I am looking to use some Christmas money from my folks to pick up my first ever pair of shell cordovan footwear. I work in a small business casual (leaning casual) office, and I'm debating between a few of Alden's blucher styles. As of now, I'm looking at the Plain, Straight, and Medallion Tip Bluchers, all in color 8. It will be my first pair of Alden's, too. Can any of these styles be dressed up with an occasional suit (maybe a handful of times a year)? Which offers the most versatility? Should I put the Long Wing in the mix? Thanks.

But in general, cordos are not dressy (and not meant to be). Any of the styles you mentioned are fine, as long as you know what you are doing.

I have now 2 pairs left - loafers and monks, and will wear them until they fall apart, but I will surely not buy a third pair. Too heavy, to agricultural, too hot.

While I can easily find ready-made shirts (H&K, T&A), I am seriouly thinking about having shoes made for me - not for grean antique finished quadruple monk extravaganza, but for the best possible fit on my feet.

We have a local Hungarian guy, a few friends of mine have done their shoes there, looks like C&J benchgrade, but superb fit. 800 EUR.

Well, they don't look like super duper violin shaped G&Gs, but like simple OK shoes, but they do fit indeed.

Having said that, 337 and 363 lasts on C&Js handgrade line feel like bespoke on my feet, at least 95%.