Shoes – The $1500 Wardrobe Part II
Creating a versatile, sharp wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. By far, the best course of action is to go slow. But for argument’s sake, let’s say you have to start from scratch. Today. Over the next 5 days we’ll see how far a strict budget of $1500 can go. It won’t be easy, some corners will have to be cut, and not every last stitch of clothing (like underwear) will be covered. But the goal is finish with a setup of clothes that can have someone looking great in most situations. Remember, we’re playing with a total of $1500 here. So the focus will be on real affordable goods which can last with reasonable care. Also, remember that 90% of looking good is fit, and tailoring costs can vary wildly. So those haven’t been added to the final cost.
The Medium to Dark Brown Cap Toe Oxford: Jack Erwin – $195.00
If you’re building a foundation, skip the flash of a super-detailed brogue or half-brogue (more on that next week) and instead go with a simple, true-oxford (read: closed lacing) cap toe. For the color, there will be time for cognanc and tan. Stick with dark brown. Now, before many of you wharrgabl about the pick… yes, you can hit eBay to try and find a pair of lightly used Allen Edmonds. But some have struck out on eBay, and then there’s the fact that the cork midsoles often mold to the prior owners feet. There can be trouble if your footprint doesn’t line up with the impression left behind. For new AEs, the goal is low to mid $200s for first quality. That means you’re waiting on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, a big Allen Edmonds sale, or the Nordstrom Half-Yearly clearances in June and December. For what’s available now, consider Jack Erwin. They offer modern looks without getting pointy or trendy. Blake stitch construction so they’ll be sleek. Nice and solid while being lightweight. Not quite bulletproof feeling like AEs, but worth it at just under $200. More here.
The Interesting Black Oxford: Allen Edmonds Weybridge – $197.00 ($345)
Brown shoes are currently in favor, but the style-community’s sometimes seemingly wholesale dismissal of black is just not smart. Black shoes are clean, mean, and professional. Some say black doesn’t go with navy. Not true. What would you wear with a midnight navy tux then? Tan monk straps? Black shoes CAN get dangerously boring. So since it’s more subdued and somber in shade than a merlot, brown, or cognanc shoe, get after it with some details. The punching & medallion on the Weybridge is equal parts modern, and… strange. But since they’re black, you don’t notice the odd design right away. They’re downright awesome in person. Currently a steal at under $200.
Clarks Original in Beeswax Leather – $72.00 w/ 2OVETRNS 
That’s an awfully nice price for a well loved classic. Leather uppers, crepe sole, and timeless style. Just one drawback: Crepe soles can get pretty dirty, pretty fast. But you’re wearing these things casually. So don’t overthink it. They also go with just about everything. Code is good for an additional 20% off select styles sold by Amazon, including the Clarks Desert, and expires tonight.
The Classic Sneaker: PF Flyers Center Lo in Natural – $29.98
With a bit more support than Chucks, the PF Flyers Center Lo is a basic canvas sneaker that won’t be murder on your back. Now, you don’t want to stand for 10 hours straight in these things, but they are an improvement over many paper thin, cheap canvas sneaks. Plus, they’re extremely affordable at thirty bucks. Nice off-white upper, metal eyelets, and that sweet Red/White/Blue heel stripe just above the green PF logo. Wear with wool socks on the weekend now (really) or, sockless in the summer.
TOTAL COST: $493.98
CASH REMAINING: $371.85
Upcoming Categories: Shirts & Sweaters, Pants, The Rest.
I can see where people would be tempted to skimp on the shoes- buy a couple of $50 shoes instead of a good pair of quality kicks and I world just recommend sucking it up and spending the coin to buy a pair of shoes that will last you ten years or more. Those $50 shoes seem like a deal now but they are going to wear out in a couple of years and will need to be replaced.
They may not even last that long. Especially if you’re not caring for them (rotating, using shoe trees, etc).
That budget is whittling down very quickly.
My thoughts exactly
Uhhh whats left? Jeans, shirts, ties? All of these things can be had for like $30-$40 each so we should be good.
Proper pant separates aren’t cheap unless you’re pulling double duty on your suit pants. You’ll also need two belts. A watch is optional. Plus we’re entering winter so what about sweaters, jackets, and coats?
Just an heads-up on the Clarks DBs: not all the sizes in beeswax are actually sold and shipped by Amazon (sz 7 – 8.5). Those won’t be eligible for the 20% discount. (Still worth it though for awesomely comfortable and classic shoes.)
