How to wear it: The Allen Edmonds Lubbock

Allen Edmonds Lubbock – $167.45 ($295)

On sale for $197, with an extra 15% off at checkout through today, 4/29/13.  Part of the Allen Edmonds “rough” collection.  Not all products in the outfits below are still available for purchase.

At first glance these are a bit of an odd duck.  Okay, you’re right… second glance too.  But just because they’re unique doesn’t mean they can’t become a well loved workhorse.  They’re a single monk from the Allen Edmonds “rough” collection.  So they’re meant to be casual, and the waxy but not shiny leather gives them a more rugged feel.  Yet clunky work boots they ain’t.

The toe is nicely tapered and elongated thanks to the #2 last they’re built on.  And from certain angles they can look downright sleek.  They do seem to run a little long.  But they’re also on the narrow side.  There was some heel slippage with a size 10.5 on my feet (what I normally wear) and I’m hoping a 10 on exchange won’t get too tight in the width.

Not everyone’s cup of tea by any stretch.  These are not plain brown lace ups.  But the price is awfully nice at under $170 (through today) and they just might go real well with a number of outfits this spring and summer.  Here’s a few suggestions on what to wear these with…

With a Summer Suit

• Suit: Banana Republic 70% Cotton/ 30% Linen Micro Stripe – $380.00
• Shirt: Nordstrom – $49.50
• Tie: TheTieBar – $15.00
• Watch: Tissot – $527

Pardon the Morie.  The Lubbocks won’t work with a smooth wool suit, but a cotton or linen summer suit?  Maybe a Thompson in Oxford cloth?  Sure thing.  They still dress it down though, so choose a tie with some texture like a knit or wool blend.  All silk would clash a bit.  Go sockless, find a place that makes a great julep, and soak up some post work sun.

Here’s a mini review of the suit:  It’s nice.  Not mind blowing, but nice.  Gonna be tough to catch a sale on it.  Could use a little more linen in the mix.  Plenty lightweight though, yet lined with poly. 3 button pressed into two, hacking pockets, side vents, and non functioning buttons with accent stitching around them.  Fits like a standard BR tailored fit.

 

Business Casual

• Sweater: J. Crew Factory Merino Wool
• Shirt: Ratio Windowpane – $98.00
• Pants: Banana Republic Vintage Straight
• Watch: FormFunctionForm Button Stud Weekender – $75.00
• Tie: Ernest Alexander

Hey look… khaki pants with a v-neck over a collared shirt and tie.  Nothing too wild about that, but all of these items have had a bit more thought put into them.  These particular chinos have a thicker fabric and more of a worn look.  They’re not the pleated, perma-creased pants most business casual employees wear, and they go much better with the Lubbocks.  Tie is a chambray cotton and the shirt has a decent sized windowpane pattern to it.  FFF’s button stud weekender with the “night” dial and veg tan essex band finishes it off.

 

With Jeans and a Blazer

• Blazer: INC Glen Plaid Ultra Light
• Shirt: Target Merona – $20.00 (only available in stores)
• Jeans: Levis’ 514 Slim Straight – $39.99
• Watch: Hamilton Chrono (But this Timex is awfully close for $80)
• Belt: Brooks Brothers

Obligatory jeans and sportcoat suggestion.  It’s starting to get a little warm for jeans, but the shirt-weight sportcoat up top in a lighter grey will help keep you cool.  A light blue shirt is a no-brainer, but a stripped ribbon belt will jump out every once in awhile.  And while casual, it’s not like your shoes are super-ignorable here.  Standing out quietly.  Casually, but still standing out.

 

With Shorts

• Shirt: jcp OCBD – (now) $40 (with sleeves rolled up the “right” way)
• Shorts: GAP Glen Plaid cotton shorts (also seen over here)
• Belt: J. Crew – $55.00 (but goes on sale from time to time)
• Sunglasses: Ray Ban New Wayfarer – $80 – $125

Why not?  They’re certainly not dressed-up double monks.  And if you’re going to spend this kind of money on shoes, might as well put them through their paces.  Might want to drop a terry cloth insole in there though, just to soak up some of the foot funk.

Thoughts from you guys?  Your take goes in the comments.  Meanwhile, if you’ll excuse me, between that grey background and those shorts, it looks like someone has some ironing to do.