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Tag Archives: footwear
Review of Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea Boots
For menswear.
“Shoes speak louder than words” says Tribeca-based brand Jack Erwin. Wearing their Ellis Chelsea Boot from the Foster Collection, I’d have to agree. Available in calf-leather Arabica or Black, or the 100% suede Brown, I chose this final option. The suede exterior creates an understated masculine sensibility which transitions well between the office and the bar. I wore them with a granite colored suit, and they color blocked outstandingly. Similarly, I chose to pair them with a dark indigo wash skinny jean and they shined against the more casual attire.
In terms of comfort, the Ellis Chelsea Boot took under an hour to break in. At first I was worried about the inside architecture of the boot as it struck me as quite tough, yet as soon as it molded to my foot, these easily became the most comfortable footwear I own. All of Jack Erwin’s shoes are handcrafted in Spain, and this level of quality is apparent on both the interior and exterior. The rubber sole makes them resilient against the most treacherous of slushy, wintry conditions and the pull tab means you can easily remove them as soon as you return to the safety and warmth of the indoors.
All in all, the Ellis Chelsea boot more than fulfills the heritage of Chelsea-boot style footwear. It is versatile, uniquely inviting, and most importantly, a classically handsome item on trend, without being trendy. I also covet their Carter Wingtip Combat Boot, and after testing the Ellis, I will be ordering it ASAP.
Posted in menswear
Tagged footwear, suede, boots, jack erwin
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Footwear Finds for Fall 2014
For menswear.
Looking at the trends and what is new in men’s footwear for this Fall, I noticed shoes having duel fashion purpose. Nothing is better than having a little versatility in your closet. The first one I came across at www.macys.com, while I was looking for some youth-approved footwear for a teenage relative.
With a sea of black shoes and sneakers out there, the Ralph Lauren Black Leather Tedd High Top Sneakers still managed to catch my eye. They have the look of a black leather work boot, but the weight and agility of a high-top sneaker. At $87.99, the quality is fantastic and they are the perfect cross-over shoe from Fall to Winter, being also a great choice for work or school.
Next, is an unusual mix of fabric for a man’s shoe. They are the Nike Men’s LeBron Denim High-Tops. They have the styling of a basketball sneaker, but lean also toward a casual shoe with the indigo denim that is surrounded by a black leather anterior foot and heel. It is a great choice for those guys who just hate to wear anything but sneakers and need something that is a little less athletic looking.
Another choice for an on-trend casual footwear for men this year are the Creative Recreation Men’s Camo High-Tops. Camouflage is still a hot pattern in both clothing and footwear for Fall/Winter 2014. This particular one contains the traditional camo colors of tan, green, and brown, which is trimmed in dark brown leather around the laces and along the toe/heel area. For about $100, it is also a casual shoe that can transition seamlessly from Summer, to Fall and Winter too.
Lastly, is a unique combination of the distinct details of the Wing-Tip Oxford and a lace-up leather boot. These creations by Ben Sherman have the ability to cross the line from casual to a semi-formal style of dressing. Tucked under a pair of dress pants, it would be hard to tell that they are a pair of boots. However, I could still see them working with a pair of cargo shorts, some bulkier knit socks, and a button-down plaid dress shirt.
Posted in menswear
Tagged shoes, footwear, boots, camo, LeBron denim, Ralph Lauren Black Leather Tedd
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Men’s Fashion Trends - What’s New In Accessories For Spring/Summer 2014
When it is time to start thinking about freshening up your wardrobe for spring, you should also be thinking about some new accessories, as well as clothing items. After seeing some of what is new in men’s accessories for Spring/Summer 2014, both color and texture have made a reappearance for the new season.
In the category of carry bags, Valentino has taken both the popularity of the camouflage pattern and mixed it with the bright colors of orange and green in this flashy leather tote. It comes with both shoulder and cross-body straps to make it easy to carry, also the studded detail on the straps give it added interest. For something a little less colorful, Gucci has a rich brown leather backpack that has the ability to lock its corners to keep your items safe and also tote handles to turn it into a tote bag.
Another man’s accessory that you should think about re-vamping for spring and summer is footwear. Color, patterns, and texture still pay a huge part in what’s new for shoes and sandals this year. One classic silhouette in footwear is the driving moccasin, however in the CH Collection for Spring/Summer 2014, they have revved it up with a bright coral colored suede. If you are not big on too much color in your clothing, then try it in a shoe or accessory.
