AE Veronas for Banking in Brazil

Hey guys, I didn't know if post this question in this thread: http://www.styleforum.net/t/124996/college-graduate-new-suit-for-job-in-manhattan
Or create a new one, for the special circunstances I decided to create a new one.

I am a 5'6, 160lbs, 25yo Brazilian guy, I just started this year doing investment banking(M&A in Brazil) and the people I work with are brand whores.

The dress code is business casual so I am looking for a good pair of loafers, something with the best price/quality possible.

I was considering the AE Veronas: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF49600_1_40000000001_-1

The other day my boss saw me looking at them and told me that those shoes are suited for an 80yo guy, other associate came in and said the same, that they look really conservative and old-fashioned, they suggested Gucci but I think is more brand-whorism than anything else, also, everyone here wears Gucci so I don't want to look like everyone else.

Do you guys think that the Veronas are really conservative? Any suggestions? Thanks.

I don't think there is anything conservation about loafers, let alone a metal bit on the saddle. To be fair to Gucci, the classic bit loafer originated from that brand. Having said that, the AE Verona (which I own), can almost be considered a knock-off of the Gucci classic bit loafer, at a more attractive price.

That aside, your work associates sound like a trendy bunch. I would not go against their consensus so early in your career, it would be detrimental to your success there. So, bide your time, and do what you must till then...

jesbars said:

Do you guys think that the Veronas are really conservative? Any suggestions? Thanks.

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& to make it worse . . . . they're bland as hell.



SoGent said:

   & to make it worse . . . . they're bland as hell.

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What do you mean about "bland"? So, they are not durable?

Any other suggestions? Any Ferragamo model?



jesbars said:

What do you mean about "bland"? So, they are not durable?
Any other suggestions? Any Ferragamo model?

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By bland, he just means boring. I'm personally not a big fan of those shoes; but that's because I'm even more boring and prefer loafers with a beefroll to them, if I was to ever buy a pair. I wouldn't go with Gucci either as the general consensus on here is that they're overpriced for what you get. But the fact that they're considered "old man shoes" alone shouldn't dissuade you from buying them. Are these your first pair of better quality shoes? If so, and I wear casual to work as well, there are better options for you when just starting to build your wardrobe. But it depends on what you already have.

oops, double post



facet said:

By bland, he just means boring. I'm personally not a big fan of those shoes; but that's because I'm even more boring and prefer loafers with a beefroll to them, if I was to ever buy a pair. I wouldn't go with Gucci either as the general consensus on here is that they're overpriced for what you get. But the fact that they're considered "old man shoes" alone shouldn't dissuade you from buying them. Are these your first pair of better quality shoes? If so, and I wear casual to work as well, there are better options for you when just starting to build your wardrobe. But it depends on what you already have.

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Yes, Right now I wear Florsheim but I need to upgrade, I am starting to build a quality wardrobe.



jesbars said:

Yes, Right now I wear Florsheim but I need to upgrade, I am starting to build a quality wardrobe.

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Then the standard answer would be to get the Park Avenues in black. I have them in merlot and am glad I got that colour instead as I've found them to be more interesting while still being extremely versatile; but it's entirely up to you. After that, then you can expand from there by adding complementary items as you wish.



JubeiSpiegel said:

To be fair to Gucci, the classic bit loafer originated from that brand. .

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With respect, this is a dubious assertion. If memory serves, Gucci started using the horsebit on their mens loafers (and their womens handbags) in the early 1950's (1952 or 1953). Their womens horsebit loafers appeared 10 years later. This in no way confirms that the bit loafer originated from Gucci although they have certainly achieved credit for its popularity. Who then was the first manufacturer to use the horsebit on their shoes? It still remains a mystery, at least to me. I have heard that Bally beat Gucci to it, but I suppose a few phone calls or emails are in order to both companies' public relations departments to gain any conclusive information. If anyone has the energy, please look into this and post the findings accordingly.
My theory (entirely possible and quite probable) is that some 'forever to be unknown and therefore unlauded' master cordwainer made the first horsebit loafer as a frolic and the idea was 'lifted' by one of the larger manufacturers whos designers scoured the quiet countryside for inspiration, later claiming it to be their own creation. My unknown cordwainer theory (respectfully submitted) is in line with Pablo Picasso's great saying, 'A good artist borrows while a great artist steals'. Or did Picasso himself roam the quiet countryside gleening catchy phrases for his own glory? The implications of such thought are mind boggling and I best stop. I motion for a National Geographic special on the matter. The world needs to know.

jesbars, I own a pair of AE Veronas. They are almost identical to Gucci loafers (albeit, Gucci makes many variations). The AE Veronas are comfortable quiet elegance and most certainly not an old mans shoe. You best not outrightly challenge your bosses ignorance. As no one wants to admit they are wrong, he will find it far easier to fire you and then buy a nice pair of bit loafers for himself, afterwards patting himself on the back for his ingenuity. For the sake of harmony, it is better to just say you like them, buy a pair and leave it at that, quietly enjoying and leaving him to think of himself as being of superior intellect. It is also possible that he was hinting that a bit loafer should only be enjoyed by bosses. You know his personality best.



facet said:

Then the standard answer would be to get the Park Avenues in black. I have them in merlot and am glad I got that colour instead as I've found them to be more interesting while still being extremely versatile; but it's entirely up to you. After that, then you can expand from there by adding complementary items as you wish.

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I was thinking in the Park Avenues but they are too formal for the dresscode, I am all day in shirt and slacks, just twice a month I wear a suit and everyone wears loafers so I was more inclined to do it, I think I am going to go with the Veronas, they are more in my price range or break the bank and buy Gucci/Prada/Ferragamo so my bosses think they influenced my decision.

Thanks everyone for their suggestions.