Leffot Blog

Alfred Sargent Shelley

steven — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:31:05 +0000

The Alfred Sargent Shelley takes loafers to another level. These penny straps are elegant, chic and sophisticated. Not to mention the fact that AS Handgrade shoes fit like a glove. This is an ideal shoe for business or casual dress. We’ve placed a stock order for this model in black calf for fall along with four other styles.

Our first trunk show with Alfred Sargent will be October 17th & 18th we look forward to seeing you there.

Shelley AS19 Last Black Calf Coming Autumn 2010

The Ivy Shell Game

steven — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:53:26 +0000

The fourth and final color (for now) of the Ivy loafer has arrived and it’s gorgeous. This is Color 6 one of the most beautiful burgundy’s there is. Most everyone is familiar with Color 8 a dark rich burgundy, Color 6 has less intensity than 8 and is brighter which makes the pull-up* more pronounced, a desirable effect and tell tale sign you’re wearing shoes made of cordovan.

We couldn’t be happier with the way these shoes turned out, our thanks to Ron Rider of Rider Boot Co, for all your help in getting them to market. To Mike Rancourt and his talented staff of hand sewers at Rancourt & Co, you’ve done yourselves proud, and to Horween Leather for producing the finest shell* cordovan on the planet for over 100 years.

The Ivy – Horween Unlined Color 6 Shell Cordovan

The Ivy – Horween Unlined Navy Shell Cordovan

The Ivy – Horween Unlined Dark Cognac Shell Cordovan

The Ivy – Horween Unlined Natural Shell Cordovan

*Pull-up – A temporary lightening in color achieved by bending leather. This is caused by the temporary displacement of oils, greases, and/or waxes. – Horween Leather.

*Shell – The subcutaneous, highly dense fiber structure found in the backside of a horse or mule. – Horween Leather.

Edward Green Westminster

steven — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:44:03 +0000

We’re not smokers but that doesn’t mean we don’t like tobacco. Edward Green the maker of arguably the finest shoes in England does it again. The double monk strap Westminster (one of our very favorites) is now available in Tobacco suede, and we couldn’t be more pleased with them. These are absolutely gorgeous and fantastic for summer.

There’s a softness about suede that makes you want to pet it, and trust us many people do. But there is also a sophistication about it a richness, luxuriousness and refinement that bestows a distinguished air upon the wearer.

Double monks are such an excellent style because they’re so versatile, and timeless. Trust us it would be nearly impossible to go wrong in these.

Westminster 888 Last, Tobacco Suede, Natural Sole Edge, Brass Buckles – In Stock

Quoddy, Build A Pair

steven — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:26:05 +0000

We take great care in helping clients create their own shoes. The majority tend to be dressier shoes but what you may not know is that a number of our clients have Quoddy’s made to order.

Quoddy doesn’t have a huge range of models but they do offer lots of options such as leathers, soles, laces, eyelets, and three styles of hand stitching. Given that we can hardly keep them in stock it makes sense to place an order for a pair exactly the way you want them. Yes it takes time 6-8 weeks depending on production but with Quoddy MTO’s incur no up-charge or downside.

The shoes pictured below were special order pairs, they are not part of our stock lines. If you’re interested in placing placing a special order please contact us we’ll be happy to assist you.

Boat Shoe Navy Chromexcel, Brick Camp Sole Nickel Eyelets

Maliseet Calico Khaki Suede, Honey Camp Soles Antique Brass Eyelets

Deck Chukka Brown Travel Suede, White Deck Soles Overcast Stitching

Canoe Moc Calico Lead Suede, Brick Camp Soles Nickel Eyelets

Maliseet Brown Chromexcel, White Deck Soles Nickel Eyelets

Basil Racuk Document Case

steven — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:43:40 +0000

Leather crafter Basil Racuk has a cool new Bi-Fold Document case. This piece was commissioned by one of our clients at the last trunk show. It’s made in British Tan calf and outfitted with brown pinstriped wool, hand stained leather and personalized with the client’s name inside.

This case is great looking and functional, and a perfect companion to the new Soft Brief.

Basil Racuk Bi-Fold Document Case British Tan Calf – $375

Hot, Hot, and More Hot

steven — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:55:51 +0000

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?

Shot of Whiskey

steven — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:40:28 +0000

“Whiskey shell cordovan”, the words alone instill powerful feelings in mere mortals. And for good reason, whiskey is one of the rarest cordovan colors. That’s because to tan the color Horween needs “clear” shells, which means no imperfections. By default that eliminates a good number of them.

Edward Green uses Genuine Horween Shell Cordovan because when you make quality shoes you must use quality leathers. They also handle it well and don’t over treat it with products. That allows the leather to develop a natural patina and highlights.

If you’ve never owned a pair in cordovan you can’t imagine what you’re missing, the same is true for a pair of Edward Green shoes….

Cardiff 202 Last HAF Soles Whiskey Shell Cordovan – MTO

Blue Ivy

steven — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:17:32 +0000

You loved them in dark cognac and unglazed natural, and now our exclusive Ivy loafer is available in unlined navy shell cordovan. These shells are tanned by Horween Leather Co. and make a very handsome shoe. Navy cordovan is a rich deep blue with a luster that only cordovan can produce. We first offered this color in our cordovan watchstraps.

Unlined and moccasin constructed the Ivy is incredibly lightweight, flexible, amazingly comfortable and best worn barefoot.

Ivy Loafer Unlined Navy Shell Cordovan Sizes 8-11 / $625

Rider Monk Boot

steven — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:48:18 +0000

We received a great looking Rider Boot today that was made to order. This boot is not a stock model in the Rider collection but Ron Rider was willing to collaborate with our client to produce this one off pair.

The monk strap boot is a very versatile style because it can be worn with a suit or casually. But what really sets this pair apart is the color. These are Horween shell cordovan color 4, which is not commonly seen. It’s named color 4 because it’s half the color intensity of well known color 8.

This boot was an excellent choice because it really highlights the beauty of the leather and color. The larger pieces of shell without adoration let the leather speak for itself, which is the optimum combination.

Rider Boot Monk strap Boot in Horween Color 4

Purple Haze

steven — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:28:50 +0000

Our last Alfred Sargent post featured the Browning derby in Espresso Calf, which was stunning. Today we present the same model in a completely new way. This is a shoe of a different color you might say but a color nonetheless that is gaining in popularity at least with us. “Purple haze is in my brain lately things don’t seem the same.”

Browning AS53 Last Purple Suede – MTO

Footnote (pun intended) EE are the initials of the owner of this pair, not the width of the shoes.