Velvet Footprints

Originally made popular with English aristocracy (and made timeless by Hugh Hefner....I'll let you decide who you'd like to emulate) the Velvet Slipper has never really caught on in the US. Outside of the occasional tuxedo pairing by the most confidently stylish gentlemen, this is a shoe that most men admire from afar simple because they don't know what to do with it.

Although it is, technically, a formal shoe it can be fairly versatile when the balance of the outfit is kept simple and worn with exceeding levels of confidence.

This photo (below), from the Sartorialist outside of a recent Ralph Lauren show, is a great example of how this shoe can be worn in creatively casual ways.

Well known brands like Ralph Lauren and Barker Black have continued to keep the Velvet Slipper in their footwear collections for quite some time but grabbing the shoe from one of these brands could cost you anywhere from $300 (if you're lucky) to $900 or more.

That said, you can grab a great pair of bench made velvet slippers, like the one pictured below, from a brand like Shipton & Heneage for about $200 to $250.

These are incredibly well made and I love the fact that Shipton & Heneage allows you to choose from about 60 different motifs - from crossing guns to north stars and even fleur de lis you can prance around in any color and embroidery your heart desires.

Visit Shipton & Heneage on line and pick up a pair of the coolest shoes you will ever own.

Make it an Outstanding Day!

- Kenyatte