Shoe Of The Day

While I have never been into the chunky shoe look, it is slowly starting to grow on me ever so slightly. Don't get me wrong, the shoes still needs to be refined and not have a crazy protruding sole or else I will hate it. This saddle by Alden is one of these types, in which I might have shunned in the past but now look at it in a new light. I don't know if this whole bombardment of the recent "chunky-wear-with-denim" trend is just sucking me in because everything sold seems to be going that direction or I am truly just expanding my tastes? Either way, I appreciate this shoe and it's color combination. It would look superb with a nice pair of dark denim jeans or simply could be worn with a casual pair of flat front khaki's. More than anything, I love the fact that saddle's are coming back!!!

Pictures provide by Leather Soul 

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4 Shoe Essentials For Autumn

This summer has been quite interesting with it's record highs and record lows and yet while it is still only the beginning of September, I am ready for autumn to come! I love the sun and being warm but I have never appreciated the simplicity of dressing in the summer. Instead, I have always loved seeing all of the intricate and uniquely layered outfits that are created in the autumn and winter seasons. That being, there are several staple shoes that I believe belong in every man's wardrobe to be able to pull off some of these outfits!

1. Some Sort Of Boot

While #1 would appear to be extremely vague, I have no intentions telling all of the men in the world that they need just one style, so I leave it to you to decide which type of boot would appeal best to your clothing. For me, this Sebago boot (or shoe-boot) is just the thing that would enhance my wardrobe 5 times. There are already so many outfits that I can think of to create with the incorporation of this shoe into my wardrobe. This boot falls under that upcoming rugged category of shoe that is finding it's way onto the shelves of clothing stores across the nation. It seems to be a resurgence in that Red Wing-esque type of look although I personally believe that Sebago has taken this idea and enhanced it by leaving out the rugged sole and heaviness of the shoe. So whatever boot that you choose, make sure that it will fit into "your look" and wardrobe. If not you will find yourself stuck either needing to buy more clothes (which is fine if you can afford it) or having the dilemma of a shoe that does not match your clothes.

2. Dark Brown Suede Shoe










Left Shoes: Alden, photo compliments of Leather Soul
Right Shoes: Anthony Delos
Bottom Shoes: John Lobb

Whether it be a chukka boot, a leather soled loafer or a full on dress style, every man needs a dark brown suede shoe in their autumn line up! Contrary to what you may think about suede, a dark brown suede shoe is a must have for the autumn season, even if it rains every day. Like I have said before, if you protect your shoes right by using the proper applications and by avoiding heavy puddles and extra rainy days, your suede will be able to manage through a wet season and give your autumn outfits some extra depth. While autumn does bring it's fair share of intriguing outfits, it also brings an abundance of monotone inspired outfits. What's great about a dark brown suede shoe is that it's color and texture make for a great compliment to the many fabrics and colors that you see being offered each year for the autumn/winter collections within the clothing side of things.

3.Gray Sneaker












Left Shoes: Gourmet
Right Shoes: A.P.C.

A gray sneaker is a must-have period!! It goes great during every season. It just goes best in the autumn. Like the brown suede, a medium gray really compliments the colors of clothing being offered in autumn/winter. When you think about it, there is really no color that a gray cannot compliment. You can even wear different color grays within your outfit and as long as you don't go overboard on the amount of different shades, it can look great! It's such an easy thing to overlook but once you have a gray shoe in your collection, you will notice just how often you go to reach for it since it's versatility is limitless!! I have added a couple pictures above as well as added a picture of the pair that I wear, here. Another nice option is on the post below by John Lobb. So really folks, if you don't have a gray sneaker yet, go find yourself one!! You will thank me later.

4. A Black Dress Shoe











Left Shoes: Gaziano & Girling
Right Shoes: Vass

Considering the weather is usually at it's worst (in terms of wetness) during the autumn, a nice black dress shoe is an essential piece in the working man's closet. Being able to hide wear and tear on a black shoe is much easier than on a tan or light colored shoe. Rain spots don't tend to show as easily and it is next to impossible to darken a black shoe from excessive water exposure. So when you start breaking out your gray and black suits for the autumn, it only makes sense to have a staple black shoe that you can pair them with. Even better would be to have two pair, that way you can rotate them and let each one breath for at least a day. If you have one that's slightly more casual, say a derby or a wingtip, then it also makes for an easy transitional shoe coming from work to going out on the town.

That being said, if you pack away your summer wardrobe to make way for your autumn pieces, make sure that you have at least these four essentials and you will be set for your shoes! And if you are lacking in one or maybe two, then it's time to start investing!!!

