/fa/ - Fashion

Waste of money

>>15976481
elaborate

>>15976479
go to a thrift store sometime, if you're patient you can find shit like this for dollars

>>15976618
>>15976618
I definitely will start checking out thrift stores moving forward, but for now I'm in a situation where I do need to make time-sensitive upgrades to my wardrobe. At this moment, I need to purchase a pair of shoes which will impressed money people and are also worth the money: goodyear-welted, handcrafted, finest calf or cordovan, etc. The color preferably goes well with all shades of blue, grey, and brown.

From what I understand, Alden, Carmina, C&J, Enzo, and Trickers are the best makers outside of entirely bespoke. A ~$1000 budget is not a concern, but I also don't want to be a sucker and get ripped off.

Never seen a wholecut shoe before. Looks interesting.
If you’re making over 6 figures and you wear them often, it might be worth it.

Oxblood/burgundy shoes and belt with a charcoal suit and a blue stripe white shirt is an incredibly underated look.

But I don't know if I'd spend that much even on dress shoes. Carmina are excellent and everyone jerks themselves to death over cordovan leather for some reason. Idk but I definately wouldn't spend any more than that.

I feel like after you get past the entry level high quality shoemaking (stuff like Meermin) you're just paying for slightly better quality control and meme leathers. And anything past Carmina is just paying for meme brands.

So maybe get them but you probably don't have to fork out that much for a really nice looking dress shoe.

>>15976661
What kind of style do you prefer, anon? I love how clean a wholecut oxford is, but I understand it may be considered too formal at times - especially if it's black.

>>15976663
Thanks, anon. In that case, would you say stuff like Allen Edmonds, Meermin, Loake, Parkhurst, Red Wings, etc. is fine? Those are all in like the $200-400 range. I have heard it said before that anything over that price point offers diminishing returns until you invest in bespoke.

I just want to make sure the shoe is goodyear-welted and has great QC/customer service so that it can last for a long time. I'd like all my future shoe purchases to be decade-long investments.

>>15976618
>cordovan
>thrifted
Lol pick one
>>15976479
Wholecuts are pretty high on the meme tier, and based on how you talk, it sounds like you have little to no experience with footwear. If you want something nice just buy a pair of derby’s from Alden
>>15976641
Ignoring that is likely lard, If $1k is your budget then buy Edward Green or Lobb as a entry rtw shoe. Check out Leffots in NYC as well
>>15976663
This person has never handled anything over Allen Edmonds tier. Fox and the grapes

>>15976686
Appreciate the advice. Was just looking at EG, actually. Some are listed on eBay in the $500-600 range as NWB from high-rated sellers, which is not bad.

Why are wholecuts a meme? They look so clean. I like the minimalist and elegant look and can do without the furnishings, etc. wing tips, split toe, other stitching embellishments, etc.

You're 100% right that I don't know much about footwear. My closet currently includes a pair of Bostonian derbys, two pairs of Svenssons, a pair of Common Projects, and like three pairs of Ultraboosts lol

>>15976669
>Thanks, anon. In that case, would you say stuff like Allen Edmonds, Meermin, Loake, Parkhurst, Red Wings, etc. is fine? Those are all in like the $200-400 range. I have heard it said before that anything over that price point offers diminishing returns until you invest in bespoke.
>I just want to make sure the shoe is goodyear-welted and has great QC/customer service so that it can last for a long time. I'd like all my future shoe purchases to be decade-long investments.

Yeah, any of those brands is gonna get you a high quality Goodyear welted shoe that'll last a decade (and likely much longer) with some basic care. The specific styles of the shoe and the leather they use will depend on the brand. For example AE and Loake (1880 are their made in England line) are pretty conservative with their designs while some european brands especially are a little more sleak. Like I say after that point you're mostly paying for greater QC and rarer (not better) leathers. A Carmina is gonna look flawless out the box. A Meermin probably will but there's a small chance it'll have a tiny mark on the heel or something etc. Something only you would ever notice but yeah. Also I know Carmina have finer (as in literally smaller) stiching lines than say AEs. But any of these brands are gonna look really nice and expensive compared to fast fashion cemented sole dress shoes.

In terms of customer service I think they all tend to be pretty good but again its a brand by brand thing.

>>15976694
forgot pic related
>>15976695
Appreciate the insight! Will continue my deep dive in search of the perfect first pair of sitdown fashion. :^)

>>15976686
>Check out Leffots in NYC as well
By the way, how the heck did you know I'm in NYC? I didn't say that anywhere.

