From time to time I’ll be asking guest’s to write a post on the Leffot blog. My friend in London Simon Crompton writes a wonderful style blog at www.permanentstyle.co.uk.

When he’s in New York, which he was this past week he makes time to visit the shop. Simon has graciously agreed to let me post a piece he wrote about the joys of a shoe shine he received in London.

The Pleasures of a shoe shine by Simon Crompton

Walking along the Burlington Arcade last week, I took the opportunity to have a shoe shine. It’s rarely offered in London these days, which is a shame. So it was nice to support someone that’s making the time to set out there and ply his wares.

(Though I wouldn’t be surprised if he is subsidised by the Arcade itself – a shoe shine boy fits with the image of timeless London and luxury the owners doubtlessly like to create.)

It also occurred to me that I have never had one in London before. In New York, in Tokyo, in Singapore. But never in London. Probably just because one is more in the mood for extravagances when one is abroad – I often have a proper cut-throat shave when I’m in New York, and that’s not something I’d even consider in London.

But then the shoe shine wasn’t that much of an extravagance: £3.50 isn’t bad considering how much satisfaction a perfect polish on my Oxfords will give me.

The point to this piece, though, is that the shoe shine boy’s method was interesting (he wasn’t a boy, obviously, but no other word seems quite right after ‘shoe shine’).

I requested cream rather than wax polish, as the shoes in question could do with some nourishment. He insisted on doing both cream and polish, though, as the application of cream does take off a little of the patina created by layers of polish.

First, the laces were tucked away behind the tongue and each shoe was given a good cleaning – rubbed with a damp cloth all over and particularly scrubbed at the edge of the vamp, where it meets the sole.

Once cleaned, cream was quickly brushed on (brushed, please note, not rubbed with a cloth). It was brushed in circular motions, to work the cream into the leather and to make sure it didn’t miss any brogue holes.

Polish was then brushed on (which surprised me, I thought the cream would be buffed first – but apparently there is no need). A spritz of water was sprayed over the mixture – more efficient than the old spit-and-polish tradition – and finally the whole thing was brushed by two large, horsehair brushes, working in opposite directions on either side of the shoe.

To finish off the effect, a buffing with a cotton rag. Though apparently women’s nylon stockings are better.

Ninety per cent of that process I would have done myself, but the method and application of both cream and polish was interesting. Efficient, too. I walked away five minutes later with a smile on my face and my eyes staring admiringly downward.

This is one of Pierre Corthay’s new styles, the Vendome on the 001 Last. This MTO is in Olive Green Calf and is just exquisite.

This is the Swanley loafer in Tabacco Polo calf by Church’s English Shoes. Not you’re typical English looking loafer, which is exactly what I like about it. Not to mention the color.

Shown here with a pair of Psycho Bunny Merino wool socks in Silver, and a Psycho Bunny Lambswool and Angora Checkerboard Scarf

We are pleased to inform you that Tony Gaziano will be presenting the G&G made-to-order and bespoke collections at Leffot on April 21st from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Our past show with Dean Girling was quite a fun event for the true lover of fine footwear, and we anticipate this show to be equally as enjoyable.

The event is open to anyone, however we do ask that you please contact Leffot to schedule an appointment if you plan on attending. This will help us better serve you.

In case you haven’t been to a trunk show before it works like this. G&G will have “Sample” single shoes of which you can then choose the leather, color, last, soles and perhaps a few minor changes i.e. adding a medallion to a plain toe shoe for instance. Trunk shows provide an excellent opportunity to view many styles in hand as opposed to looking at them on line or in a catalog.

Once you decide on a particular pair a deposit is taken and the shoes go into production. The balance is paid when the shoes arrive. It’s very straightforward.

We have already begun to receive a great deal of interest in this show. You can contact me for an appointment at:

steven.taffel@leffot.com or by phone at 212-989-4577.

We hope to see you there.

Now that spring has “just” arrived so has the bane of many New Yorkers existence, the generic “Street Fair”. They’re the same wherever they set up in the city and do nothing for the neighborhood or the businesses.

In fact all they do is create a trash and traffic mess. Selling cheap food and goods with no connection to the community. Am I alone on this? How do you feel about NY Street Fairs?

This is what I arrived to in front of Leffot this morning……

The Grafton by Church’s English Shoes is one of our most popular shoes. Classic in style, a timeless brogue, sensible and versatile. We’ve now added the Grafton R in Brown Nevada Calf on Dainite soles a great addition.

The Grafton R in Brown Nevada Calf on 173 Last with Dainite Soles. $695

Origami artist Sok Song has created the ultimate way to carry the oddly shaped NY City Subway map. As part of his Green Folding Project in which he re-uses various everyday paper products he has created the “Subway Map Wallet”.

This is not only a thin, lightweight and a comfortable way to carry the map it’s also laminated making it water and tear proof. A true origami wallet made from one sheet of folded paper it can be opened for subway reference and refolded to hold your goods. Its deep enough to hold $, ¥, £ or €.

The wallet also has a folded in tab that allows you to slip your cards in so they won’t fall out.

The NYC Subway Map Wallet only at Leffot

"Don't Leave Home Without It" ™ American Express Company.

I’m admittedly new to Facebook but I was able to create a Leffot Page, and a Leffot Group. I’m not sure what I’ll do with it them but it’s there and I invite anyone to join.

I’m also open to suggestions for the group page……..

Now that we’ve changed to daylight savings time spring feels so much closer. This week we received a reorder of the ever-popular Alden Chukka Boots in Tan Suede.

Featured here in front of one of our new Psycho Bunny spring scarves. This is the “Circle Bunny” in 75% Lambswool and 25% Angora, made in England.

Alden Suede Chukka Boots $385

Psycho Bunny “Circle Bunny” Scarf $160; Available in three colors exclusively at Leffot

We have a new assortment of spring ties by Psycho Bunny in stock. One of the largest selections available. All ties are produced in the USA, tie easily and look very sharp. Some styles available exclusively at Leffot.

Psycho Bunny Ties $115