Ever a sucker for off-season deals, Izzy just found these wing-tip boots on sale at Brooks Brothers. They’re ideal for those looking for dress boots that can be worn in foul, wet weather.
August 8, 2007
July 2, 2007
Putin on the Blitz
Vladimir Putin’s diplomatic jaunt to Kennebunkport, Maine, has made for some intriguing sartorial comparisons, of no doubt geostrategic importance. Here, the Russian leader can be seen wearing a shirt with a very high, fashion-y collar accented by double button holes sewn with contrast stitching, in contrast to the more traditional shirts worn by the Presidents Bush (indeed, the elder’s shirt looks worn in). Putin goes with a three-button suit with a stiff front, gauchely unbuttoned, while the American bookends both wear two-buttoned sport coats of a softer, more relaxed design, kept buttoned of course.
Could those be black shoes with a brown suit? At least the Russian loves his doggies, too.
In white (linen?) jeans (which Izzy hears are the rage among fashionistas), Putin takes an unwise risk given the potential for guts and gore on a fishing trip. But at least he maintains the dignity befitting a world leader.
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June 26, 2007
Church’s and State
The Manolo has noted outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair’s revelation that
he had worn the same pair of shoes to his weekly question-and-answer session in parliament since he became the country’s leader.
The shoes in question — an 18-year-old pair of hand-made leather Brogues that have only been re-soled once — were made by Church’s in Northampton, central England.
“I know it’s ridiculous, but I’ve worn them for every PMQs (Prime Minister’s Questions) … I’ve actually had them for 18 years,” Blair told The Times in an interview, adding that “cheap shoes are a false economy.”
As the wise adage has it: Women brag about their newest clothing purchase, men their oldest.
In constrast to Ralph Nader, who has worn the same pair of army boots for decades, Blair’s choice of footwear is beyond reproach, and certainly not evidence of an unhealthy asceticism (so common among self-proclaimed saviors).Â
The Prime Minister has come along way sartorially since his Oxford days.
For the story behind this bowdlerized photograph, as well as the full original image, which is an incredible depiction of the aristocracy at play, go here.
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June 22, 2007
Patently Proper
When it comes to formal wear, the only truly acceptable shoes are opera pumps (for your inner Louis XIV) and patent leather lace-ups.  Made in England, the glossy pair above is now on sale at Brooks Brothers.
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June 5, 2007
Accentuated Brogue
A pair of brogues can sometimes be dull and staid, but, thanks to its energetic lines, this pair from Charles Tyrwhitt breathes life into the classic style.
May 23, 2007
Sprezzatura Personified
In his Book of the Courtier, Renaissance man Baldassare Castiglione coined the much-needed, and delightful, word “sprezzatura”:
It is an art which does not seem to be an art. One must avoid affectation and practice in all things a certain sprezzatura, disdain or carelessness, so as to conceal art, and make whatever is done or said appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it … obvious effort is the antithesis of grace. Â
It is, in sum, the art of making the difficult look easy. Needless to say, it applies to one’s life just as much as one’s appearance. But when applied to the latter, it counsels avoiding perfection, even if that means creating intentional flaws—though they must never be seen as such.Â
Examine the Milanese gentleman above. With his negligently unbuttoned shirt, floppy pocket square, rumpled linen jacket with its sleeves folded back—this, my friends, is sprezzatura on a bicycle.
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May 14, 2007
All Feet on Deck
Finally giving in to a long-standing sea lust, Izzy is determined to become a real sailor this summer. The endeavor, of course, will require just the right shoes. After giving it much thought, Izzy has decided to outfit himself with these classic canvas Top-Siders from Sperry.
May 9, 2007
The Prep Step
April 17, 2007
Big Shoes to Fill
Believe it or not, dear readers, but these feet are those of none other than the Manolo himself! He says he is wearing
the size eleven Clydes by the Taryn Rose, the pair of double-buckle, monk-strap shoes of which the Manolo has been especially fond this last year or so.
Who knew the Manolo was so tall? And who would have guessed he was such a fan of the gabardine?
For those who wish to follow the maestro’s taste in footwear, Zappos offers a similar, if more outre style from the same cordwainer.
March 28, 2007
Tricksy
This pair of brogues from Tricker’s of England has the most unusual patina Izzy has ever seen. Looking as if it were made of burled walnut, it reminds Izzy of Florentine leather that is crafted to look like wood.
March 8, 2007
The Anatomy of a Shoe
Izzy has never been able to recall all of the names for the parts of a shoe, but this handy diagram from Esquire, while not terribly clear, is still helpful. You can find a picture of an intact pair of the Allen-Edmonds McClaim wingtips here.
February 16, 2007
Footwear Fit for Da Vinci
While Hugo Boss’ style generally evokes everything German and modern, something about these simple suede boots makes Izzy think fondly of the Italian Renaissance.