>>15976481
>>15976479
>4chan fag
>800 dollar shoes
Yeah its a waste of money

>>15976694
Wholecuts are very formal, almost to the level of black tie. A simple pair of derby’s or oxfords would look much less ostentatious in the boardroom.

This really only matters depending on how conservative the attire of the office is. Your best bet is to work for a bit to test the waters before making a big purchase. If your coworkers wear sneakers and anything else under the sun, buy whatever you want. But if they all have black or dark brown lace ups, don’t show up with oxblood wholecuts

As for cordovan, I would make it your first purchase. it’s nice for shoes i’d use as beaters (loafers/boots to the store in the winter). It’s less breathable than calfskin, which might not be great for a long work day

>>15976709
Very few other places in the world have a suit and tie workplace attire for younger employees

>>15976714
I rarely post on 4chan anymore, but I know certain boards have knowledgeable users in given areas. I'm cross-checking all the info here with reddit, Google searches, and people IRL as well.

I have a feeling that most people who talk about luxury goods on /fa/ are working professionals.

>>15976725
>>15976729
Got it. My boss seems to exclusively wear Ferragamo loafers & Prada dress shoes. He's also the one that turned me on to stuff like Loro, Zegna, etc. However, I have to deal with a wide variety of money and power people, so I'm debating if a more formal look would actually help in that regard or if I need to have more of a casual look.

My coworkers wear like $200-400 shoes and mid-tier attire. Stuff like J. Crew and so on. Good fabrics and brands, but not daily $10k getups; that's just my boss.

>>15976479
You can look good without beggaring yourself, you wastrel

>>15976746
It's myopic to think everyone who posts here would beggar themselves if they purchase higher-end things.

>>15976736
Loro sweaters are very nice, and zegna has bumped up their quality in recent years, I checked out their store in the summer just before they released their FOG collab.
If you need to wear ties often, just check out nearby thrifts, $200+ ties get donated all the time
If there’s another NYC /fa/ meet up after lockdown, you should go, so I won’t be the only person with a pair of dress shoes on

>>15976768
I just purchased a Loro overcoat. They're pricey, but it was well worth it. The wool feels so luxurious and it's fantastically warm.

I'm going to make it a point to scour thrift stores on a weekly basis. I've never really done it before but I'm excited to turn up some gems.

I don't know if I'm ready to mingle with /fa/ - you can see the autism in this thread alone. Obviously I understand most of these people are meek IRL, but I don't know if I really want to be around them. How have your experiences been?

Carmina is a great brand but you'll rarely if ever get them for a discount. Look for shoes in that tier with more marketing, OP.

>>15976778
I’ve never been around anyone else from /fa/ before, I’m sure after a few drinks everyone would be getting along
... but then again everyone on here seems to be in highschool

>>15976479
I own some Carminas and absolutely love them. I am planning on getting another pair when I get paid on Friday

All I know is for many shoe brands you are definitely paying for the name.
Edward Green is made mostly by machine, not stitched by hand, not cut by hand, but costs as much as brands that do.
I watched a factory video of them showing how they're made and it was very eye opening how little if any handwork is done on a shoe that costs 1000

OP if you can afford to drop a grand why not just get a bespoke pair made now

>>15977413
If I had 1000+ for a pair I would get some Yohei Fukuda, hands down.
https://instagram.com/yoheifukudashoemaker?igshid=st9153k9hl3d

So are Meermin not worth it? I was thinking about getting the boots/loafers. I'm moving up from sneakers, so I'm sure they'll be better but I dont want something thatll fall apart

>>15977489
I have a pair of Meermin loafers and wear them multiple times a week. I love them. I truly feel that Meermin's quality to price ratio is one of the best out there.
Meermin is very transparent: they're made in China, the QC'd in Spain. They don't hide that they're made in China like many brands do. So you know right away that's part of their price. But they're QCd in Spain and determined to be worthy of selling, so you can be confident you're getting a good product.
Meermin are NOTORIOUS for their break-ins. I had terrible blisters for weeks breaking mine in, but now, they're comfortable as fuck. This is because of the plastic heel stiffeners they use to give the heel shape and structure. Many other brands use other materials, whether leather or synthetic, but that's why Meermins are so hard to break in.

