I just received via Japan the November issue of Ates magazine, which includes a very nice article about Leffot on the World Press page. Thank you Ates we appreciate your coverage very much.

We all know how important it is that shoes fit comfortably, but how do you determine what the “proper” fit is? That’s a highly subjective question, and can be asked of anything we wear such as a suit or a shirt although they probably won’t cause extreme pain or permanent damage if they aren’t right. A shoe is felt with each movement of your foot, so it’s crucial that they’re comfortable.

I always start by measuring the feet with a Brannock Devise. It’s important to point out here that this is a starting point, or guide since each manufacturer has their own size scale on top of which each last and style fits differently. It’s a combination of all these factors that goes into fitting a pair of shoes. Once the approximate size is tried on it then becomes a question of how you like your shoes to feel, meaning snugger, looser or just comfortable. This is where it really becomes a matter of individual preference.

I can usually tell from the sound a shoe makes going on the foot, that whoosh of air that this could be it. But I can only suggest, by feel, and sight what looks right or not. Ultimately each person has to make the determination how they feel. I’ve had customers buy shoes smaller, or larger than what I think is a proper fit but that’s the way they like them to feel, and I respect that. I’ve had people tell me that they’ve bought shoes that kill their feet because the person that sold them to them insisted it was the proper size, so I am sensitive to being insistent.

My advise is to ask questions if you’re not sure about how a shoe fits and what to expect it to feel like after you wear it a number of times. Ask as many questions as come to mind because the answers, plus your own sense of feel and experience will guide you to what will amount to the proper fit.

I liked Paul Newman a lot, not only was he a great actor to watch on screen, I liked his style. He was cool as Luke, he was fast as Eddie, and great as Butch, Hud, Brick, Henry, and too many other characters to mention here.

I’m not sure I would have considered him a style “setter” but he did look comfortable within himself and, that I think is a quality that stylish people possess.

Our Gaziano & Girling trunk show this past Wednesday was an unqualified success. Dean and I were busy all day fitting, advising and just schmoozing with our clients who placed several MTO and Bespoke orders. I think everyone had a very enjoyable experience and are now eagerly awaiting their new shoes.

On a personal note I would like to say how very appreciative I am to all of you who attended this first show, your patronage and support means a great deal to me.

A special thank you to Mr. Dean Girling for making the time to spend the day with us. Cheers, Dean I’m already looking forward to our next event together.

My friends do not fear do not panic for now is the time to be bold, to invest, maybe not in the markets but rather in something of lasting quality and value, say a pair of “quality” shoes for instance. My suggestion is to spend a little less on clothing and “invest” in the best pair of shoes you can possibly afford. For as we all know a great pair of shoes will tremendously enhance even the most modest of garments.

A well maintained pair of “quality” shoes will last 20 or more years. Amortized, that’s pennies a day. And while the return on the investment won’t be in currency it will return, comfort, credibility, and long term savings. Believe me, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

There’s perhaps no other shoe in the store that draws as much attention as this magnificent pair of Corthay, Cocteau in “Vert Bronze”. The color is amazing blending shades of green with what can only be described as flecks of bronze dust. I sell this shoe well to men that enjoy setting themselves apart from others with there own sense of style.

Once you get past the color itself, its the details that start to take hold, the scalloped vamp, the wider lace stance of the bottom lace, for that matter the matching color of the lace. These shoes when brought to daylight have a kind of iridescence that catches the eye of anyone who passes by.

I would wear them with dark gray, dark blue or black and coordinate them with accessories i.e. a pair of cuff links, a stripe or pattern in a shirt or tie or a scarf. This shoe has serious attitude and deserves to be played for all its worth.

In case you haven’t read my blog, signed up for my emails, come by the store, or were just on another plant I’d like to inform you that Dean Girling of Gaziano & Girling will be present in our shop on Wednesday September 24th from 10:00AM – 7:00PM.

Dean Girling of Gaziano & Girling

The purpose of Dean’s visit is to present the current collection of Gaziano & Girling’s bench made and bespoke samples of which we will be taking orders. This is a very exciting opportunity for us and for anyone that has been a fan of their fine craftsmanship. Dean and I will happily assist you and answer any questions that you may have.

One such question maybe cost. Bespoke shoes range from $3,500 to $6.000. Bench made MTO’s are approximately $1,095 to $1,125. During this event we will gladly waive the $100 make up charge for MTO’s. The production time for bespoke is approximately 8 months and MTO about 5 months. We wish it could be sooner but quality is of the utmost priority. You will have your choice of some 40+ samples of which you will choose the last, color, material, and sole. This is a special opportunity to see and order your very own one of a kind pair of shoes.

We would like to keep things civilized and to that end priority will be given to those that have scheduled appointments. We of course welcome all of you that wish to come by but ask for your patience and understanding during busy periods. Please contact me with any questions or for an appointment, I will do my best to accommodate you. We are anticipating a good time by all and we hope you will join us.

Fall is full of texture, wool, cashmere, flannel, and suede all rich and all beautiful. Suede is made from the under side of the skin as a result it has a nap either short or longer and is softer on the foot. Many people admire it and it reached its pinnacle of desire in the 1950’s when Blue Suede Shoes were highly sung about.

The October issue of GQ is on newsstands today. I’m particularly excited about the article; From “Cute” to Cool-the Rise of the West Village, because it includes Leffot on pages 134 & 136, calling us “A dangerous place” which I think they mean in a good way. It lists several other cool spots for shopping, drinks and food, many of which I eat at. The WV is one of Manhattan’s hottest neighborhoods and most confusing, they even include a small map to help guide you. Pick up a copy and enjoy the neighborhood.

I recently saw an interesting article in the August 08 edition of Men’s Ex magazine. They took the laces out of a pair of black cap toe oxfords and replaced them with tan laces.

I decided to try it here, and I chose the Gaziano & Girling, Oxford for the lace exchange. I think it looks pretty cool. It’s an interesting and simple way to change the look of a black shoe. The laces I used are a flat wax lace, which have a dressier look.

I would wear these with a black or dark gray suit with either a shirt, tie or pocket square that picks up the color of the laces.

Note: I tried this with several styles and brands; I found it to look best with  plain or cap toes. Brogues looked to busy but I guess it’s a matter of taste. I always feel less is more, and this is about a subtle twist. Other colors could look equally good but the key is to play off the laces with some other accessory.

Now on display at Leffot.