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Showing 2 posts tagged aldo
Ask Bainser // Shoes // Brown but not Brogues!
Dilemma: I’ve taken to wearing dark jeans and smart shirt/pullover to work. Finding nice shoes to match is a bit of an issue. I like the idea of brogues - but a lot of them are very ‘grandad’, with big, clunky soles. The bright, orangey tan colour can also be a turnoff. And finding a nice, slim pair (rather than big and clownish) is also a challenge!
Apart from brogues, is there another style I should look at? Subtle enough to wear with a navy suit would also be a plus…
Budget: €150-170(ish)
Thanks
Jack
Hi Jack
Ok I’ll admit I’m not too up to speed on the state of show shopping back at home so had to do a spot of googling to check what stores are now in Dublin. I’ll be honest I was a bit impressed. Clearly places like the Dundrum shopping centre are bringing in new stores despite erm, well lets just acknowledge the economic situation at home isn’t exactly rosie and move on.
One of my favourite shops at the moment is Aldo. Their shoes are good quality, fashion lead, and not stupidly priced. Obviously Office and Schuh are ever present, but for this task I’d certainly give Schuh a miss. I’m not really enamoured with their formal range at the moment. Timberlands, yes, trainers, yes but formalwear not so much.
Right lets start with Aldo. For some reason their site wont let me check out € prices. But the two I’ve picked are brand new in store and should definitely fulfil the brief. The price here is £100 so I’m guessing it’ll be approx €150. 
On the left we have the DECOST, I like how it’s a little distressed but should polish up well. The toe isn’t too square, which I can’t stand. It also isn’t too pointed which might make the shoe too dressy for the office. On the right we have the GUNBALD, this clearly stays away from looking too orange. It’s a burgundy/oxblood shoe and I think would look great with deep indigo jeans. Again I like how it is gently distressed without looking overly worn.
I am a huge fan of Mr Hare’s shoes and would love to be able to afford them, thankfully he’s done a collaboration with Topman (again I don’t know if they’ll be available at home sorry) I also these are black and you’ve specifically asked for brown shoes, but never mind that. These are the least dressy ones, I personally really want the patent and suede version, but recommending those would really be ignoring the brief. 
I also thought BT2 would be a good place to look, but frankly their website is rubbish! As is Brown Thomas’ so I have no idea who they stock, what price ranges they are at or even if they are worth looking at. I’m guessing they will be and while you’re on Grafton St you can always nip into the Bailey for a pint.
I hope this helps.
Cheers
Nick
Ask Bainser & Bainser.com has not received any incentive for recommending these products they are just a marker of my own taste.
Ask Bainser // Sartorial & Style Advice // Winter
Dear Bainser,
With summer disappearing and the chill of autumn fast appearing I need
some advice. Everyday I look at my clothes and think that I need to
update my wardrobe for this new season. I want to smarten up my look,
but I’m not sure where to start. What colours and styles should I be
wearing? What basics should I have at hand? Please help.
Steve
Age 26
Hi Steve,
Am guessing age 26 your budget isn’t limitless so seek out these on the High St. A bit of rummaging over a day or two will yield vast rewards. Regardless of your job there will be times you need to smarten up so I would recommend having at least two suits. This winter go for a really deep blue and a charcaol suit if you dont have them already. For less than £200 you can get really good suits from places like Moss Bros. Personally I recommend their FCUK range.
Other than that you will need a couple of jumpers, dont be afraid to use these to add colour to wardrobe. Try Zara & Uniqlo for decent value for money. A friend once recommended you buy Zara jumpers in a size too big, then wash on a cool wash. They’ll shrink to the size you need and will be machine washable (cool wash) for the rest of the year. I’ve not tried this yet so don’t blame me if it goes a bit wrong & you end up with something suited to one of the principle characters in Snow White.
A coat is also essential. Winters seem to be getting colder and colder each year, with summer’s not really getting warmer. If you can pay at least £100 for your coat. When it’s chucking it down, or particularly freezing you will thank me it. This is where investment is key. A good coat can last several seasons and that will make its larger price tag worth it. Check back here for the Winter coats I’ll be recommending soon, and of course there’s the Zara one’s I’ve already mentioned.
Footwear takes a particular bashing during the winter especially when the gritters come out. Salt can ruin shoes, so take good care of them. Aldo are I believe a very good footwear store. Not prohibitively expensive and more importantly good quality. Get yourself a pair of workwear boots, classic and will still be here for at least this winter. Avoid Uggs at all costs a) they arent for men & b) you know Australians laugh at the way we wear them much in the same way they sneer at us for drinking Fosters.
Winter is also the time for another party season. Whilst your coat is essential remember often you’ll be going from home, to cab or train, straight into a hot pub or club, then stumbling into a cab. If you can channel your inner Northern lass maybe leave the coat at home. A vintage Dinner Jacket over very deep indigo jeans, or even black jeans can add an interesting twist to what others are doing.
I hope this helps
Bainser