I feel you can confidently get some Meermins and feel good about the price paid and the product received. They're excellent entry level shoes for someone trying to build a nice wardrobe who doesn't want to start shelling out 500+ on shoes when they haven't determined their personal style and interests yet.

>>15977525
Nice. What do you have? I was thinking about getting cap toe boots for winter and leather/suede loafers

>>15977550
The Meermins are the brown loafers next to my Carminas.
I wear loafers all the time, to work and casually. I mostly wear boots during winter when it's snowing

>>15977604
thanks for the pictures. I can't tell the difference honestly

>>15976479
Those are very nice but probably WAY more formal than you'd ever need.

Do I go suede or leather?

>>15978032
Depends on the purpose. Suede is less formal.

>>15978041
I was just going to wear loafers with chinos/trousers and oxfords/sweaters/polos

>>15978046
Like penny loafers? Sounds relatively casual, personally I think leather would be overkill and I'd recommend suede.

>>15978051
yeah penny. I was looking at tassle as well, but I think that'd be harder to pull off. I initially thought suede looked cheap, but the more I look at loafers, I can't decide which to go for.

>>15978055
Most people who are just getting into nice footwear are drawn to leather over suede, which I get. Nice shiny leather looks very classy. But suede is much better for causal applications. I wouldn't go for tassels personally, I think they look goofy as fuck.

>>15978062
I also like horsebit loafers, but the only ones I can find that aren't too boxy are 475$ Carmina loafers.

>>15978062
ill probably go brown suede for loafers then black or brown leather boots. not sure if dark brown will go with gray/blue pants or not

I'm so fucking glad some of you aren't poor and gainfully employed, Jesus Christ

>>15978136
why? is /fa/ mostly neets trying to overcompensate?

>>15978136
Once you've worn nice shoes you will never go back. You can only go up

>>15978032
Are you OP? Smooth is the better office choice
>>15978051
There’s no way leather can be overkill lmao. Bad opinion
>>15978159
Worse, they’re 18-22 year olds who have never worked before. Hence the crazy number of uniqlo threads

You might also look at scarosso. It’s a smaller brand that i think makes their shoes in italy but great quality and way cheaper than $800 which at that point is brand name.
Customer service was very nice and let me return something 4 months after because of covid.
They frequently have on sale, nice oxfords and shoes that are on sale for around the $300 range and some even in $180s.
I have a pair of boots by them, they look nice in person.

>>15977489
I have a pair of meermin boots (the dark brown cap toe ones) and here's my experience. You get solid quality materials and build for what you're paying, that much is well established. My right boot has a crooked tongue that likes to move to the side and cause irritation, I should probably see about getting that fixed. I'm not really a fan of how all meermin's lasts are a bit pointy, it feels unnaturally long to me. The break in is rough and it really took a long time for the heel counter to break in, even after the rest of the boot was broken in. So while you're getting good value I'd say the QC isn't great and the break in is unpleasant.

>>15976778
>>15976981

Honestly, you should just go to a StyleForum meetup instead, it's more of a boomer community, but people aren't as autistic and actually have nice jobs/clothing.

>>15977449
>>15977413

those kinds of shoes cost over 4k at least u retards.

with 1k you ill at most get mainline edward green or gaziano and girling but not yohei fukuda. there are probably some chinese or vietnamese shoemakers who make bespoke shoes for under 1k but you would have to travel there

>>15978447
tone down the autism little guy

>>15978269
The pointy-ness is what I like about meermin. Everything else is boxy in that price range

>>15976618
All I find for dress shoes at thrift stores are hideous loafers of really low quality.

>>15978269
That "long and pointy" style is a very Mediterranean style. Popular among Italian and Spanish brands.
If rounder, more conservative shapes are your thing look more into British and American brands.

>>15976479
I don't like shell cordovan, but that's the price range for them. I think the price is fair. I am a big fan of wholecuts

I only buy allen edmonds shoes, I think they present the best value and look great. they also come in a wide range of widths and have many different lasts. I never pay full price, I grab some when a sale comes up.

>>15976479
Probably not. I like shell cordovan better for casual shoes like derbies, wingtips, and loafers. Alden is the best for shell cordovan.

If you're looking to spend 1k on oxfords, I'd get a pair of classic black cap toes from EG. Imo, burgundy wholecuts are too flashy for business meetings unless you're some sleazy Italian gigolo.

