Never really thought about style until now...

[GotED?]

I have to agree wholeheartedly with Pierce_r on this. I have personally purchased in the past 2 years, many pairs of Calvin Klein shoes/boots and they are not even worth $20 yet selling for over $75-$100 retail!! They are poorly made in China (not all are poorly made from China though, even Boss Hugo has them made in China) and the gluing job is left little to be desired where the leather upper is glued like a 2nd grader's pre-school job to the sole of the shoes.

Kenneth Cole is also over-priced and duck feet shoes with beta fuccked man made soles.

Dockers - nope: you are definitely a beta fuccked American still wearing beta fuccked manmade soles.

(I personally can not tolerate Rockport, Bostonian, or Stacy Adams much, but if you are tight on money, then you must do with what you can, not being judgemental).

Suprisingly, I have had really good experience with Guess boots. They are solid and reliable so far.

I was raised by my parents as money pinching cheap-arse shopper, bought only what was on clearance and not care about the 'fit' or style. I used to have a rule to spend no more than $20 on shoes and $10 on shirts. Now I realize how beta-fuccked I was for almost a quarter of a decade, and I have no gripe spending $50-$100 on a pair of really sexy shoes that will turn women's heads. Stop drinking, smoking, getting paid whoores and spend that money on something nice for yourself to wear - sometimes it is called self-love, something we beta-fucckkers need to realize and treat ourselves instead of the princess in another castle.

Exodus

 

[Vigs]

Since someone mentioned Cologne. I am having good luck with D&G Light Blue. Every time I wear it, women stop and smell me

 

[BeDJ]

No. Square-toed Kenneth Coles = BAD SHOES.

Women see your shoes as an IQ test, and if you bought these, you failed.

(http://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Cole-New-York-OnBrown9-5/dp/B00336FI00/ref=sr_1_8?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1389411362&sr=1-8&keywords=kenneth+cole+shoes

Holy Moly. I didn't realize they were square toed, the buckle was a tease. I agree, square toed shoes are repulsive.

Everyone has their own opinion as far as Quality vs. Quantity. At this moment, I am not as concerned with the construction as I am with the style and my budget. I'd rather have (10) $100 pair shoes than (5) $200 pair shoes, given dollars to quality are consistent. The cheaper ones wear out faster, yes. However, with the rotation, you can minimize that gap.

The man makes the clothing...

I shop mainly at Burlington Coat Factory and the Goodwill. I buy occasionally from Macy's when they have excellent sales. Most of my suits cost about $100, I try to spend no more than $15 on dress shirts, no more than $15 on slacks, casual shirts no more than $10, jeans no more than $10, no more than $25 on shoes, and no more than $100 on Invicta watches.

I'm cheap as **** but look like I'm worth so much more.

How does Burlington compare to Ross/Marshalls? Do they carry similar designer out-of-season apparel?

I was raised by my parents as money pinching cheap-arse shopper, bought only what was on clearance and not care about the 'fit' or style. I used to have a rule to spend no more than $20 on shoes and $10 on shirts. Now I realize how beta-fuccked I was for almost a quarter of a decade, and I have no gripe spending $50-$100 on a pair of really sexy shoes that will turn women's heads. Stop drinking, smoking, getting paid whoores and spend that money on something nice for yourself to wear - sometimes it is called self-love, something we beta-fucckkers need to realize and treat ourselves instead of the princess in another castle.

Sure, treat yourself and don't waste money on bad habits. However, I still don't understand why people pay $10 for a pair of CK boxers when Hanes gives you 5.

Kenneth Cole is also over-priced and duck feet shoes with beta fuccked man made soles.

Say what you will about Kenneth Cole, I'm still wearing their boots I bought almost 3 years ago. They were the $200 MSRP ones that I got for $50-75. (No, I don't wear worn out shoes.)

 

[GotED?]

However, I still don't understand why people pay $10 for a pair of CK boxers when Hanes gives you 5.

Say what you will about Kenneth Cole, I'm still wearing their boots I bought almost 3 years ago. They were the $200 MSRP ones that I got for $50-75. (No, I don't wear worn out shoes.)

