Finding a Shoe Shine in D.C.

Getting one’s shoes shined used to be a regular occurrence for most men. Back in the day of formal workplaces, suits, ties, and business shoes were the daily costume of every working man, from CEO to junior accountant. After decades of erosion, the very foundation of men’s business dress was on the verge of collapse until reason and style began to slowly regain a foothold in the boardroom. As dressing well makes a comeback so, thank goodness, does the shoe shine stand.

Getting your shine on is not only a welcome, albeit brief, respite in a busy day; it is a practical investment in preserving the longevity of your footwear.

 Leather shoes are vulnerable creations. Water, salt, dirt, grime, and daily wear all conspire to soak, dry out, and eat away your shoes’ natural defenses. By giving your shoes what they need – a soapy cleaning, polish or crème, and wax – your shoes will pay you back in a glossy shine noticed by women with taste and men with an eye for detail.

Some places where the suit, or at least dressing to some standard of formality never died, the shoeshine remains a pattern of daily life. Washington, D.C., is one of those places. Shoes shine stands can be found in many hotels, restaurants, clubs, and those ubiquitous franchised operations that haunt airports everywhere. There are two shoe shines stands however, that stand out from the crowd. One is the savior of Amtrak commuters and the other buffs the shoes of power.

One of the best shines in D.C. can be found in the center of Union Station’s Amtrak train gates. The three elevated seats overlook the rear concourse, roped off in a small square close enough to the gates for travelers to keep an eye on the Acela Express. These guys do such a good job that a number of commuters from New York tell me that they wait until they get to Union Station for a shine! That says something; as Nicholas Antongiavanni points out in the current issue of Classic Style Magazine, there are dozens of excellent stand throughout New York.

Not too far away, in the basement of the Russell Senate office building is the Senate Hair Care. In so many ways this place is a throwback to the classic barber-shop –cum-clubhouse of the 1950’s. With the witty and talented staff working on the heads of senators, house members, Supreme Court justices, and everyday folks, there is almost always someone interesting wandering in or out of the place. The shoe shine stand is tucked up against the hallway which leads to the men and women who sculpt our fearless leaders’ coifs. While the shine itself is very good, the real the treat is to see who is waiting for a cut or a quick buff of their Brooks Brother’s tasseled loafers. The best part of all is that it’s open to the public; anyone is welcome. If you want to get a haircut, just make sure to call for an appointment as it can get pretty busy in there.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Clothes

I talk a lot about your clothes needing to fit properly. When your suits, shirts, and trousers fit your body, they disappear; people may notice your overall appearance but exactly what you have on is less prominent. Comments may range from your overall good sense of style to compliments on a specific article of clothing. Regardless of your sterling personality, MBA, or fat bank account, when your clothes don’t fit your body – be it too large or too small – everything suffers. Unfortunately, this is a common problem with many men. So, let’s talk it over and get you cleaned up. (more…)

Finding Your Style Inspiration

When you get dressed in the morning, what inspires you? Who do you see as a stylish icon, who do you emulate? Do you turn to certain books or magazines for a creative shot in the arm? I’m not only talking about clothes; it could be ideas on pens or bags, watches or shoes, or organizing your closet or library. Even ideas on etiquette or decorum can come from different sources; and most women will tell you that a guy who is a true gentleman is way ahead of the pack. These are what I call the building blocks of individual style. (more…)

Choosing The Right Footwear

Men being men, we tend to see shoes as utilitarian, something we need, but not something on which to spend a lot of time. Once we have to look good though – an interview for the top job, a friend’s wedding, or a big date, we’re scrutinizing our footwear like a panicked drill sergeant. Though men need different kinds of shoes for different reasons, too often we just default to the three or four pair (at the most) which have been in the closet for years. The outcome isn’t always pretty.

This is a sad situation because if most men took the time to understand how well-made shoes are manufactured, they would pay much more attention to their feet. (more…)

Socks: Matching and Coordination

Several years ago, during the run-up to my wedding, I found myself in the midst of a quandary. My best man and I were locked in sartorial combat over socks; or hosiery, whichever you prefer.  At issue was this: should socks match the trouser or should they be left open to personal interpretation? This was no small matter as the deciding vote would affect four groomsmen, the aforementioned best man, and me, the groom. More importantly, at some level it might ultimately affect the bride. I was a little nervous. (more…)