Shoe Of The Day

Trying to find a good looking "dress sneaker" is a tough thing to do. Although, the premium-leather sneaker idea is on the rise so now is the best time to find them. Every company is at least attempting to make a good contender. This one by John Lobb is pretty fantastic. It's simplicity yet sleek design makes it a great candidate for something that you could wear with shorts, jeans, casual and slim-fitted dress trousers. It's versatility is impressive as I am sure the price tag is too!! I love the color and the fact that it does not have any stitching around the toe area, giving it a very clean and sharp look. If only I could afford a pair, I would wear it with pride!!! Anyone else know of any good one's???

Silvano Sassetti

A common misconception in this world is that most brands make their own shoes. WRONG! On the contrary, most brands have lesser known factories produce their shoes for them. Silvano Sassetti happens to be one of these factories, one of the finest in Italy who has been producing shoes for the likes of many large and famous labels around the world since the mid-nineties. Having learned to make shoes from a master craftsmen in his teenage years, Silvano, with much hard work and dedication, grew to become a respectable shoemaker himself in 1977 with the opening of his personal label and small workshop. Continuing with his passion and determination, 1996 marked the year that Silvano was able to turn his small workshop into a respectable size factory in the village of Monte San Pietrangeli located in the Marche region of Italy. Today, the factory still stands and the magic of making beautiful shoes, continues!

http://www.sassettisilvano.it/

The Sassetti family has thus grown from the work of just Silvano to the addition of his two son's, Emanuele and Andrea who now oversee the creation of new ideas in styling and design. Together the three of them create the entire collection which includes shoes made by all of the various types of constructions: Classic Goodyear Welt, Norwegian, Black Stitched, Blake Rapid, Tubular Moccasin, Bologna and Cement. On top of all of these constructions, Silvano Sassetti also managed to create and patent a construction of his own, The Goodyear Flex. This takes the classic Goodyear construction that is usually very stiff in the beginning and allows it to be flexible from the first wear, creating immediate comfort and wear-ability. Another added value of the company is the de-coloring and re-coloring of their shoes (as you will see in the picture above, right), thus allowing each shoe to have it's own unique patina.

The Sassetti label makes shoes for the likes of: Ralph Lauren's Purple Label, Zegna's Zefer Label, Faconnable (France), Nordstrom (Silvano Sassetti Label) and Silvano Sassetti for Bergdorf Goodman. Their shoes are also found under the Sassetti label at various boutiques around Japan and used to make shoes for the likes of Tom Ford and Tod's. You can see that their range was vast and will only continue to get bigger and their Sassetti label becomes more known around the world. Directly below I have added a few of the shoes that you can find currently as various Nordstrom locations around the US as well as some others that are from upcoming and past collections. Their shoes are very comfortable, stylish and well made and if you are an avid shoe lover, than I suggest you find yourself a pair. You won't regret it!!

Here are some others that are from new and older collections:

http://www.sassettisilvano.it/

Shoe Of The Day

I love brogues and I especially like the one's by Paul Smith (as pictured above). This one here has a particularly unique color. You might think to call it light pink at first sight but in this picture it seems to have a fleshy, skin tone look. I can only imagine how hard it would be maintain it considering the slightest of dirt would surely stain. I would love to see it in person and if it is indeed pink, I would have to tip my hat to Paul Smith because I am usually not a fan of pink shoes but this I would for sure throw on with some jeans!

Shoe Of The Day

I have said it twenty times before and might just say it a million times more: DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!!! How cool are these shoes by Pierre Corthay? Laces matching the lining: Brilliant!! That is one thing that I love about French makers; they are not afraid to push the envelope and try things that you would normally not see. And because of that, the shoes they create end up being some of the most intriguing and unique shoes around. I would love to just try these things myself but have a hard time finding dress laces in bright and unique colors. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to find these? I would love to get laces in every color!!

On a side note, sorry for the long wait in another full-length post. I have been on vacation for the past couple days, attending a wedding of a dear friend. I will be back on track next week. Thanks for your patience. Other good news is I received my visa to go back to Europe. This means that I will soon make another pair of shoes to share with all of you!!

Shoe Of The Day

What's crazy is the difference between what a brand will offer in America versus the rest of the world. When I see Sutor Mantellassi shoes here in the States, the majority of them are boring and plain with a couple of interesting one's that are unique and forward. But in Italy, it's the opposite, most of them are extremely cool and unique and only a couple are for the conservative bunch. I have seen what Japanese people like by the orders they made while with Stefano Bemer and some of them were outlandish to say the least but many of the shoes were actually very unique and well thought out giving me quite a curiosity to go to Japan just to see the difference in what is offered there versus the States and Europe. Needless to say when I saw this pair by Sutor, I could only imagine that they must have either been offered in Europe or Asia but I still have hope that one day a shoe like this will grace the shelf of some upcoming, brave store in America. I will just hope that it is in my lifetime!!