Bravado Living

Didn’t we tell you that a great pair of shoes didn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. For instance, check out these gorgeous Italian made wingtips with a classic medallion toe. Constructed out of brown calf and suede leathers, these are too casual for the office, but will instantly give your weekend look a touch of “old school cool.”

A man that wears these shoes is the kind of man that wears argyle socks. Probably has a library card. Returns phone calls in a timely manner. Smells clean like the woods. Has neat penmanship. Calls his grandmother at least once a week just to say hi. Can sew a button onto a shirt, if need be. Returns calls in a timely manner. Had a zine in high school and/or a blog now. Has created at least one piece of artwork on his bedroom walls. Writes songs on his acoustic guitar. Knows how to drive stick shift cars. Never kisses and tells. Will make you dinner on your third date. Wears v-neck sweaters. Listens to rap music while he does housework. Appreciates a good scotch. Has a cool brother. Has smoked a cigar and/or a pipe at some point. Owns a shoe shine kit. Likes British sit-coms. In other words, he’s probably a pretty cool guy.

You have to dress for the life you want. Not the life you have. At $130 bucks, these shoes seem like a good place to start.

BUY IT Johnston and Murphy Matheson Wingtip Shoes $130

Popularity: 30% [?]

The trick with going tieless is making it seem like you don’t need a tie, not that you forgot one. In order to pull of this look you’ll need a two button suit (or one button if you think you can pull it off). Three button suits are for middle-managment and ESPN anchors. Wear it without a tie and risk looking boxy and sloppy. Two button suits on the other hand are little more modern, hip, and playful so you can rock the suit sans tie.

Next you’ll need to accessorize. If your jacket has a pocket, put something in it. And try to stay from Cuff links because they are difficult to pull off due to their formality so unless you’re Jason Stratham, or you’ve got a bow-tie hanging loose to match I’d stick to button sleeves.

Next, and most important is a fitted shirt with a STIFF collar. There’s nothing worse than a limp collar  hiding behind your jacket lapel. Make sure your collar stays upright and the shirt stays tight around your stomach ( you don’t need to look like you have a gut when you’ve been working so hard to get rid of it, right?). For the money, Express’s 1MX shirts are remarkably good at behaving and will work in a pinch.

And remember that none of this stuff matters if you don’t get clothes that fit.

Well Done Sir

Looks like Jason has been reading The Haute Spot recently.

Suit, $1,595, and shirt, $270, by Dolce & Gabbana. Shoes, $550, by Allen-Edmonds Seven. Pocket square by Robert Talbott. Briefcase by Hermès.

-GQ

Popularity: 17% [?]

If you’ve been stuck wearing the same dull box-toe black shoes with all your shirt and tie combos it’s time for an upgrade. I recommend a round toed shoe, but instead of going for black this time, get a little riskier and buy a nice pair of chocolate brown shoes. They are more versatile than black, look phenomenal with almost any color suit-especially navy, hold a shine better than black shoes, and can dress up a pair of fitted jeans with a nice blazer. Pair it with a matching gold buckled belt and your grandfather’s watch and you will look timeless and modern in the same breath.

Allen Edmond "Weybridge" Oxford

Allen Edmond “Weybridge” Oxford $325 www.nordstrom.com

Popularity: 5% [?]