Tired of hauling country shoes into the city for polishing, I decided I needed shine supplies for the weekend. I was ordering a pair of shoes at the time, and, on impulse, took a flyer on Gaziano & Girling's shoe cleaning kit. That was six months ago.
Of course, I'd entirely forgotten that 'shine them myself' resolve when one day Dean Girling emailed asking if it was OK to charge my credit card. I hadn't made any other plans, so I'm now the owner of a shine kit that's nearly as nice as a pair of G&G bespoke. As it should be. I mean, it took significantly longer than the shoe order did and cost as much as a couple pair of boat shoes.
Nonetheless, the kit reminds me of some of the wonderful English accessories that used to be available in London's Burlington Arcade before the jewelers took the place over. Men who don't care if their shoes go unpolished while they await delivery will appreciate the sturdy case that encloses a shoe horn, tins of polish, suede cleaner, a shine cloth and a selection of brushes for calf and suede shoes. Now all I have to do is figure out the intended use of some of the brushes.
Gaziano & Girling Shoe Cleaning Kit, £100 ex VAT (about $200).
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Maintenance: G&G's Shoe Cleaning Kit
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3 comments:
Very handsome, if only G & G would visit the Southeast
Could you please discuss the care, maintenance, and perhaps storage of suits, shoes, ties, etc... Once one has taken the time to assemble a decent wardrobe (and sincurred the not insignificant cost) it would seem only right to make sure it is well provided for.
Suits: how often should one have them cleaned and/or pressed? Is there daily maintenance that would prolong the lifetime of a suit? My grandfather had many bespoke suits. I remember him brushing his suits after wearing them (he learned this he said from a valet he had had as a young man.) He never provided a reason for this ritual and I cannot say that I know anyone who does this now.
I have similar questions regarding shirts (no starch? hand-wash? hand iron?), shoes, and ties but perhaps you could begin with suits.
Thank you very much. I enjoy your blog.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll do a post on suit maintenance in a few days.
A search for 'maintenance' will turn up a fairly comprehensive post on shoe care.
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