[SAM135iAM]

I might get flamed for this, but I recently purchased two Express ties for the "fun" print design that they had. I was just trying to add a more spunky attitude to my attire for an outing I was going to. I am actually quite surprised at the quality of the material and the hold of the knot (I tie half Windsor with my ties). I can't comment on the durability of the material yet as I have not worn it enough. I did receive a few complements on one of them though. For the price, they were a pretty good bang for the buck.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Women, in my experience, pay a lot more attention to $500 shoes on your feet than a $10k watch on your wrist. I wear mostly Ferragamo and Gucci with an occasional Bruno Magli or Santoni mixed in. Avoid leather bottoms now that I'm getting older and they hurt my back towards the end of the day.

Yes indeed.

[SAM135iAM]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Like the discusión. But I'm curious... What kind of shoes do you all where? There's a lil thread dedicated to 'kicks'. Feel free to share.
I have suits, plenty of slacks and shirts but nothing sets your look off better than what's on your feet! And believe me when I say... What's on your feet gets as much attention as what's on your torso.

^This! I seldom wear ties. I'm always wearing a dress shirt and chinos. I only wear Allen Edmonds. Specifially McTavish and Numok. I'm always getting compliments on my shoes. I also have a nice pair of Cole Hann Lunar Grands for when I'll be on my feet a lot and want to get spunky with my outfit. I am a watch guy too. Omega and Tag can be found on my wrist most days. The watches don't really get any attention though. As far as shirts and chinos go, I pretty much buy whatever I like regardless of the name. One of my favorite button ups that I get the most compliments on is a Stafford Prep short sleeve oxford from JCPenny. It just fits my build perfectly and can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. I think I payed around $13 for it.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by SAM135iAM

^This! I seldom wear ties. I'm always wearing a dress shirt and chinos. I only wear Allen Edmonds. Specifially McTavish and Numok. I'm always getting compliments on my shoes. I also have a nice pair of Cole Hann Lunar Grands for when I'll be on my feet a lot and want to get spunky with my outfit. I am a watch guy too. Omega and Tag can be found on my wrist most days. The watches don't really get any attention though. As far as shirts and chinos go, I pretty much buy whatever I like regardless of the name. One of my favorite button ups that I get the most compliments on is a Stafford Prep short sleeve oxford from JCPenny. It just fits my build perfectly and can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. I think I payed around $13 for it.

Kicking some $ensible knowledge I see!

Without question, one can "dress to impress" (shirts, pants and even suits) on a very limited budget. Women can even get away with less expensive shoes (they have sooooo many to choose from!). But for us guys, when it comes to shoes, there is ZERO options: The quality, look and comfort of a $150+ shoes vs say a $60 or $75 shoe, is easily distinguished/different. I have sort of a shoe fetish. I've amassed a pretty sweet collection over the years. And since I keep them in boxes and rotate them out often, have them polished and install heel guards, they are all like new.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Kicking some $ensible knowledge I see!

Without question, one can "dress to impress" (shirts, pants and even suits) on a very limited budget. Women can even get away with less expensive shoes (they have sooooo many to choose from!). But for us guys, when it comes to shoes, there is ZERO options: The quality, look and comfort of a $150+ shoes vs say a $60 or $75 shoe, is easily distinguished/different. I have sort of a shoe fetish. I've amassed a pretty sweet collection over the years. And since I keep them in boxes and rotate them out often, have them polished and install heel guards, they are all like new.

Shoe trees are also mission critical. That and a proper cobbler to resole as needed, a quality lair of shoes can last you forever. Worst thing you can do is wear them 2 days in a row, need time w shoe trees in between wearing. Shoes that cost 2x as much will last 10x as long.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by SAM135iAM

^This! I seldom wear ties. I'm always wearing a dress shirt and chinos. I only wear Allen Edmonds. Specifially McTavish and Numok. I'm always getting compliments on my shoes. I also have a nice pair of Cole Hann Lunar Grands for when I'll be on my feet a lot and want to get spunky with my outfit. I am a watch guy too. Omega and Tag can be found on my wrist most days. The watches don't really get any attention though. As far as shirts and chinos go, I pretty much buy whatever I like regardless of the name. One of my favorite button ups that I get the most compliments on is a Stafford Prep short sleeve oxford from JCPenny. It just fits my build perfectly and can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. I think I payed around $13 for it.

Allen Edmonds are good. I like Delray. I think it's the split toe that I like best.

