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

BASIC MATTER 28: PACKING LIGHT AND A COUPLE OF HIGH FIVES

I know a lot of business travelers often have the luxury of dropping off a few shirts at the dry cleaners and having them ready within hours, but not me.

I still seem not to understand the value of packing light for short trips until recently and for someone who takes forever in front of the mirror before deciding what to wear for the day, it can be fairly difficult.


(Sartorial wet dreams at Ascot Chang,Hong-Kong!)


Yes, we all know it is easier said than done but hey, I finally did leave for the first time without checking-in my luggage.

Here’s what I packed with me:



1. Dress shirts from Brooks Brothers and Charles Tyrwhitt
2. Basic black leather-soled cap toes from Alden
3. Pair of red, black and purple socks from Uniqlo
4. Bespoke gray and black suit pants
5. Knit tie from Paul Smith, thrifted Japanese rep tie and vintage silk Armani tie in
paisley
6. And my go to preppy navy blazer

And oh, aside from the great view up at the meeting room, I still got the chance to go out and reward myself with more shirts from Brooks Brothers, Ascot Chang and Moustache!

Ok, still drooling over that pale blue shirt I saw last night at Kiton.

BLACK AND BLUE AND A BAD SORE THROAT

It has been two weeks since I lost my voice due to a bad sore throat and probably too much alcohol but that didn’t stop me from looking like I just schlepped out of bed today.


Yes, I came in today wearing my blue blazer, classic black brogues from Alden, my favorite blue denim trousers from A.P.C., happy anchor socks and my blue dress shirt from Brooks Brothers that took me 3 months to fit in (laughs).

Ok, shouldn’t I be two floor up? (winks)

Currently playing on my playlist: Tahiti 80, Bob Dylan, Empire of the Sun and The Whitest Boy Alive.