>>15976641
>Alden, Carmina, C&J, Enzo, and Trickers are the best makers
no, not really
as the other anon said, edward green, john lobb, gaziano & girling and st. crispin's are all better in regards to quality

>>15976778
that is NOT a loro piana overcoat
idk who ripped you off, but only the fabric comes from loro piana. those coats are cheap
you can always see it when it says Ing. Loro Piana on the label

>>15979521
I had that concern as well since I purchased it on eBay and it was listed as "new without tags." I went to the Loro boutique in the Meatpacking District after receiving it and they took down notes on the design and tag and called me back a few days later and told me it was very likely a bespoke LP but couldn't guarantee it without original receipts. Either way I'm happy with it: the wool is outstanding and the fit/drape is perfect.

>>15979541
>buying coats on ebay
the most important thing when buying a coat is neither the material nor the brand, its the fit
why would you buy a coat on eBay ?
and why would you take a cheap eBay coat to a loro piana boutique

>>15979552
To determine if it's genuine, which they told me it likely is but they can't guarantee. Anyway, it's not a big deal if it isn't. It's still very nice and obviously good wool. The fit is great or else I would've returned it.

Also, just looking on Loro's website, it doesn't seem like every coat has "Ing. Loro Piana" on the top label: pic related.

>>15979564
you dense motherfucker, if it says ING LORO PIANA then only the fabric is from loro piana and they supply fabrics to every cheap brand in existance

>>15979566
Oh, I see what you mean - misread before. That's alright, I'm still a fan of the coat. Appreciate the insight, though.

>>15979521
>>15979541
>>15979552
>>15979564
>>15979566
>>15979577

ignore the german sperg op. he lives here and is in every thread at all waking hours. no one else responds to him

>>15976479
What i don't think anyone has said yet is that if you're going to be wearing "dress shoes" every day, you should get two pairs(or more if you want) so you can rotate them. Your shoes will last a good bit longer if you let them relax and air out for a day while you wear another pair.

So maybe rather than blowing a lit of money on one really nice pair, get two pairs of good shoes in different styles or colors you like.

>>15979603
>>15979477
Thanks, anons. I think I will just buy two pairs of AEs to start off. I'm sure it'll be miles better to anything I'm used to, anyway.

Shoe trees are essential, right? Any other essential maintenance tips?

>>15979592
I see. Well, he might be right about only the fabric being supplied, I dunno. It does say "Woven in Italy by" before that, though, not "Fabric by."

>>15979612
>he might be right
maybe im obnoxious, but my information is always correct
only the fabric is from lp

>>15979620
Do you feel it's possible to get quality on par with inhouse Loro/Cucinelli but without paying a $5k+ USD price tag? Excepting ultra-rare thrift store gems, of course.

>>15979642
of course its possible, just source the fabrics yourself and then get a tailor to make you some
otherwise get lucky with a thrift store and take it to a tailor
if youre in new york you can pretty much source every fabric so that should be no problem

wholecuts look so bad desu

>>15979669
Yeah, that's fair. I'll have to do some snooping to find out how to best vet tailors. Thanks.

>>15979609
good move. you could go without shoe trees if you want, but it's recommended. they are nice to have, helps with moisture and creases

some polishing and cleaning supplies is a good idea too, some good videos on YouTube to learn about it.

>>15979898
Thanks, anon. Will definitely keep all of that in mind. Gonna try to find some decent deals for AE on eBay if I can't find a sale through their website or through an authorized retailer.

>>15976778
>>15979521
The coat is a brooks brothers overcoat made by loro piana storm system fabric. Depending on how much OP paid, he may have been ripped off.
>>15979291
Where do ya live? I find great shoes at my thrifts
>>15979507
Good reply, EG Chelsea is a classic model
>>15979609
Yes, get shoe trees, and the other products used for proper leather care
>>15979642
You can find NWT Italian heritage brands on the bay for around 1k

>>15980536
I paid $250.
>>15980536
>You can find NWT Italian heritage brands on the bay for around 1k
Will look into this, thank you.

>>15979671
They look entirely too formal for most things

>>15980536
>Italian heritage brands
what are these

>>15980649
Loro piana, brioni, kiton, cesare attolini, Isaia
To a lesser extent: canali, corneliani, zegna, d’avensa

>>15980003
I would definitely recommend shoe trees, they're not that expensive (under $20) and really do help maintain the shape of a shoe. Also Bickmore 4 is a great product, it's just a straight conditioner so if you want to polish the shoe you'll need to apply polish afterward but the Bick does a very good job of softening and moisturizing leather without any discoloration. I even like to apply it to the inside of new shoes to help them break in faster.

