My Shoe Collection #33

Jil Sander Navy Canvas Lace-ups

As the saying goes, 'A pair of shoe a day, makes me smiley and happy always'. Okay, okay, I invented that myself:-P But it sure does come true each time I acquired a pair of shoe. Yesterday while making my weekly 'pilgrimage' to the 'divine temple' of shopping, Club 21 Mens, I chanced upon this pair of blue navy canvas lace-ups by Jil Sander. I wanted to try on the sockless look with lace-ups instead of sneakers which I usually do. It's a 'formal-casual' thingy with shorts and tees that I want to get into. So this pair of lace-ups fits my requirement and it's my last chance to enjoy sale merchandise before the sale ends this weekend.

From the spring summer 2008 collection and at 50% discount, I thought I could 'experiment' with this shoe and see if the look works for me. I find black shoes too formal and stark, hence navy will be a good alternative. Cross my fingers for the sockless lace-up look to work for me!

I was contemplating between this Jil Sander pair and a navy leather ck Calvin Klein version. Seeing that I find that pair of leather shoe at every ck Calvin Klein store in Singapore, I decided against it. I dun want to be seen wearing the same shoe with the 'whole world'. At least Singapore, I mean. The price difference for the 2 options is SGD$50. So paying an extra SGD$50 for more exclusivity is worth every penny in my books. Plus, Jil Sander is a first line brand, unlike ck Calvin Klein which is a sub brand of its namesake. (I am seriously doing some post rationalisation to tell myself I made the right choice, which I did!:-)

This pair of lace-ups features a round toe design and a raw pale coloured wood sole and heel. Made from navy coloured canvas with leather trimmings along the edges and fully lined with leather on the insides. The minimal design is classic and non trend driven. It's special and unique in a subtle way thru the unconventional use of materials. Because the shoe is long in shape, I had to wear a size down. Well, I did not have a choice anyway, what's left in the store was this smaller size. But it fits perfect! Somehow the fates decreed that I should own this pair of shoe. A real life 'Cinderella' story?:-P

Retail price: SGD $799. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel