Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for... The Shoe Guy (2020 Edition)

[Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Shoe Guy (2020 Edition)]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Shoe Guy (2020 Edition)](#1) - [Style Scenario: Sweater Weather – WFH Business Casual (nothing over $100 edition)](#2) - [The 2020 Dappered Holiday Gift Guide for Her](#3) [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Shoe Guy (2020 Edition)](r/Dappered/~3/i1u1HbAUFZA/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 15 Dec 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. About the Author: [Adam Terry]( is a thirtysomething salesman in the heating and manufacturing industry, and he’s also Dappered’s resident shoe & denim expert. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, raw denim, and working on on his dad bod father figure. Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? Instead of doing a highly generalized, throw-everything-against-the-digital-wall gift guide, we’ll be breaking it up by category. [Gifts for the guy who likes watches](. [Or the well dressed Dad](. [Or the guy who likes to wear suits](. Etc. We’ll cover all those, and hopefully a few more in the coming days. Shoes – Heritage Boots (Casual) - [Skimp: Golden Fox 6” Boondocker Boots – $139]( (review [here]() - [Spend: Grant Stone Diesel Suede Boots – $295]( (shown above) - [Splurge: Alden 403 Indy Leather Boots – $575]( [BOOT SEASON HAS ARRIVED MY FRIENDS](. If you’re shopping for someone that’s still wearing an entry level or basic pair of boots, look into upgrading them or reconditioning their favorite pair. If they don’t have any good boots, be a friend and get them booted and suited! Goodyear welted boots are the way to go. Shoes – Chelsea Boots (Semi Dressy) - [Skimp: Thursday “Duke” Chelsea Boots – $199]( - [Spend: Grant Stone Antique Calf Chelsea Boots – $312]( - [Splurge: RM Williams Leather Chelsea Boots – $495]( (shown above) Chelsea boots fill that space between the super formal Oxfords and the slightly more casual bluchers/derbies. If you’re looking for a business casual boot that pairs well with both wool dress slacks and slim fit chinos, look for a simple leather or suede Chelsea boot. Again, look for Goodyear welted pairs. Shoes – Oxfords, Bluchers, Derbies, or Loafers - [Skimp: Beckett Simonon “Dunham” Derbies – $199]( - [Spend: Grant Stone “Fairfield” Oxfords – $295]( (shown above) - [Splurge: Alden Long Wing Bluchers – $595]( If the person you’re shopping for regularly wears suits, sport coats, or upscale casual clothing, you might look into upgrading a pair of their basic or entry level dress shoes to something nicer. Just make sure you pay attention to return policies and keep your receipts should the new pair not fit as expected. Shoes – Sneakers - [Skimp: Vans Sk8-Hi 38 DX – $90]( - [Spend: Nike Air Max 90 NRG Upcycled Sneakers – $140]( - [Splurge: Gustin Grey Nubuck Lows – $169]( (Pre-Order) (shown above) There are tons of sneakers out there to choose from, especially lots under $50, but if we’re looking to surprise that special someone, let’s make them feel really special. Look for high quality materials, upgraded components (like squishy insoles), and classic looks that pair with just about everything. Shoes – Slippers, Mocs, and Boat Shoes - [Skimp: Sperry for J.Crew Authentic 2-eye Boat Shoes – $98](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes_sneakers/loafersboatshoes/sperry-for-jcrew-authentic-original-2eye-brokenin-boat-shoes/13508?color_name=rustic-brown) - [Spend: Rancourt “Read” Boat Shoes – $250]( (shown above) - [Splurge: Quoddy Made to Order Penny Mocs – $350]( I know we’re discussing Holiday 2020 gifts here, but Spring/Summer 2021 isn’t that far off. If you’re an early planner, now is actually an excellent time to shop for boat shoes, camp mocs, and super casual penny loafers for your next vacation (if we can leave the house). I’m a big supporter of domestically made products, so I’m throwing two great brands from Maine in here. They’re not cheap, but they’re made very well and can last you a lifetime. Socks – Athletic - [Skimp: Uniqlo Slub Cotton Short Socks – $5]( - [Spend: Darn Tough “Coolmax Vertex” No Show Socks – $16]( - [Splurge: Bombas Performance Merino Wool Ankle Socks – $18]( (shown above) As a kid, you always hated getting socks for Christmas, but one day you started looking forward to