Upper West Side Steez

A few weeks back, I went to a great party on the Upper West Side. There was a no-shoe policy at the party, so outside the elevator/front door, there were dozens of shoes laying all over the floor. I saw a wide variety of shoes, including an abundance of prepped out boat shoes. I was inspired. I had to have some. So in order to step up my Upper West Side Swag*, I went in with these, because I was mesmerized by the rich red sole. Almost like Louboutins for dudes. I go hard.

*Ironic use of word ‘Swag’

Road Tested: Common Projects BBall Low

Click to enlarge, huge.

Some people have nicknames for their car. Some have nicknames for their manhood. And the really pathetic even name their balls. I don’t really give anything nicknames, but I am turning over a new leaf and decided to call these all white Common Projects ‘Sarah’. It just seemed appropriate. I guess it is more of a dedication than a nickname.  If I am going to jump back into the all white shoe game – it has been since the 5th grade (double-lace Kaepa’s) - these BBall Lows are absolutely perfect. Yes, they are slim. And the toebox area is really low profile, but the extra long tongue make them a favorite with ladies.

The quality is absolutely top-notch as expected. Every bit of this shoe is buttery leather, with the exception of the sole and laces. The soles clean up nice and buttery ass leather has broken in very nicely. And just like the cougars you hunt on weekends, the wrinkles and creases actually make these look better. Wrinkles = Experience.

Road Tested: Common Projects Desert Boot

Click to enlarge

I have long been a fan of Common Projects, and it took me a while to finally indulge because but I had some issues with their slim Euro widths and appearance.  I loved the simplicity, but they just reminded me too much of the Italian guys (the ones vacationing from Italy) that would walk up and down Broadway with arms full of expensive shopping bags in their form fitting Pumas or Diesel sneakers.   You cannot go from rocking a bulky pair of Clae Russells or even Visvims, to these super slender Italian jobs.  But finally, I gave in… after I saw they made one of my favorite cuts… a Chukka (see Vans).  This will be the first of a few different Common Projects Road Tests.

The simplicity is so refreshing, and works so well with my Refine in 09 personal strategy.   And although I had not owned an Italian pair of shoes in awhile, I was quickly reminded of what my Dad always told me… the Italians do it best.  Yes, even better than Nike   You would expect some sort of noticeable wear in the waxed suede, but it always looks brand new.  I mean… I would not wear in the rain or anything, but there is no doubt, these shoes are a great value.  They are slim.   Maybe they will inspire me to lose some weight.  I am trying to get down to my fighting weight of 120 lbs.

These are perfect for the office, for big city commutes and even for Sunday brunch if you are into that sort of thing.   I am not really that into brunch, but I think these would work out well at a brunch.   Go get a pair and let me know what you think.

Vans Mountain Edition High LX

I am still tryna figure out what the hell these things are? Most Vans serve some sort of purpose, even if the purpose is for just plain maxin’ and relaxin’. But these look like they have some sort of purpose, and I am not sure if it is skateboarding. Does anyone know? I do have to say that they look a lot better sitting on the coffee table than they do on.

Click photo to enlarge.