For some reason or other we don’t place many orders for loafers or casuals as they say across the pond. But every now and then something special comes our way.

The Piccadilly is one of Edward Green’s “Core Line” models. A classic penny strap but this one with twill insets, the perfect shoe to sip dry Manhattan’s in. Who says spectators are just for summer?

Piccadilly; 184 Last Burnt Pine Antique/Twill – MTO*

*MTO footwear is not part of our stock lines, they are Made To Order.

This Pierre Corthay wingtip has been coming on strong for a while. Normally produced on the 001 last we have also had it made up on the 002, needless to say both are very handsome.

What distinguishes this shoe from more traditional wingtips is the low profile of the wing, a more modern toe medallion, along with the sleek styling, which is synonymous with Pierre; this is a very elegant and sophisticated shoe.

Vendome 001 Last Lie de Vin – MTO*

Vendome 001 Last Veau Olive – MTO*

Vendome 001 Last Bois de Rose – MTO*

Vendome 002 Last Blue Suede – MTO*

Vendome 001 Last Olive Box Cuir – MTO*

Vendome 001 Last Bois de Rose- MTO*

*MTO footwear is not part of our stock lines, they are Made To Order.

The Westbury monk strap by Church’s is one of their classic styles. When our client D.G. requested these two pair we knew there was going to be a twist. That’s because he had previously ordered a pair of Grafton’s made up as a spectator, which was very unique.

I like it when customers have shoes made up that are one of a kind. I admire those that can envision a pair in a way that is singular and special, these two fit that bill.

Westbury Black Polished Binder/Black Patent, Dainite Soles – MTO*

Westbury Burgundy Polished Binder/Tabacco Grain, Dainite Soles – MTO*

*MTO footwear is not part of our stock lines, they are Made To Order.

We love hearing from our clients, so this letter was music to our ears. Nothing is more satisfying to us than hearing how much pleasure you derive from maintaining your footwear.  Thank you Mr. A. for sharing with us your new-found pleasure, and keep up the good work.

Hey Steven,

I don’t know if you remember me – last Christmas I came down there (from Toronto) with my friend and agonized for a good while over spending money on shoes, when I knew how bad I was at taking care of them.

Well, lo and behold, it’s been a year and I’ve been taking care of my Aubercy’s, as per your instructions. And if I may say so myself, I think they look great.

You were so right about the feeling I get when I wear a great pair of shoes. Especially within the context of how much I spend on my attire from the ankles up.

You taught me that I could, in fact, take care of my shoes. I have learned to treat them as investment pieces. And because the shoes are so beautiful, I WANT to take care of them. It gives me pleasure.

I hope to see you over the holidays, when I intend to pick up a few pairs of Corthay’s. I no longer have the hang-up I previously had, about spending four figures on a pair of shoes. To tell you the truth, I’m actually really looking forward to it!!!

Thanks for giving me a very important sartorial lesson.

Below is a pic of the Aubercy’s today – not bad, huh?

See you soon,

M.A.

The Gaziano & Girling Burnham is a wholecut Chelsea boot. Wholecuts are very handsome and comfortable because they’re made from a single piece of leather and have no seams. They’re also much more labor intensive to produce. The owner of this pair had them made up to wear on his motorcycle, thus the Scotch Grain upper and Ridgeway soles.

Burnham Black Arran Grain, Ridgeway Soles MH71 Last – MTO*

Gaziano & Girling offers three Scotch Grains the finest being Pin Grain, then Highland, and finally Arran which is the deepest. Once the leather is stretched over the last the grain smoothes out quite a bit. It’s particularly nice on this wholecut. The grain adds a subtle texture and a slightly more rugged look which works well with the heavy lug soles.

*MTO shoes and boots are not part of our stock lines, they are Made To Order.

This week we’re previewing the new “Hobo” boot by Rider Boot Co. delivery is imminent. These are great looking casual boots made up in Mohawk (rough out) leather and Sestriere soles. We’ve taken plenty of reserve orders but there are still a few sizes available.

Along with the Hobos is one of the new Psycho Bunny Tartan scarves in 100% cashmere, and our Borsalino fur felt fedora; a very comfortable and stylish hat.

