Are These Shoes a Mistake?

[RatherAnOddball]

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...Natural-cognac

Well, I could qualify that question with all manner of description of my current stock of shoes, the status of my wardrobe, etc., but what I really want to know is what you lot think of these shoes all on their own. Good to have, or good for a laugh? I'm not confident enough in my taste to know. I'm new to the game, after all. But I did buy them, so it would be very helpful to know for certain relatively soon. EDIT: I apologize for the large size of the picture, but I wanted to make certain it was clear to readers that they are not all-leather, and that they are in fact partially canvas.

 

[AdamInSF]

I think they're handsome, but I have no idea what I would wear them with, personally.

 

[zjpj83]

Good for a laugh, only, in my opinion. If you don't have ALL the basics already, then I'd try to shop for those first.

 

[Cary Grant]

Check here: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...ight=spectator


You do need to "wear them in confidence" so if you're "nervous" about it, perhaps there are better choices?

 

[RatherAnOddball]

Thanks very much for the prompt replies, everyone. Oh, I'm not remotely nervous. Just aware of being clueless. It's not that they're spectators that gives me pause, it's that they're not all leather; the cream-colored portion is canvas. I wasn't aware if that would cause so many complications and restrictions with what fabrics I could wear them with that they would be considered a dumb purchase. Since getting a few bad responses to some posts I've made about intended purchases, I've been a bit more self-conscious about that kind of thing. But not nervous at all. I'm thinking I'd wear them with ivory/cream colored trousers, as well as poplin trousers in "go to hell" colors like seafoam green, lemon yellow, candied apple red, etc. Sound workable?

 

[Hans]

I have a similar pair that I wear with summer suits. They are great! Buy them! Otherwise you'll get saver's remorse once the spring rolls around and you have nothing to wear.

 

[sho'nuff]

I personally handled these shoes before I would wear them with a charcoal suit.
They are pretty handsome in person imo.

 

[pflance]

I think they are good to have. But I guess that too expensive for me to buy.

 

[Bird's One View]

I like them. The description is amusing though: "luxurious canvas".

I'd be more tempted if I didn't already have 3 pairs of spectators.

 

[RatherAnOddball]

Thanks once again for all the great replies. It sounds like I shouldn't regret these too much.

Very relieved.

To those of you who've owned this pair, or others like it, I wonder what a smart technique might be to keep the canvas clean of shoe cream while cleaning and conditioning the leather parts, and, moreover, how best to clean the canvas itself should something get into it?

Thanks very much, take care. Happy Holidays.

 

[forex]

Originally Posted by RatherAnOddball

Thanks once again for all the great replies. It sounds like I shouldn't regret these too much.

Very relieved.

To those of you who've owned this pair, or others like it, I wonder what a smart technique might be to keep the canvas clean of shoe cream while cleaning and conditioning the leather parts, and, moreover, how best to clean the canvas itself should something get into it?

Thanks very much, take care. Happy Holidays.

So did you buy them? I think they will be good with a tan or light linen suit in the summer. Who made them for BB?

 

[bigbris1]

That is a twice a year shoe max.

 

[RatherAnOddball]

Yes, I bought them earlier today. To be perfectly honest, I'd never bought such an expensive pair of shoes before - but with them being already marked-down, plus the 25% off, I had to go for it.

Almost got the chukkas instead, but I've already ankle boots. I haven't own spectators since highschool, though, and those were rubbish, so I thought I'd take them up again on a high note. Thanks for the tips as to what to wear them with. I've been buying sport coats and odd trousers for the sake of economy, but I should have some lighter suits by next summer. I don't know who made them for BB, sorry. They are listed under Peal & Co., though I'm sure you knew that already. What is meant by saying that they're a "twice a year" shoe? I'm not disagreeing with you - I just don't get what you're saying. Please elaborate? Thanks again.

 

[ChicagoRon]

I own a pair, and I love them. I wear them with my sear-sucker and with tan cotton trousers in the summer. They get worn far less frequently than most of my other shoes, but they ALWAYS get compliments.

 

[Eccentric]

Good choice.