430. New Purchase: Ovadia & Sons Pebble Grain Double Monks

Welcome back the color black. But then again, it never left to begin with. I've come across lots of men and women who have problems with the color because it is a difficult one to coordinate and work with. Black suit? Shirts with deep hues and prints look horrid and don't even get me started on black dress shirts. They should cease to exist in the male wardrobe. However, I've seen many women work them very well.


And of course it can be worn with navy and brown. I've lost count over the years on how many times I've paired these colors together but its execution ultimately depends on your level of comfort and how well you can wear them together.


Which brings me down to footwear. This is my first black shoe purchase nearly three years. Why? Even though I've been on the hunt for a semi formal/dressy casual black shoe for what feels like decades, I'm terribly picky when it comes to this and the market for men isn't nearly as versatile as it is for women without having to break the bank. Toe box and shape, leather, last, sole, color, fit, eyelet, stitching, etc. all make the difference when a specific kind of man has to decide which pair of kicks he will be taking home with him.


Thankfully, my favorite twins at Ovadia & Sons had me covered. As an excited fan of theirs for nearly two years and this being the first addition to my closet, this just goes along with my personal commitment of supporting friends who have their own businesses and having my closet prove such. And not only for the sheer sake of just helping them, but also because I am in love with the products and services they provide. If money was no object, they'd easily occupy half of my closet. Its just that damn good and I believe in it that much.


The search is back on, though. More shoes to conquer, strengthen the rotation. I can only hope it doesn't take another three years to find the next black pair.

Double Breasted Suit by Banana Republic 'Monogram'
Cashmere Turtleneck by Uniqlo
Pocket Square: Vintage
Socks: Suit Supply
Smile: Model's Own


Images by Justin Chung