What’s happening here then? Canadian store Roden Gray present their Spring/Summer 2012 stock via this mysterious film. Showcasing labels such as Junya Watanabe, Thom Browne and Alden, cinematographer Peter Hagge captures actor John J. Mackie, our hero/villain, on a rainy Vancouver night. Whisky + Face Splashing + Furrowed Brow = Something’s up. Hats off to Roden on a quality production.

It is clear we all love well built shoes and spending your hard earned money on a premium pair will go a long was in ensuring classic wear and longevity from them. Alden’s All Weather Walker shoes are perfect for the tough rainy says of spring. Made from Alpine grade calfskin and a “soft plantation crepe” sole will help to keep you dry and moving through the hard times. Leffot has them for $478.

More detailed looks on the following page.

Continuing to focus on the perfect ’smart/doesn’t have to be worn smart’ boot. These Chukkas from Alden fit the bill perfectly. If you’re going to be paying big cash-money for a pair of shoes you may as well purchase something that’ll work in lots of situations. Leather Soul point out that the extra eyelets on this particular boot make it perfect for anyone who finds the Chukkas limited lace-up a bit challenging. This one is available in black and burgundy Shell Cordovan, we won’t bang on about the quality, this is Alden after all. More info here.

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Good buddies Alden and New York shoe shop Leffot teamed up for this temperate-hued Indy boot. As of this typing, the style is more than a mainstay, but you’ll definitely stand out in a pair made from blonde suede (and you might drive yourself insane trying to keep them spotless). The plantation crepe sole is also eye catching, for those choice moments when your feet are up on the desk.

Word is there was some discussion over how to describe the tone that settled on “marble.” Milkshake was in the mix, and we sort of prefer that descriptor. “These boots are like a milkshake for your feet”—sounds fitting for summer, non? Pick them up online or in-store.

More looks in our gallery…

Leffot have been eyeing up an Alden two-tone shoe for a while. Now it’s finally arrived in all its dandy glory. Of course, these automatically take you back to the early twentieth century – that pure white panel might be a little too gleaming for most folk, especially in contrast to the tan. However these incredible shoes should not be ignored as just a costume piece for revivalists at the Governors Island Jazz -Age Lawn Party. Wear them right and they can be pulled off the shiny new modern world.

Leffot comment “Spectator shoes date from the nineteenth century but reached the height of popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald our Gatsby is crisp and clean in burnished tan and white calfskin.” More here.

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Some good news for those waiting for the opening of the new J. Crew men’s retail play in Tribeca. The Ludlow Suit Shop opened its doors today. As we mentioned back in late January, the shop will carry a strong collection of in-house specials including “Thomas Mason for J.Crew shirting, Italian cashmere and a selection of shoes including Alden for J.Crew and Crockett & Jones.” The interior, inspired by “atelier live/ workspace,” is a serious mix of flavors from 19th century antiques to a Mies van der Rohe sofa. The 70’s Marantz turntable on display better work when I’m in there.

Find the J. Crew Ludlow Suit Shop in Tribeca at 50 Hudson, NYC.

More looks in our gallery…

We had to bring you these. The Alden ‘Ultimate Indy’ in black Aniline calf leather. These flew off shelves when they were first introduced a few years back, they now make a return via Leather Soul who currently offer more versions of this boot than you have days in the year to wear them. Now, some may be shaking their heads at another mention of the Indy. The poster boot for the menswear movement has become, lets say, Ubiquitous. This version however has breathed new life into a classic, that matte black colourway bringing a chalkboard vibe and generally smartening the whole thing up.

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A quick revisit to this collaboration between Alden, Self-Edge and Leather Soul. This time we take a look at the tan Horween natural Chromexcel version which sits as a nice alternative to the black. A colourway which will appeal to those who like to follow the progress of an ageing leather, this is one for the patient. Sure to only get better with time, this 40s style boot isn’t one to be precious with, that Goodyear rubber sole is there for a reason.

Two smitten-worthy outfits come together to bring us this sleek, utilitarian boot. Denim purveyor Self Edge describes their niche in the world this way: “We don’t see a pair of jeans as just a pair of jeans. We see them as part of your life—something that ages with you and, like you, only becomes better with time.”

We couldn’t agree more, and, in the case of a quality piece of footwear, the same rules apply, which is something Leather Soul seems aware of by their own credo: “Aloha, our passion is for craftsmanship, style, the perfect fit and uncompromising service.”

One hundred pairs of the Alden boot were produced in each of two colors—black and Horween chromexcel (tan)—both bearing the telltale detail of a stitched mock toecap. You can pick them up starting February 18 at either Leather Sole location (Beverly Hills and Waikiki). In addition, Self Edge will be releasing an Iron Heart collaboration jean as part of the package.

More looks in our gallery…

Today, we head over to Europe for a taste of Italy through the eyes of Marco Ravanetti, the editor of one of our favorite sites, Men’s Reveire. We asked him to pick eight of his favorite items for the holidays; goods that could serve as gifts for just about anyone. We of course get a very discreet list what can only be seen as a very considered offering.

As Mr. Ravanetti tell us, “Yes, I do love gifts. A lot, although I don’t receive them very often. Due to this, eight, is a very tight number, therefore, I hope Jeff will allow me to cheat just a tiny bit.” Yes, sir, you can cheat.

Click for more looks at the eight gift selections from Italy’s Marco Ravanetti.