Brooks Brothers Cedar Shoe Valet

Up until now, I haven’t given my collection of shoes the care that they deserve. So, the other day, I invested an afternoon to research what is involved to properly shine shoes — I Google searched “best luxury shoe polish,” watched countless Youtube clips of people polishing shoes, and read a bunch of Menswear blogs and forums on the topic. And you know what? I learned a lot, from the proper tools of the trade to what to look for in a quality shoe polish. Armed with information and intending to make shoe shining part of my quarterly routine, I decided to splurge on this well-crafted cedar shoe valet from Brooks Brothers. It’s essentially just a cool-looking and fine-smelling box to hold shoe polishing gear.

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Arfango – I’m Not Available

Another cool-looking (albeit uncomfortable!) velvet loafer.

Link: Arfango

My Personalized Calling Card

According to the Art of Manliness…

In the 19^th and early 20^th century, social interaction was a richly cultivated, well-mannered affair. The tool that facilitated these interactions was the calling card. Calling cards streamlined introductions and helped remind people of new acquaintances and needed visits. The calling card also served as a way to brand your social identity. The way your card looked and felt or the way you handed it to someone communicated your standing and relationship with the receiver.

… and it’s much easier and less awkward than having to write down info on a scrap of paper, or input digits in the mobile phone on the spot. I’d much rather hand out a card.

I kept mine simple, using the standard American business card size of 3.5″ x 2,”  with 3 lines – name, phone number, and email. To add a touch of elegance, I had my info Letterpressed in black ink, using Neutraface font, on Crane Lettra 220lb stock – love the heft and thickness. It feels solid in the hand. I kept one side blank for hand-written notes and messages. Finally, I had the edges colored in gold.

The Knottery Lapel Flowers – Great Value!

Picked up a few lapel flowers from The Knottery’s online shop. They’re simply made and reasonably priced. My current favorite is the pink one with the Mother of Pearl center that they call the Scoundrel (really like their product names, as well).

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Vivienne Westwood Plastic Orb Loafers in Violet

They are an attention grabber, for sure.

Link: Vivienne Westwood

AMI Fall/Winter 2011-2012: Dark Navy Wool Tuxedo Jacket

From Alexandre Mattiussi’s debut collection under his own label AMI; he was previously at Dior Homme, Marc Jacobs, and Givenchy. It’s a dark navy wool tuxedo jacket with black satin peaked lapels, two buttons, two flap pockets, a chest pocket, double vents and functioning cuff buttons.

Saw it and had to have it.

Link: AMI

Florsheim by Duckie Brown – The Duckie Brown Brogue… in yellow

I like colorful shoes. It’s the Classic Brogue, done up in tumbled leather, with a 3 ply Goodyear welt sole.

Link: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

Bass Weejuns x Opening Ceremony – Navy Blue Linwood Penny Loafers

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Weejun, G.H. Bass and Co released the Linwood, a classic flat strap penny loafer in this rich, navy blue. Saw it, and had to have it.

Links:
Opening Ceremony
Bass 

Gucci Ready to Wear.

The fit was quite nice. High arm holes, slim.

Fashion’s Night Out 2011 – Rodeo Drive

This year, Fashion’s Night Out was more of a guys night out…. MH wearing a $7000 Gucci Coat.

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