SPLURGE - Brunello Cucinelli Work Boots - $895

Close your eyes and imagine a luxury Timberland boot. It has a simple black bottom, a double stitched toe for durability, brown laces, leather lining, and yet somehow feels comfortable and lighter than air. Now open your eyes and feast upon these Burnello Cucinelli Work Boots. Aren't they everything you wanted?

Oh no! Don't look up! You saw the price didn't you? It was too good to be true.

[Don't you wish you could ...] Splurge.

Splurge - Fall Shoes

For fall I always look for a dress sneaker, a casual sneaker, a boot, and a loafer/driving shoe. This season presents a perfect option for each one of these categories. It's clear that they are all very expensive shoes, but there is something about a great shoe that is hard to find. My shoe needs to compliment everything in my closet while retaining it's own voice and standing out so that I get some bang for my buck. Here, I present my picks for Fall in every category. Splurge.

Dress Sneaker: Trussardi 1911 High-Top Sneaker - $526

This Trussardi high top is classic and stylish. The plaid works perfectly with the black leather, and the white laces and sole lighten it all up and provide a nice contrast. This shoe would look great with a pair of dress pants or some skinny dark jeans and a dress shirt.

Casual Sneaker: Common Projects Zip-Up Sneaker - $385

The zip is a cool detail and the two tone gives it a little edge. On the other hand, white and grey go with everything and their design durability ensures that these sneakers will only look better with wear.

Boot: Sorel Caribou x colette Snow Boot - $322

Sorel Caribou make the classic snow boot. Through their collaboration with colette, they have updated the boot into something that will look classic with any winter look, while still delivering pop by way of the neon laces.

Loafer/ Driving Shoe: Tod's Moccasin - $425

Tod's make, hands down, my favorite driving shoe loafer. I would probably go with the grey for everyday wear, but the red and green could definitely be a chic statement.

SAVE - Sperry Bahama Shoe - $55

Looking for the perfect fall shoe that goes with everything? Aren't we all. Well I think I found it. It's the new Sperry Grey Wool Bahama shoe. I know, you're thinking, "Aren't Sperry's typically boat shoes? What good are they going to do me in the winter?" Well let me tell you two things my friends: 1) I wore my blue lace up Sperry's into the ground all last year and they look great with almost everything, and 2) This Bahama model is winter appropriate. If you don't believe me, order a pair and see for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed.

SPLURGE - Salvatore Ferragamo - $495

As a result of the rain, I decided to go for these thick rubber soled Ferragamos from my Dad's closet. Though he is a size or two smaller than I am, the Ferragamos still carried me comfortably through about 3/4 of the day...that was when the size problem came in. Yet even two sizes too small, these shoes were one of the most comfortable pair of dress shoes I've ever worn. Though I was a little resistant to their chunky look when my Dad first brought them home, I've decided that they create an interesting look with a slim pair of khakis. A look that is officially on trend for spring 2011 (see: Prada). Though I know it's a little early for next year, they are pretty pricey, so start saving! Find them at select Saks Fifth Avenue Locations or online here. Splurge.

Best Accessories - Milan - Spring 2011

The men's collections in Milan have turned out a variety of accessories for spring 2011. Let's start with the footwear. I used to believe whole-heartedly that mandals were the biggest style offense, and now I am eating my words. Both Gucci and Bottega Veneta have successfully re-interpresented the fashion faux pas to create mandals that I could see working as easily with a summer suit as a bathing suit. Prada also produced a fancy pair of footwear in the form of lace-up wing tips with platforms. Though they will probably be expensive, and probably not entirely wearable, that doesn't stop them from looking great on the runway.



Large man-bags are also in for spring 2011. Whether it's a large woven tote at Bottega Veneta, or a large leather carryall at D&G, the Italians sure know how to make a great bag. Definitely worth the investment for these carefully constructed and timeless products.



Designer sunglasses are crazy expensive so I would suggest waiting until the styles trickle down to lower priced lines (becuase at the end of the day, they are all made the same way with the same materials), but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a sneak peak at what we'll all be wearing on the beach come 2011.


Off the runway, Tommy Ton at GQ visited the showrooms in Milan to scope out the hottest accessories. Tod's turned out, as always, amazing sneakers and driving shoes in every color of the rainbow. In addition to footwear, they also produced great woven leather bracelets in different color combinations. Though I'm not into man jewelery myself, these bracelets look surprisingly masculine.



Ally Capellino produced some amazing bags for spring 2011. Known for her durable construction and quiet branding, Capellino created a collection of beautifully timeless pieces in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors.

SPLURGE - Lanvin Sneakers - $734.40

I will probably never own a pair of Lanvin sneakers, but I can dream can't I... Splurge.

SAVE - Sperry for J.Crew Boat Shoe - $98

The classic Sperry Boat Shoe is an essential for any truly sartorial man's wardrobe. I've looked around for a similar shoe that could compare and nothing can beat the great looking leather and the comfortable design of Sperrys. I snagged a pair of these Sperry for J. Crew shoes the other day. Their specially worn in leather, hand contrast stitching, and great price (only $95 on jcrew.com now) make them a must have.


(This is my pair after only one day of use)


If you are looking for something a little edgier, J. Crew also collaborated with Sperry on a pair of Chukka boots that look great with jeans ($125).