***The official Alden thread *** - Page 2830

I disagree. Colour 8 can be worn with black, whereas Cigar can't. I'd suspect this is where the Colour 8 versatility stems from.

Honus Wagner cards come up for auction once per decade, so if you would like one, you need to purchase it when it comes available not just when you may happen to be the market.

I've just started on "the path" with #8 PTB's. How would some of the more experienced aficionados and collectors on this forum suggest I proceed? Buy what's available as you go. Get the basics first. Order a particular shoe in a so-called "grail" colour and wait for the zombie apocalypse. Any suggestions at all would be great. First borns w/ Marcoliani cashmere socks

I suppose this is true - and it certainly is alleged by many, and it looks fine - but I personally can't do it. Black trousers, in my world, are made for black shoes. But to each their own. And to the extent one does it (wear color 8 with black), it is hard to say color 8 isn't the most versatile.

The color 8 v. cigar versatility debate is a close call. This is particularly so for me inasmuch as I do not wear color 8 with black, nor do I wear color 8 with most shades of brown/tan. Certainly color 8 looks nice with most shades of brown (and I do it from time to time), but I just find myself gravitating towards brown/tan shoes when wearing brown/tan. And cigar of course can be worn with essentially everything but black.

This issue won't be resolved today.

CTYGGG just posted excellent photos of his pair, I believe:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/lightbox/post/6091667/id/665763

I am assuming you are in Baltimore. #8, Cigar or one of the darker calf selections. If you start with a lighter color you may not be wearing it much for a while. I know people love the shells but with your climate I feel that you may be more comfortable wearing calf on days like yesterday when it was nice early and then rain late. With calf it is not a big deal, with cordovan it should not be a big deal but spotting can occur.

J Crew has a pair of black LWB's with exposed eyelets that I like but I do not wear black that much. I wearing a pair of black pebble grain LWB's today though. The Shoemart has a pair of dark brown LWB's. I think these would be very versatile. I have a darker pair of calf LWB's that I love. I purchased them from Leather Soul a couple of years ago.

Here are my new dark brown long wings in calf that I got from Leather Soul. Both are brand new in the pics:

Leather Soul Dark Brown Calf left with Alden of Carmel Cigar Shell Right:


Alden of Carmel Cigar Shell Left Leather Soul Dark Brown Calf Right:


Alden of Carmel Cigar Shell Left Leather Soul Dark Brown Calf Right:


I hope this helps.

Wonderful to see that you have picked up the two worst habits in which one can be legally engaged - shell cordovan shoes and Marcoliani socks. (Cashmere no less.) Great. Good for you. Write a letter to your future heirs and tell them that there will be no inheritance because, instead of something simple like crack or booze, you picked up the shell cordovan bug. My advice run while you can. Go. Leave or you will be arguing about different shades of brown on this internet board after spending all of your money on something that almost no one understands and makes you look crazier than an old coot in a state run facility.

Should you continue on with us, however, you will need at least the following to be a true member of the club:

* 1 Boot (at least)

* 2 Pair loafers (at least) - tassels and the LHS if they fit you. You can always add in a full strap or one of the others.

* A wide assortment of bluchers

If you work in a casual environment, I don't think you need to be too particular about what you buy next. If it is suits, you may want to get one of the SC oxfords.

Personally, I would do tassel loafers in color 8.

Exchanged out the Indy with the growth issue, content now. Hope Roguls is cool with the pic:

I respectfully disagree.  The lighter, antique edge of the Cigar makes it pretty casual and informal and difficult to dress up with a suit.  I have no problems at all with wearing color 8 LWB with a suit or more casual wear.

The smaller sizes are actually more commonly stocked than the larger sizes.  I would have thought otherwise also...

Yes - get the basics pinned down. Assuming you will wear them in professional settings, that means some captoe bals and/or captoe bluchers in color 8 and black. And if you can get the Alden for BB versions of these, I would suggest pulling the trigger. Also, an LWB in cigar would introduce you to the exotics, yet still be quite practical. Get your wallet out .....

If you will wear them only in casual settings, there are numerous ways you could go.

Good luck.

2nd sentence - true (but a dark edge changes things)
3rd sentence - true

moving the family

As much as I agree with overshoes, I'm not sure I would bring them with me on vacation. I would rather forego one of the shell shoes and bring a pair of suede shoes instead.