For those new to the community last fall on a challenge I wore a Navy blazer 70 straight days. It is the most basic item a man can have in his wardrobe. 20 years ago everybody knew that. Today I’m not so sure. One step down from a suit it can be worn with a deep grey trouser and a bow tie and be just two steps back from a tux in many cases or paired with a polo shirt and jeans. Its versatility and history is unmatched. The attached pic by JPress is as Classic American as it gets: 3/2 brass button, sack fit, hooked welted single vent, doeskin (also known as a Garnett flannel or summer flannel), with flapped patch side pockets. They paired it rightly with a longer collared blue Oxford button down with a tie (button downs have been worn with ties for a very long time my brothers, in spite of recent fashion trends that suggests they are “only” worn without a tie). They accessorized it with a classic three stripe tie (also known as a two bar tie-look at it and it will make sense). The only difference between this look and what I sold maybe hundreds of times is that I would have chosen a different color tie (not a fan of navy on navy 🥱) not only boring but shades can vary. But it’s not “wrong”. Anyway. JPress is one of the last clothiers to cling on to these Classic timeless elements. But then again. Who would ever wear a navy blazer🙄😜 https://jpressonline.com/products/navy-doeskin-3b-sack-classic?_pos=1&_sid=596b052e8&_ss=r&utm_source=Core%20Engaged%20-%20Never%20Purchased%20%5BNRS%5D&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9.29%20-%20DOESKIN%20%2801K6ASP5YX8F15EA8ZPQDKR1QF%29&bxid=01J050EZ7PVMZY2ZDMX4N13W2J&_kx=D_j68B3ZeUB9t3j3UDW6FK80pDkeZJlNrHTIchbFbBy9YpNAX7Ou0zIsj1nO4vp2.Mhfb34

As we are all aware by now I'm a Shoe Whore (Collector) as well as many other things 🙄😎. While I like to buy really nice dress shoes and have some wonderful pair, I also like to take care of them and really enjoy shoe shining etc. I have posted some of my projects on here. This leads me to this particular project that I wanted to share since they just arrived back. I bought these shoes on eBay for about $50. The needed some polish etc. But mostly they needed new soles. I decided that for some of these eBay shoes I would change the sole to rubber so that I could have "Winter" dress shoes rather than wear my really nice leather soled shoes in the salt and snow (If we get any). So Here's the Deal of the century in my opinion. https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-prestige-recrafting-package-3023168/ec4032460 For the Allen Edmonds shoes that I have bought, they have always offered a recrafting service. For $175 it includes shipping (Both Directions) New Shoe Trees, New Laces, New Corking, new soles and heals. I spent an extra $20 for the upgrade to the rubber soles. They also give the shoes a polish before they return. What I didn't know and received was they also sent me Shoe polish and shoe bags!! I'm not sure how they are making any real money on this, but it is truly a great deal! My local cobbler did a pair for me recently for $170, but no new shoe trees, no shipping, no polishing or polish, no dust bags. So in this case a pair of AE shoes that are virtually brand new to me since I get to break in the corking to my feet for less than $300! Just thought I'd let everyone know. That you can buy wonderfully used shoes on eBay and even if you need new soles they can still be a great deal!