AE Strand or McAllister? - Page 2

After reading through SF for the past couple of months, here it is, my first post!

Let's blow some life in this discussion :)

As a recent graduate I am now working in business environment (mgmt consulting). However, I'm still regularly at the office, meaning it's suits 60-70% of the team, business casual the other 30-40%.

What I already have:

- Façonnable: black cap-toe oxfords (looking almost exactly like Strand), used for formal occasions and sometimes with charcoal suit/lighter gray suit

- Façonnable: walnut cap-toe oxfords

- Scarosso: Chocolate brown oxfords

Now over the coming year I'm looking to add at least to 2 more decent pairs to my rotation (at least one decent e.g. AE, and maybe one cheaper for bad weather).

What I expect of the shoes? Well I like my dress shoes to be classy enough for the office and casual enough to be used for weekend wear.

Since all my shoes are (unpurposely) cap toes, I'm wondering if I should opt for the Walnut McAllister. However, I really like the Strand, they are a bit more mature and formal. Nonetheless, I'm only 23 so I think I can still get away with a younger/more casual style.

So what would you guys suggest if I want to add at least one black and one walnut pair to my rotation? I think I'd like the McAllister better on jeans/chino's, but is it formal enough to go to work with?

On the other hand, another option would be acquiringover the next few months:

- AE Strand Walnut

- Bexley Edward II black and Chestnut (http://www.bexley.com/Bexley/shoe-MMCVPRD-EN.htm?cdPrd=EdwardII&tarification=PROMO&coloris=noir)

This would leave me with 4 decent quality pairs (maybe Scarosso doesn't hold stand in the AE quality class, but it's good enough for now), and two pairs I can use to go to work with in bad weather and weekend to go out with during weekend. If the Bexley's look bad after 2 years, it's still acceptable given they are only 105 EUR (~130USD) a pair. If I than add one decent pair + one beater to the rotation every year, I think I will have a nice collection to choose from in a couple of years. 

Maybe one important question. Does anyone of you IS or KNOW SOMEONE in the US Army? I came across this website which notices military personnel get the opportunity to buy AE at extremely advantageous prices! Since I live in Europe, I'm looking to someone very friendly to buy me 1 or 2 pair of AE at this price and ship them to me.

Thanks!

bump

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixedmajik 

Personally i was ok with what you wrote up until the military thing...those rewards are not for you...they are rewarding soldiers. The idea that you want to take advantage of the system in this way is to me quite disturbing...I'm 4 years your junior and even I know that is wrong. You can make a case for it if you knew the person in real life (i.e if my cousin in the military is willing to help me out as family thats a little different and still not to be abused) but to ask someone to use a military member to help you when they dont even know you to me is a little demeaning to the sentiment of it all.

It was just a question. If someone doesn't want to do it, he/she will not react. Point. And taking advantage of the system? If I can save 200USD a pair (yes AE cost 330EUR in Europe) by friendly asking someone using a service he has it his disposal, I don't see why I shouldn't. it's not like the whole system will collapse. What I find disturbing is that you find this disturbing. In a way, this is how life works I guess. Asking/returning favors.

I just don't agree with it...not much else to it than that...and trust me I know about high prices...AE's can be around 450+ dollars in Canada...its the cruel reality of not living in the states lol.  I think for me I'll be the first to say if it wasn't really having to do with the military I wouldn't mind you doing it if it was say...only lawyers get a discount...I think I just have a sentimental viewpoint on the military...I wouldn't feel comfortable asking my cousin in the military to buy something that is reserved for him and his squad because I can get a discount through him...my parents wouldn't agree with that either...different strokes for different folks that's all...just how I was raised. I'm not saying discounts are bad, I'm just saying there are certain places I won't comfortably go to...if you feel otherwise...that's on you. Hence why its a discussion forum, and we share opinion. Clearly you don't care much for what I said and find your viewpoint more logical...so go with it...I'm not the one who's going to be ending up with some sexy shoes at the end of day or getting some form of prize. So do what you want...it doesn't affect me. I don't get paid or feel intelligent trying to argue on forums or escalate something into one so I won't.

Thank you for you POV. But I didn't post in this thread to begin a discussion about morality but to get someone's opinion on shoes...

Anyway, I think you have a good idea for your next couple of shoes that you posted with the strand and bexley (never heard of them but I'll be checking out their website now although I'll assume they don't ship to Canada)...Also down the line maybe try and incorporate a burgundy coloured shoe in there also...they are quite versatile also. However you're definitely on the right track...more than most around your age, and more than me in terms of your collection.