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

imatlas · Feb 11, 2010

Originally Posted by mechanical pencil

My brand new calf Alden chukkas are surprisingly "wrinkled." The toe box is pretty smooth.

Return or embrace the wrinkle?

Looks like veiny leather, I'd exchange them.

HPTDoh · Feb 11, 2010

I just got my first suit recently (black J Ferrar; nothing high-end), and I still need shoes to pair with it.
I've never shopped for professional clothes before, so I'm fairly clueless about basic knowledge.
What should I be looking at? Shiny? Matte finish? Suggestions/links also appreciated. College student here, so I'm looking to spend around $100.

EZETHATSME · Feb 11, 2010

HTPDoh - if you bought a black suit, be sure to get black shoes, as that is pretty much the only color. Down the road, you might look to purchase a navy or charcoal suit, as they are generally seen as a bit more versatile than black.

Anyway, for a bit over $100 you can find Ecco shoes that are decent. They are not as well liked on this forum as due to not being as well constructed as better shoes with leather soles, etc. However, they are servicable and will get you started. Another option is to look on ebay or zappos.com for shoes, you may find some decent sales on better shoes than ecco.

Welcome to the forum and good luck! Do lots of searching in the various threads, you'll learn a lot. Have fun as you begin your journey in to dressing well.

EZ

onix · Feb 11, 2010

Originally Posted by HPTDoh

I just got my first suit recently (black J Ferrar; nothing high-end), and I still need shoes to pair with it.
I've never shopped for professional clothes before, so I'm fairly clueless about basic knowledge.
What should I be looking at? Shiny? Matte finish? Suggestions/links also appreciated. College student here, so I'm looking to spend around $100.

Most basic suit shoes: Black, Balmoral, captoe, no perforation. Look like this Allen Emonds Park Avenue:

HPTDoh · Feb 11, 2010

Originally Posted by EZETHATSME

HTPDoh - if you bought a black suit, be sure to get black shoes, as that is pretty much the only color. Down the road, you might look to purchase a navy or charcoal suit, as they are generally seen as a bit more versatile than black. Anyway, for a bit over $100 you can find Ecco shoes that are decent. They are not as well liked on this forum as due to not being as well constructed as better shoes with leather soles, etc. However, they are servicable and will get you started. Another option is to look on ebay or zappos.com for shoes, you may find some decent sales on better shoes than ecco. Welcome to the forum and good luck! Do lots of searching in the various threads, you'll learn a lot. Have fun as you begin your journey in to dressing well. EZ
Thanks! I have been poking around for a while before I registered and it looks like a great forum.

Originally Posted by onix

Most basic suit shoes: Black, Balmoral, captoe, no perforation. Look like this Allen Emonds Park Avenue: http://www.shoebuy.com/pi/allen/alle...5_58355_jb.jpg
I am partial to the more simple styling. Is it okay to wear a shoe with a dull finish? I prefer this, but I had a salesman that was pushing shiny shoes.

EZETHATSME · Feb 11, 2010

Simple is great, especially as you are starting out (see my signature...) Good advice by Onix. Be sure you don't get "square toed" shoes either. A bit of a "chisel toe" is fine (search if you don't know what that is) but no square toed clunkers. Look for sleekness.

Dull is fine, just polish them up. You don't need the "patent leather" look.

EZ

onix · Feb 11, 2010

Originally Posted by HPTDoh

Thanks! I have been poking around for a while before I registered and it looks like a great forum.

I am partial to the more simple styling. Is it okay to wear a shoe with a dull finish? I prefer this, but I had a salesman that was pushing shiny shoes.

The main purpose of black plain captoe shoes is that... it says nothing. It makes no statement about the owner, hence, it's appropriate for business environment. Shiny shoes will make it more noticeable. But for today's standard, it's ok, as long as it's not patent.

Also for new shoes buyer: buy a good pair, it's pricey, but will last you forever (10-20 years).

Sydguy · Feb 11, 2010

Looking for first pair of brown shoes to wear in corporate environment.
Thinking dark brown to match with navy suits.

Got some good tips from WAYWN threads, just want to confirm dark brown with Navy?

Darker brown more versatile, can wear with grey suit?

Thanks!

onix · Feb 11, 2010

1. Dark Brown + Navy = The best color combination that can rarely go wrong
2. Darker color shoes are more versatile. If the suit is dark gray, go with dark brown. If the suit is light gray, any brown will work (don't go tan though unless you know exactly what you are doing).

Originally Posted by Sydguy

Looking for first pair of brown shoes to wear in corporate environment.
Thinking dark brown to match with navy suits.

Got some good tips from WAYWN threads, just want to confirm dark brown with Navy?

Darker brown more versatile, can wear with grey suit?

Thanks!

.Impulsv · Feb 11, 2010

I have a wool peacoat I want to take care of. I read something about brushing wool.

Where can I read more on that?
Where can I get a brush?

dah328 · Feb 11, 2010

Originally Posted by .Impulsv

I have a wool peacoat I want to take care of. I read something about brushing wool.

Where can I read more on that?
Where can I get a brush?
Do a forum search for "clothing brush" and you'll find plenty of info. The best deal out there is probably the ebay store for Kent's Brushes.

.Impulsv · Feb 11, 2010

Thanks.

spcl-k · Feb 12, 2010

anybody know anything about the brand called "Allea"? I got a couple knit ties for a pretty good bargain. I wasn't sure about the quality, though. Any insight?

aj_del · Feb 12, 2010

^^ Could they be Altea ? http://www.altea.com/

spcl-k · Feb 12, 2010

oh my apologies. i wasn't sure how to read it. sorry about that. shows how much i know. does anybody have any insight on the brand's quality? thanks a bunch!

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