Pink and the Brain

Many guys think something like "yeah, pink, looks good... on girls!".  That's right, but not the only truth. Actually, the pink oxford cloth button down shirt is a (Ivy-) classic that you may want to introduce to your wardrobe - in case you haven't already. So, before you go green on me, think the pink!

pink oxford cloth shirt

A brief history of color symbolism
The blue = boy, pink/red = girl formula is in a sense a modern and relativley new tradition. In fact, it used to be the other way around for a long time. Blue was the color of Mary, while red tones used to indicate power and wealth. That's all you need to know to smash anyone questioning your manliness when wearing pink.

Fabric is the key
Especially if you have never worn pink before, I'd suggest to first pick a cloth that isn't too fine and shiny. Oxford or pin point would be my suggestions. These have a nice grainy and rather dull structure, avoiding the danger of looking cheezy.

shades of pink

How to pair
Pink is not as easy to pair with other colors as (light-) blue, but it's also not too hard. Brown (from beige to chocolate) and grey tones are my favorites, (off-) white and blue are very nice, too, amongst others.

 pink combos

So, put on your pink superhero cape and go save the world!

Drake's Sale @ MR PORTER

 

Drake's ties & accessories 30-50% off

The Indy Boot

  

Alden 405 a.k.a. the Indy Boot

One of the most popular shoes sold by Alden are the 405s, often referred to as Indy Boots. Harrison Ford wore them in the Indiana Jones movies, well, he may want to buff them a bit. It's told that they were actually his own, still around from the time when he was working as a carpenter.

Alden builds them on the true balance last, which is one of their widest and roundest. The sturdy look of the Indy will work great with denim, basically these are shoes to be worn with casual outfits.

jeans, button down shirt & 405s

But that doesn't mean, you can't dress them up a bit. They also look nice with a sports jacket. For example, a grey and rather rough herring bone coat will do, tweed is another option to think of.

herring bone jacket & 405s

 with cords and tweed

 The 405 is the original, or at least the one Indiana Jones is wearing, though the "broken-in" appereance makes them look more muddy-brown than the reddish brown they have when new or in well maintained condition. Alden sells them in many different versions. I bought mine at the Alden store in DC a few years ago, price then was around 450$ or so.

at the Alden Store in DC, Kathy (General Manager), employee (sorry,  forgot his name)

 displayed 405 and the kudu version

Being a very popular model, many other stores sell them, too, providing also their own make-ups. Union Made, J.Crew (also calling the linked version "405", though diverging from the original 405s sold by Alden) or Haberdash of Chicago (ok, a very special make up, but right now on sale) come to mind, Need Supply, Epaulet and The Shoe Mart too, amongst many others. My special tip would be Sky Valet Shoes, a bit less expensive and free shipping included.
As usual, good things are being copied, so if you're not feeling like paying 500 bucks or so, J.Crew used to sell a rip-off made by Chippewa, currently, it's unavailable, but check out again later. They go for half the price of the original Alden, don't know, if they can stand up next to them, though.

 Indy Rock

Like most of Alden shoes and boots, they are goodyear welted (in this case 270°), so you can resole them once the "neo-cork" (a very durable rubber) sole is worn down, which may take some years.