Dappered | Win it / In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes

[Dappered | Win it / In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Win it / In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes](#1) - [The Dappered Space: Beach Bachelor Pad](#2) - [Style Scenario: Vacation in the Mountains](#3) [Win it / In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes](r/Dappered/~3/mi4d7fyNVb8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 12 Jul 2017 03:00 AM PDT [Taft Shoes (via Huckberry) $179.98 – $199.98]( ($250) Taft who? As in William Howard? Probably not. President Bathtub was more of a Doc Martens silhouette. These are anything but. [In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes | Dappered.com]( Turns out Taft [has been around since 2013]( and is one of the many, many direct to consumer brands claiming they’ll save you lots of cash by avoiding the traditional retail system. No markups, no fancy marketing, bla bla !!bar graph!! bla bla bla. But unlike many direct to consumer brands, Taft might just be a legit place to shop. Here’s why… While many of their designs are funky (or, unique if you prefer), the materials and construction really are quite impressive. Made in Spain with a Blake stitched sole, all of their shoes use full grain leathers, they have slim leather soles with rubber patches for traction, and their shoes are lined in calfskin. And, perhaps most importantly, [everything ships and returns for free in the US](. [In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes | Dappered.com]( [We took the “Bennet” whole cut]( for a spin (on sale for $180 through Huckberry) and honestly? It was much more impressive than what had been anticipated. The leather is soft. Impressively soft. Break in time? Notta. Nothing. Maybe it’s different on other models, but the uppers on the Bennet are very nice. The leather has an almost glove like feel (glove like in terms of pliability). And the slight pebbled texture, which graduates into a smoother, almond shaped toe is a terrific touch. Sure, whole-cuts aren’t for everyone, but these would look dynamite with a light grey suit, white shirt, and navy tie. Or, soaring out of Aaron Rodger’s hand and into the awaiting arms of Randall Cobb. (I kid, they really do make for great looking shoes.) [In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes | Dappered.com]( Again, Blake stitched so they’re quite flexible right out of the box. The subtle rubber inserts in the sole are well appreciated, since usually with this kind of sleek, European made shoe, you risk a broken neck if you step out onto carpet or a wet sidewalk on first wear. Not here. Sizing seems true. Maybe a little trim. A Euro 43 fit my normally 10.5 D feet just fine. A 43 is supposed to be 10-10.5, and I wouldn’t size up. If anything, think about going down a half size if you’re in between on the EU measurements. No pinching or crushing of the toes. Again, they’re a little snug in terms of width, so, if you’re a wide foot, you’re out of luck. Sadly, Huckberry [is just about out of the Bennet]( but you can enter below to win [any of the four models that they currently have on hand from Taft]( (two woven wingtips, a wingtip boot, and these wholecuts if they have them in your size). You can find more stock, albeit at full price, [over at the Taft website](. [In Review: Taft Made in Spain Shoes | Dappered.com]( [Enter here to win]( a pair of Taft shoes from Huckberry ([one of the four models they have on hand](. Deadline for entry is 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday 7/12/17. One entry per person. Good luck! ff/Dappered?a=mi4d7fyNVb8:r20XhhBwGh4:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=mi4d7fyNVb8:r20XhhBwGh4:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=mi4d7fyNVb8:r20XhhBwGh4:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The Dappered Space: Beach Bachelor Pad](r/Dappered/~3/5QREbmEiVBY/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 11 Jul 2017 02:00 PM PDT [The Dappered Space]( is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales. (featured [photo credit](N06/14896548191/)) Recently a Dappered reader reached out via Facebook with the following request: “Hello, I just wanted to say that I love your articles. I’ve especially appreciated the new home decor series. If you could do an article on decorating a bachelor-pad beach house at some point that would be great. Everything I know seems so cliche so it’d be cool to get some advice.” By cliche, dear reader, would you be referring to kitschy decor that might