it. This denotes the transition from young adult to “I now have to take two Aleve every night for my back” adult. Welcome to the club! Upgrading your athletic socks from those all-white Hanes 12 packs from Wal-Mart is a luxury you can probably afford now. Note: If you’re wearing low top sneakers with shorts in the summer, you should be wearing low or no-show socks that closely match the shoes colorwise. Don’t be that Grandpa that wears above the calf white socks with his black New Balance Velcro sneakers. Socks – Casual - [Skimp: Belle Meade “Bourbon Drinking Socks” – $12]( - [Spend: Red Wing “Cotton Rag Overdye” Socks – $19]( - [Splurge: Chup Fair Isle Cotton Blend Socks – $35]( (shown above) For casual wear, add some fun patterns, photos, or pops of color underneath your chinos, cords, or jeans. I’m a huge fan of some of the artisanal Japanese brands like Chup and Anonymous Ism, but Darn Tough and Smartwool are great socks mostly made in the USA. Be wary of cheap polyester socks that don’t last! Socks – Business - [Skimp: Gold Toe “Harrington” Cotton Crew Socks – $22 for 6 pairs]( - [Spend: Orvis “Invincible Extra” Merino Wool Crew Socks – $60 for 3 pairs]( (shown above) - [Splurge: Pantherella “Laburnum” Merino Wool Crew Socks – $30 per pair]( When it comes to socks for formal, semi-formal, and business casual wear, conservative styles and color choices usually take precedence. Sock height is a personal preference, but you should always aim to match the color of your socks to the color of your pants as close as possible. [Style experts, feel free to work within the tonal color palette or go for a pop of something complementary on the color wheel](. Shoe Care – Trees [Woodlore Shoe Trees]( - [Skimp: Sof Sole Split-Toe Cedar Shoe Trees – $11](p~25kmf/) - [Spend: Nordstrom (Woodlore) Split-Toe Cedar Shoe Trees – $20]( - [Splurge: Woodlore Epic Twin-Tube Cedar Shoe Trees – $30]( (shown above) Shoe trees are one of the few essential shoe care items that everyone should invest in. Not only do they help keep your shoes in their proper shape as they dry out after wearing, but the ones crafted from absorbent woods like cedar or beech can also help extract moisture from the linings and deodorize them with a pleasant, woodsy scent. You should be using shoe trees in every pair of shoes, every night! Shoe Care – Brushes - [Skimp: Allen Edmonds Horsehair Shoeshine Brush – $10]( - [Spend: Saphir Horsehair Shoeshine Brush – $20]( - [Splurge: XL Wellington Horsehair Polishing Brush – $45]( Horsehair shoe brushes are essential for removing dust, dirt, and keeping an even shine on your shoes. I highly recommend investing in a set of at least two shoe polishing/finishing brushes – one for black and one for brown. If you regularly clean, condition, and polish your shoes, you’ll want to make sure you don’t cross contaminate the brown brush with black polish (and vice versa). As the resident shoe nerd, I’ll actually recommend getting a third brush for those suede shoes or sneakers that don’t regularly get shoe care products outside of a neutral, colorless conditioner. They’re relatively cheap and make for great stocking stuffers! Shoe Care – Cleaners, Conditioners, and Polish - [Skimp: Red Wing “Smooth Finished Leather” Basic Care Kit – $40]( - Spend: [Saphir Cleaning Soap ($18)]( + [Renovateur ($24)]( + [Pommadier Cream Polish ($21)]( = $63 - [Splurge: Saphir “Presidential Shoeshine Starter Kit” – $140]( (shown above) Kirby Allison, founder of Kirby Allison’s Hanger Project and shoe care expert, says it best: “Proper cleaning and conditioning of leather shoes is essential to their long-term care. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of dirt, waxes, and resins that can cause leather to suffocate and begin to crack.” Shoe Care – Laces - [Skimp: TZ Laces Round Waxed Dress Laces – $3]( - [Spend: Guarded Goods 54” Flat Waxed Boot Laces – $6]( (shown above) - [Splurge: Wellington Round Waxed Dress Shoelaces – $9]( A new pair of laces can really spruce up your favorite pair of kicks. For boot lovers, try rawhide leather laces for that rugged look or flat waxed cotton laces for a polished aesthetic. For sneakers, round cord or flat waxed cotton laces in a new color can add some spice to your trusty sneakies. Shoe Care – Shoeshine Boxes - Skimp: Use an old shoe box! – Free - [Spend: Allen Edmonds Cedar Valet Box – $52.50]( ($70) (shown above) - [Splurge: Alden Cedar Valet Box w/ Shoe Condiments – $250]( I try to keep all of my shoes and shoe care items well organized, but up until last year, I kept all of my cleaning supplies and brushes in an old sneaker box. That’s not very Dappered. However, my mom surprised me with [a lovely Brooks Brothers cedar valet storage box](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Cedar-Shoe-Valet/090F,default,pd.html?dwvar_090F_Color=SHOW&contentpos=6&cgid=) last Christmas after seeing it posted here on Dappered. Thanks, Mom! Note: If that special someone is starting from zero and has no supplies, look for one of these with some of the shoe care items included. They might not use them all, but something might be better than nothing. Shoe Care – Storage Bags - Skimp: DIY! Learn to sew a clean, old t-shirt into a simple storage bag. - [Spend: Allen Edmonds Cotton Flannel Shoe Bags – $4.97]( ($10) (shown above) - [Splurge: Wellington 100% Wool Melton Deluxe Shoe Bags – $35]( Proper shoe storage is also important in keeping your kicks fresh for as long as possible. Soft cotton twill or flannel shoe bags are an inexpensive way to protect your shoes during the times you’re not wearing them. Are your longwings sitting on a shelf in your closet? All of that dust, dirt, and pet hair loves to accumulate on and in your shoes. Travel a lot for work like I do? Shoe bags can help keep your nice Oxfords safe from accidental luggage damage. I prefer individual bags over one large bag for the pair. Looking for more gift guides? Here’s more of our gift guides for this year: - [Gifts for the guy who likes watches]( - [Gifts for the well dressed Dad]( - [Gifts for the guy who likes to wear suits]( - [Gifts for her]( ff/Dappered?a=i1u1HbAUFZA:H8f8xLguHrk:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=i1u1HbAUFZA:H8f8xLguHrk:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=i1u1HbAUFZA:H8f8xLguHrk:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Sweater Weather – WFH Business Casual (nothing over $100 edition)](r/Dappered/~3/R-DPb5bOXcM/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 14 Dec 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. This one’s for those still in the trenches of working from home and have probably forgotten what the daily commute to and from the office was like. [Step up and out of the sloppy sweats]( with a degree above casual. In this instance, [business casual](. [Style Scenario WFH Business Casual] The Sweater:[L.L. Bean Cotton/Cashmere Quarter Zip Sweater – $49.95](. More refined and put together than it’s fleece counterpart in my opinion. A collared shirt helps dress up the casual and sporty aspects that is the half zip. Item in the header photo on me is the [J. Crew Merino Half Zip Sweater](//www.jcrew.com/p/J7612?mode=edit&N=MEDIUM&NUM_ITEMS=1&cartId=3f58af3d2ff519ee6d1ebb17d9&color_name=hthr-pewter), but it’s sold out in grey and low in stock in other colors. For a step up in comfort and price, [check out this Bonobos option](. The Shirt: [Buttoned Down Slim Supima Cotton Shirt in Blue/Navy Check – $16+](. Adding a variance of colors without going the flannel route, yet still a softer option for days that don’t carry an icy chill. The Watch: [Timex Weekender Chronograph 40mm Watch – $45](. A simple Timex here. Working from home you probably have plenty of options to look at for time keeping, so we’re using the aesthetics of this watch to compliment the entire ensemble. The Belt: [Lands’ End Leather Jean Belt – $44.95](//www.landsend.com/products/mens-leather-jean-belt/id_338004?attributes=19431,43309,43331,43428,44255). Since this is a business yet casual look, a casual leather belt works, and works better than a actual dress belt. The Pants: [Goodthreads Slim Fit Dress Chino in Olive – $30](. I find that slim chinos in a dress cut tend to run slimmer than the typical “slim”, so I go up a size in the waist and that usually creates the right fit for me. At least these ship from Amazon, so returns are easy if this slim cut just doesn’t work for you. The Socks: [Nordstrom Signature Piqué Merino Wool Blend Socks – $16.50](. Wool for temperature regulation, nylon and spandex for stretch. The Shoes: [Johnston & Murphy McClain Chukka – $109.99]( If you’re a 10 or 10.5, you can get these through [Nordstrom Rack for $69.97 in a lighter tan](. Otherwise, they’re just over the $100 threshold directly from Johnston and Murphy in a deeper brown. Slightly burnished on the toe