HELLOFALL = $10 off $69, $25 off $139, $40 off $199
You do have to sign up for their email club to use the offer, but once you do, you can stack the code HELLOFALL w/ SHIPR for free shipping over $39. DSW’s rewards program is one of the better ones out there, so if you’re open to handing over an email for this sort of thing, it’s worth it. And these tiered sales are the best way to make DSW’s already solid-value house brands (Mercanti Fiorentini, Mike Konos, Aston Grey) even more affordable. Code expires 9/10/13. Okay… on with the picks.
Mercanti Fiorentini Double Monk Medallion – $124.95 ($149.95)
The new budget sex panther. (Cue the “oh but I just can’t get over the chisel toe thing” comment). Yes, the toe could be a little rounder. But for $125, it’s awfully close to perfect. Glued sole, but solid construction. Have two pairs of Mercs in rotation and have beat the snot out of them over the last year or two, and they’ve held up real well. Super comfortable too. Leather isn’t the thickest, but it’s soft. Made in Italy. If the designers could just keep the elongated vamp but round off the toe be more like their blucher wingtip, then they wouldn’t be able to keep these things in stock.
Mercanti Fiorentini Double Monk Cap Toe – $124.95 ($149.95)
The old budget sex panther. Three shades now. Not quite as sleek as the new option since the buckle flap isn’t stitched down across the top, but still solid for the price.
Aston Grey Boyd Oxford – $99.95 ($109.95)
Think of Aston Grey as a step below the Mercanti Fiorentini line. Usually made in China, cheaper quality, but still a really good option for those on a tight budget. Toe could look a little better on these from above, but otherwise, lots of sleek potential. A new arrival.
Aston Grey Crockett Suede – $79.95 ($89.95)
What… Tubbs can’t get his own shoe?
Johnston & Murphy Adler – $124.95 ($149.95)
Conservative, dependable, and awfully close if not identical to the Goodyear Welted Melton on Amazon.In fact, might want to go with the Melton. And try the code EXTRADAY. It was set to expire this morning, but it’s still working as of post time. It takes 20% off select shoes over at Amazon, and these are included. That means means you can get a pair of goodyear welted oxfords in black or bordeaux for just around a hundred bucks.
Clarks Bushacre Desert Boot – $69.95 ($79.95)
Like their original Desert Boot, only this one has a synthetic instead of natural crepe sole. Also, is the construction different on this one too? Anyway, dark brown and light brown leather available. Cheaper than Amazon.
Mezlan Brogue Oxford – $209.95 ($249.95)
The funk is strong with this one. Like a more aerodynamic version of the long gone Allen Edmonds Fairfax. A true oxford with closed lacing, and sweeping perforations. Be aware that the Mezlan toe is a strong one. Going to be too pointy for some. As far as quality goes, Mezlan usually looks and feels a lot like Magnnani, which are also made in Spain. Available in Cognac or Black. The black option might be a slick way to mix it up on those days when you give your brown pairs a rest.
Antonio Maurizi Puzo Wingtip Oxford – $259.95 ($299.95)
What was that about looking a bit the Allen Edmonds Fairfax? Made in Italy. Brown is a little too light to be versatile.
Gucci Chelsea Boot – $309.95 ($349.95)
You’ll pay through the nose for it, but that’s pretty much what a Chelsea boot should look like. Made in Italy. Make sure you order a size or at least half a size smaller.
Sorel Caribou Nubuck – $59.94 ($139.90)
These are the boots you kick Old Man Winter’s ass in.
Mercanti Fiorentini Cap Toe Oxford – $114.95 ($139.95)
A true oxford with brogue style perforations on the cap toe and sweeping up along the lacing panel. Made in Italy. Be warned: these do possess the standard Mercanti Fiorentini chisel toe, but…
Mercanti Fiorentini Cap Toe – $114.95 ($139.95)
… these do not.
Aston Grey Armato Penny Loafer – $79.95 ($89.95)
Not a bad looking basic penny loafer. It avoids the stuffy old-man-loafer look thanks to a longer vamp (the top part of the shoe). Perfectly rounded off and tapered toe too. Too bad they only come in black.
Prada Leather Kiltie Oxford – $559.95 ($599.95)
Think we all know just what blazer to wear these with.
The tiered DSW code HELLOFALL expires on Tuesday 9/10/13. Remember, you do have to sign up for their email list and become a “DSW Rewards member” to use the code.