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NYT Article on Colorful Shoes Making a Comeback . . .

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PhiloVance

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I love these recent stories on how basic staples of a man's wardrobe are making a comeback - as if they went anywhere. There was another article on the internet somwhere (perhaps A Continuous Lean?) about how the wristwatch has returned.

I guess my question is, if you've been wearing brogues and wristwatches through the supposed "dark" period when it was uncool/untrendy to do these things, does that put you way ahead of the curve or way behind it?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/f...re-back-this-time-with-color.html?ref=fashion
 
bourbonbasted

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While I agree that calling such things "comebacks" is ridiculous, I think the article is more indicative of Joe Blow embracing style.

I tend to hang out with a less-than-stylish, much less daring bunch. More or less a Southern trad hodgepodge of ponies, croakies, ill-fitting dress shirts and boat shoes. However, despite their mundane tendencies, I have received many compliments and inquiries recently about a pair of blue suede drivers and a pair of blue suede tassels. Even 6 months ago I think I would have been teased relentlessly, whereas now I am greeted with intrigue. If you can get a group of overgrown fraternity kids to compliment you on a pair of blue shoes (in earnest), I think there might be some argument for an overall shift in the everyday man's thinking.
 
Christopher Essex

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I think this trend is all that - a trend.

Hopefully some of these colorful products will be well-made and those fashion-y hangers-on will appreciate the workmanship and migrate their tastes to more sedate, quality footwear once the fad has passed.
 
MyOtherLife

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That article was poorly written to say the least.
 
mack11211

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The article is jumbling a few things, esp in the picture spread.

Spectators have always been with us, with their strong contrast of white and black, white and brown, etc.

The novelty is in the newer colors of suede or calf.

They were always a minority taste available bespoke or through color-minded designers like Paul Smith.

Now these colors are much more widely made & sold in traditionally made footwear.

The style influence of sneakers is the most astute point in the article. This also relates to the late 80s/early 90s revival of colorblock high impact stuff on the runways.

The larger point is that traditional ideas of harmony, order, proportion etc. appeal to an ever shrinking minority.

Cry if you want to.
 
makewayhomer

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its a bizarre story, particularly the quote by Tom at the end. I can understand he is talking about 1 specific pair (that doesn't go with a wool suit) but I'm not sure the writer understood that. he doesn't mention at all the shoes he was talking about, I think he is referencing ALL of them?
 
LeatherSOUL

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makewayhomer said:
its a bizarre story, particularly the quote by Tom at the end. I can understand he is talking about 1 specific pair (that doesn't go with a wool suit) but I'm not sure the writer understood that. he doesn't mention at all the shoes he was talking about, I think he is referencing ALL of them?
Click to expand...


That wasn't my quote...

I can't believe they featured those crappy shoes and rejected my Aldens. I'm pretty sure I don't want to be interviewed anymore.
 
makewayhomer

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LeatherSOUL said:
That wasn't my quote...

I can't believe they featured those crappy shoes and rejected my Aldens. I'm pretty sure I don't want to be interviewed anymore.
Click to expand...


my bad, I read too quickly. still, the quote doesn't make any sense.

"Mr. Jennings added that as colorful as the shoes are, they’re versatile, nicely dressing up a pair of khakis or shorts or adding a flourish to a summer suit and tie. “The only thing they don’t go with is a wool suit,” he said firmly. “Too casual.”"

which pair is he talking about?
 

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