Just got mine out, thanks to all this talk of Jamaica...
They are lovely, aren't they ?
I guess that if you're a bit Moddy then they're a bit of a cliche... ? Not sure.
But I am sure that it's not something that the simple glory of the boot can't transcend...
So today I shall wear:
DBs,
A BD,
Keydge and Cords.
/\ You have to say that quickly out loud and it sounds like Doo-Wop - Promise !
Try it, & have a very Happy Monday !
Best -
Jim.
Dee-Bees, A-Bee-Dee, Keydge'n'Cords... !
I can't not walk around without that in my head now...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5c0K458t7U
Yeah. They're my go-to shoe when I just can't be troubled, and they usually look good otherwise as well. Being from the States, they really don't have that mod connection very much and were worn by plenty of ivy icons.
I can't think of a more versatile shoe than a sand DB.
I feel like skankin', skankin,' wanna skank the night away...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbAM2_6jKY0
I've left mine behind a little - got too ubiquitous in East London, I have a pair of beat up brown Clarks, as well as a slightly more unusual YMC pony skin pair (posted here before) which I love.
They are a brilliant smart / casual classic, pure in every way - I look forward to the hipsters ditching them and getting them back out, until then i'm in my wallabees, until they come back around - another classic.
I favour the Clarks Bushacre, as they offer slightly more grip than the crepe version.
I've tried to get back into DB's but it just doesn't seem to be happening for me....have stuck to playboys in recent years....
Really don't think I like the Clark's DB tbh....there - I've said it!
Had a pair of those Sebago ones a few years back which I liked for a bit but then put into the back of the cupboard...
If there is a god, he himself must have lead Nathan's hands while he designed the DB. I love them, even if they aren't made in England anymore. They are such versatile shoes, humble and below the radar and yet again very smart, at least in my eyes.
I currently own two pairs (sand and dark brown), as these are the only colours available where I live.
Wear my brown ones while I am typing this.
That and a deep yellow, almost butter coloured lace bodystocking.
The DB and bodystocking is a classic look, Axe. I'm sure John Cassavetes wore one in the Hollywood book.
I wear mine almost every day just now. Cola (dark brown) and sand are absolutely great with almost everything in my wardrobe.
I also loved the Loden Green pair mentioned a couple of years ago. To my eternal shame I turned down a pair of those about a year ago. What a fool.
I think I will invest in a pair of Playboy or Playboy-alikes next. Not that I'll ditch the Clarks.... but just as another option.
Am I the only one who would like to see a dark brown Playboy with a natural coloured Crepe sole?
I love my Clarks dessies and wear them often there are drawbacks for me though.
They are too hot for the summer and even though mine are water proofed the crepe sole
is too slippy in the rain.So Spring and Autumn are when they come into their own for me.
Desert Boot care ?
Who does what ?
I've always just trashed them & bought again - Maybe it would be nice to make them last.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks -
Suede brush is a must. Sued protector is pretty essential too, at least when I first buy them.
The biggest problem with my last two pairs has been the laces. I don't think I've ever had a pair of laces disintegrate so quickly. 3 weeks and they were in bits. Same story with the other recent pair I bought.
Last edited by Liam Mac (2012-10-29 14:25:13)
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
/\ From my Mate and your Mate Claudio -
Yeah,you have got to have a decent suede brush and a protecter is a must for me.
Gotta be careful though with sand dessies as some protectors darken the colour slightly.
I keep mine in shoe trees too or am i going over the top?
Aye, he knows his onions for sure. You can always trust the mans expert opinion.
He has a great way about him too when it comes to tutorials and guides. I always enjoyed his 'What Claudio is Wearing' youtube videos. Even if his style was a million miles from mine, it was still possible to be inspired by his approach to dressing. That's what passion does for you.
I don't own a shoe tree. I don't own any shoes worth shoe treeing.
^The Beeswax aren't available here Patrick. Which is a shame as I love 'em!
Arm' you are probably right. But most of my shoes are just knock about loafers, modern and not particularly valuable or irreplaceable vintage. The rest are pretty much just sneakers. No real mans shoes in my wardrobe just now.
I just bought a pair of US made Jack Purcells. Not sure about vintage but I'd guess 70's. They will probably be the oldest shoes I own right now. So you can see why shoe trees don't factor highly on my list of things to invest in. TBH, I'm a right scruff. Even worse than Jim.
Navy Canvas.
I have a pair of US made Van Dorens which I keep with a pair of balled up walking socks in each shoe to stop them creasing up prematurely so I dare say I'll do the same with the JP's. Nothing more extreme than that though.