Cole Haan Air Lucarno Loafer

It’s been quite a while since I covered any men’s fashion in the blog, and I thought it’d be a nice change of pace. It also gives me a chance to have some say about men’s fashion today. What. The. Hell. Here’s a tip. If your pants don’t cover your ass at all times, they don’t fit. Who ever thought, “Hey, I know. I’ll wear my pants around my knees and just cinch a belt around them to hold them up, and then I’ll wear a long, baggy shirt to cover the distance. Oh, and also, I’ll let my boxer shorts bulge out the back so it looks like I have four butt cheeks.” Not attractive. Do I sound old and unhip? Yeah? Well, if you don’t like it, get off my lawn. I like a man who dresses well, but in a more classic way. I want his hand free to hold mine, not hold his pants up. Show me a guy in dark, well-fitting jeans, a white button-down shirt, a black blazer, and black loafers, and I’ll swoon. Hold on—Hugh Jackman moment. Ah, ok, where was I? Ah yes. The loafers. They make the outfit. The ensemble I describe can go from super casual with a pair of sneakers and the shirt untucked, to a night out with it tucked in and the right pair of leather loafers. And these Cole Haan Lucarno loafers are oh so right.

Ok, let’s get this out of the way. Their whole name is Cole Haan Air Lucarno Dress Monk Strap Slip-on Loafer. Jeez, it’s like royalty with their mile-long names. So let’s just stick with Lucarno, shall we. Right. This is one sexy shoe. It’s not a typical dress shoe like an oxford or other lace-up, or even a classic loafer. It’s a contemporary departure while maintaining the clean lines and elegant seams of a classically styled loafer. It can go with anything—slacks, a suit, and those sexy, butt-hugging jeans I was talking about. They’re made from smooth Italian calfskin and get this—the footbed and inner support are crafted with Nike Air technology for total cushioning and comfort. The sole is also leather, so after a few wearings, it will scuff up a bit for traction even on the most polished floors. Best of all, they just slip on—or off. Splurge on your man for $328 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Here’s the other reason I thought it might be a good idea to feature some men’s fashion—the holidays are coming up. I know, I know, I don’t like to rush them either. I can’t stand going to the mall and seeing Christmas decorations out already, and it’s not even Halloween yet. And hey, Hallmark? Why don’t you just leave those ornaments out all year now? I mean, they’ve been on display since July, so why go through all the trouble of setting them up only to take them down six months later? Just leave it up so we can experience the sapping of the holiday’s specialness all year long. Oh yeah, and get off my lawn! Ahem. Anyway, although I don’t like the holiday being shoved down my throat so early, I do try to get a jump on my holiday shopping so I don’t have to fight the crowds later. That’s just thinking ahead. So maybe you can steer the man in your life in a new, fashionable direction with a great pair of loafers? And if you don’t have a man in your life right now, well, get them anyway. If you build it, he will come. Ok, I’m just kidding! If you don’t have a man in your life right now, you’d better be spending that disposable income on some fabulous girly shoes! But when you do want or need to buy some nice shoes for a guy, consider the Kenneth Cole Reaction Last Request loafer. Hmm. I’m not sure if I were making a last request, it would be for a loafer, but whatever. It has a one hundred percent leather upper, and a decorative strap over the vamp with a silver embellishment. Dual gore panels on either side allow it to slip easily on and off. The insole is also padded for extra comfort. It normally goes for $98, but you can get it right now for just $59.50 at Piperlime.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Another great budget-friendly option is the Bostonian Yarnell. Or, if it’s really Bostonian, Yahnell. It’s wicked awesome. You know, that outfit I described is one of my faves on a guy, but seeing these loafers reminded me of a guy who wears them well. Few men could pull off this look, and to be honest, I don’t know what I’d be seen with a guy in purple skinny jeans, especially if he filled them out better than I do. But don’t the loafers look great? I also don’t know about the wearing loafers barefoot thing. Only if the guy is really fastidious because otherwise…ew. Anyway, the Yarnell has a smooth leather upper, square bicycle toe, and is fully lined. The insole is lightly cushioned for comfort, and the outsole is textured for traction. It also has dual gore panels on the sides for easy on and off. It’s also on sale. Usually $85, it’s just $49.50 now at Piperlime.com.