Joshua Kissi: White buckskin shoes, the epitome of summer footwear with their signature red brick sole, have been the All-American shoe since the 1930s. White bucks, as they’re often called, may be as popular as the penny loafer to individuals who are influenced by ivy/trad roots. It’s understood that when it comes to footwear, most gentlemen would like to retain an arsenal of essential footwear to rotate through during the year. Suede bucks definitely need to be in that circle.

Although the majority may favor the crispy white appearance of bucks, I’d rather save the tedious action of cleaning them with suede kits and let them wear in to add a bit of character. Overtly, this notion comes with the casual aspect of my outfit. If the scenario was switched to something like a seersucker or linen suit, I’d advise keeping your shoes as clean as possible. That the shoe would fits certain occasions and outfits depending on whether they’re clean or dirty is evidence of its versatility.

The suede-covered shoe provides its versatility to find a medium between formal and informal. Presently, bucks are seeing a spike in interest for men’s footwear options. Bucks are now produced by many brands in almost every color you can imagine. Last year, I opted for the classic ivory white colorway.

Fit details: Vintage Banana Republic short sleeve oxford / J.Crew 484 Corduroy pants ( DIY’d to shorts ) / J.Crew Suede Bucks / Brass Africa bracelet

Fit description: I purchased this shirt off of the ever-so-reliable eBay for $9.99. What initially interested me in this item was its opulent plaid colorway that forces you to neutralize the rest of your outfit. It’s interesting that myself and Travis are coming across many vintage Banana Republic pieces from the brand’s previous aesthetic. The corduroy shorts, which were once pants, were cut with garment scissors by myself, ultimately saving money and time from purchasing already-cut shorts. – Just ‘Do It Yourself’

Brief tips

• Corduroy pants
• Garment Scissors
• Pencil/Chalk – to mark your cutting length/make sure both leg inseams are even

We’ve seen numerous brands produce corduroy shorts this summer and even spill over into the fall season — a great look to pair with boots and a heavy shawl sweater of some sort. The African brass bracelet, one of my latest acquisitions in accessories, is directly from Ghana, West Africa

A list of retailers who carry bucks below:

• Bass Brockton (SALE – 44.99) ***
• Florshiem Kearny
• Bass Buckinham
• LL Bean Classic Bucks
• Brockton Red
• Cole Haan (SALE – 99.95)***

All photographs in this post were taken by the great Rog Walker

Always interesting to see how shoes that people wore decades ago can spout back up to be relevant again.  It’s important to find a medium for yourself and buy classic pieces you can wear for years now that most outfits are casually based.

Singer Pat Boone wearing his signature white bucks and chatting with his friend (prob. mgr.) Pete Martin and his wife in a dressing room backstage in an auditorium. (1957)

All images provided by LIFE

Travis Gumbs: Who said men cant wear slip-ons? During these summer days I’ve opted for a pair of espadrilles undeniably more than any of my many shoes; most of which stay trapped in my closet failing to see this season’s daylight. Perhaps it’s the sheer simplicity that compliments almost any outfit, adding a clean, cool, laid-back feel. There is no question that France and Spain are home to some of the most stylish individuals. With that being said, its easy to see why espadrilles have been quite popular across the pond for some time now. Espadrilles are viewed by many men in the U.S. as “too feminine”, this summer however I’m seeing more and more men harvesting the courage to struct confidently in these badboys.

The espadrille, a canvas sandal with a flexible rope bottom was popularized by the french during the 19th century. This hand crafted shoe was often constructed in the village streets with the alpargateros (espadrille maker) creating the rope sole while the seamstresses sewed the fabric at the bands. Espadrilles are certainly not made to last, they are a preferred shoe by many in the spring and summer months because the sole forms itself to the shape of one’s foot and allows it to breath.

Fit Details: Uniqlo oxford shirt, Save Khaki corduroy shorts, Soludos espadrilles – click for variety.