get your place mistaken for the local Long John Silver’s, or neighborhood seafood establishment? It can be easy to lean too heavily on all things ocean when your goal is to decorate with a coastal theme, but done right, you can pull together a cohesive look that still reflects the sea & sand outside your door, but with a contemporary twist. Take your cues from nature, rely on the colors and textures found at the coast for the big stuff. Then add decorative accents that are obviously ocean themed. Here’s an example room: [The Dappered Space: Beach Bachelor Pad | Dappered.com] The Couch: [Mainstays Apartment Sofa – $199]( Living by the beach usually means tracking sand into your place. Couches that are tufted have those divots that allow sand/dirt/lint to easily collect, so we’re going with something that is divot free, thus hopefully a little easier to keep clean. The Throw Pillow: [Nautical Map 16×16 Pillow Cover]( + [Insert]( – $25. A throw pillow is an easy way to get your nautical spin going without things getting overwhelming. I like the nautical map theme of the pillow cover I chose, but there are a lot of options out there. Pair this with a few solid [navy]( or [sand]( color pillows. The Rug: [Safavieh Courtyard Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Navy/ Beige Rug –  $157.54](//www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Courtyard-Contemporary-Indoor-Outdoor-Navy-Beige-Rug-8-x-10/13297813/product.html?recset=0a5eec4e-83f9-400a-b082-b75f2018e1e9&refccid=3IOKTF3D7WEZTD2IQEKYE6U2Y4&recalg=872,873,839&recidx=2). Nothing says nautical like stripes, but stripes can be incorporated into different looks, so you won’t be completely boxing yourself in with this rug. It’s an indoor/outdoor rug, so it can live a second life outside if you tire of it in your place. The Table: [Alaterre Pomona Reclaimed Wood and Metal 42-inch Coffee Table – $287.98](//www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Alaterre-Pomona-Reclaimed-Wood-and-Metal-42-inch-Coffee-Table/10411216/product.html?refccid=DNML65QVTAHLFDKOWRM7WYTAV4&searchidx=4&keywords=&refinement=type:Coffee%20Tables|material:Reclaimed%20Wood~Wood|). Reclaimed wood fits right into coastal decor. It calls to mind driftwood, and the natural elements you’ll find at the beach. Just a warning on this table, it will absorb moisture, so expect rings from the bottom of glasses if you don’t use [coasters](. The Chair: [Laurence Barrel Chair – $203.99](C2%AE-Laurence-Barrel-Chair-CSTD1469.html). Throwing in some color here. I went with orange for a few different reasons. It looks great with the greys and blues of the rest of the decor. It’s also reflective of a few things associated with the sea; corals, sunsets… you get my drift. You can throw one of those navy pillows on it to break up the orange. The Side Table: [Threshold Darley Storage Cube in Walnut – $75.99](51077163). This handy little storage cube can double as a side table (set a [tray](, or even wood cutting board on top to create a stable surface) or extra seat. Plus, you’ve got the built in storage for any odds and ends you want nearby, but not out in the open. Good way to contain clutter. The Wall Art: [‘Ombré Beach’ Wall Art Gallery – $99](. For a quick grouping of art, this is a nice set. It is just prints, you’ll have to frame them yourself, but Amazon is an easy and affordable option for frames. Don’t be afraid to mix frames up between black and natural woods. The Decor: [Sea Urchin Bud Vase Trio – $30](. [Sea Urchins are pretty spectacular creatures](. These vases aren’t actual urchin shells, but ceramic molded after these beautiful creatures. You can use them for air-plants, or just to add some texture and visual interest in the room you’re decorating. The bright white will appeal to those who like modern decor. The Plant: [“Stick” or “Spineless” Yucca](. If you can find one, a mature “Stick” yucca is a cool looking plant, reminiscent of a palm tree. It’s important to choose the right type of yucca for indoor use, as most yucca have razor sharp leaves that can cut you. Look for indoor yuccas at a store like Home Depot. Plant in a pot large enough to support it’s growth (they get tall, albeit slowly), and one you really like, since this plant should be around for a long time. Sarah 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. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents. ff/Dappered?a=5QREbmEiVBY:UbQABZw4m3A:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=5QREbmEiVBY:UbQABZw4m3A:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=5QREbmEiVBY:UbQABZw4m3A:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Vacation in the Mountains](r/Dappered/~3/vKg2YV1VG6w/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 11 Jul 2017 08:00 AM PDT 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. Over the next several weeks we’ll be tackling some [vacation based Style Scenarios](, whether that vacation takes you out to the beach, into the mountains, or cruising the desert. Travel season is upon us, so we’re making some suggestions on how to spend some down time feeling comfortable while looking good. Next trip on our list is to the mountains, where the days are warm (but not hot) and the nights are cool. [Style Scenario: Vacation in the Mountains | Dappered.com] The Shirt: [National Park Tee – $24.98]( ($32). Obviously, you can wear any old t-shirt while vacationing in the mountains, but why not throw in something that might be a conversation starter? Huckberry and HOMAGE have collaborated on a great selection of [American made shirts](, yes, paying homage, to our great parks. Be sure to also check your local thrift stores for cheaper second hand options. The Sweater: [Old Navy Ombre Shawl Collar Cardigan – $13.98]( ($49.94). A good, inexpensive layer for cool mornings with coffee on the cabin porch, or around the fire at night. The Pants: [Levi’s Men’s 514 Straight Fit Stretch Jeans in Ship Yard – $27.99 – $69.50](. When vacationing in the mountains, you’ll want items that transition easily from day to night. With their straight fit and 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane, these jeans offer ease of movement for a daytime hike, and will be comfortable for sitting in front of the fire when the evening cools off. The darker color will hide most stains, and at that price you won’t mind if they get a little dirty. The Belt: [J. Crew Braided Web Belt]( $20.99]( w/ YESPLEASE ($30). Summery, but not a ribbon belt. Color without going over the top too. The Watch: [Casio Diver – $50ish](. Yep, this one again. Why? Because, it’s a great option for your mountain escape. With its 200m water resistance, and resin band, it’s hardy enough to withstand a dip in the lake, or some good ol’ wood chopping. The Sunglasses: [Kankan Polarized Sport Sunglasses in Gunmetal – $13.99](. Super cheap yet still polarized. So the glare off the mountain lakes/rivers won’t wreck your eyes. No need to take your $100+ sunglasses to the mountains, only to drop them in the river or step on them while playing woodland [bocce ball](. The Socks: [DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking & Trekking Socks – $12.99](. Lightweight merino is perfect for a summer excursion to higher elevations. Terrific reviews too. The Shoes: [Woolrich](//www.zappos.com/p/woolrich-packer-full-grain-ginger-tweed/product/8739122/color/639240?ef_id=WUQP6gAAAGP3BRxL:20170630015552:s)[Packer](//www.zappos.com/p/woolrich-packer-full-grain-ginger-tweed/product/8739122/color/639240?ef_id=WUQP6gAAAGP3BRxL:20170630015552:s)[– $157.99](//www.zappos.com/p/woolrich-packer-full-grain-ginger-tweed/product/8739122/color/639240?ef_id=WUQP6gAAAGP3BRxL:20170630015552:s) ($225.00). Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential in the mountains. You’ll want a pair of boots that you can wear all day, hiking or lounging, that will keep your feet covered from the elements and your ankles stable while hopping over logs and rocks. Note that while some Woolrich boots are made in the USA ([like the Yankee](), these are not. Still a nice, supportive boot that won’t weigh you down like massive backpacking boots. The Hat: [Lands’ End Men’s 100 Fleece Hat – $14](. The nights get cool in the mountains, might want to keep your noggin warm. The Portable Grill: [Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE – $135](. The whole point of vacationing in the mountains is to be outside enjoying them, right? Even if your cabin/yurt/lodge offers an indoor cooking area, with it’s handle, wheels, and collapsible stand, this portable grill makes it easy to get outdoors and take in the scenery with your friends and family. Remember to pick up a couple 16.4 oz [propane tanks]( to go with it. Of course, cooking over a real fire would be more authentic, but in some areas campfires are a no-go in the summer due to wildfire risk. ff/Dappered?a=vKg2YV1VG6w:Vi2mDAklqrU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=vKg2YV1VG6w:Vi2mDAklqrU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=vKg2YV1VG6w:Vi2mDAklqrU: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 Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States