Shoe Love: Crockett & Jones

I admit it: I am a shoe addict.  Pure and simple.  And nice shoes aren't cheap. A decent pair of men's dress shoes will set you back anywhere from $400-$1500.  And we aren't even talking bespoke (the likes of John Lobb, et al.)

My closet is full of nice shoes. Some I have had for over 15 years.  That air of crocodile loafers you said I was an idiot for spending $750 on?  Yep. 15 years. Amortize that.

My latest discovery is Crockett & Jones.  I got a pair of "Drummond"; a brogue oxford shoe with wingtip design and light punching detail. Made from the finest calf leather and suede with single leather soles for the Crockett & Jones Men's Main Collection

These are English shoes. Fabulous construction. Not s costly as some, but not cheap by any means.  Check out this video from the C&J website - it's really amazing.  Afterward, try to hold off from immediately running out and buying a pair. They are hard to find unless you are in NY - Barney's or the C&J store (the only retail location int he US).

Shop Online: Ledbury.com - Order Up!

Check out ledbury.com for the story of the two Pauls and why they founded Ledbury.

I have belts older than some of your kids.  Luggage too. Shoes too. Classics.  I just ordered this belt as a replacement for one I left in a hotel room (No, the housekeeping staff didn't turn it in...really?)  Love the belt. Classic craftsmanship.  Check it out.

The Commonwealth Collection is a unique range of hand-crafted accessories designed in collaboration with local Virginia artisans. The inaugural piece is The Free Union Belt, made in partnership with Marcus Wiley of Wiley Belts, best known for applying equestrian aesthetic and craftsmanship to belt design. Ledbury and Marcus joined forces to create a truly distinctive piece made entirely by hand in Albemarle County, Virginia.

The Free Union Belt: Crafted from large-hide English bridle leather, The Free Union’s Tobacco leather strap has been stripped, beveled, stitched, dyed and burnished, all by hand. The buckle is a unique quick release mechanism first employed as a hose clamp by England’s National Fire Service in the 19th century. Cast locally, it is formed from a high-density white bronze metal. Over time, the white bronze will develop a slight natural patina, giving each buckle its own tint and character.

Papa Has A Brand New Bag: The Hildestahl Medium II

I have an admitted addiction to bags... well... shoes, suits, OK, OK.. all of it.

I wanted a bag that was not a briefcase, messenger bag or anything like that. I ordered the Medium II from Hildestahl.  It is vaguely reminiscent of one of those airline bags or gym bags men carried in the 60's?  It is made of really nice leather and lined in suede.  It has proven itself to be rugged and good looking. (Images and description are courtesy of the designers website: Hildestahl.com, which I think is a really beautiful site all on its own.)

Medium II

A very useful bag for stylish everyday use - for work, for the gym or an overnight trip. The ultimate, practical medium sized bag, designed to be the ideal handbag for a man. Same construction as Medium I. With this Italian leather it is still soft but a bit more structured. Inside with zipped pocket, two small open  pockets and a pen-holder.  Pocket with zip on the side. Adjustable carrying strap included, for  carrying on one shoulder preferably. Lined with Finnish reindeer suede.  Made in Italy.  Measures 39 * 27 *17 cm.

Hildestahl Medium II

Hildestahl Medium II