jpm1
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Very nice, Mike!Gentlemen,
Thought that it would be fun to do something fun and special. With Thanksgiving coming up, thought that it would be nice to share the 5 pairs that you are most Thankful to have (a.k.a. Your Favorite Five). The shoes have to be in your personal collection.
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I thought that I would kick this off with my personal favorites. I will say that it was really hard to pick 5 personally, because each pair has a special story associated with them.
5. Alden Cigar Shell Cordovan NST Bluchers.
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This is actually my second pair of these guys. My first pair was a 10D and I begrudgingly shoved my feet into them. Finally, I got the call from Leffot that they were going to remake them and I was able to get an 11B. I love these in particular because of their shade. Their color is just phenomenal and looks like chocolate that I want to bite into. The handwork is nothing short of impressive and it’s always nice to see the Cigar and Antique combination.
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4. Alden Color #8 Shell Cordovan Tassel Loafers.
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You know, there is always something special about the first pair. These are mine. All of my other Alden’s can thank these guys for getting me going. Alden says that their Tassel is often replicated, but never duplicated and they are right. These are just a phenomenal model with a great balance. After nearly 8 years of good wear, these guys have faded tremendously and have an amazing patina coming in.
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3. Alden x Brooks Brothers Unlined Whiskey Shell Cordovan LHS.
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I could probably end this explanation with just Unlined Whiskey and that would be good enough justification. But I love loafers and these are about as good as they get. Super soft and supple that just hugs my toes and an amazing color that just continues to take on more character each time I take them out. I also got these guys used on eBay for a ridiculously cheap price, but that was because they were really beat up. I have sincerely enjoyed bringing them back to life, spending time brushing and polishing them and nurturing them back to the beauties they are today.
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2. Alden Color #4 Wingtip Boots.
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Seriously, because they are stinking Color #4! This color doesn’t quit. It is just the most beautiful shade of Shell Cordovan that I have seen. The perfect blend of Browns and Reds make this untouchable. Combined with Alden’s perfectly balanced Wingtip Boot pattern and the always comfortable Barrie Last and you have the ultimate untouchable.
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1. Alden x JCrew Brassvello LWBs.
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Yes, it is possible to top Color #4, and these guys do it. The Longwing or Gunboat pattern has always been my favorite. It maximizes the “hole punches” as my wife likes to call them. These stellar Gunboats are paired with what I consider to be the nicest shade of Ravello that I have ever seen, the perfect Caramel with Red undertones combating the Brown base shade. That shade paired with Alden’s amazing and coveted Antique Edges is topped with the perfect icing, the Exposed Brass Eyelets. The Brass pops perfectly against the Ravello and Antique and provides a perfect balance with all of the broguing.
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Here is the lineup of shoes that I am the most thankful to have the ability to curate.
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Would love to see what pairs everyone else here is most thankful to have this week!
-Mike
My 5:
#1 - Color 8 Tanker from Alden Madison. My very first pair of Alden. Bought these about 4 years ago while I was still working at Allen Edmonds. @JSO1 played a big role in me purchasing these when stopping by my AE shop to show me his Alden collection.
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#2 - Color 8 Barrie PCT from Jcrew.
#3 - Lady Calf Barrie Wingtip Boots from Leather Soul
#4 - Tan Calf Wingtip Boots on Barrie from B&M.
#5 - Straight Tip CXL Boots from B&M