I know this is a somewhat silly question, but here it is.
Up to now my shoes consist of J Fitzpatrick, Cobbler Union, and Carmina. I'm thinking about making the jump up in price and trying to decide on where to do that first. I was originally going to go with G&G, however the Crockett&Jones Alex Wholecut has always been on my radar, and the fact that Crockett & Jones has elevated it to their handgrade line makes it super tempting (the 007 extras and shoe trees are nice, but I don't really care about them too much). Is there a large quality drop between Crockett & Jones handgrade line vs G&G?
I still plan on getting at least one pair of G&G in the future (likely about 3 overall), but am curious if I should start my transition by going with the Crockett&Jones James model?
I should add that my own fiancee's input on this is that I should go with James because we both have a slight preference for the James whole cut over the Sinatra from G&G (comes down to a very slight preference in toe shape). AND she made the argument that though the black cap toe oxford from G&G is nice and I would get a lot of wear out of it, the James would probably fit in better for our wedding/blacktie option, whenever covid allows - hopefully end of 2021 as originally planned (and she'd find it a hilarious inside joke that it's a "007 model").
Any thoughts? Things I should consider?
OH, and since I'm in California - does anyone have experience with import duties with either brand?
Up to now my shoes consist of J Fitzpatrick, Cobbler Union, and Carmina. I'm thinking about making the jump up in price and trying to decide on where to do that first. I was originally going to go with G&G, however the Crockett&Jones Alex Wholecut has always been on my radar, and the fact that Crockett & Jones has elevated it to their handgrade line makes it super tempting (the 007 extras and shoe trees are nice, but I don't really care about them too much). Is there a large quality drop between Crockett & Jones handgrade line vs G&G?
I still plan on getting at least one pair of G&G in the future (likely about 3 overall), but am curious if I should start my transition by going with the Crockett&Jones James model?
I should add that my own fiancee's input on this is that I should go with James because we both have a slight preference for the James whole cut over the Sinatra from G&G (comes down to a very slight preference in toe shape). AND she made the argument that though the black cap toe oxford from G&G is nice and I would get a lot of wear out of it, the James would probably fit in better for our wedding/blacktie option, whenever covid allows - hopefully end of 2021 as originally planned (and she'd find it a hilarious inside joke that it's a "007 model").
Any thoughts? Things I should consider?
OH, and since I'm in California - does anyone have experience with import duties with either brand?