Somebody remind me if the groundhog saw his shadow and I can thereafter prepare my account for what might ensue. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is the highlight of everyone’s February and it leaves us wondering what purchases can be made whilst retaining the privilege to eat regularly. My inner Precious is always victorious and I admire the designs from afar, generally lamenting over everything Kanye’s wearing…as it is everything that I want…and everything the contemporary fashion savvy man needs. But reality kicks in and I remind myself that like most of you, I’m looking for the most economical ways to look my best. Spring in mind, I’ve thrown together a few shoe picks for season-switch. Check out a few of my favorites.
The Shoe Game
Lets make a pact to never sweep the “shoe issue” under the rug. More often than not, a guy is bound to buy a new ‘fit but try to coordinate it with a shoe he already has. This is, of course, fine for the small percent of us who hoard a variety of styles from Adidas to Allen Edmonds. No, friends, by variety I am not speaking of a collection of Air Jordan’s, nor am I admonishing you for the purchase. I’m simply saying that beyond the undergrad trek to an 8AM class you’d probably quit before the drop-date, there are better [shoe] purchases to be made. Check these out:
Suede Woven Driver by Bottega Veneta
$495
Available at Neiman Marcus
Cool, comfortable and in love with color – these woven-designed slip-ons are timeless but trendy. They’re an effortless addition to most any casual outfit and a smart buy. The driver is light blue, thereby fun but not obnoxiously so and even purchasable in navy and espresso brown for the less daring of you. I see this shoe and fast-forward to Memorial Day. Give me sunshine, MJ on my iPod and windows down during a peaceful drive to Rehoboth Beach.
Air Madison Pebbled Leather Plain Oxfords by Cole Haan
$248
Available at Bloomingdale’s
My most adored shoe brand is at it again with something practical and stylish that won’t empty my accounts and can stand the tests of time. Endowed with Nike Air technology for increased comfort, the Air Madison is an alternative to classic, brown oxfords. I close my eyes and envision slim fit chinos with a throwback Tommy Hilfiger oxford (bold stripes). Yes, please.
Euston Monk-Strap Loafer by Barker Black
$850
Available at Bergdorf Goodman
Before Ted Baker, before Ben Sherman even, there sparked a more sophisticated, handcrafted shoe by Arthur Barker in United Kingdom back in the 1880s. I love the monk-strap because it’s one of the snazziest shoes a guy can wear with a Tom Ford suit by day, then a button-up and Hudson jeans by night. Bankers take note: there’s no need for the square-toes in 2013.
College Burgundy by Stubbs and Wootton
$450
Available at www.stubbsandwootton.com
Stubbs are yet my favorite secret. The popular designs are sweeping the larger cities now but two years ago I’d only spot them in Cali or on celebrities. Stubbs and Wootton figured out the ‘fun shoe’ thing and I’m a big fan. The new release of the College Burgundy slippers, branded with the message: ‘Screw U’ is a bolder color choice than the original release in black. I probably wouldn’t wear them to a family brunch on Easter Sunday at the Waldorf, but they’re perfect for everything else spring. Think concerts. Think museums. Think dinner on a terrace.
-Brian Riddick
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