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Tarmac

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Originally Posted by Sartorially Challenged
I just received my "Darlton" shell cordovan pennyloafers, and I must say, they are a bit of a let down.

You sound pretty disappointed, you should return them. These shoes aren't the be all end all of shoes, they are probably just a step above alden shells.

I saw the loafers at Stanford RL tonight, just a few hours ago, and I wouldn't buy them either for $300.

For me the wingtips are an ultimate of a certain style, something I have been looking for. Blucher+CJ+shell+brown+double sole, etc.
 

lee_44106

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The color differences are actually the natural charm of shell cordovan. It takes upwards of 6 months to dye this material, so variations in color, provided they are not too far off, should be expected.

It may be helpful to give them a LIGHT wax buff, using the Alden #8 paste wax.
 

saint

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I had the Chicago store hold a pair of Darlton/Marlow wingtips and penny loafers. The wingtips are great, and I kept them. But I, too, was disappointed with the loafers and didn't end up buying them.

The dark brown cordovan is beautiful, and even in a large size I don't find the wingtips to be "boat like" at all.
 

Luckyguy

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Thanks a lot, guys. I just received the confirmation email of my order of a Darlton penny loafer.
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I have been wearing my Darlton shell wing tip for exactly two years now and enjoyed them comfortably.

I take it that most of you do not like the penny loafer as much as the wingtip mainly because you like the style of the WT better than the PL. The contruction of the two cannot be that much different, can it?
 

Mr. Pink

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I think the finishing on my penny loafers is sloppier than that on the wingtips. There is aslo a fair difference in shade between the left and right shoe. Having said that, I think they're a decent deal for $300. The only real alternative if you want a cordovan loafer is the Alden LHS for $500. I've had mine for maybe two years and have gotten plenty of use from them. And, of course, they get better looking with age.
 

Sartorially Challenged

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I am regretting not getting the Darlton wingtips instead of the penny loafers.

I saw the wingtips at a RL store and, at the time, the style did not suit me. But the quality seemed good (certainly good enough for me). Based on that impression, I ordered the penny loafers from polo.com. I figured "different style, but same quality and material."

Now, I must agree with the assessment that the penny loafers are not made as well as the wingtips. Oh, well.
 

CodeRed

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I jut got the wing tips and the loafers. Sure the WTs are much more detailed (read awesome), but at the discount price the loafers are really great too.

I wore them today and I really like the simplicity of the shoe. I also have the C&J Henley which is fully lined, but I think that I prefer the Darlton as far as a casual loafer goes. Both will only get better with age, just make sure to size down 1/2 on the loafer since they will stretch over time.
 

JayJay

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I received my Darlton loafers Wednesday. I was very pleased with them and actually more impressed than I thought I would be. I bought the wingtips and plain toe blucher a couple of years ago and continue to enjoy them both.
 

Sartorially Challenged

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Originally Posted by CodeRed
I wore them today and I really like the simplicity of the shoe. I also have the C&J Henley which is fully lined, but I think that I prefer the Darlton as far as a casual loafer goes. Both will only get better with age, just make sure to size down 1/2 on the loafer since they will stretch over time.
I like the look of the Henleys, especially the location of the top stitching -- somewhat similar to the Langford, which I own and like.
 

sho'nuff

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got my Polo Darlton (aka Marlow on the box) today and they are absolutely fabulous.
alot darker and richer than what i expected as the one in the store was a few years old and has worn down in color i guess.

these are so sweet. absolutely brand-spanking new as well , still has cardboard inside.

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Picture037-2.jpg

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these do not look like a $354 shell shoe. these are worth its full retail at $700
 

robin

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these do not look like a $354 shell shoe. these are worth its full retail at $700
Indeed. I regret not buying them now.
plain.gif
 

Shikar

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worship.gif
Originally Posted by shoe
got my Polo Darlton (aka Marlow on the box) today and they are absolutely fabulous.
alot darker and richer than what i expected as the one in the store was a few years old and has worn down in color i guess.

these are so sweet. absolutely brand-spanking new as well , still has cardboard inside.

inlove.gif
inlove.gif
inlove.gif
inlove.gif


these do not look like a $354 shell shoe. these are worth its full retail at $700


Shoe, mine were brand spanking new also, just the varying shades of beautiful brown cordovan. I wore them last night, and after seeing your picture....will wear them again tonight. They look damn good!!!
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Regards.
 

tntele

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I know that sizing has been addressed before, but I have not seen their sizing compared to Alden. I wear an 11D in the barrie last, so do I need an 11D in this shoe or an 11.5D? Thanks!
 

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