BASIC MATTER 20: BROWN BROGUES AND VEJA

I’m flying over down south next month to attend a conference which happens to be my dad’s hometown and I cannot wait to rummage his shoe closet for vintage brogues and moccasins. Like me, he has never been a fan of anything too tacky which has developed into my personal style. He is the type who wouldn’t spend more than $100 on a pair of brogues on me but will be more than willing to spend more than $500 on a pair of lace-ups on himself. I remember dad would always tell me that shoes are always a part of evolution into being well dressed.

(Photo taken from Mister Mort)

To add flare with the brown brogues, match it with the perfect organic leather bag dyed in acacia extract from the North-East of Brazil. For five years now, the bags from Veja has worked in Brazil on an innovative and progressive project creating new agricultural channels and raising crafting standards whilst respecting both the environment and human rights. Not bad huh! Even the lining and canvas are made from organic cotton grown by a co-operative of producers also from the same province.


Like a crisp white shirt paired with raw blue jeans and the perfect bag, the classics is where it's really at.

KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL

Growing up in the 80’s, mum taught me to wear traditional canvas and leather sneaks aside from the usual weejuns and tasseled loafers to parties and out of town trips - It was a preppy requisite in my neck of the woods.

Today, it’s all about thoughtfully acquiring items that can subtly spruce up a basic wardrobe and still look fresh a year later.

Being the hoarder that I am, I have five pairs of sneakers ranging from preppy staples like Fred Perry and Tretorn to unbranded $15 canvas lace-ups that I regularly wear to the weekend village market or around the neighborhood.

Mum would always tell me that what you wear south of your ankles always deserve a seasonal update and nothing says you’re ready for boiling equatorial temperatures and bespoke cotton shorts like a pair of refined classis sneaks from Veja.

(I’m in love with These pair of Taua’s and vegetable-tanned suede Indegenos)

Made out of chrome-free leather tanned with organic compounds and are cut, sewn and assembled in Southern Brazil, Veja shoes are the next best thing unlike the clunky mass produced ones available all over favoured by almost everyone. Veja shoes are streamlined and subtle and oh, they look great with seersuckers, khakis and even denim trousers.

And hold on, they have also launched “project numero deux” , its first line of ethical bags. I’m drooling now!

BASIC MATTER 17 : THE CLASSIC BROWN LACE-UPS

I totally love classic brown lace-ups. A nice pair are essential
to go with well cut trousers, tailored suits, or just about anything.


(never commit the cardinal sin of buying a pair of rubber soled shoes, as opposed to a pair of shoes with a leather sole.)

I love how a simple brown lace-up gain its own personality with time and multiple polishes - everyone should own a pair or two.

I am going shoe hunting tomorrow, wanna come?