The Perfect Shoe For Spring 2012

I have always had a hard time balancing smart and casual. I either tend to want to wear a suit with dress shoes, or jeans with trainers...only being forced to do the whole in-between as I have to for work. Part of this problem is finding the right shoe to tie together the smart-casual look. That, I think, has been my biggest problem. Suede is usually a good balance as it can be smart, but also casual at the same time. Same thing with the loafer style. It's clean looking, simple and can look great with some smart jeans or nice, dress-casual trousers. But the icing on the cake, for me, in regards to this shoe presented, would have to be the crepe sole. It's texture, color and comfort give it that one-up when it comes to being 'dress casual.' A leather sole on it would make it too dressy looking, a dark rubber sole would be too boring, but the contrasted crepe gives it everything it needs in order to be fun, yet still maintain it's sharp look.

Funny enough, this model is a collaboration between Japanese clothing brand Deluxe, and English shoemakers Loake, a brand that I must say that I have not been too particularly fond of in the past. But these here give me a new respect for Loake and make me want to go search for them, and then buy them, as I believe that would get a lot of use out of me! But I have a feeling that they will be a hard find, which is probably for the best anyway, as I need to save up!

Pictures Courtesy Of: The Shoe Buff

Today's Favorites - Gaziano & Girling Saddle Loafers

There is nothing quite like a nice loafer. They are so versatile and pleasing simply for the fact that you don't have to bend over to tie them. I mean, what more could you really ask for? It's laziness at its finest! If you must though, then allow me to elaborate....They go great with jeans, amazing with chinos, workable with suits, and pretty much every other trouser that you can think of....And I really never realized how much I liked them until one day I finally had all of my shoes together, was looking for a brown oxford and realized that I did not have hardly any.....just a bunch of dang loafers! Not that I am complaining by any means, but just found it quite funny especially since my heel is so narrow which makes for a hard loafer fit. But I think that my appreciation for them exploded times 10 when I saw these bad boys by Gaziano & Girling. They are absolutely stunning and signify the beauty of the Made-To-Order idea. Made from the Joyce pattern, on the Deco last with a polo suede upper makes this one of those shoes, that if they were made for me, would get a regrettable amount of wear, and that being a good thing....regrettable because I would wear them into the ground!.....To the client that ordered them: GOOD CHOICE!

Pictures Courtesy Of: Leffot

What I Am Wearing

Sorry for all of the mean looking faces, but like a reader commented before, it's quite challenging to make a smile when you are taking a photo of yourself. I don't really why, but I find myself unable to smile when I am taking these photos. Even when I try, it just comes out like a forced smirk, but never a genuine smile. Anyway, I am wrapping up the rest of my waistcoat outfits, as the weather is quickly turning quite cold and windy. Now you will start to notice that my v-neck sweaters (jumpers) will be my staple piece, as I love layering. The tie that I am wearing in this picture is definitely one of my favorites, as it is just so bold and intricate. It's not one for everyone so I understand if some of you may not agree, but it is definitely one of those ties that commands attention. And while the paisley era is over, I still like to bring it out every now and then!

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo -- Tramezza line
Tie: Robert Talbott -- Best of Class series
Trousers: H&M
Waistcoat: J.Crew
Shirt: Primark