Seeing Red

Much has already been said on Urban Outfitters getting their hands on a Quoddy account.  I've heard everything from "Quoddy has jumped the shark" to "this is worse than Red Wing at American Apparel" - blah, blah, blah.  I'm not here to comment too much on the matter because it's just as complicated as anytime a beloved niche gets blow open to the public (I will go on record that I am all about Billykirk's diffusion line, The Brothers Bray, for UO because their standard gear is way too rich for my blood, but that's a different story for a different day).  Though part of me doubts whatever fauxhemians shop at Urban Outfitters will actually spend $200+ on a pair of moccasins one cannot deny that Quoddy is indeed widening its net and when you break it down UO is actually doing the exact same thing.  Much like the recent genius moves by J. Crew, Urban Outfitters is positioning itself to appeal to a more sartorial minded and well informed customer that in the past probably wouldn't think twice about actually spending any money there.  Alright, enough waxing poetic...

The actual Quoddy selection at UO is pretty thin, but they are carrying an exclusive red suede blucher which looks like the bastard love child between Tod's and the state of Maine.  These kicks, like any good GTH piece, have a real badass self awareness to them that elevates them above tomfoolery as far as I am concerned.  What really sets them apart from other colored shoes, like Tod's driving shoes, is that they have a classic American aesthetic as oppose to something from across the pond which can often feel too pretentious.  Let's be honest, a sartorial snob is probably going to stick his nose up at you for shopping at Urban Outfitters, but at least you'll have cooler shoes.

-L.A.S

S/S Footwear Primer: High

Despite being a little less structured than the low end list I still tried to be fairly comprehensive with my high end recommendations.  The disclaimer from before applies here as well: "Ultimately this blog reaches a wide range of people and I just want to make sure everyone is covered.  I realize some of you have already seen a lot of this stuff so read on accordingly.  Also, lots of these shoes (probably all of them actually) have gotten some face time on Sart Inc in the past, but I thought it would be helpful to bring them all together in one convenient location."  Anyhow, for all the trustfunders and the financially irresponsible I present to you Sartorially Inclined's S/S Footwear Primer: High...

The Buck:
Mark McNairy's Red Brick Soul Suede Derby...$258.00

 

I promised myself I wouldn't geek out over McNairy AGAIN, but it's really hard not to.  These shoes speak for themselves and are the perfect dirty buck in my book. Great color, red brick sole, goodyear welt, hiking laces, etc. Game. Set. Match.

The Longwing:

Loake Royal Shoe...$196.00 

I realize you can spend a ton more and get a pair of Alden or Allen Edmonds longwings, but I figured I'd do my best to even keep the high end on a short leash where I could.  The Loake Royal in burgundy is a great looking shoe with a classic shape, a Goodyear welted sole and leather insoles.  These puppies are bench made in England and should last you a very long time without forcing you to file for Chapter 11 immediately after you swipe your plastic.

The "Moccasin":
Allen Edmonds Grayson...$325 or $525 for cordovan

I know, I know - these aren't true moccasins so please forgive me.  I'm not the biggest fan of high end moccasins so for me a moc toe, tassled loafer is a great shoe for a sockless S/S.  With that being said, I'm partial to the AE Grayson in the merlot colorway as I believe it adds another level of sophistication to an already sophisticated style of shoe.  Talk about a great way to top off a casual kit.

The Boat Shoe:
Quoddy Deck Chukka...$274

 

If you are going to step up your boat shoe game I personally believe you should man up and go with a chukka version.  Quoddy makes the hands down best in the game and odds are you already know why so I won't bore you by rehashing the details.  I will mention, however, that if the white sole is a little too WASP-y you can always have it switched out for a camp sole.

The Penny Loafer:

Alden Leisure Handsewn Moccasin...$404.00

 

This is your classic Bass Weejun except it's on performance enhancing drugs. Much like all the brands on this list Alden's reputation precedes itself.  The penny loafer is a classic silhouette that every guy should have in his closet. Dress it up or dress it down, it doesn't really matter.  Remember to start from the ground up and if you have the money remember to start with Alden.

