Mellow in Yellow

Bad photo, good outfit... at least I'd like to think so. As autumn slowly rolls in, I plan to get back to posting more outfits. I'll start here.

Polo Ralph Lauren oxford
Polo Ralph Lauren cotton vest
Countess Mara linen bow tie
Polo Ralph Lauren Stanton jean
Smart Turnout striped socks
Cole Haan Country bit loafers

I happened to pull this look together at the last moment before a party. After picking the yellow bow tie, I realized the vest and socks would complete the outfit nicely. Jeans keep the look casual while the bit loafers are an upgrade from standard pennies.

Questions From the Audience - Shoes

I started thrifting recently but I'm yet to find any decent shoes. I'm good on my clothing brands but I'm not sure what to look for in old shoe brands. Any suggestions?
Premium British labels include Crockett & Jones, John Lobb, and Edward Green. Other top Euro brands include Ferragamo, Gucci, Mezlan, Bally and Bruno Magli. Allen Edmonds and Alden from any era are unbeatable. Vintage Cole Haan and Johnston & Murphy made in either the USA or Italy are very nice as well. Vintage Florsheim, Dexter, Bass, and Bostonian are solid, if made a few decades ago. With the exceptions of Allen Edmonds, Alden and a handful of other companies, many of America's legendary shoe makers have either closed or have exported production. In the latter case, prices have continued to rise while quality drops. If you can't find any shoes of great quality at your local thrift, be patient. If you're looking for something in particular, search eBay before ever considering buying at full retail.

In my time thrifting I've walked away from great finds without realizing it, only to do some research back at home to discover I missed something rare and valuable. Do your homework on company histories, logos, shoe production and leather types. You'll save lots of time in the long run and walk away with the best deals.

Get Your Red and Green On

 Keeping it festive for Christmas at under $100.

Polo poplin shirt - $22

Polo cashmere sweater - $12

Countess Mara bow tie - $13

Polo corduroy pant - $35

Cole Haan wingtips - $1

Club Room green striped socks (not pictured) $2

Only once a year can you get away with wearing bright green and primary red together, and I went for it with all my holiday spirit.

Plainly Purple

 Shirt - vintage Nautica windowpane

Sweater - Polo silk cable knit

Tie - Polo silk paisley

Pant - Polo corduroy

Shoes - Cole Haan tassel loafers

Soft Suede Shoes

The sole of a boat shoe.

The body of a moc.

Though not made in Italy or USA like older Cole Haan styles I'm so fond of, this new pair is working its way into my fall rotation.

Rather excellent quality and comfort, relatively unique styling, only $25.

Walk This eWay

What does $75 buy you on eBay? These, which will be arriving in coming days. I keep telling myself I need no more shoes, but it's hard to pass on four pair at less than the price of one.

Cole Haan tassel loafers. I already have this style in a burgundy/cordovan but had been looking for a lighter tone for summer.

Cole Haan penny loafers. I have these in dark brown. A large step up from Bass Weejuns and perfect for summer.

Cole Haan shortwings. These will be my first Cole Haan brogues. A little scuffed but good for more casual days.

Allen Edmonds St. Michel loafers. Though not generally into buckled shoes, I couldn't pass up this deal. This particular pair features a Vibram rubber sole, perfect for long days at work.

In which pair would you find the greatest use?

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!

If the Shoes Fit

As is the case in thrifting, you sometimes end up with pieces that are quite nice but don't fit perfectly, or things you simply don't need. A number of these pieces are soon to end up in the CKC Shoppe, including a bunch of shoes that weren't quite right for me. But in the mean time, I've been searching for some new old shoes to round out my collection, ones that will leave me comforted while standing all day at my retail job. Not finding anything lately at the thrift shops, I came across three beautiful pairs on eBay. Each pair just arrived and I'll be trying them out when the snow subsides!

These Cole Haan cordovan tassel loafers were an unbelievable find. Without looking at the soles, you'd think these are brand new. Not a scratch. Not a scuff. Just perfect in a smooth, deep burgundy cordovan leather. I plan to keep them this way.

 Ever since picking my first pair for a couple bucks, I've been in love with the style and craftsmanship of Allen Edmonds. For close to a century, the modest yet elite brand has been producing classics here in America. I have plenty of old loafers and boat shoes, but none from AE until now. The Holton model's pebbled leather adds a nice touch of texture to any outfit.

Cap toe oxfords in a sublime golden tan. Though a bit roughed up at the toes and heels, these Allen Edmonds are what I've been wanting the most. After a quick shine and new laces, I'll have these looking nearly new. Without a model name stamped in, I searched the AE site and it seems this style is discontinued. What's listed is the Comfort Orthotic label. Cushioned insoles, soft rubber soles and a padded tongue make these the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.



All three pairs ran me just over $60, including shipping which made up half the total cost. With no bidding competition, I lucked out yet again. Some of you might question the hygienic safety of used shoes, but there's really no risk when you invest in a good spray by Dr. Scholl's and rubbing alcohol. Happy hunting!