The thing about CK boxers (I personally falls into this category as I have CK underwear) is that women go out of their way to look sexy in their underwear, to the point of wearing lingerie. Men should make an effort I suppose to wear something sexy in return (or manly, shall we term it appropriately).

I am not forcing my opinion of any brand of shoemaker on anyone. The main point of this thread is education, knowledge, and being aware. I used to own multitudes of flat toed shoes and I stopped suddenly after I read and learned about style versus fashion. I actually threw them all out a year ago and replaced them with more sensible shoes I am telling in this thread that will last through time when fashion statement changes (as flat toed shoe has outlived its years).

As long as you FEEL confident and good about how you appear to women, this is what is important. Things would need to change if you are not getting the response that you want (sneakers paired with baggy jeans, etc) from women. Again, you don't have to change - some men are handsome enough and fit enough that they can wear anything and get hit on. This is the same as those HB9 or HB10 that don't have to do much either. But we are on this website for a reason, aren't we?? That speaks volumes where we are - and we are not a 9 or 10 probably.

Exodus

 

[BeDJ]

The thing about CK boxers (I personally falls into this category as I have CK underwear) is that women go out of their way to look sexy in their underwear, to the point of wearing lingerie. Men should make an effort I suppose to wear something sexy in return (or manly, shall we term it appropriately).

I am not forcing my opinion of any brand of shoemaker on anyone. The main point of this thread is education, knowledge, and being aware. I used to own multitudes of flat toed shoes and I stopped suddenly after I read and learned about style versus fashion. I actually threw them all out a year ago and replaced them with more sensible shoes I am telling in this thread that will last through time when fashion statement changes (as flat toed shoe has outlived its years).

As long as you FEEL confident and good about how you appear to women, this is what is important. Things would need to change if you are not getting the response that you want (sneakers paired with baggy jeans, etc) from women. Again, you don't have to change - some men are handsome enough and fit enough that they can wear anything and get hit on. This is the same as those HB9 or HB10 that don't have to do much either. But we are on this website for a reason, aren't we?? That speaks volumes where we are - and we are not a 9 or 10 probably.

Exodus

My apologies if I appeared on the offensive. I absolutely agree regarding the importance of presenting yourself.

I was adding my opinion for men who have a budget constraint or don't find $300 pairs of shoes appealing.

 

[GotED?]

My apologies if I appeared on the offensive. I absolutely agree regarding the importance of presenting yourself.

I was adding my opinion for men who have a budget constraint or don't find $300 pairs of shoes appealing.

Hey BeDJ, you show a lot of maturity and if I could +1 rep you I would, but I have to spread (my legs!?) the reputations around before I could LOL....

I wish someone would hack into this website and change that to 'You need to spread open your legs around some more before raping BeDJ again'. That would be hilarious... :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup:

(but seriously - for being in your 20's, I wish you the best with the ladies because you seem to be a straight talking dude and not ego driven (that's to the rest of you mutha-fucckers!!).

Exodus

 

[HumbleNinja]

Yes, and no. Again, you're not trying to convince them that you have a private island and a fueled jet waiting. That way lies heartache; no one likes feeling duped.

But a woman likes to know that you can do well with the money you have. How you dress yourself has a lot to do with your resourcefulness -- what you can do with what you've got. Women like to be seen with a man who dresses well, and the right clothes (for you, whatever that means) not only set you apart but make you approachable.

That's why I work part time at a high end department store.

You are first dibs when new stuff comes in to know about. Once stuff goes on clearance AND you know the best coupons PLUS employee discount...Sht it's like you can't stop buying top quality stuff. lol. You become addicted to it.

No. Square-toed Kenneth Coles = BAD SHOES.

Women see your shoes as an IQ test, and if you bought these, you failed.

Those CK's you linked to are borderline.

A beginner's rule for shoes should be:

IF A COMPANY PRIMARILY MAKES ANYTHING OTHER THAN SHOES, DON'T BUY THEIR SHOES.

You can't lose with this rule.

This eradicates Dockers, CK, and Kenneth Cole -- the 3 most egregious offenders -- and holds true for anyone else I can think of outside of Nordstrom and Brooks Brothers. (Nordstrom shoes are built by J&M at their factory in Italy, and the really fine ones are made by Sasseti; BB's are handmade by Peal & Co. in England, which is why you're paying $650 a pair. But then, if you're wearing BB shoes, you know what the hell you're doing and don't need to be reading this thread.)