As we gear up for winter we thought it a good time to add a new Alden All-Weather Walker. This time we chose the Norwegian Split Toe which features Alden’s famous handsewn apron, in brown calf.

The exceptional insulating quality of genuine plantation crepe makes it an ideal outsole for winter wear, with reinforced leather tips for added durability.

Norwegian Split Toe All-Weather Walker, Brown Calf, Barrie Last

We’re not recommending you follow our suede cleaning method but we thought you might like to see how we do it. We hear many comments from customers about how delicate they think suede is, well guess what it’s not all that delicate.

Alden’s sources their suede from Charles F. Stead & Co. Ltd. one of the most respected tanners of suede in the world.  They’re suede’s are velvety soft, yet nice and hardy. I prefer my chukkas with some wear on them; after all they’re not “that” precious.

WARNING; SUEDE FREAKS, THIS VIDEO MAY BE DISTURBING

Our apologies for the less than ideal video quality, we are working on improvements

The Americana shoe trend couldn’t have come at a better time for Quoddy.

Now in its 100th year, the U.S.-made moccasin company is experiencing a renaissance with its handmade styles (which also include lace-up boots, boat shoes and oxfords, in addition to the classic moc). In fact, the company has recently added several retail accounts  (i.e. Leffot) and has seen a boost in sales of about 100 percent for the year.

Quoddy Workhop in Maine, Photo By Courtesy Photo

“We’ve had a lot of fortitude to keep going for that many years through thick and thin,” said John Andreliunas, president of the Perry, Maine-based brand.

Quoddy takes its name from Maine’s Passamaquoddy native tribe, which was known for crafting canoes, baskets and especially moccasins. Harry Smith Shorey, a handsewer for L.L. Bean, founded the company in 1909 to produce shoes with the same techniques — using a full leather wrap around the foot, stitched together by hand.

Our New Quoddy Masleet Oxford, Horween Navy Chromexcel on Red Brick Soles

Over the years, though, the company has changed hands several times. R.G. Barry purchased it in 1971 as part of an effort to diversify, and it expanded Quoddy’s retail locations. But after financial problems in the early 1980s, R.G. Barry sold it to Wolverine World Wide in 1983. Then in 1987, Dunham bought 15 of its stores, as well as domestic and certain international rights. Despite some success in Japan in the 1990s, Quoddy saw a steady decline.

“The brand had basically gone fallow,” said Andreliunas. “The last company that owned it had virtually abandoned it.”

100% Moccasin Constructed Hand Sewn Shoes, No Cement or Glue Used

In 1998, Kevin Shorey, a descendant of the founder, acquired the struggling brand. And over the last decade, Shorey has worked to bring the company back to its original mission of manufacturing traditional, handsewn shoes. (Standalone retail locations are no longer a focus.)

“[We’ve] fallen under different brands over the years, but it started with moccasin footwear, and it’s been the same ever since,” said Andreliunas. “And there are a lot of great companies in Maine, such as L.L. Bean, that have given ‘made in Maine’ a special connotation.

“It may seem like a liability to be made in Maine, but it has become a real advantage. It differentiates us from so many other companies that have gone that other route [abroad].”

More Quoddy Styles Coming Soon to Leffot

No matter how popular the brand becomes, Andreliunas said Quoddy is still a small company in terms of revenue, and will have to grow slowly. With a business model established around handwork, and with only about a dozen craftsmen, the wait time for the $200-to-$400 shoes is generally eight weeks.

Though no big celebrations have been planned for Quoddy’s golden anniversary, the company is happy with its evolution over the years — and where it is headed.

“The one thing I’m confident in is that [we] are delivering quality, and it’s not a passing thing,” said Andreliunas. “The business advantages, responsiveness and uniqueness [we offer] will become part of the overall market as we go forward.”

* From Footwear News Issue 11/16/2009; Quoddy Marks 100th Anniversary, by Jocelyn Anderson

We’ve received our first delivery of Winkers just ahead of our up coming trunk show with carréducker. These slippers are incredibly comfortable and chic, and can be made up in about seven different fabrics.

We hope you stop by Thursday to see them  along with the rest of the carréducker collection of bespoke shoes.

Grey Raver Weave – $375

Midnight Spot Weave – $375

carréducker Bespoke Samples