box and heel. Sleek looks, with a bonus that the leather is treated to be water resistant. About the Author: Paul K., formally from Atlanta, lives and works as an IT administrator in Los Angeles. When he’s not busy freelancing as a photographer and videographer, you can find him getting his steps in on the many hiking trails of SoCal. ff/Dappered?a=R-DPb5bOXcM:-Zk2n1GGhu0:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=R-DPb5bOXcM:-Zk2n1GGhu0:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=R-DPb5bOXcM:-Zk2n1GGhu0:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The 2020 Dappered Holiday Gift Guide for Her](r/Dappered/~3/BlOpSBwzDEQ/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 14 Dec 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Sarah W. is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. ([featured photo credit]() Well, here we are again. The holidays, albeit a weird year, are upon us. And even though we’re having to set convention aside, what traditions we can safely observe might be the only things that salvage this anything but traditional holiday season. And one of those traditions is giving gifts. This is also a weird year for the economy, so we’re going to take that into consideration and suggest a wide variety of gifts at varying price points. And one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones this year is the gift of health, so keep your distance and keep it Covid free! [Wine Bottle Topper Serving Set – $50]( A really fun, unique gift for the woman in your world that loves to entertain. Also a great gift for that lady that creates artistic displays with food. If you have one of those Martha Stewart acolytes in your life you know it, because you’ve been enchanted by one of her table spreads before. Sold thru Uncommon Goods. [Smartish iPhone 12/12 Pro Crossbody Case – $29.99]( A stylish case for iPhone 12 phones (just be sure to choose the correct option for the type of phone she has). Converts into a wristlet, and that front pocket is a wallet for carrying cards and cash for “the 3 people who still carry cash.” I happen to be one of them smart aleck copywriter (but I do see your point). [Tan France x Etsy Coffee Gift Set – $48.82]( If you have a QE fan you’re gifting to, she’ll appreciate this collaboration. Tan France is Queer Eye’s resident fashion expert, and although this isn’t clothing it sounds like he can pick a mean bag of beans. [Shower Steamer Spray – $25 per bottle]( Everyone can use a little stress relief right now, and here’s one way to help her do it. Scent is powerful, and can relax and/or invigorate the senses. This spray can inject a moment of spa time into an ordinary part of her routine. The four bottles show are the fragrances available, but the price is $25 per 2 oz. bottle. [J. Crew Crewneck Pullover in Vintage Cotton Terry – $69.50](//www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/sweatshirts_sweatpants/pullovers/crewneck-pullover-in-vintage-cotton-terry/AB720?color_name=shale-blue) //www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/sweatshirts_sweatpants/pullovers/crewneck-pullover-in-vintage-cotton-terry/AB720?color_name=shale-blue Sweatshirt looks from a higher end brand. This is pretty casual but can easily be dressed up with a collared shirt underneath, and a statement necklace such as… [J. Crew Gem Fan Statement Necklace – $58.99](//www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/gem-fan-statement-necklace/AS557?color_name=golden-moss) FINAL ($118) //www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/gem-fan-statement-necklace/AS557?color_name=golden-moss A beautiful statement necklace that can be worn casually to add some sparkle, but will also make a statement with a little black dress. Available in three colorways. [Bamboo Mini LED Grow Light Garden – $159]( For those of us that live further north and suffer through the doldrums of winter, being able to tend green living things can be a mood enhancer. This lovely little setup can easily fit into many spaces. There’s even a picture of it wall mounted you can see by clicking on the link, although I don’t think it comes with the hardware to do that? [Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit – $19.95]( Something she can get started in her new indoor light garden. [Harlem Chocolate Factory Golden Brownstone Gift Set – $50]( Almost too beautiful to eat… almost. For the woman in your