You do know Ted Baker, Vince Camuto, and John Vavartos make/offer things other than shoes correct? Dress shirts, ties, colognes etc. (Though very stylish brands.)

I’m surprised no one’s mentioned Allen Edmonds or Johnston and Murphys shoes.

A lot of dudes don't realize you don't have to pay top dollar for the best stuff. Just wait till you see a good sale on something you like and ASK FOR THE COUPON. If theres 500 pair of shoes..Sometimes on clearance in your size for 200..you get a 25% coupon on them...You get them for 150 bucks. Even LESS if you work there.

Since someone mentioned cologne. I am having good luck with D&G Light Blue. Every time I wear it, women stop and smell me

D+G Light Blue. Lol. I just got samples of that. Good stuff. Though chicks I work with like Ferrigamo Luna Rosa better. I think they’re both good. There’s so many great colognes out you really have to get the best one for you. (Working at the store I take all the new samples I can from the fragrance chicks. A few a day.) Got tons of them. Save the best ones for going out and the others to wear while working. Much better than spending on cologne and or only buying a few bottles. Straight from the store itself and not taking chances with stuff online. Then I just spend on clothes shoes etc.



And to the posters who mentioned Calvin Klein shoes. CORRECT. Those shoes svck serious azz. Bought one pair for extremely cheap when I first started. Wore them twice. Kenneth Coles shoes svck too.


Cole Haans are comfortable as hell. Hugo Boss, Bruno Magli, Ted Baker, John Vavartos all great shoes.

Allen Edmonds I need to check out and I've heard a lot of good things about Johnston and Murphy's. Though never bought them...yet..

The thing about CK boxers (I personally falls into this category as I have CK underwear) is that women go out of their way to look sexy in their underwear, to the point of wearing lingerie. Men should make an effort I suppose to wear something sexy in return (or manly, shall we term it appropriately).

CK Boxer briefs are good. Polo Big Pony boxer briefs too. (Boxers shorts I hate wearing. Just don't like them.)

Hugo Boss boxer briefs are too plain. Don't like them. Emporio Armani Briefs look g@y as fvck. Don't like those either. lol

Spanx are expensive as fvck and never go on sale. I bit the bullet twice and got an undershirt and underwear. **** cost like 100 bucks for both. Things fit like a friggin Spider Man super hero costume though. lol. Two pairs of each are fine.

The rest Calvin Klein and Polo.


I'd recommend any dude to LOOK online at your nearest high end department stores website. See what you need. Look at what's listed on sale. THEN go to the store so you don't waste time and nothings on sale...ASK FOR A COUPON from another customer or even the cashiers. (They'll give it if you ask.) I used to think it was "g@y" to ask for a coupon like some chick shopper (before I started working there)...but when you see how much more you get off besides the sale you're like: "Oh fvck yea..!"

Some coupons they may have may not work. You may have to ask a customer for a bill coupon that comes with their store CC statement and it might work. (Some brands get excluded). But it's worth it to get that extra money off than just paying and walking out not knowing you could be saving even more than just a sale price.

 

[pierce_r]

Allen Edmonds is the entry level handmade, lasted shoe.

I think of J&M as a "gateway shoe." Like a gateway drug.

 

[trent_afc]

Opinions on these? Looking for brown dressy casual with jeans, chinos, or cords.
http://www.allenedmonds.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producti_SF4046_1_40000000001_-1_#

 

[GotED?]

Opinions on these? Looking for brown dressy casual with jeans, chinos, or cords.
http://www.allenedmonds.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producti_SF4046_1_40000000001_-1_#

Getting better - that's a pretty unique and sexy looking brogue wingtip. However, a bit TOO unique - in the sense the finish is quite different. If I was going to spend $200 (and I am NOT going to) on any shoes, I would probably go a bit more conservative with a nice smooth brown finish that can be used for much more occassions (work, play, dates, etc).

