It was time to polish my EG Perth’s in Burnt Pine so I thought I would share the stages with you. As I begin the first photo is the Perth as they are and you can see the need for polishing.

Next step is removing the laces; I like to polish my shoes on the trees, I feel the polish covers more evenly.

I begin to polish with a clean white tee shirt and neutral wax polish (I do this quickly and with a small amount of polish to avoid streaking).

The wax is on and drying for a few minutes.

I brush the shoes with an old horsehair brush that belonged to my grandfather. You can also buff with a cloth, but I like the action of rubbing the brush across the leather. I also think it brings out a nicer luster and works the polish into the leather better.

And Viola! In five simple steps the uppers look great. I didn’t do the sole edges this time since they still look good. I don’t over polish my shoes since I rotate them often but I enjoy the process. I also love the way the EG’s age they take on a well worn and cared for look that is just beautiful.

Whenever I wear the Aubercy Malaury it’s always commented on. Today we set it against this classic plaid English cashmere scarf by Psycho Bunny to bring a bit of holiday color to the store.

When we detailed the Aubercy styles we had the option of choosing the lining colors, and as you can see here we chose red for the black shoes.

We wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Call it coincidence, call it timing or kismet but New York Magazine has published an article this week about the state of the Paul Rudolph Foundation. I think this is a perfect tie in to our installation by Chris Mottalini “After You Left They Took You Apart” a photo collection of homes designed by Paul Rudolph that have sadly been destroyed.

Chris’ photograph of Rudolph’s Twitchell House in the Florida Keys is featured on the front page of the article. These prints as well as others are available in limited series and would make a timely and topical gift especially for someone who has a fond appreciation for mid century architecture.

Come by and view the collection on display through December 20th of the “Micheels House in Westport, CT” now destroyed, or contact us for purchase information.

It’s a rainy day in the New York area and my client Joe S. sent me an email this morning asking what shoes I wear in the rain. In my opinion the Alden All Weather Walker is perfect for a light rain. The grained leather upper will withstand some moisture and the natural plantation crepe double outsoles with fitted leather tip keep the soles of your feet dry. Besides they’re just plain comfortable.

Our latest MTO arrival is from Pierre Corthay. This is the Wilfrid in black calf and black suede, a very elegant combination. The suede reminds me somewhat of a pair of spats.

We had our first art installation opening reception last night and by the look of it everyone really enjoyed themselves. The photography of Chris Mottalini will be here in our gallery space until December 20, please feel free to come in and check it out.

This week we feature our new Alden’s Chukka boots in unlined Snuff Suede. These are on the leather flex soles. I really love the color play with the purple Psycho Bunny scarf and tie.

We received some beautiful MTO’s from Edward Green yesterday. I am posting them today because I think it’s only fair the client has the first look (actually I have the first look but as your trusted adviser it’s a professional privilege). I’ve posted a few Corthay MTO’s but I believe these are the first Edward Green’s. So without further delay…….

Mr. R has created a unique version of the Newbury. To this whole cut oxford he added the winged toecap of the Southwold. This pair is in Acorn Antique with heavy burnishing, on the 888 last. Mr. R also likes his belts to match so we had one made for him as well.

Mr. C is a true shoe maven not only does he know shoes inside and out he has the vision to see how they’ll look. Take for instance this pair of Dover’s in Maple Antique on the 606 last with double leather soles. It took vision to see it in this color. It is the most beautiful Dover I’ve seen.

Mr. C also loves his monk straps as well as his stitched aprons. These Ashby’s in Burgundy Antique are also on the 606 last and very handsome. This color is perfectly suited to the shoe. I particularly like the heavy burnishing on this pair.

Edward Green MTO’s generally take 14 weeks according to the company. These pairs were ordered during the summer, which means they took longer since the factory is closed most of August. Nonetheless they are always worth the wait.

We are very excited to host photographer Chris Mottalini at Leffot as he presents two collections; “After you left, they took it apart”, and “The mistake by the lake.”

We invite you to join us for the opening reception on Thursday November 20th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.