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#1 2009-07-05 16:46:12
- inq89
- Member
- Posts: 23
My first pennies: color choice
I'm looking to purchase my first penny loafers and have two options. The first is a pair of made in USA Bass Weejuns on eBay starting at $20 in pristine condition, and the other is the Bass Gilman on sale on for about $70. I'm leaning towards the vintage weejuns, however the color is in a deep red/burgundy cordovan color while the Gilman can be had for dark brown. I feel the dark brown color is best for all occasions, but I'd hate to let go of the cheaper and American made vintage pair. Your thoughts?
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#2 2009-07-05 17:07:45
- alpha
- New member
- From: Sweden
- Posts: 3
Re: My first pennies: color choice
Not speaking as any kind of ivy expert, but merely based on my own opinions, I'd say that you are absolutely right about dark brown being better for all kind of occasions rather than the deep red ones. But then on the other hand, I wouldn't say that pennies would go for ALL kind of occasions. You should probably ask yourself: What color would I prefer the most? Will I be able to stand myself in a pair of deep red shoes in 2 weeks, in 6 months, in a year? What kind of clothes am I going to use together with my shoes - do they match? What colors do my shoes usually have, is it time for something new or is there a reason most of my shoes are not colored?
#3 2009-07-05 17:28:09
- ScarletStreet
- Member
- Posts: 540
Re: My first pennies: color choice
A word of warning. If you are purchasing the Weejuns for practical purposes I would go with the Bass Gilman. Ebay is a crap shoot, even when they look perfect in the pictures. Also if $20 is the starting bid on a pair of Made in the USA Weejuns, chances are the ending bid will be around the price of the new Gilmans. You also have to be careful of the late model Made in Maine Weejuns. Some of them were of far worse quality than what's coming out of Central America/parts unknown now. If you are dead set on having the "vintage" pair for sentimental reasons(I've done this a lot) then go for it, but if you just really want a decent pair of first Pennies, I think you will be happier with the Gilman.
EDIT: I think both colors are equally nice, as well as versatile.
Last edited by ScarletStreet (2009-07-05 17:31:53)
"All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I myself deny it." -- H.L. Mencken
#4 2009-07-06 00:59:55
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: My first pennies: color choice
Good advice from both A. & SS.
If the 'deep red' the old Wine/Burgundy, then it's a classic 'Ivy' shoe colour (not that the Brown isn't).
Black, I notice, isn't on your shopping list. If you wanted a 'go with most things' option then Black is a common shoe colour choice in the offline world.
Sounds to me like a vintage dark Brown Weejun is what you really want. Is it worth hunting a bit more for the shoe that you'll be happiest with?
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#5 2009-07-06 01:25:51
- Moose Maclennan
- Ivy Inspiration
- From: Hernando's Hideaway
- Posts: 4577
Re: My first pennies: color choice
I agree that both colours are equally versatile, although burgundy 'pops' a bit more with grey and charcoal.
#6 2009-07-06 02:14:26
- The Beatnik
- Member
- Posts: 392
Re: My first pennies: color choice
If the shoe colour is a bit bright for you, use a dubbing with a touch of darker colour in and if you rub well in it'll alter the shoe colour in a very subtle way.
#7 2009-07-06 02:56:44
- dundeedavie
- Member
- Posts: 64
Re: My first pennies: color choice
Obviously it's all personal preference but for me there is doubt .... The deep red (oxblood) every single time
#9 2009-07-06 04:33:51
- dundeedavie
- Member
- Posts: 64
Re: My first pennies: color choice
For me it's almost automatic , when someone says Weejun it's THAT colour.
Without appearing unduly over dramatic the weejun in that colour us a legend that has transcended so many style cultures it truly is iconic
#10 2009-07-06 10:38:51
- ScarletStreet
- Member
- Posts: 540
Re: My first pennies: color choice
I think nearly every leather shoe looks better in Burgundy/Wine/Oxblood. I have never seen a shoe color look better with all shades of grey or even blue jeans for that matter.
"All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I myself deny it." -- H.L. Mencken
#11 2009-07-06 16:44:23
- inq89
- Member
- Posts: 23
Re: My first pennies: color choice
Thank you to all for the input. I think I'll go for the dark brown loafers because they would fit my tastes better, and get the burgundy sometime down the road. Now deciding to whether or not bite the bullet and get the Gilman or keep searching on eBay!
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