Ask A Question, Get An Answer... - Post All Quick Questions Here - Page 633

Originally Posted by Unrefinery 



I've been wondering about them too. They do have a complete satisfaction guarantee, so I guess there's nothing to lose but your time.

 

Originally Posted by cptjeff 


Suede is hardly limited to a season. It's just texture, and can go with tweed and linen equally.

Originally Posted by dasai 

Summer is already half over, but I've got a summer look question. Debated between SW&D and here, but it seemed more appropriate to this forum. Anyhow...

I'm looking to pick up some Keds in the near future. Not being one for pure white shoes, I'm debating between "graphite", "moonbeam grey" and navy. Any advice on which I should get? I'll be wearing them mainly with madras shirts or polos, and khaki shorts or chinos.

Originally Posted by Acer 

My wife bought me a CT shirt for our anniversary (2 years, cotton anniversary woo!), and she's not too sure about the collar on it. Anyway, here's some pics (along with my new Kent Wang cufflinks!)

Criticism is welcome as always, but I'm really just looking for feedback on the shape of the collar vs the shape of my face (she thinks the collar is too large, i.e. the points are too long).



Yes, I realize the jacket sleeves are a tad long--it's getting dropped off for adjustments tomorrow.

Originally Posted by CuffLinks28 

Does anybody know of a good shoe polish and perhaps where to buy it. Black shoes by the way.

Originally Posted by Avocat 

^ Welcome. Asking "what is the best" is a loaded question around here, y'know. Mainly b/c everyone here has there own favorites as well as their own regimen, and about all of which you can read up more on by doing a search on the forums, where members happily share their experiences--as well as tidbits, secrets and horror stories--when it comes to various products and also their own regimen. In my case, I alternate b/w shoe creams and wax polishes for all but exotics and light-coloured leathers, with some members here swearing by olive oil. In other words, it's one of those questions where you'll likely get a different answer depending on whom you ask. That said, the main thing is to avoid cheap polishes b/c they tend to contain silicone which is a water-proofing agent; whilst great for work boots, it isn't so for dress shoes/boots b/c it clogs shoe pores, resulting in an unsightly plastic-ky finish.

Again, if you do a search here on the forums you can read up on various products and regimens but to get you started I'm happy to provide you with a link to a recent podcast about shoe polishing, which link was provided to me by Doc4 who had the following to say about it: "On a recent podcast at ASW about shoe polishing, http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2010/10/podcast-leather-shoe-care.html , the professional shoe-polisher interviewed recommended using high-quality polishes rather than cheap ones, and also hit on the cream v. wax issue too." Trust this helps and wear your shoes--whatever your own personal regimen--in good health. Cheers!

Originally Posted by greenrebellion 

What do you guys think of these pants? I had them tapered from the knee down since they were a tad too baggy and I have stick legs, then I had them shortened to reduce the break. But with these loafers now, they show some sock even though the pants seem to fit a lot better. Did I go to far on the tailoring? I tested what they would like like longer (by pulling my pants down lower) and the sock still shows since the leg opening is small.




Oh and don't worry, black mark is on the mirror not the pants and I won't actually be wearing brown socks with this outfit.

Originally Posted by cptjeff 





Kiwi paste is fine, so long as it's not the parade gloss. It's even used in the factory by high end shoemakers like Edward Green. They would of course be happy to sell you more expensive polishes, but that's what they use.

The one solid rule is to use a real polish, whether paste or cream, and not one of those insta shine things with sponges. They dry out the leather rather than add oils, as either a paste or a cream would do.

Originally Posted by Avocat 


Are you sure about that, CPT? I mean, about the parade gloss, yes, but the regular paste? My understanding is that it contains silicone which, unless they've changed the formulation, is not fine, for reasons already stated. As to high end shoemakers using it initially, sure, possibly: I mean, it's not like they're bathing the shoe/boot in it, but merely wanting it to shine bright so as to sell it, right? Not being difficult, just a word of caution. Both C&J and RM Williams (hand-grade and custom work, respectively) warn against Kiwi products, on account of the silicone that they say is in there---keeping in mind also that RM Williams is, like Kiwi,also from Oz so as to support fellow Oz makers, making this even more strange and worthy of a caution, no?

Seriously though, it's important to know. Again, as far as I know, from what RM Williams and C&J sellers (England and Canada both) have told me, Kiwi paste has silicone (i.e., as a water proofing agent), advising against its use. Of course, this may have changed since then. Anyway, I mention this as silicone isn't getting anywhere near my shoes/boots.

EDIT: as to the insta-shine things and sponge stuff--I wholeheartedly agree with you, and well put. Thankfully, there's a ton of real polishes, be it wax or cream out there, as you say, but I'm just not so sure about Kiwi...just saying, that's all, based on what I was told. Cheers.

Originally Posted by Avocat 

^ Welcome. Asking "what is the best" is a loaded question around here, y'know. Mainly b/c everyone here has there own favorites as well as their own regimen, and about all of which you can read up more on by doing a search on the forums, where members happily share their experiences--as well as tidbits, secrets and horror stories--when it comes to various products and also their own regimen. In my case, I alternate b/w shoe creams and wax polishes for all but exotics and light-coloured leathers, with some members here swearing by olive oil. In other words, it's one of those questions where you'll likely get a different answer depending on whom you ask. That said, the main thing is to avoid cheap polishes b/c they tend to contain silicone which is a water-proofing agent; whilst great for work boots, it isn't so for dress shoes/boots b/c it clogs shoe pores, resulting in an unsightly plastic-ky finish.

Again, if you do a search here on the forums you can read up on various products and regimens but to get you started I'm happy to provide you with a link to a recent podcast about shoe polishing, which link was provided to me by Doc4 who had the following to say about it: "On a recent podcast at ASW about shoe polishing, http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2010/10/podcast-leather-shoe-care.html , the professional shoe-polisher interviewed recommended using high-quality polishes rather than cheap ones, and also hit on the cream v. wax issue too." Trust this helps and wear your shoes--whatever your own personal regimen--in good health. Cheers!