But that's a nice looking shoe regardless - I just can't cough up the money for shoes like that YET (LOL)..... So far I am quite happy with leather soled shoes of Italian make, not necessary the brand name for around $100.

 

[trent_afc]

Thanks GotED, I think I was drawn to the shoe precisely because of the finish. I'm just not a fan of high gloss with jeans. I was thinking these would be great for work (business casual at most) and for dates. Then go with the more traditional glossy black wing tips/cap toes for the suits and black shirt/black shoe combos. And rounded out with a pair of old school casual sneakers (adidas, chuck taylors, etc) for daily casual.

Thoughts? I'm starting to get analysis paralysis now...lol. Thanks!

 

[Vigs]

Picked up a pair of Bostonian wing tips and a pair of Johnston and Murphy's cap toes for 12 bucks total at goodwill Sunday.

 

[HoneyHitter]

My reluctant bit of advise

Awesome advice guys. This thread is GOLDEN.

Especially this:

7) Learn about COLOR complementing: This means NEVER wear two pieces of clothing next to each other of colors are too close alike but not identical. This is the worst look ever. Match similiar color together but have enough contrast to not look like a dork or man without style.

But I'll take it a little further now for all you guys that are serious about this. I'll keep it concise, though:

Level 1: Learn about the following color techniques:

- Matching
- Contrasting
- Shading
- Toning


Level 2: Study how these color techniques are applied to create a balanced look:

- Study people with a professionally managed wardrobe and recognise which techniques they applied

- When you see someone that stands out, dissect what they are actually wearing and what makes them look awesome. (no homo :trouble: )

- When someone looks off, make a mental note of what was missing in their attire combination.


Level 3: Study your own natural colors

- Know your specific hair, eye and skin color.

No, not just "I'm white", "I'm black" or "I'm tanned". Be more specific. I used a color-picking program (30-day trial version) on my computer to figure it out by picking colors from recent pictures. Write down the exact color codes (RGB, hexadecimal or both) from the color picking program.
Now go to any online color-matching website and enter your colors to find out how to apply the techniques you learned at Level 1.

- Learn about your body measures (neck, chest, waist, arms, legs) and how they translate to the size of your clothes.

- Study pictures of yourself (yes, seriously ) and criticize your look:
1) What's lacking?
2) How could it be improved?
3) How many different alternatives could you create, only using what's in your current wardrobe?


Level 4: Customizing your look

- Start using your knowledge of colors when looking for clothes

- Learn how to dress for different occasions and expand your wardrobe in flexible and efficient way. With your increased knowledge of colors, you should be able to do this, because you'll be able to match a lot of clothes in many different combinations. For example, let's suppose you have 3 pants and 3 button-up shirts. Given the right color combinations, that would give you 9 (= 3 x 3) different looks already. Now imagine what happens if you add even more to the equation! (shoes, belts, jackets, scarves, ties,...)

- Plan your wardrobe management. Don't wait till you are missing something. (like I did for way too many years!!!) Take out one hour a week to think about this stuff and looking around (online) for what you like and ALSO looks good on you.

At this point you may come to realize that some of the colors you actually LIKE don't match with your body colors in any particular way, but wait! Hold on! You may have to shelve those colors for a while, but once you get better at this you'll be able to pull off all kinds of combinations and make them look spectacular. This could take a few years of conscious wardrobe management.



...damn, this is way more drawn out than I intended.

 

[Bwana]

Ok first post. Women will notice your shoes. Quality matters.
Modest budget Allen Edmonds and Alden not bad. make sure you can get ones that say they can be rebuilt. Loake are similar in quality and price from England but don't hold up quit as well but can be rebuilt. Grensons are a little nicer. When you have a little more cash get Churches made for you they all can be rebuilt and hold up forever. When you figure out women will pay more attention to you shoes than a rolex then drop the cash for Edward Green or John Lobb. You will cringe when you pay for them but if you want the best get the best. I like Italian clothing but find their shoes are expensive but not very good.

 

[Watawata]

useless thread

 

[pierce_r]

^^ Useless man.

