Thrifting 302: Vintage Goods and the Limited Value of LabelsSo the other day I was in a thrift store scanning the shoe rack. When I saw these.
Alright, I won’t really turn down a pair of shortwings. I could use a pair of Oxford Wingtips. They look a little banged up, but nothing a little polish can’t fix. But what are we really talking about? I mean, are these shoes really worth it?
Huh… Bostonian? Wait, that Bostonian. You might, at this point move on. Except for one thing. It’s not that Bostonian. That’s the modern one. The one that has been gutted and lowest common denominatored.
These shoes, these beautiful vintage numbers are from this Bostonian.
The Bostonian that was a serious cobbling outfit. One that used Shell Cordovan. One that has a proper stacked heel and goodyear welt. One that bears no resemblance to the Bostonian of today.
This is one of the most important elements of thrift shopping. Going outside your preconceived #menswear comfort zone. If you have it in your mind you need Alden’s, or Allen Edmonds or whatever other shortwings you’ve had your eye on, you’re going to be spending $500 or $600 and getting… well, essentially the same shoe. Maybe more of the moment, certainly newer. But if you’re truly concerned with “classic” and “buy less, buy better” what’s the preferable option? $600 for a new pair? Or $8 to get a used pair that will last nearly as long, plus give you that “authenticity” that’s all the rage these days.
Thrifting takes time, but with a broad net, persistence and willingness to go outside the “box” you’ll get results that’ll blow your mind.
Addendum: Taking these to the shoe repair guy tomorrow to get em nice and shined up. So I’ll be spending under $50 for a like new pair of shell cordovan shoes. Not bad.
Converse. #menswear (Taken with instagram)
Seth of TheMidwestlye and I were both quoted in today’s Red Eye about the trend towards men dressing up and look who made the cover! Thanks to the folks over at the Red Eye for using my pic and thanks to Ryan Plett for snapping the pic of the paper.
The article is online here. The funny thing is that I was also contacted to contribute to this article but when the reporter found out that I did not have a “better half”, I was dropped as a source.
Perfect
Fresh Picks From Joe Fresh
Canadian import Joe Fresh recently landed in NYC and offers an impressive lineup of pieces we want at even more impressive prices, like this crew neck sweater that comes in at a cool $29. Here’s what else to get.
Saint James much?
brb, recreating this look from my childhood
Three Floyds Brewery logo-patterned neckties - $25
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Sweet find, dude. I’d be careful letting your shoe repair guy go nuts on these though. Make sure he knows that it’s shell. I would pray that he knows the differences between caring for calf vs. shell.
Such a beautiful car. I’m not saying he couldn’t afford it but this is definitely not his ride. From the profile:
Photographer Jason Wallis, a stylish Southerner in his own right, recently caught up with Sid at Atlanta arts center The Goat Farm for a DRIVEN photo session.
We thought it appropriate to add an automotive icon to the mix, in this case a classic 1972 Porsche 911 restored to original Kremer Racing Carrera RS spec.
More F/W 2011 footwear previews.
Dang, make those chukkas in the snuff and I would buy, no question.
(via sartorialistanbul)
That little piece of red coral is the coolest thing ever. It’s like the swoosh for the Neapolitan set. Also, never not navy knit ties.
What Moy said….
I dunno, it is kind of cool but when I see it I’m reminded of a deformed pigeon foot. I also think it’s a bit tacky to so overtly display your jacket’s maker like that. At least it’s removable.
Alden Captoe Shell Cordovan Boot
I received these as a gift for my 29th birthday last year. They are amazing. You should pick up a pair too. At $620 they’re not cheap but if you care for them properly you should have them for a very long time.
For mostlymanic, these would be pretty excellent. They’re Goodyear welted, so they’re a bit more susceptible to water leaking in but if you can’t find a similar boot with a storm welt, these wouldn’t be a terrible choice.
