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I only have one pair of AE shoes, and it's hard to tell because they're shark skin!  But from what I've seen, I'd say in simple construction terms, there's not much to choose between them.

 

Loake and Barker's Indian-made ranges are half the price of AE, but with that comes an occasional small finishing issue.  However, I'd say the overall value is probably better.  Especially when you go up to that $250-ish area, Barker's leather is pretty nice (always get the "calf", not the "polished" option - it's better quality for the same price, don't be fooled by the shine!), and I've had a couple of pairs of Loakes for 10-15 years that still look good.

 

To a point, you get what you pay for.  But the returns diminish once you get past a certain basic level, which this is.  The other thing I'd say about these makers over AE is that the lasts are better shapes.  AE's lasts always seem a bit flat to me - low in the instep and a bit shapeless over the toe.  But everyone's different.  I'd say take a chance on a cheap pair ($150-ish) of Indian-made Loake or Barker shoes.  Ask Pediwear some questions about sizing, and the worst you lose is a postage charge if they're not right.  But if they are, the same last shapes on the cheaper lines are used on the more expensive ones, and you'll have a great starting point for your future orders.

 

Here's a pair of Loakes I got for around that price - some of my cheapest shoes, but also among my favourites - in action today!  (I did change the laces - they are supplied with something  more subtle!).

 

 

 

Now give me my three bucks for cancer research.  Please?

 

And you too.  Please. :)

I'm not sure exactly what your deal is, but please don't give out advice simply for the purpose of collecting donations for your cause. I'm sad to say I will not be contributing.

If you'd read this thread before, you'd know I try to answer questions pretty regularly.  But the Cancer Research thing is just this month.  And, of course, optional.  But it's a good cause, so I have to try.

 

If you'd like to know what my "deal is", just read the linked "Fathers' Day" thread ("What this is all about", below).  No offence intended.

I didn't mean to offend you by any means with my wording, and I obviously knew there must have been a strong reason to be collecting donations for cancer research. However, it just seemed a little odd for you to individually call upon my to give a donation. I did read the second post after your response to mine, and I also saw the link in your signature.

However, thank you for the info on the jacket.
 

Hehe, you're welcome, no harm done - come back and post a pic if you can; would be nice to see how it turns out.

Tried one a pair of Gucci's and Ferrogamo's, didn't like either one. Decided to order another pair of Magnannis online again. Maybe my next checking account surplus will go towards a pair of Loake or Barker

Hi All,

 

I have a tie that the color is bleeding. I bought a nice and inexpensive used tie from ebay that arrived with a minor stain. I set about using talcum powder + brush and then a dab of soap and water to remove it. This largely worked but the red background has bled a bit into some of the white paisley.

 

Is this the sign of a bad tie for the color to bleed when wet or is this normal and I am abusing an old tie in ways I should not?

 

Thanks!

Looking to buy my first non white pocket square. Can the main colour of the pocket square match your suit.

For example, could I wear the following pocket square with a navy suit, light blue shirt and a brown grenadine tie?

http://www.kentwang.com/pocket-squares/ancient-madder-paisley-burgundy.html

Thanks!

Ties are unpredictable, which is why you're told to test on an inconspicuous spot first, and why a professional job (tiecrafters gets good recs around here) is really the only even close to sure thing. It's not a sign of a bad tie, but you may have ruined it depending on how noticeable the damage is.


Don't think of pocket squares in terms of matching, think of them in terms of coordinating. It doesn't match, it goes. It demands a somewhat intuitive feel for color, pattern and texture.

As for that particular square with the described outfit, I very much approve. Madder paisleys are actually really versatile IMO- so many colors in them that something in there is always going to play nicely with any other element in the outfit, and the pattern has both very small scale and very large scale elements, so it can be made to work with large or small scale patterns.

Opinions vary on that, but those other people are wrong.