There’s nothing necessarily wrong with Blake-construction shoes (the method used on all traditional Italian models). They are just more delicate and will not last as long as Goodyear-welted shoes. The same could be said about suits made from super-180s wool or even super-150s. They are lighter, more delicate and possibly more elegant. But they will not last as long as an English tweed suit. I have explained in depth previously what Blake … [Read more...]

Zenith: I need to expand my wardrobe for a new job in London. I own a light charcoal, faintly blue-pinstriped French Connection suit, and a solid beige Ted Baker suit, but need:- A traditional navy-blue single-breasted suit- A trusted location to take my existing suits, to be examined and adjusted - A pair of brown shoes to accompany my beige suit- An entire selection of shirts/ties/cufflinks to match my current suits and the third I intend to … [Read more...]

“God, you look like a …” Insert the appropriate style paradigm here. Sailor, English huntsman, City banker, Italian lothario, geography teacher, preppy Ivy Leaguer. This is the reaction you normally get when an outfit has particular connotations for those around you. But it is important to realise that everyone’s connotations are different. You can’t let your dress be driven by the subjective and very local associations of your … [Read more...]