-L.A.S

Quod-nificent

I must have missed the memo on Quoddy's online store.  Until today I was under the distinct impression you had to seek out a stockist carrying a collaboration or whatever (at the very least a catalog), but apparently you can go straight to the source.  I'm sure nobody is trying to see anymore boat shoes on the blog today, but what the hell.  There is no need to go into the whole hand sewn, Horween leather, best deck shoes on the market conversation so instead I'll leave you guys with some beautiful imagery of some beautiful shoes (just look at the navy chukkas and boots).  As hard as I try I can't seem to shake my restless anticipation for spring and these are not helping one bit.

 

 

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Apparently Quoddy did indeed have an online shop before, but it was very outdated.  This is apparently an upgrade as oppose to a launch.  I think I actually knew this, but erased it from my memory due to how bad it was.]

A Penny For Your Boat Shoes

[Pictured: Quoddy Trail Boat Penny Loafer available for $195.00.]

When I posted on O'Connell's Clothing at the beginning of the month some folks went pretty nuts for the Quoddy Trail Boat Penny Loafer. The shoe (seen above) is a combination of two perfect warm weather shoes, the penny loafer and the boat shoe.  A pair of these could easily been worn sockless every single day when the weather is nice and you would still be the most stylish dude at the Jersey Shore (since the competition is so fierce).  No one is going to deny how great this shoes is, but the price tag is a little bit of a turn off.  Now I realize Quoddy's reputation speaks for itself and that these boat loafs are handmade in the U.S.A., but they still may be a little too rich for such a casual kick, not to mention I'm a little worried that wearing them sockless 24/7 in the spring and summer will absolutely destroy them.  For a cheap alternative try Sperry's just released (for the first time? re-release?) "Authentic Original Loafer Penny".  It's not the exact same shoe (360 degree lacing) and definitly not as nice, but at $75 clams it's much cheaper and you wont feel bad when you lose one after a drunken bonfire in the dunes. 

-L.A.S

Stumbled Across: O'Connell's Clothing

James actually stumbled across O'Connell's Clothing, but he told me to run with it and do a write up since he is busy with lots of real life, actual work.  Established in 1959, this Buffalo, NY clothier is family owned and operated.  "Uncompromising quality, unquestionable value, and exceptional service" appears to be the name of the game and the Huber family is proud to offer goods made in the USA, Canada and the UK.  The online shop is pretty impressive and is stocked with a ton of lust-worthy goods (Alden, Quoddy, Bill's Khakis, Baracuta, Barbour and O'Connell's own brand).  Talk about a great find right as holiday shopping kicks into full gear.  Head over to the website or make the trip to Buffalo to scout out all the goods.  Last I checked, Santa's elves don't make blackwatch plaid watch straps.  Thankfully O'Connell's has 'em in stock.  Peep some personal favorites below...

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Quoddy Masleet Oxford

[Pictured: Quoddy Masleet Oxford available soon at NYC's Leffot.  Pictures courtesy of Por Homme by way of Swipe Life.]

Everyone pretty knows all there is to know about Quoddy at this point.  The Maine shoemaker produces handmade, expertly crafted shoes and are best known for their mocassin styles.  The price are pretty steep at around $200 plus, but at the same time you are getting a pair of shoes that will last you a very long time (not to mention the whole, "get better with time" mantra you hear from a lot of top brands today).  As far as my moc situation is concerned, I'm personally never going to spend that much money for a shoe I can get from Eastland or L.L. Bean for under $80, though if I was it would be on this navy/red brick sole release just announced today.  Navy shoes have been highly coveted by yours truly as of recent and the red brick sole just seals the deal...at this very moment there is not a more desirable combination of colors than a navy upper with a red sole.  I wish I had a price on these, but they have yet to hit the streets so we're all playing the waiting game.  I don't know about you guys, but I'd wear these in a heartbeat.

-L.A.S