It’s been over two years since we began publishing this blog. This was our very first post back in June 2008. Now that the summer is here it’s seems relevant.

When it gets this hot it’s tempting to wear your shoes without socks. I’m not talking about sandals or sneakers. I’m talking about “shoes” like the Church’s Grafton.

I tried it on Saturday, and didn’t get very far. For me relief came in a small box of Band Aid Brand, Blister Block strips.

Sure powder helps absorb perspiration but in this heat, not very much. What’s your secret to wearing shoes barefoot comfortably?

May 5th is a very special day for Leffot as it marks our second anniversary. We are extremely thankful, gratified and humbled to all who have supported and encouraged us along the way. As we begin year three our goal remains the same, simply to bring you the choicest shoes and accessories possible while providing you with excellent service.

Leffot Before and After

Phaidon Publishers has released its 2010 Wallpaper* City Guide of 80+ cities around the world. They are designed to be concise and stylish a “Best Of” each city so to speak. The categories are divided among Landmarks, Hotels, 24 Hours, Urban Life, Architour, Shopping, Sports, and Escapes.

Of particular interest in the NYC guide is the Shopping section, which this year includes Leffot as one of only eleven outstanding shops featured; that’s pretty special. If you plan on visiting New York, this book is a must have. Pick up a guide of your favorite city or even the city where you live, they’re informative and up to the minute, an urban survival guide in about 100 pages or on your iPhone.

Our good friend and founder of Permanent Style, Simon Crompton paid us a visit this week. PS is the biggest blog on men’s elegance in the UK. You may already be familiar with it, if not I highly recommend you visit its full of helpful sartorial advice as Simon takes us along on his search for the ultimate wardrobe. In addition Simon is editor-in-chief of The Gentleman’s Corner and a contributor to The Rake.

In spite of maintaining a hectic schedule in NY Simon was gracious enough to find the time to post an article about Leffot on Permanent Style. I thank you sir.

Looking for a last minute gift for your Valentine’s? You might want to consider…

Psycho Bunny Socks $30

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots – $325

Saphir Polishing Box – $275

Cordovan Watch Straps – $120 – $160

Edward Green Polishing Rolls – $135

Abbeyhorn Shoe Horns $35 – $105

Alden Snuff Suede Chukka’s $398

Basil Racuk Weekender – $1,045

Ephtee Polishing Maps – $160 – $275

We first met Jonathan and Mindy in October when this charming couple came in looking for shoes for Jonathan to wear to their wedding at the breathtaking Riverside Farms in Pittsfield, VT. Jonathan was already well into the process of having his English “country-wedding suit” made up by the venerable Alex Wilcox at Lord Willy’s.

Naturally a country wedding and country suit called for country footwear, which in this case came in the form of the perfect English country boot, the Edward Green Galway.

Congratulations Jonathan and Mindy you both looked fantastic, and a big thank you for sharing your special day with us.

Looking for a last minute gift? There’s still time to perform a miracle.

Saphir Voyage Polish Box – $275

Psycho Bunny Socks – $30

Quoddy Canoe Moc – $210

Abbeyhorn Shoehorns – $35, $70, $105

Tingley Trim Overshoes – $30

Ephtee Polishing Maps – $160, $275

Edward Green Buffing Mitts – $135

Saphir Renovateur – $20

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots – $325

Ephtee Professional Polishing Casket – $1,395

Psycho Bunny Scarves – $125

Borsalino Duckbill Cap – $175

Shell Cordovan Watch Straps – $120 – $160

Ephtee Figaro Polishing Seat – $2,750

Alden Suede Chukka’s – $398

We recently attended an exhibit  presented by ANCI (Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association) of historical models originating from Italian footwear Museums and seen for the first time in the United States. The venue was MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The theme of the selection, which has been curated by ALDO PREMOLI (Art director) is the PLATFORM shoe: “INNER TREASURES – The secret story of the fashionable platform in Italy”.

On display are examples of designs that run through the history of Italian footwear from the 1930’s to the mid 1970’s. While Women’s shoes make up the majority of the collection it was surprising and quite amusing to see the Men’s styles from the 1970′s. Long ago and oh so far away, we were “Superstars”.

1970; Men’s shoe with black polka dot yellow platform. Heel and upper in white leather.

P. Bertolini International Footwear Museum, Vigevano

1970; Men’s boots with multicolor upper. Platform and heels in contrasting leather.

P. Bertolini International Footwear Museum, Vigevano

1972; Men’s loafer with kid suede upper. Cork wedge and leather sole.

Zaffaroni private collection

1972; Men’s shoe with upper in multicolor kid suede. Cork wedge and leather sole.

Zaffaroni private collection

1973; Men’s laced shoe in black and burgundy buffalo. 5 cm heel.

Giannini private collection

1973; Men’s clog with two color suede upper. Wood painted platform. Grained plastic sole.

Zaffaroni private collection

1974; Men’s loafer with nabuk upper, large metal buckle and para rubber sole.

Zaffaroni private collection

1975 – Men’s loafer in grain calf with laced strap and fringe. Natural para rubber wedge.

Renzo Rossetti private collection

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.