A second item of men’s footwear that has been modernized with color and texture is the Givenchy python print leather sandals in blue and brown. The python pattern itself, as well as the blue and brown tones, are neutral enough to blend right into your wardrobe, but interesting enough to stand out in the sandal category.
Posted in leather, menswear
Tagged accessories, footwear, gucci, Givenchy, carry bags, moccasins, python print leather
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Women’s Fashion Advice - Finding Spring 2014 Sandals
For women's fashion.
If you live anywhere that currently has snow on the ground or a chill in the air, the thought of buying sandals must sound like crazy talk. Maybe you’re right; it will be cold for another couple weeks or so, but once that sun peaks through the clouds you’re going to be wishing you got the jump on the spring sandal race. Here are a few things to reflect on before picking out your next pair.
Make a Color Statement
The colors you wear say a lot about whom you are; so don’t make the mistake in choosing the random pigment that looks cute. There are a number of things to consider when picking out the hue you’re going to be prancing around in:
- Before anything else, take a quick peek around in your closet. What colors do you already have in there? Don’t forget that your footwear will be a component in a much larger collective outfit, so make sure that you don’t pick a look that will clash with what you tend to wear on a regular basis.
- Brighter tints look a lot better in the daylight. The opposite could be said about darker shades, so save those for the nighttime.
- Take a look at fashion trends. Radiant Orchid is a color that is in NOW, so don’t hesitate to try it out. Another look that is making waves is the use of metallic, so add some playful sparkle to your outfit.
- Do you have a favorite polish you like to paint your toes with? If you’re partial to a particular shade, make sure that the sandals you’re choosing compliment this specific color.
Wild Style
Another thing to think about when buying your next pair of sandals is to consider the kind of environment in which you’ll be utilizing the footwear. If you are buying sandals for dinner or simply to go out at night, your best bet will be a pair with a chunky heel and sexy straps that will help to dress up your look. For ideas, check out the ladylike wedge sandals sold by Tory Brunch. Reversely, for a causal look purchase a set of flats that will you can comfortably go about your day in without the distraction of aching feet. For the girls who love leather, now is your time to express that. Skipping around in leather is no fun in the summer heat; utilize the cooler temperatures of the spring for this look.
Tired of Those Clown Shoes?
No matter what kind of shoe you wear, make sure it fits. Did you know that your feet swell over the course of the day? Because of this, it’s best to try on the sandals in the afternoon or evening in order to get your optimal size. Of course, proper fit pertains to more than just size; your arches may have special requirements that you aren’t meeting. Do you overpronate? Are your arches unusually high?
If you’re unsure of the answer to these questions, consider talking with a footwear specialist so you can make sure that your choices in shoes are comfortable and wont’ lead to preventable injuries. There are plenty of options that are crafted to fit specific health needs; Footwear etc. sells Vionic sandals with Orthaheel technology that is designed to support collapsed arches; and the sporty Oofos Ooah Slide Recovery Sandal (found here) is crafted to minimize post-workout pain with extra cushioning.
Now that you know what to look for in your sandals, snuggle up to the fire and dream of the warm sun as you prepare to find those shoes that will make your day.
Posted in women's fashion
Tagged sandals, shoes, footwear, Spring Footwear, spring 2014, Tory Brunch
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Men’s Fashion Week Footwear Trends for Spring 2013
For menswear.
With the spring/summer 2013 Fashion Week previews finally coming to a close, designers showcased plenty of new footwear trends for men on their Paris, London, Milan and NY runways. The overall message that emerged from the catwalks was that next year’s men’s footwear is going to bolder and brasher than ever before, with statement shoes becoming a key piece of outfits rather than just the finishing touch.
If you’re looking to update your footwear collection for next spring, these are the standout trends you need to incorporate if you want to step out in style next year.
Metallic brogues
Posted in menswear
Tagged footwear, acne, Phillip Lim, brogues, contrasting laces, Spring 2013, Alexander Wang
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Musings on Men’s Fashion: Chew on this old boot - Nicholas Deakins
For menswear.
From the depths of the Nicholas Deakins design house comes this wonderful pair of old brogues. The design has a retro quality to them, sort of like the boots I used to wear to school. The leather is soft and flexible – unlike many other boots and their ultra comfortable to wear. I love everything about these boots, from the black and yellow laces to the ‘nut fashioned’ lace holes. It seems Nicholas Deakins was proving that they could produce a shoe other than the ‘normal formals’ they are famous for. Check out this boot and many more on the Nicholas Deakins site. Treat yourself to these boots and treat your girl to a pair of these Ash Shoes – they go great together!
