The Makings of a Man

Allen Edmonds Passenger, original retail $230.00

If the gentleman is in the market for a nice pair of casual open lace oxfords, I would like to alert you to the pair above. Originally retailing for $230.00, Sierra Trading Post is now offering this handsome pair of Allen Edmonds for $148.95. My own experience with Allen Edmonds has been a positive one. Expertly crafted, Allen Edmonds offers a great affordable shoe that will last you a lifetime. During that lifetime, they even offer a recrafting service that promises to restore any AE brand to near new condition. If you are looking for a shoe that will take you from casual Fridays through the weekend, the AE Passenger just may be the shoe for you. For more detailed information, please click HERE to access the Sierra Trading Post site. For recrafting information please click HERE to access the Allen Edmonds site.

Gentlemen, trying to find a casual sport shoe for the fall?  Look no further than the Brooks Brothers casual suede sport shoe. This handsome shoe is on clearance for $124.00 from a regularly priced $248.00. Whether paired with crisp denim jeans or freshly pressed chinos; either choice presents a sporty look. Available in chocolate and tan; this suede shoe would be a welcome addition in any gentleman's closet.

10) Your foundation should consist of basic blues, blacks, browns, and grays.

9) Don't limit yourself to the basics when expanding your wardrobe; experiment with pastels in the spring and summer.

8) Basic colors in blue, black, brown, and gray can be purchased lower than retail price in stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and outlet malls such as Concord Mills Mall.

7) The texture and material of your socks should coincide with the fabric of your trousers.

6) Likewise, the texture of your socks should coincide with footwear. For example, heavy cottons and formal dress shoes don't go together.

5) The color of your socks should compliment the color in your trousers.

4) For the adventurous, socks can compliment various colors to elements in your outfit; your tie, pocket square, etc.

3) Always wash socks in cold water on gentle to reduce shrinkage and wear.

2) Never dry your socks in the dryer; instead hang them in the shower overnight to dry.

1) Washable laundry bag!! You want to stop losing that one sock. Buy a bag from Target and keep track of your socks.

After a day of wearing my shoes, I usually insert shoe trees when I put them away. All my finer footwear possess a pair of shoe trees. Some people have a couple of pair of trees and rotate accordingly. I find it easier to just have multiple and separate trees. I have seen a reduction in both creasing and cracking of my leather dress shoes. Leather actually shrinks when not in usage, so its shape is retained when in storage.

uality shoe trees can be bought for as little as $25.00 or even less if you catch a sale. In terms of shoe maintenance, the shoe tree is essential to proper shoe health and care. Help extend shoe life by purchasing shoe trees. You won't regret your decision.

10) You don't bother to ever clean your shoes.

9) You don't use leather conditioner in between polishing your shoes.

8) Did you say polish?

7) Your only pair of black shoes are your work shoes, church shoes, leisure shoes, gym shoes, etc.

6) You take off your shoes with them still laced. You put them on still laced.

5) You dry wet shoes with direct heat; be it your furnace, heater, oven, etc.

4) Your "leather" shoes are really "pleather" shoes.

3) The last time you bought shoes, gas was about $1.49 a gallon.

2) You have no idea what cedar shoe trees are.

1) You've spent more money on Nintendo Wii & Playstation 3 than quality shoes.

With so many choices to choose from, one post is not enough to cover Man's Best Friend (aka footwear). So, today I continue with more options for the gentleman to add to his collection.

Tighten up your wardrobe with the Allen Edmonds Astor Tassel Slip On. The Astor is a well constructed shoe that features a brogue wingtip design and tassels. Initially I was hesitate to even buy a tasseled loafer. I was apprehensive prior to buying a pair, however I'm quited pleased. Growing up, I thought only old conservative white men wore tassels. I figured I would look kind of weird wearing a shoe that looked too old for me.


One day, I said what the heck. I decided to pay a visit to a local shoe department. If I was going to buy something with tassels, they had to be smooth enough for my taste. The Astor was just the attractive shoe I was looking for. My advice for anyone trying out a new look; make that look your own and wear it with confidence.

I usually get a lot of compliments and attention when I wear this slip-on. With a totally refined silhouette, I pair these with jeans or odd trousers for a sophisticated and modern look. This handsome slip-on is perfect for casual Fridays or just kicking back on the weekend. For more selections like the shoe above please visit the following link for more information Allen Edmonds.

If you're familiar with The Makings of a Man, then you know I enjoy dressing up and looking dapper. However, there are times when a suit is uncalled for, and a sneaker is just what the doctor ordered. Below are some of the best pickups you can make for the upcoming Fall season.


 

So let's all step our casual sneaker game up. Grab`some new shoes, sport them correctly and put your style at a trillion. Let me know what you think and/or add some stuff to the list.

So there is a new shoe line that incorporates the classic sneaker with modern style. Think beef and broccoli meets Air Force 1 meets dress shoe. The line is called Clae because of the clay molding that is used to make shoe soles. The main shoe that will grab you attention is the "Russell", it combines high top Air Force 1's with the clean leather and canvas to get a more sophisticated look.

I present to you the Russell:

I personally like the "Langston", which is the lines' classic casual shoe. Simple in design, but a classic elegance to go with any pair of nice cut jeans.



I present to you the Langston: