After 18:00 black tie shoes

[leconnaisseur]

Hello,

I'm going to my first "after hours" party in the end of this month.

It is a very nice occasion to dress up.

I have a formal (old school dresscode) black tie:

- 1 button, grosgrain, non-vented, shawl lapel jacket
- non-pleated, single grosgrain trousers
- white formal point collar shirt with hidden buttons and double french cuff
- black silk cummerbund
- black silk tie (self-tie of course)
- white silk suspenders
- white silk pocket scarf (pochette)
- black silk under-knee socks
- white silk scarf
- black chesterfield coat

My question...

I am the fortunate owner of a pair of Church's black oxford cap toes but according to old school dresscode I am obliged to wear a pair of black patent leather shoes without any stichings in the leather (so no cap toe).

I can't afford a pair of church's at the moment but have found this pair from swedish Cavaliere and a pair from Hugo Boss. As the Hugo Boss pair are cap toe they are not strictly speaking "allowed".

Any suggestions?

Edited: Found a pair of C&J Chatham (800 malaysian $), but again with cap toe...

http://www.cavaliere.se/collections/...&koll=ceremony

http://www.shoes.com/product.asp?p=5...BOSS+HUGO+BOSS

 

[juniper]

Somewhat cheaper, if they can ship in time: http://www.pediwear.co.uk/detail.php?stock_ID=1817 http://www.pediwear.co.uk/detail.php?stock_ID=313 What do people feel about the second, open front style of patent shoe? Normally, one would think informal for a derby-style, but many (most?) patent shoes I see in Britain are in that style.

 

[juniper]

I should add that (last year, at any rate) Ede & Ravenscroft were selling a black captoe patent evening shoe, so I'm not sure the rule is absolute.

 

[oscarthewild]

After getting a pair of patent pumps, I would have much preferred to get a calf pumps with grossgrain. So very versatile and distinguishing and correct.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Patent leather is much better on the balmoral style than the blucher ("open front&quot style.