I ain’t scurred. We got Joe at the helm, after all. BUT it says Wednesday is shirts/sweaters, then pants, then Friday is the rest. That’s a lot of ground to cover! Then again, I wear a lot of sweaters and like wool pants that are separate from my suit pants.
I’ve noticed personally I wear a lot more wool pants separates in the winter than the spring/summer. The more I think about it…the remaining budget has the potential to make me nervous but I trust as always Joe will deliver.
There’s concern on this side as well. But we’re pacing about where we have in the past.
Haven’t included outerwear in this in the past, because the usual and understandable responses from Arizona/Florida/The Bahamas = “What do I need a wool coat for?”
There will be collateral damage. $1500 can go quick, especially in the suit + shoe game.
Wear suits more often!
(Oh, and see the note below about outerwear… that’s a tough one)
Well if the first shoe recommended isn’t the “Joe”. Coincidence? I think not…
I have to disagree about PF Flyers. I bought a pair of hi-tops and found to my disappointment that they were even less comfortable and, surprisingly, less durable, than my Chuck Taylors. They have *slightly* better traction on ice and they do look better, but on the whole I don’t find them to be worth the extra $15-$20.
For my casual shoes, I’ve moved to classic Adidas Sambas. You can find good, unmolested pairs on eBay for under $50.
The thing about “striking out” on ebay is you can turn around and resell that shoe. It’s a must for AE Park Avenues.
Wow, I’ve had the total opposite experience. BUT, YMMV of course. If the Keds Royal Lo (in suede) was still available for dirt cheap, I would have put those in there for sure. Super comfy, crazy durable.
Here is another GREAT option for plain cap-toe Oxfords in dark brown for $200. I picked these up this past weekend and the build quality is EXCELLENT especially for the price. And unlike typical Magnanni these have a traditional round toe rather than their elongated chiseled version:
http://www.lastcall.com/Magnanni-Classic-Leather-Oxford-Brown-Magnanni/prod20670003___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=SEARCH&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253DMagnanni&eItemId=prod20670003&cmCat=search
Aaron is right on the money! Almost 20 years ago I bought a pair of boots from J Crew. Think classic Red Wings style (in black) and the boots were made in Italy. At the time they were $350 new, and I got them on sale for 30% off and I still thought I was overpaying at the time. They have outlasted all shoes I have ever owned. I still have these boots. They have been my shoe of choice traveling the world (20+ times to europe alone). The soles developed some cracks and I was worried about water getting in so I finally had them resoled. It took a while to find a cobbler that was willing to work on them, but I did find one after months of searching. I paid $70 and these boots are going to last me another 20 years!
Really digging those.
The funny thing is I have several dress shoes but I lacked basic dark brown cap-toes. I don’t like AE Park Avenues, I don’t have faith the long-term quality of Jack Erwin, and I didn’t wanna spend $350 for Paul Evans. When I saw these it was an immediate purchase. I already have a pair of Magnanni tassel loafers in the same last/shape as the cap-toes and they have held up extremely well. I’d say just as good as my AE Walnut Strands.
I think by striking out on ebay, he means not finding an appropriate pair of shoes in your size. The chance of finding a pair and then having issues with the fit or condition after purchase is a second, separate concern.
My concern is width: most AE 5-last shoes are too narrow for me, so I’d like to try these on in person.
Yeah the AE 5-Last is a little narrow on me as well but not a deal breaker. These seem to be a bit wider. The break in period is about as long as AE.
Some good choices. Personally though I think dropping $200 on a pair of black shoes is a little bit of a waste, but I guess you could argue that AE’s at that price are worth it. I’d maybe swap in something in brown suede (can be dressed up or down) but I guess if you are wearing a suit to the office every day you could make a strong case for having a nice black shoe in the rotation.
I own the PF Flyers, they definitely caught my eye. Converse has a similar style one but it costs 2.5x as much and doesn’t have the sole support the PF Flyer does.
I was surprised to find out that PF Flyers are made by New Balance. I think that helps explain the support end of things.
Crepe soles on most desert boots is a deal breaker with snow coming.
I am a huge believer in quality shoes and I don’t see a reason to buy these but they look pretty good for some recent grad/intern. Put some shoe trees in them and dont wear them everyday. http://www.6pm.com/steve-madden-m-franky-tan?si8246365=&channel=73&mr:referralID=dee9dac4-4f07-11e3-9104-001b2166c62d