What are the best cheaper shoe brands?

June 29th 2020

*UPDATE: Carmina say they do not use plastic heel stiffeners. Jesper's information was based on information by two Carmina retailers. That point has been removed until it can be proved either way. Last month, Swedish shoe brand Myrqvist (above) sen...

What are the best cheaper shoe brands?

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Hi Taka, Well, I would't worry too much about it. Crocketts is good, particularly handgrade, and if those shoes are well looked after and polished, they'd be a compliment to any bespoke. My other advice would be to try t...

ShoesJune 29th 2020

Buy good English shoes

January 25th 2012

Good English shoes are pretty much always worth the money you pay for them. Three things reminded me of this in recent weeks. One was a friend’s wedding. After years of buying in the low end of the market, he bought a pair from Crockett �...

Buy good English shoes

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Simon, Good advice. FYI, whilst the shop did not appear to have particularly strong feelings either way, they did recommend a wear or two prior to any treatment (e.g. polish, condition, etc.)....

ShoesJanuary 25th 2012

Five tips on shoes

June 3rd 2011

The tips on looking good in a pair of shoes are simpler, in a way, than those for suits. They come down to two things: spend as much money as you can afford, because you are buying value and longevity; and look after them well, because you will be re...

Five tips on shoes

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It's going to help if the shoe is chunkier, on a bigger sole, a rounder shape, plus that lighter colour - anything that makes it less formal. Some Aldens would be easier than that AE for example. Then you could wear it w...

ShoesJune 3rd 2011

Five tips on looking better in a suit

May 20th 2011

At a party last week a nice young man asked me what my top five tips would be for wearing suits. It sounded like a nice practical question, so here we go: 1. Have a ready-to-wear suit altered Most men that buy suits don’t have them altered,...

Five tips on looking better in a suit

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Sure. Most of the time, there is only one button that you're meant to fasten, because it is on your waist - it is the narrowest point, from which the chest sweeps up and the skirt sweeps down. The jacket is not cut to ha...

SuitsMay 20th 2011

Building a shoe collection – the pleasures!

December 30th 2009

A friend of mine started investing in good shoes around six months ago. I find it reassuring that I get such vicarious pleasure out of it: perhaps I’m not as self-centred as all that. His first pair was a lovely set of mid-brown, cap-toe Derbys...

Building a shoe collection – the pleasures!

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If not black, then perhaps something like Color 8 from Alden, between burgundy and black...

ShoesDecember 30th 2009

Interview: Developing a love for clothes 2

August 13th 2009

The second part of an interview with Olly Watkins, adventurer on the choppy seas of style. ( First part here.) What’s your favourite accessory right now? It’s a toss up between the shoes I am wearing, a new pair of brown Derbys from Barke...

Interview: Developing a love for clothes 2

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Der Mr. Crompton, My question is: can you offer some advice on traveling and packing for traveling and extended holidays? I will be on a 10 week holiday in Western Europe this late summer-fall. I am at a loss as to how m...

StyleAugust 13th 2009

Reader question: Starting a new job

April 13th 2009

Zenith: I need to expand my wardrobe for a new job in London. I own a light charcoal, faintly blue-pinstriped French Connection suit, and a solid beige Ted Baker suit, but need: A traditional navy-blue single-breasted suit A trusted location to take ...

Reader question: Starting a new job

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Hey Lambert, The really good MTM we write about, and lower level bespoke, will be towards the top of that range but better quality than Kiton and I would have thought much less expensive. My personal recommendations woul...

Reader questions - ShoesApril 13th 2009