I choose a pretty basic outfit to display the cool, simple summertime look that is often accommodated by espadrilles. I got my blue/white Soludos espadrilles from Steven Alan at a very reasonable price tag of $28. When buying espadrilles it is very important to size down a full size. The canvas will stretch out quite a bit.

The neckerchief is inspired by Ouigi Theodore (The Bearded Man) of  BKc, someone whom one can always turn to for some new stylistic ideas.

Meet Adam Rogers, designer, friend and all out stylish bloke. I especially wanted to feature this London native in this post because he has a knack for implementing his personal style through the simplest of getups. From his T-shirt to his self-made loose fitting shorts, a combination that can easily come across as sloppy and apathetic on others. Its a real skill to wear such a simple outfit and show such a dynamic sense of style. Of course there is much more to his look thats goes deeper than the shirt and pant; his hair, sunglasses, jewelry, bag and of course shoes all work in perfect coherence. 

Location: “The South Street Seaport is a historic area in the New York City borough of Manhattan, located where Fulton Street meets the East River, and adjacent to the Financial District. The Seaport is a designated historic district, distinct from the neighboring Financial District. It features some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan, and includes the largest concentration of restored early 19th-century commercial buildings in the city. This includes renovated original mercantile buildings, renovated sailing ships, the former Fulton Fish Market, and modern tourist malls featuring food, shopping and nightlife, with a view of theBrooklyn Bridge. At the entrance to the Seaport is the Titanic Memorial lighthouse.”

Picture of alpargatero and seamstress.

Joshua Kissi : Linen; better known as the first type of fabric everyone seeks when the temperature abruptly rises in these random Summer days. During the Summer we overtly avoid the shiny flat cotton non-breathable blazers like a bad plague. I found myself exploring the possible options of linen pieces from trousers to shirts to suits – a pleasurable haven to the corporate gentleman burning up in the office. The fabric contains a sense of versatility whether dressed up, outfitted for business or just down right casual. The fabric has been around for ages remaining  not only an American summer staple but a global one that never seems to vanish into oblivion.

Although some guys may resent it, I actually appreciate the crumple factor of linen, giving off a slightly casual-careless look. During the scorching hot months men are notorious for relinquishing from acceptable looks to something much more comfortable – here is where linen fabric fits perfect into the equation.

Zara linen sports blazer.  J.Crew Vintage Polo ( Tailored Fit ). Vintage pocket square (eBay). 3sixteen natural leather dual strand. Save Khaki Chambray Shorts. Sebago Penny Loafers

Fit Description :  100% linen blazer containing the perfect color for the warm weather – an almost-white-but-not-quite-light beige/ivory. During the Summer Etiquette series it has been way too easy to slip on some comfortable loafers and head out of the house. Probably one of my favorite accessories apart from wrist wear is this vintage elastic braided belt provides a distinctive texture to an outfit for those that are meticulous to sartorial detail.

This is not the first time I have worn this silk pocket square; last summer it was pictured peaking outside of my oxford pocket – a post expressing my then resistance to wearing shorts during hot weather .

Photography : All photos taken by good friend Rog Walker – check out his work

History : When indulging in research from books to the internet, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of history some of these fabrics enfold, like Egyptians using linen as a commodity, a preservative for mummies or just daily clothing wear. Professor Car takes a more in-depth look at the history of linen below.

(Gentleman pictured wearing a linen suit on the far right.)

People were spinning and weaving linen by about 5000 BC, even before wool. In the first millennium BC, the Egyptians mostly wore linen, while Greeks and West Asians and Germans mostly wore wool. By the Roman period, however, many people wore linen tunics for comfort with wool robes over them for warmth, and in the Middle Ages in Europe this continued to be common, so that “linen” got to mean something like “underwear”. Our word “lingerie” is related to linen. In the Islamic Empire, on the other hand, people began to wear mainly linen and cotton, and not so much wool. – Dr. Karen Carr (Professor of History at Portland State University )