life that has connections to New York, Harlem, or appreciates edible art. 6 handcrafted, gold-dusted bars are included. [Murder Mystery Puzzle Book – $17]( This looks like something really fun to do, especially during the couple cold, isolating months we have ahead of us. Who doesn’t love solving a good murder mystery? At the time I chose this it was available to ship by Christmas. Now it’s not. So perhaps a New Year’s Gift? [Aveda Shampure Candle – $45](2F230_g) 2F230_g I’m not a huge Aveda product fan. For some, saying those words is sacrilege. But it’s the truth. What I do love about Aveda though? The scent. Aveda stuff smells darn good, and for those devoted to the brand, I think that is part of the draw. If you have an Aveda fan in your life, they’ll love this gift. Or if a lady in your life just loves clean, spa-like fragrances, this should be appreciated. [Banana Republic Baguette Shoulder Bag – $27]( ($68) A cute, ruby red clutch size shoulder bag that can convert to a clutch/wristlet. Vegan leather, and sold by Banana Republic. [Modern Monet Everything Eiffel Paint by Numbers Kit – $42]( This looks like a lovely, creative project to tackle over the winter while we’re waiting to emerge from our Covid cocoons. Even if she says she’s not creative, by the time she’s done with this paint by numbers kit she’ll have a lovely impressionistic artwork of the Eiffel Tower. [Saturn Stud Earrings – $148]( [Saturn stud earrings]( A bit of an investment, but if you’re gifting to a woman that is a bit of an astronomy geek and is excited about the [conjunction happening this month](, this is a unique way to commemorate it for her. Handmade by artisan Shana Gulati. Uncut diamonds are laid in silver resin inside 18k gold frames. Because this is done by hand each pair is unique. [Harvest Savor[™] 4-Cube Large Tray – $16.95]( Whether she grows her own herbs and food, or she just enjoys make things like sauces in large batches, this could come in pretty handy. The snap down lid keeps the contents from absorbing freezer smells, and the silicone cups make for easy removal. This is also perfect for the woman who buys fruit with the best intentions of eating all of it before it ripens too much, but never quite makes it through. With this she can just chop it, throw it in the cups and top with water or juice, and have icy goods ready for a smoothie. [MOO Hardcover Notebook – $19.99]( It’s that time of year when a lot of people are thinking about resolutions and goals. Having something to write these things down in is very helpful, and this thoughtfully designed notebook is a great way to do it. Swiss binding ensures pages lay flat, and the high quality Swedish Munken Kristall paper comes lined or dotted, your choice. [Patrina’s Paperie Personalized Foil Note Cards – $26.50]( I’m assuming some women still utilize the US Postal Service, and that they enjoy mailing personal notes and thank you’s to the people they care about. If you happen to know a lady that does that, these are simple and classy. Set of 10 notecards and envelopes. Made in Denver, Colorado. [Cat beginner DIY Felting Kit – $21.90+]( I mean, come on. She can make her very own 3″ high itty bitty kitty. It only takes about 90 minutes to crank out this cuteness. Kits start at $21.90 for a single cat, or you can get a 2 cat kit, so you can have an itty bitty kitty of your very own. [Juniper Books Annual Subscription – $550 to $695]( For the true book lover. These are not mass produced paperbacks. These are books make at a higher quality, with beautifully designed covers. The subscription is a fun option but if it doesn’t appeal or isn’t in the budget, [check out all the sets they offer]( that will look incredible on her book shelf. [Something from the Huckberry Gift Guide For Her]( - [Pendleton White Sands Beach Towel – $49.50]( - [Julia Szendrei Gold Crystal Claw Earring – $58]( - [Viski White Wine Glass Set – $30]( - [Soko Hewa Pendant – $108]( - [Shepherd of Sweden Women’s Annie Slipper – $137]( Because Huckberry typically deals in quality stuff that looks cool. If you’re not finding something in this guide we wrote here on Dappered, perhaps you’ll find something in theirs? ff/Dappered?a=BlOpSBwzDEQ:b5TrleZPiMQ:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=BlOpSBwzDEQ:b5TrleZPiMQ:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=BlOpSBwzDEQ:b5TrleZPiMQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States