LOST AND FOUND: FRATELLI ROSSETTI SEMI BROGUE LACE-UPS

Moving to a bigger apartment forced me to revamp my closet – I gave away boxes worth of clothes that no longer fit and a couple of lace-ups and loafers that finally gave in after months and years of too much walking. It wasn't until about two weeks ago that I really realized I still kept the pair of black cap-toe semi brogue lace-up Fratelli Rossetti’s bought two years ago, still in pristine condition.  

No molds, sole still intact – unbelievable! I’m definitely giving it another chance. In fact, I’m actually wearing it now.

WHAT JUST GOT IN!

Look what just got in at Centre Commercial!

Taking inspiration from both traditional British footwear and military uniforms, Centre Commercial reveals its version of the iconic Derbys and Richelieus.

Handcrafted in Brazil, Centre Commercial are the first shoes with crepe soles made from 100% Amazonian rubber. Yes, handcrafted in a family workshop using ecologically tanned leather – amazing!

BROGUING IT LIKE YEAH!

Just like dad and mi abuelito, I have always been a fan of leather-soled lace-ups.

Yes, I have plunked down a wad of cash for these sweet pair of brogue lace-ups from Salvatore Ferragamo (Just like my Alden’s, Opening Ceremony, Dries Van Noten, Paul Smith and bespoke lace-ups from my trusted cobbler, it’s worth every penny!) I got a few years back but after years of constant usage, I need to get back its thunder.


(sun’s finally out just for a few hours – fingers crossed it does not rain again!)

It doesn’t bother me whether I slip or slide but damnit, what to do when it rains?

Shoe leather is tough and getting them resoled is part of the deal though I try my best to avoid wearing my pair on rainy days but this bi-polar weather is just unavoidable.


(My pretty much well-scuffed 3 year old brogues)

The availability of overshoes in this part of the pond is zero (I have checked almost all shoe stores even Besa and Mr. Quickie – no luck!) and there’s no way I’m replacing them with rubber soles! Finding a handsome pair with rubber soles is just plain stressful and the idea of wearing one with a suit give me nightmares.


(Having heels fixed this weekend - Part of the logo engraved on the leather sole still shows)

And oh, you ( Yes! You in triple pleated trousers and boxy floral shirts), here are a couple of things for you to remember:

1. The slickest Italian lace-up (please see photo above) won’t look like much without a polish
2. When in doubt, keep the shoes simple. Sturdy black lace-ups go with any suit and on casual days, jeans. Trust me!
3. Round toe not extra pointy nor square. End of story.
4. Black, like brown goes with gray
5. Black suit, black shoes. No need to complicate matters. I mean, seriously!?
6. When buying local and value for money, Bristol’s the way to go
7. Other brands to consider if you are NOT willing to spend extra: Zara, Massimo Dutti, Aldo, Pedro, Bass and Cole Haan

WHEN BLUE DOES NOT EQUATE TO SADNESS

It is common sense that us gentlemen do need to have a pair that are a little more conservative – that makes most of what I own except for the purple and green pair of Gommino’s from Tod’s and Zara.

Thirty years and 7 days later, I have come to realize I was never a believer of comfort. I have enjoyed the pain of blisters just as much as walking around the room, looking at myself in front of the mirror with a handsome pair of loafers.


(Finally baptized them at the weekend market yesterday. And oh, an inch and a quarter heel - not bad for added confidence. Not that I'm short because I am not!)

And yes, there is more to shoes than black and brown – I just got myself a pair of suede tassel loafers in blue. Think Nicolas Sarkozy minus Carla.

Though I still have not blessed them due to Manila’s damp weather, I just can’t wait to pair them with my red trousers.

Here is a smart guide to buying shoes:

1. Always buy in the afternoon. No matter how much you’re itching to spend your few thousands, wait until your feet swell to their largest as the day progresses and yes, it is better to buy a pair that are a little too big than a little too small.