If you like AE, you should take a look at Alden

[M_Six]

Wow, I need to brush up on shoes. I once owned a pair of Mephistos that lasted me for years with lots of walking and some serious abuse. I'm always comparing other shoes to that pair and grousing about how they're just not as comfy as the Mephistos were. Guess I need to peruse the Kicks thread and educate myself.

[SAM135iAM]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Shoe trees are also mission critical. That and a proper cobbler to resole as needed, a quality lair of shoes can last you forever. Worst thing you can do is wear them 2 days in a row, need time w shoe trees in between wearing. Shoes that cost 2x as much will last 10x as long.

YES...shoe trees are very important. I've scooped up some pretty good pine shoe trees on amazon for my shoes. They get the job done nicely. I bought a plastic pair for my Cole Hann Lunar Grands from wal mart and them seem to be doing the trick. The Cole Hann are sued so I didn't feel the need to go with pine. Allen Edmond's will re-sole there shoes for the life time of you owner ship. I haven't had to have it done yet. They hold up quite well.

[Billup]

I need to up my shoe game.

[TXSTYLE]

You would have to be doing some serious walking and dragging your feet to wear the sole off of a nice quality pair of kicks! I have some 10yr old Kenneth Coles (which IMO were made better then than now) that have no sign of wearing out. But again, I rotate wearing them so much.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

You would have to be doing some serious walking and dragging your feet to wear the sole off of a nice quality pair of kicks! I have some 10yr old Kenneth Coles (which IMO were made better then than now) that have no sign of wearing out. But again, I rotate wearing them so much.

I'm guessing that's not a leather sole you're speaking of. Those go pretty fast, and I'm not even a big dude.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I'm guessing that's not a leather sole you're speaking of. Those go pretty fast, and I'm not even a big dude.

If it was Kenneth Cole, I'm willing to bet it was those rubber Nike Air soles he's talking about

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I'm guessing that's not a leather sole you're speaking of. Those go pretty fast, and I'm not even a big dude.

These particular ones are leather. Very thick soles.

And let me just say I didn't mean to hijack this thread.

But I would like to see those of you interested to chime in: http://www.7post.com/forums/showthre...922863&page=17

[NEFARIOUS]

I've been a firm believer in getting what you paid for, and so far my higher-end (Versace and Gucci) ties have held together nicely even after 5 years, while the cheapy ones I had usually only lasts 1-2 years, except I'm surprised that this one I got from the 99 Cent Store in a hurry is lasting fairly long too, but it's a very thick material and the knot looks almost pompously big... I usually do a Full Windsor but I had to go into that meeting with a four-in-hand.

[KingOfJericho]

I wear Magnanni and Too Boot NY shoes. I'm now leaning toward another Maganni pair to replace my worn out black shoes.

This is what I'm wearing now:

Magnanni Santiago

[hongsc]

I wear clip on ties. So much easier to deal with. I buy in bulk, so I'm good if it doesn't last.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by hongsc

I wear clip on ties. So much easier to deal with. I buy in bulk, so I'm good if it doesn't last.

I didn't know trolls wore ties. I mean, who is gonna see them while they lurk under the bridge?

[RandomHero]

Zegna- most luxurious but lack durability
Robert Talbott- Great all around, one of my favorites
Ike Behar- Very good all around, one of my favorites

Hugo Boss- Unless bought on clearance, they're a huge waste of money. You're basically paying a 100% markup just for the name.
Burberry- one of the few designer brands I've had success with. I only own one, but it's held up well
Charles Tyrwhitt- They're on par with their price. I like their dress shirts much more. Nothing special, but they're not crap
Versace- Crap. The quality isn't even average, but at a markup greater than Boss
Armani- The only I own is excellent, but in general, the brand offers little more than others half the price
David Donahue- Not a bad brand, easy to source from Nordstrom Rack
John Nordstrom- Not to be confused with the crappy "Nordstrom" brand. The ones I own were made by Napoli. Excellent quality for the price.

Shoes:
Allen Edmonds- The only shoe I wear anymore. Nothing compares to the value with respect to quality/durability.

Cole Haan, Johnston and Murphy, Kenneth Cole, and similar brands- Decent value, but they're "budget" shoes

Too Boot New York- Complete Crap. Like Hugo Boss, you get an average (at best) quality shoe and pay for the name/design.

Disclaimer- This is entirely my personal opinion and I realize others may not feel the same way.