 

[tomwilliamau]

thanks for sharing nice information

 

[quagland]

I just need to say this thread is DEAD ON. I've prided myself on my slacker/stoner/tagger style since I was a kid. I was promoted to management not too long ago and my VP has forced me to change the way I dress. I now have to dress like an adult and decided to own it. In the last week I have women who wouldn't look my way while passing in the halls to them now saying hi to me as I approach. The punk rebel in me think it's bs, but it's the way it is. Own it, put your own touch to it. But listen to the men in this thread. I can't believe how much I'm enjoying changing my style.

 

[Vulpine]

Therefore, you must LEARN style in what you wear (not fashion, fashion is BS).

I am now 41 years old, but for first 38 years of my life - I lived like a typical American sheltered in our own ego-centric Americanized society never realizing that another world/culture exists beyond our somewhat arrogant view of the world of United States just because we are the most powerful nation. As a U.S. federal government employee, I was privileged to work overseas in Germany and now over 3 years in the United Kingdom. Did this experience OPEN my eyes for the first time, to how sh!tty American men have it in terms of style and dressing compared to the European men.

It is not any of our faults as Americans (if you are one) - our society as American men lack depth in culture when compared to the Europeans. No wonder beta fuccks are bred here more than anywhere else in the world.

Sing the gospel, Bru!:rockon:

They have an old saying in drag racing: "Run what you brung"

That is, race what you have. And, far too much weight is put on dress, in my opinion. Style is one thing, but fashion and name-brand stuff is for women to talk about. My box-toed Dr.Martens (my 'ƒuck me' shoes, if you will) may be "out of fashion", but, after I highly polished them, they go nicely with my "style". Women like "shiny", it makes no difference what the name is under that polish, or even the shape of the toe. Shiny = expensive, so don't underestimate the power of shoe polish. I picked up a pair of steel-toed shoes at a thrift store for $6, took them home, and oh, boy, do they hold a shine! When you get "I like your shoes", it's not because they like your shoes. That goes for anything. It's like a guy saying "I like your shirt" to a woman whose t¡ts they're staring at.

My point is, if you look clean, that's all that matters. Beyond that, well, it depends who you are trying to impress. Are you trying to impress women with how you dress? Then, you get an "F" in the mindset column.

Women should be looking at YOU, not your clothes. If they aren't seeing YOU and nitpick your clothing instead, then your problem is not your clothes. When you go crazy and change your wardrobe under the guise of "getting women", then you spent a gang of cash on a gimmick and not on your financial goals.

How you wear your clothes is what matters. It's your essence, your style. Your style is an extension of, or compliment to your personality, your style is not who you are. There are guys on here that could pull more tail in a snuggie than some could with a designer suit. Clothes are just clothes. Wear them with your own Style. Hell, folks put stuff on me just to watch me rock it. "Here, Vulpine, try this on." And, I rock whatever it is, because, well, I make sh¡t look good, not vice-versa. A pair of coveralls on me is the sexiest pair of coveralls in my kingdom.

Do yourself a favor: learn to convert neg hits regarding your wardrobe into plates spinning. Test yourself, too. Go out dressed in two different styles and objectively compare the results. I have, and I found that what I wear makes little difference in my overall game. I just do what I do, so wearing what I wear is part of the complete package. I wear what I wear to please myself.

And, seriously, take a moment to consider the quality of the woman who disqualifies you based on your clothing. Do you honestly want to do them the favor of letting them see you naked? Do you honestly want a gold-digger in your life to support? One whose hobbies are of the spend-money sort? I have no use for the worthless standard-issue, disposable, materialistic, consumer Barbie clone who would be hung up on my clothing. In fact, comments on my clothing have landed in my mind as red flags on several occasions. Though, how I use my filters and qualifications are likely different than many others who may simply want a knobber in the parking ramp on a Friday night.

Now, that's in regards to the women context here. There is no doubt that how you dress can affect other aspects of your life. Surely, there are times and places where dressing to impress is warranted. Just be careful that you don't make a stranger's opinion about something have more bearing in your life than your own wishes.

I have better things to spend my money on than fashion. Besides, I buy clothes that last, not because they are glamourous. But, if you need clothes to make you feel confident...

... no, no, I still say work on your confidence, then, not your wardrobe.

But, hey, I'm a pragmatist. What you find necessary in your life is up to you, just check your motivations is all I'm urging.