2. Check the inside. If it does not have any lining like most local brands and the grains of the leather is exposed, expect it to smile and say hello in two months.

3. Walk around the shop when trying them on. Do not settle sitting down and checking the tips of your toes like a ballerina in training. You need to see how they function and oh, if it hurts – forget it!

Happy birthday to me!

BASIC MATTER 36: WOODEN SOLES

For someone who prefers to be out on weekends whether at the weekend market or early afternoon mimosas at the café across the park, there is no reason to let good lace-ups collect dust on weekends.





Yes, a solid wooden sole pair like these are made for..you got it - showing off!

BASIC MATTER 26: THE CLASSIC CAP TOE FROM ALDEN

I believe clothing and appearance really speak about a persons taste. The clothing you wear reflects that taste level and understanding.

I have always been simple and very traditional with the things I pick. I like solid colors hence having more than 5 white dress shirts in my closet and a number of classic patterns like gingham and plaids - things that can’t necessarily be dated or go out of style for long like my recent purchase online.



Yes, I finally got my pair of black cap toe Alden dress shoes – pretty classic and perfect for dressier launches, client meetings and formal affairs.

Like my trusty tan brogues, black cap toe dress shoes are the most formal shoe you can own. It works with every gray, blue, black trousers and tapered denim jeans.

And oh, make sure they have a rounded toe with leather or wooden soles and are made from real leather. Paying a little bit more is always worth the money!

MY DAD'S VINTAGE BROGUES

The heart of every gentleman’s great wardrobe is an old pair of brogues in black or brown. I always wear mine with love – in fact, I just had my 7 year old black brogues resoled during my recent trip down south.



I had the chance to borrow my dad’s favorite pair of brown brogues for a couple of days during my trip - too bad he caught me secretly packing them haha.

BASIC MATTER 22: WEEKEND DRESSING

I am flying down south in a couple of days to take advantage of my first vacation leave in three years and I have been dying to host an afternoon barbeque at our front lawn.

There is something so laidback about the south that I am excited to pack only my basics and hey, we have no excuse not to dress well. Nada!

Shirt | Hamilton Blue Contrast Utility
Trousers | D.S. Dundee Hamilton Trousers Sandwood
Bag |'Birch' Tan Leather Mens Weekend Bag from Equip
Brogues | G.H Bass Barret Suede Wingtip

Chambray, chinos and that classic white shirt looks good if not better on us men when worn wrinkled - such pretty simplicity.

What to steal from dads closet when I fly home - his Panama Hat!

And, I am definitely spending the whole afternoon at our farm with a cold glass of fresh coconut juice – It is too peaceful not to.

GOING BESPOKE: BROGUES OR WEEJUNS?

I have been wanting to update my footwear for the holidays and I haven’t found the right pair of conservative brogues that I'll be wearing on my feet the next couple of month.

Church's - English made shoes from Très Bien Shop on Vimeo.

The process of having a pair of shoes made hasn't changed in decades so I thought of having a pair or two made from the cobbler my friend introduced me to over the weekend. Brogues are my favorite and I have two pairs in brown and boring black from way back.

I may have had a couple of shirts and trousers made by side street tailors but having a pair of shoes made is an entirely different thing. I am excited and scared at the same time. Maybe I should just try it out and yes, I’m definitely pairing them with red socks.

THE SEBAGO NEXUS PROJECT: TOUCHING AMERICANA & HIP-HOP

Ronnie Fieg Presents: The Sebago Nexus Project - Trailer by Jake Davis from Jake Davis on Vimeo.

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?

BASIC MATTER 15: THE SUEDE LOAFERS

Here’s what I got myself last week for Christmas. I always like the preppy classic suede loafers or what dad would call, the 'old man' shoes.


‘A man may wear his heart on his sleeve, but his shoes will tell you what condition it’s in´ from the book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers.

Probably I’m an old guy at heart but definitely not conservative and stodgy.