>>15976479
Why not TLB? They are still selling $1,000 shoes for $500 plus you can customize just about every feature

>>15980733
Just buy Saphir products for dress shoes and LP for work/hiking boots

Jealous of you guys, everything is business casual here. And I mean casual

>>15980816
I don't have any personal experience with Saphir but I've read and seen instances of it discoloring shoes, and in my opinion is unnecessarily expensive compared to alternatives.

>>15980872
All creams and polishes will discolor shoes. The idea is finding ones that discolor them as minimally as possible

>>15980872
retard lol

>>15980818
>polos
>loose fitting khakis
>ugly dress shoe/comfy shoe hybrid
welcome to american office hell

>>15982160
Yep you made nailed it

>>15982160
god damnit this is how I dress but everything fits

>>15982160
I hate polos so much. It's a person with no style's idea of what a nice shirt is.

>>15982341
they're one of the few acceptable short sleeve shirts faggot

>>15982354

>>15982160
Ah yes, the IT department

>>15982477
I want to see this girl with a regular expression on her face.
I want to see her feet and butthole

>>15980003
welcome, good luck

>>15982341
I don't like them either, but they serve a purpose.

>>15982774

>>15980003
Are you OP

>>15982946
Yup

>>15976479
da faq, you guys don't seriously drop a grand on some fucking business shoes like that

>>15982950
Why tf would you buy AEs off of eBay if you have a grand to spend on dress shoes. Stop being so stupid

>>15983018
Why not? It's a good entry-level shoe and it's not hard finding trustworthy sellers on eBay. I wear Bostonians to formal events right now - AE is a fine step up. Stuff like Carmina or Green would generally be too formal.

>>15983047
Then why did you spend 2k on a jacket.
So stupid

>>15983212
I value the comfort of upper-body fabrics more, I suppose. And a great jacket is less flashy than a cordovan shell handmade shoe. AE will work fine with my suits, which are generally from Suit Supply & Saks 5th & the occasional Macy's pickup.

>>15983222
Pretty obvious you have no clue what you’re talking about lol

>>15983313
Figuring it out as I go

>>15976479
I would put cordovan in the same category as something like alligator. It's just something to stand out rather than being functional or better longevity. Carmina are great though I have a pair of Rain penny loafers from them.

>>15983488
Are you OP samefagging again? Cordovan is the longest lasting type of leather. Stop sharing complete BS, you don’t have any clue what you’re talking about

>>15983508
Buy the cordovan goy, it's luxury because we say so. Fuck off pleb.

>>15983535
Yep keep coping, sorry that you’re wrong

>>15983508
OP here. Not everyone that disagrees with you is a samefag bro. I already told you I'm starting off with entry-level shoes so I can figure out what works best for me.

>>15983488
Agreed. The shiny-ness looks gaudy in the wrong fit.

>>15983552
>entry level shoes
>1k
you’re mentally ill

>>15983711
Allen Edwards shoes are like $200, homie.

>>15983716

>>15983734
haha whoops. Edmonds

>>15983734

I want worn beauties. Ones I could fuck both your moms with

>>15983738

>>15983764
my fucking sides

>>15976686
I picked up two pair of alden, recently repaired last year. The bluchers are cordovans. Paid $35 total. The guy was a higher up with a New England sports team, happens to live a town over from me. So, not that guy, but yea you gotta be lucky but it's absolutely doable.

>>15983830
Pics baby, Alden cordovan is sexy.
I recently found some JM Weston strap derbies

>>15983839
These are the shells.

JM Weston is pretty nice, I got a pair of their suede derbies but the back needs repair.

>>15983764
Told ya not to get Cordovan fukin things reflect like a mofo.

>>15976479
No brown for business, it’s unprofessional

>>15984503
Dark brown is entirely acceptable for business, and might be a better choice if OP doesn't wear a full suit outside of meetings because black shoes don't look as coherent with an odd jacket and trousers.

OP since you might get two pairs of shoes I'd suggest black oxfords and then a brown pair in whatever slightly less formal you like.

>>15983855
You need to polish them.

https://www.horween.com/blog/2018/4/6/shell-cordovan-care
https://putthison.com/how-to-raise-a-shine-on-shell-cordovan-want-to/