Patent leather loafer with tuxedo?

[musicmax]

I'm heading to Europe soon and plan on taking my tuxedo since the Mrs. & I will be attending several operas (Bavarian, Vienna, and Prague state operas). I'd like to save a little weight and space in packing by leaving home my 19-ounce-apiece size 12 Peal/BB patent oxfords.

I saw these at my local Ferragamo dealer and they are lightweight and comfortable, and could double as a backup walking shoe with some sharp denims.

But.... does the "driving" heel render them déclassé for pairing with a tuxedo?

http://www.parkandbond.com/product/99541261

 

[ethanm]

Between the moc toe, bit and heel I would think they'd be a bad choice. Also, they would look terrible with jeans. Why not get real pumps?

 

[curzon]

That heel and the horse bit buckle aren't going to work. And patent leather and denim to walk around town, too? You're going to swap 38 ounces for what? 25 or so? Has the excess cargo surcharge for a third of a kilo become so excessive to warrant a purchase of $500 alternate shoes?

 

[tinsel]

We all have to make sacrifices when travelling for a length of time. You should wear your black monogrammed velvet slippers. I assume you are packing a pair?

 

[Blackhood]

Between this, and a simple black shoe, I'd say a wholecut or cap-toe would be less distinctively wrong. If someone is going to notice there are two thoughts:

1. Wearing those "lol that guy couldn't even get the right kind of pump, thats clearly loafer. Idiot"

2. Wearing a normal black shoe "Gah, don't people know you're supposed to wear opera pumps with black tie?!"

Personally I'd rather be thought ignorant than stupid, but its a personal choice.

 

[curzon]

This EMartNJ fella is a genius. Heed his advice.

 

[musicmax]

OK thanks all for the advice. Anyone got a good source for slippers/pumps? Brooks Brothers sells two varieties made by Peal (plain and BB monogrammed) but they are out of my size. I also tried Mezlan's two velvet offerings (Davino and Dominio) and didn't like the fit.

 

[curzon]

Those loafers are $530, right? Here you are, and less that $200. You may even get the VAT refunded. You can divvy the $300 amongst EMartNJ, tinsel, Blackhood and me and keep the remaining $30 for yourself. Cheers.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]



Between this, and a simple black shoe, I'd say a wholecut or cap-toe would be less distinctively wrong.

Agreed. The patent leather is highly formal, which is what you want, but then the horse-bit and moc-toe are very informal features, not befitting a formal shoe.

 

[fritzl]

everybody will see and know that you're american. so take some black shoes, you likely already have, and you're set, imo

 

[knezz]

Suck it up and take you "19-ounce-apiece size 12 Peal/BB patent oxfords". You could purchase some patent opera pumps (simular to Albert slippers). They appear to be even lighter than the shoes you show above.

I would totaly stay away from the above.