma.

Also, a Wish List item for the day.


Sperry olive suede brogues.


Please discuss.

Wish List

Allen Edmonds McTavish. I'm saving up for these.

Cole Haan Wish List

Aside from orange boat shoes, I'm pretty traditional with my footwear. However, I'd love the have any of these new Cole Haans. Back to personal photos in a day or two. Happy Sunday!