Building the Shoe Collection...which should be next?

[CJG_NYC]

So, I am slowly picking up my shoe game and I purchased a few months back two pairs of AEs: Park Avenue in Black and Fifth Avenue in Burnished Calf.

I'm looking to add to the collection. First and foremost I want a lighter brown and I was thinking of maybe the AE Strand in Walnut? I also really like the new AE New Orleans.

I'm unsure if I should invest in another black pair now also? And, if so, what kind of black? Or... should I go with a staple lighter brown (so that I have the main three essentials) and then get maybe a "more fun" shoe, like the New Orleans or maybe even a suede shoe for the warmer months?

That said, if you had ONLY the two I mentioned above, what would your next two purchases be? (Does not have to only be AE, but I do need to keep the price in that range).

Thanks!

 

[Liquidus]

E Strand in Walnut would be good. Clifton is another choice if you'd rather have a blucher.

 

[MyOtherLife]

The AE Strands are beautiful shoes. If you can't decide between brown or black, buy one of each if you can. Both finishes will serve you very well.

 

[CJG_NYC]

Thanks, guys.

I'm definitely loving the Strands, and I am definitely contemplating having another Black shoe in the rotation.

I guess where my current debate is: with summer around the corner should I invest now in a summer-style (suede maybe?) or maybe even get a slip-on in addition to a Strand in Walnut.

The Strand in Walnut is seemingly a 100% purchase for me. I was thinking maybe the new Carlsbad slip-on as a more casual and summer friendly shoe. Thoughts?


Also, a bit off topic, but - any NY Members been to Stapleton Shoe Factory Outlet down near Wall Street? I work nearby and was wondering if it is worth the time to visit.

Thanks!

 

[ShoesYouCanUse]

The AE Strands are beautiful shoes. If you can't decide between brown or black, buy one of each. In addition, you should have a pair of suede wing tips in your collection. They are so classy in all seasons.

Best regards,

 

[LanceW]

E Strand is exactly what I would purchase next. Then I would go try on a pair of Alden for Brooks Brothers Leisure Hand Sewn Penny Loafer. They will go on sale between 8 and noon on December 26th. Save another 20% by purchasing Brooks Brothers gift cards.

 

[CJG_NYC]

Thanks all for the input. I think the Strands in Walnut are definite (maybe even get them tomorrow!). The place i noted above does a buy one get one half off deal -- and has many different brands: AE, Alden, Florsheim, etc. I'm not sure how the deal works, I'm sure its buy one get one similarly priced half off, but I might stop in and see if they carry the Strands in my size and go from there.

I passed by and saw Park Ave and Fifth Ave in the window, so maybe they will have the Strand as well. I'll be sure to let you know how I make out!

 

[CJG_NYC]

Also -- I meant to ask, can the Strand be worn with a suit? I've been getting confused on the forums lately reading that shoes with too much of a brogue should not be worn with suits. The Strands are semi-brogue (correct?), so how does that work with a suit. I notice guys wearing full-brogue with suits all the time, but I know that doesnt necessarily make it "right"

Thanks!

 

[Samovar McGee]

As I came to understand it, the Strand is suitable for suits as well as more casual wear, including jeans. Yes, they are semi brogued, so their formality is toned down a bit.

 

[LanceW]

The Strand is a walnut half-brogue oxford. Walnut is casual, half-brogue is casual, oxford is formal. I put that in the bottom 1/3 of suit formality and would wear it with casual suits no problem

 

[gsgleason]

I too wanted a walnut AE and was deciding between the Strand and McAllister. I went with the latter as I already have several cap toes.

 

[CJG_NYC]

Originally Posted by LanceW

The Strand is a walnut half-brogue oxford. Walnut is casual, half-brogue is casual, oxford is formal. I put that in the bottom 1/3 of suit formality and would wear it with casual suits no problem

Ha! Thats exactly what I was thinking. I was a bit confused with them being Oxfords and being half-brogue. I agree though, being Walnut alone would make me wear them much more casually even with a suit.

Thanks so much!!

I know the SFers are a bit against black shoes, but I'm thinking I probably could use two pairs in rotation. That would give me Park Aves in Black, Fifth Ave in Brown Burnished, the Strand in Walnut, and I'm thinking maybe a McCallister in Black?

But, budget wise I think I might go with the Strand in Walnut and then invest in a loafer or something I can wear in the summer months.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[Samovar McGee]

Originally Posted by CJG_NYC

Ha! Thats exactly what I was thinking. I was a bit confused with them being Oxfords and being half-brogue. I agree though, being Walnut alone would make me wear them much more casually even with a suit.

Thanks so much!!

I know the SFers are a bit against black shoes, but I'm thinking I probably could use two pairs in rotation. That would give me Park Aves in Black, Fifth Ave in Brown Burnished, the Strand in Walnut, and I'm thinking maybe a McCallister in Black?

But, budget wise I think I might go with the Strand in Walnut and then invest in a loafer or something I can wear in the summer months.

Decisions, decisions.

What about a McAllister in merlot?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

why are you limiting yourself to AE? Why not try a different maker?

 

[Dicky Dicardo]

What's a good belt for the walnut Strand?