If HF has maintained their former level of quality, I think it makes sense to go with the latter option.  Shoe fetishists will protest vehemently, however a suit just covers more real estate, so to speak, and will provide a more far-reaching sartorial expression.  While eyes may glance at your shoes at first sight, a good suit will truly distinguish you in the long run.  Edward Green shoes are certainly handsome,  however they can be very quirky when it comes to fit, and, while expensive, that expense doesn't necessarily correlate to comfort.

I would agree with Marc in this case. A good quality suit will look good and wear well for a long time. AE shoes are perfectly respectable and will also last a very long time.

Fit, of course, is paramount, and is easier to achieve in shoes than in a suit. Therefore, I would argue that spending relatively more on a good suit/shirt combo would be likely to get you a better fit and make you appear better put-together than a cheaper alternative.

This said, I pursued the opposite course. I acquired 3 Jos. A. Bank suits for approx. $6 a piece at a thrift shop. They fit reasonably well, and so I spend a great deal more on accessories, knowing I would upgrade my suitings and shirtings as my increasing income allowed.

Nevertheless, if you have the money to spend on a good quality suit that will fit well and be comfortable, better to go for the best you can afford rather than take potluck with cheaper alternatives.

Last edited by Twin Six (2006-06-13 18:48:54)

Well, I'll have to disagree just becuase I like to disagree, it's the New Yorker in me.  I think nothing sets a man apart more so than a great pair of shoes, pocket square and tie. I have seen many men wearing wonderful suits that no one but the most anal of clothing fetishist would recognize as a great suit. Shoes, on the other hand, quickly make their quality known. I do not like (I actually hate) Allen Edmonds. They are typical American flipper- like shoes. A lot of their models are garish. They may be good quality, but they are absolutely indistinguishable.  A beautiful pair of Crockett and Jones handgrades from plal  (+$400), a wonderful pocket square from Bergdorf's varied collection (+$50) and a Drakes tie (+$100) and a Brooks or Paul Stuart suit on sale for less than $1,000 and he will look like a million bucks. Hickey is very uninspiring and most men are not helped by MTM programs.

I've never had experience with Allen Edmonds although from what can be seen from the website everything tends to look plastic and rather bland. However, I understand they are well-reputed.

I agree that the young man in question has a plethora of choices. It would have been better for the store's proprietor to have been on the premises. I am a poor substitute for him, but was much better than the help. As I understand it, he was visiting the area for a couple of days, but lived in Northern Virginia. I know that D.C. has a Saks, and that is where I am assuming the Hilditch goods are. Richmond, Virginia has a Saks, and I was disappointed on my visit. I have purchased Hilditch shirts in years past, and liked them; however, they did not last nearly as long as my staple Gitman Brothers. I have also worn Marol and Brioni, but did not find them as durable as my Gitmans have been, and the Marol was also too trim for my taste.

I could only assume that the young man  was going to Sky Valet for his shoes. I have never visited any clothing stores in D.C., but understand that they have a good selection of Edward Green, J.M. Weston, and Alden. Like other respondents, I wear Allen Edmonds. They are not the must elegant lasts, though I do think the Park Avenue is an exception. I do not own that shoe, but did order a burnished chili Byron yesterday. I do agree that they are a thoroughly acceptable shoe quality wise, and represent a superb value. You can pay more, but not do, within reason,  two or three times better.

As for suits, I should have been more aware. I don't know what it was about BB Brooksease. I did not realize that Brooks was/is having a sale through the end of this month. I think the young man could do well to get a BB Golden Fleece suit for $500.00. These suits are now made from English wool, and I almost purchased one myself at the Richmond, Virginia Brooks, but none was available in a 2 button.

What does an Edward Green shoe run, approximately $900 or so? BB Golden Fleece on sale, Edward Green and Hilditch & Key for $1,600 -$1,700?

Undoubtedly, I posted this question because I knew that gentlemen on this board would be able to provide much more educated/experienced advice. I may be called upon to give my .02 worth again someday.

Last edited by sweetbooness2 (2006-06-14 09:12:25)

I did a search for Carmina on Google. In the LondonLounge forum someone has posted pictures of a visit to the Paris shop. The poster was very impressed, and felt that the leather was better than CJ Handgrade.Yet another maker that I am now aware of through this forum. The shoes I saw seemed to be a better match for the traditionally cut suits like BB, HF, Oxxford etc. than many of the Italian shoes I am familiar with.

I expect the young man in question is shopping at the right time, given the sales at BB, and the assumed Sky Valet visit. With more sage advice than I was able to give, it is possible he could get a Martin Greenfield GF suit, Carmina shoes, a Hilditch shirt(no idea what they retail  for now), and actually stay well under his budget. I do think that Greenfield's suit is of better quality than HF, but am open to hearing other opinions.

I wish he had walked into the shop today. I would have been much more educated, and therefore, more of a sartorial aide.

Last edited by sweetbooness2 (2006-06-14 12:02:35)

Last edited by OE (2006-06-14 14:04:23)