Random questions to which you seek an answer

[Qinhan]

@Giles:

I am getting approx 20 samples of Alexander leather jackets in the next few days….........

That's going to make a lot of people on this forum very excited.  But G, what about mixing boot/jacket colours?  You're a boot man, is this a no-no in your book?

[Giles]

I don't do no-nos.  What a person wears and how they wear it is completely and utterly up to the individual - all that matters is that they feel comfortable within themselves and amongst their peer group. But, would I do it?  No.

[seanocono]

I'm really excited to see some of these upcoming leather projects, G.  There's just something about a great leather jacket.

[Giles]

I am not sure what I'm getting.  Think we'll have a load of steer, maybe some oil pull steer, mid weight Horse and Kudu….

[seanocono]

That just makes it all the more fun though, right?  Like an eight-year-old on Christmas.

[Giles]

It'll be fun.  Even better if one one/some fit me…....

[seanocono]

That would be a disaster, on their part, but I think you're safe.

[zwer]

Quick note on the brown/black thing: Yes, you can mix them. It used to be one of those 'rules', like not wearing white after Labour Day. However, if you aren't comfortable doing it, then don't.

I wear black leather winter gloves with brown boots and feel okay about it, but I'm not sure I could mix boots and belt.

And my watches all have black leather straps and I wear those with brown, too.

[Omega Man]

Yeah, there used to be rules such as "don't wear black and blue", "no brown pants with black shoes".  It all boils down to how comfortable you are wearing them.  I tried to match my belt with my shoes in a business/office setting.  Other than that, I pretty much wear whatever I want.

[Sugar Mountain]

^ I wouldn't mix black and brown leather when wearing a suit but in casual, I don't think it matters. I wear black leather Red Wings and a natural leather IH belt.

What really makes me cringe is seeing brown leather dress shoes with a grey suit 

[unharmed]

Actually, I think brown shoes can work really nicely with a grey suit

For casual, I think the key is not having the shades too close together. I think black and tan look good but black and dark brown less so (can still work though)

[tigerpac]

Mixing brown and black still sorta bugs me… unless its a dark dark brown.  Not that it should be a rule or anything, just personal preference.

[Omega Man]

Oh, I love wearing brown shoes with grey and navy blue (but no black) suits.  Brown suede especially!

[Chris]

Here's how I work it:
I don't wear leather watch straps- it's either a bracelet or a nylon NATO strap in a snazzy color (like red).

I don't wear black shoes or boots.  Seriously.  I don't like them, never have.  Not a fan of black leather jackets, either.

As a result, all my boots and accessories tend to be various shades of brown, thus all coordinating according to the "rules".  Lately, I've branched out a bit and embraced different color boots (like my green Vibergs).  In my head, that falls outside the brown/black mixing issue, though I'm sure someone will say that I should only wear those boots with a green belt and a green watch strap…

My advice to you is simple, though- wear what you like and everyone else can screw off.;)

[rocket]

@Chris:

My advice to you is simple, though- wear what you like and everyone else can screw off.;)

and I'm totally with you….

[urbanwoodsman]

Where do natural leather products fit in?

[Seul]

I mix natural with black… Eg:  my black waxed Tricker's with the IHB-03 natural (because one of the midsoles is natural coloured). I also mix sneakers with natural, and my grey, blueberry and sand Red Wings.

[zwer]

Yeah - natural works with everything. I've got a natural belt and wear it with all colours and fabrics. Sparkly shoes, rubber trousers, lamé tops…

[CLJ]

Lorrie that Tag Monaco is a great looking piece. Wouldn't suit anything but a black leather strap.

[IHIHIH]

@Giles:

I am sure it does as with all things, the quality of the raw materials is fundamental to the quality of the end product, but I have never been asked or have asked the question before.  I will try and get more data.

thanx G..