Joe F. recently posted a great question, “What’s the difference between the EG Dover and the Perth ?” A very good question indeed. I would also like to add to this comparison the Ecton . Here are the 3 shoes for your inspection.

The Dover on the 606 (?) last with a double leather sole

The Ecton and the Dover are quite similar, in fact I would argue the Ecton is the evolution of the Dover . The main difference being 5 eyelets on the Dover and 3 on the Ecton and the quarter panel on the back of the Dover that gives it a heavier look. I think of the Dover as a true country shoe, since it’s usually seen on a double leather sole, on a 606 or 808 last. Both have the same U tip, skin stitching on the toe.

The Ecton on the 82 last with a Single Leather Sole

This brings me to the first difference between the Dover and the Perth . The Perth has a raised tube stitch on the toe. While it has 5 eyelets the shoe just looks sleeker especially on the 82 last. The longer toe gives it a refined feel. But the main difference is of course the saddle and hand punching. The curve of the saddle softens the lines of the shoe making it more than just a classic derby.

The Perth on the 82 last with a single leather sole

I enjoy wearing my Perth’s very much because A) they are so very comfortable and B) I love the way they look. I just placed an MTO for a pair of Dover’s on a 606 last in Antique Maple with heavy antiquing for our good client JC. I’ll post them when they arrive, no doubt they’ll be beautiful. In my opinion these models look best in the lighter color leathers.

Joe, I hope that helps explains the difference. Incidentally Edward Green Managing Director Hilary Freeman (below) informed me recently that the Dover was voted “Best Shoe in Japan.” Hardly a surprise.

The Green Team at Leffot

Robert Godly EG US Agent, Steven Taffel, Hilary Freeman, Xavier Candat EG Sales Manager

I was looking through pictures of my trip to Paris this past March and thought it would be nice to post some of them related to shoes and the men that make them.

Pierre Corthay (left) & Steven Taffel in Paris, March 2008

Pierre’s Workroom; where the hand burnishing takes place

Xavier Aubercy (right) & Steven Taffel at the Aubercy shop in Paris, March 2008

The colors of these leathers are what really make these shoes appealing. They are especially attractive for summer but easily worn in the fall and winter. I like the way the colors of the different styles pair up. These are colors that look great with navy or gray, as well as brown and tan suits, and oh yes you can’t forget the dark denim jeans.

Gaziano & Girling Mitchell in Vintage Maple

Aubcercy Laslo in Elise Anilou

Pierre Corthay Bucy in Ardillat

Church’s Consul in Tabacco Calf

Pierre Corthay and Edward Green bring our two versions of the Monk Strap to you. Either look great dressed up or down, they are masculine and stylish. Monk straps aren’t for everyone but I’ve always liked them.

Pierre Corthay – Montaigne in Terre on the 002 last

Edward Green – Westminster in Dark Oak on the 888 last with Double Leather Sole

Incidentally in the old days we called them Buckle Shoes, and you would only wear them in black with a plain toe. I hope I’m not dating myself……

I’ve written recently about men buying shoes for their birthdays, well there is another occasion that ranks right up there and that of course is the wedding. Here is a list of shoes that were purchased to be worn to weddings either by the grooms or the guests.

Artioli – 06M090 in Black Calf & Lama

Gaziano & Girling – Westbury in Dark Oak

J.M. Weston-436 in Black Calf

Edward Green – Perth in Burnt Pine

Gaziano & Girling – Mitchell in Black Calf

Church’s – Diplomat in Brown Nevada Calf

Church’s – Consul in Black Calf

While I’m on the subject it’s interesting that in every case the grooms chose the brown shoes and the guests chose the black shoes. This suggests to me that men do not want to appear under dressed at another’s important social event (which is a good thing) and that more men are taking a fresh and less formal approach to their own weddings (also a good thing). And isn’t brown the new black anyway?

If there’s one thing I always look forward to on the weekend is Bill Cunningham’s column in the NY Times entitled “On the Street”. These days it can be found on line which is great for those that don’t have access to the paper edition of the Times.

Todays article is wonderful, as he photographed men in New York in all their finest. Of particular note is the gentleman in the brown and white spectators.

I wanted to share with you a few of the shoes I wear in and around Leffot. I think it’s important to wear what we sell for a few of reasons.

First it gives me a better idea how a shoe fits which in turn helps me gauge how it will fit a customer. I also think it’s helpful for customers to see the shoes as they’re meant to be seen which is on the foot.

Then of course there is the obvious reason, I just like the way they look and feel.

Here are a few styles I’ve been wearing lately.

Edward Green; Perth in Burnt Pine Antique on the 82 Last on Single Leather Soles

Aubercy; Malaury in Black Calf with Grey Calf Saddle on Single Leather Soles

Church’s; Grafton in Sandalwood Polished Binder on Double Leather Storm Welted Soles

Well the heat is back in New York and once again we look for ways to stay cool while looking good. Sure flip-flops are cool, but they don’t necessarily look it. For my money the Mars by Aubercy really delivers. It’s extremely lightweight and flexible which in turn helps your foot stay cooler and drier.

The “Mars” by Aubercy

I love the color; “Vernaccia” of the upper and, as with all the Aubercy we hand selected the lining color. For this shoe we chose orange which to me feels bright and sunny.

The Moment is a daily blog that spans the T Magazine universe of fashion, design, food and travel. Today’s post by Sandra Ballentine T Magazine’s Senior Editor is all about Leffot.

Sandra’s Sources is where Sandra opens up her little black book of tips on where to go, what to buy, and whom to know, a great place to find fabulous shopping, and dinning suggestions around the globe.

Thank you Sandra and T Magazine, we are most grateful and delighted to be “In The Moment”.

This MTO (made to order) pair of Corthay Mahler’s just arrived for our client Stuart. He’s a big Corthay fan and in fact brought this style to my attention.

He really did his homework on this one, you won’t find these on the Corthay website. This is the image he brought in.

The order for this pair was placed with Corthay on May 15 and was completed June 30th.

This loafer is on the 001 last which is the same as the Arca. It has an elastic gore under the tongue and a lace that feeds through it and the suede of the upper.