Ask A Question, Get An Answer... - Post All Quick Questions Here (Classic menswear)

[Hammi]

With a $600 dress shoe budget and absolutely no dress shoes to start with, would you
A. Get one brown AE shoe and one black shoe from say, DSW
B. Get a brown, black, walnut, and burgundy shoe from again, DSW
C. Get one brown AE shoe, put 2nd black AE shoe on credit card
D. Something else?

I would think getting high quality shoes slowly would be better than getting many "decent" shoes, but I also know wearing the same shoe too frequently isn't good. What do you think?

 

[Spurious]

Have a look at AE seconds, I think they are below the $250 mark.
Otherwise have a look at the marketplace.

 

[CruzAzul]



With a $600 dress shoe budget and absolutely no dress shoes to start with, would you
A. Get one brown AE shoe and one black shoe from say, DSW
B. Get a brown, black, walnut, and burgundy shoe from again, DSW
C. Get one brown AE shoe, put 2nd black AE shoe on credit card
D. Something else?

I would think getting high quality shoes slowly would be better than getting many "decent" shoes, but I also know wearing the same shoe too frequently isn't good. What do you think?

Personally I love my AE Clifton captoes, which retail for just under $300. I'd buy those and then shop for the other pair from Meermin, Loake, Brooks Brothers, etc.

 

[Hammi]

Have a look at AE seconds, I think they are below the $250 mark.
Otherwise have a look at the marketplace.

Personally I love my AE Clifton captoes, which retail for just under $300. I'd buy those and then shop for the other pair from Meermin, Loake, Brooks Brothers, etc.

Two great answers. Cliftons look great, gonna check the stores you mentioned too. I didn't even know we had a market place here.

 

[Spurious]

Also, the Cliftons are Derbies/Bluchers, so depending on what you are looking for, they might be too casual.

 

[Hammi]

Also, the Cliftons are Derbies/Bluchers, so depending on what you are looking for, they might be too casual.

What situation would those be too casual for?

 

[Spurious]

For suits and rather conservative working environments.

Here is a good start to see which shoes fit which environment:

 

[CruzAzul]

Surely you didn't mean to categorically state that Cliftons shouldn't be worn with suits.

 

[MrYS]

Hi guys, newbie here. I'm 21 year old, just graduated university recently. I am currently looking for jobs and I am looking to invest in a couple of well fitting suits. I was wondering which tailor would be a good place to start for some MTM or bespoke suit in London, I know Saville Row is famous for bespoke men's wear, any recommendation?

 

[Count de Monet]



With a $600 dress shoe budget and absolutely no dress shoes to start with, would you
A. Get one brown AE shoe and one black shoe from say, DSW
B. Get a brown, black, walnut, and burgundy shoe from again, DSW
C. Get one brown AE shoe, put 2nd black AE shoe on credit card
D. Something else?

I would think getting high quality shoes slowly would be better than getting many "decent" shoes, but I also know wearing the same shoe too frequently isn't good. What do you think?

If you are considering AE, there is no risk trying seconds. If you find a flaw unacceptable, just return them.

Since you are interested in a black shoe, AE's cap toe oxford (ParkvAvenue) is almost always one of the featured shoes during the annual Nordstrum's anniversary sales (starting in about 5-6 weeks. These will be first quality shoes for about 1/3 off. That would make PA's (and other featured shoes) about $239 this summer. You could get black PA's and something else in brown, plus a couple pair of shoe trees, and still be within your budget.

 

[Hammi]

If you are considering AE, there is no risk trying seconds. If you find a flaw unacceptable, just return them.

Since you are interested in a black shoe, AE's cap toe oxford (ParkvAvenue) is almost always one of the featured shoes during the annual Nordstrum's anniversary sales (starting in about 5-6 weeks. These will be first quality shoes for about 1/3 off. That would make PA's (and other featured shoes) about $239 this summer. You could get black PA's and something else in brown, plus a couple pair of shoe trees, and still be within your budget.

Looks like this sale is legendary. Thanks, I'll be the first one in my store this July 18th.
Will Nordstrom sell the shoe trees? I've never bought them before; I'm guessing as long as you have the correct size any trees will do?

 

[Spurious]



Surely you didn't mean to categorically state that Cliftons shouldn't be worn with suits.

If the suit is not really formal then they are fine, but in a formal environment, I would not wear them.

 

[msulinski]



With a $600 dress shoe budget and absolutely no dress shoes to start with, would you
A. Get one brown AE shoe and one black shoe from say, DSW
B. Get a brown, black, walnut, and burgundy shoe from again, DSW
C. Get one brown AE shoe, put 2nd black AE shoe on credit card
D. Something else?

I would think getting high quality shoes slowly would be better than getting many "decent" shoes, but I also know wearing the same shoe too frequently isn't good. What do you think?

I agree with others that the Nordstrom anniversary sale is a good way to get 2 pairs of AEs in your budget. I would skip walnut for the time being though. They are not very versatile. Wait until you have 5 or so pairs of shoes before you even consider walnut.

 

[peppercorn78]



I agree with others that the Nordstrom anniversary sale is a good way to get 2 pairs of AEs in your budget. I would skip walnut for the time being though. They are not very versatile. Wait until you have 5 or so pairs of shoes before you even consider walnut.

Exactly. Stock with black and either burgundy or a dark to med brown.

 

[wing8tesqw]

I have three questions. Thanks in advance!

Q1. Matching Suit with Shoe Color Question: For a summer wedding I have an unlined wool dark navy blue suit. I'm thinking a woven shoe would complete the look. For color Light Tan or Chocolate Brown? Samples below.



Q2. Aforementioned suit has makeup on the sleeve. I wipe it and the makeup spreads. How do I remove makeup from lightweight wool?





Q3. My loafers had leather ties to make a knot. I broke one. Can it be repaired? What do I do?