More Big Game Thriftin'

I've already posted pictures of my most recent thrifting finds on Style Forum, but I thought it was time I got around to throwing some pics up here at An Uptown Dandy.

It goes without saying that this was a pretty nice haul - even by An Uptown Dandy's admittedly high standards.

Pictured are Edward Green plain-toe shoes with elastic side gussets in what I believe is dark oak leather that has developed a nicely weathered patina; Berluti brogued loafers in what looks like a chestnut antique leather that was finished with a dark polish/burnish to give it that distinctly Berluti look; two pair of Alden shell cordovan loafers - one with a full-strap and the other with tassels - in the classic #8 burgundy shell cordovan color; and another pair of tassel loafers in a light brown/tan leather, made by Grenson for Paul Stuart.

The fact that all of these shoes were in my size is almost too ridiculous to believe. However, if all that weren't enough, I stumbled upon a basket full of ties and suspenders priced at $1.00. So I also came away with the creme tie with navy blue pencil-stripe tie by Polo Ralph Lauren; the pastel/rainbow stripe tie by Hermes, the navy blue tie with yellow stripe and coat of arms by Turnbull & Asser; and a pair of blue/green suspenders from Polo Ralph Lauren.

Not a bad haul for under $75.00 - Essex County continues to impress!

So get out there and keep your eyes open . . .

Edward Green for Ralph Lauren's Purple Label: The Brendon

As most of you know, my mental wish list for shoes doesn't stray very far from captoe and wingtip brogues - usually the variety I'm looking for is with regards to the shade of brown or the last. Occasionally, however, I do like to try a norwegian split-toe or a loafer or even the odd chukka boot - usually for business casual attire or even to wear with denim. The cordovan split-toe loafers from Carmina that I purchased in the spring are one recent example, as well as the deadstock Peal loafers made by Edward Green that I posted pictures of a few weeks ago.

With that in mind, I always try to drop into the shoe department at Ralph Lauren's Rhinelander Mansion at 72nd Street and Madison Avenue, to peruse the new models on display and chat with Erik Walker, the resident shoe guru.

The last few times I've passed by, I was mesmerized by one model named the Brendon, which is essentially a 3-eyelet version of Edward Green's iconoclastic Dover shoe. A split-toe lace-up, the apron of the Dover (and Brendon) is famously made by hand and stitched together using pig bristles. The operation requires such skill and attention to detail that the time involved to complete the stitching is reflected in the high - even by Edward Green standards - price of the shoes, which are probably the most expensive in Edward Green's ready-to-wear cannon.

Unfortunately, the Brendon has been sold out in my size for some time at Ralph Lauren, but after patiently biding my time (for awhile!) I was finally able to track down a pair. And it was worth the wait. The boots come in Edward Green's dark oak calf leather, a dark brown that really shows off the company's burnishing techniques. The darker patina around the toe box and rear quarters is just exquisite. The boots also feature a double sole, which gives them a more substantive, less dainty countenance  - in the end, this is a dress boot but it has some heft to it.

Interestingly, the Brendon was made on the 89 last, Ralph Lauren's own Edward Green last. Shoes on this last usually provide a generous width, but the toe box retains a sleek, elegant appearance. Recently, most RL models have been made on the elongated, sleeker 888 last, and several sources have pointed out that the 89 is in the process of being phased out in favor of the 888. If that is indeed the case, I feel fortunate to have been able to purchase one last pair on what is a truly sublime last from Edward Green.