Product Review: The Jay Butler Horsebit Loafer

A few months ago you were introduce to the brand, Jay Butler per a “Brands To Watch” feature. During the early phases, Jay Butler only released small leather goods like card cases, wallets, key ring and valets. Just over a month ago, the brand finally dropped its much awaited footwear collection. Consisting of leather & suede loafers (drivers, horse bit & moccasins), Jay Butler had its eyes on spring. 

I was able to grab a couple of pair of the Millbank Bit Loafer for review. 

Millbank Bit Loafer (Brown & Tan) – Jay Butler | Green & Blue Nautical Stripe Shirt – Gap | Denim Jacket – Asos | White Jeans – Uniqlo | Belt – Uniqlo | Tortoise Shell Sunglasses –Lookmatic 

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When loafers start popping up in every clothing brands advertisement, it’s a true sign of warm weather days to come. Being that loafers are my preferred style of shoe to wear almost all year, I decided to take a stab at the Millbank Bit Loafer from Jay Butler’s debut collection. Here’s a full run down of what I think about the shoes.

Pros

• The calf leather is soft, and yet, the construction is rigid. This rigidity gives the shoe some solid structure
• The arch support is surprisingly substantial
• They’re hand constructed and the sole are Blake Welted (you can have these kicks resoled)
• The horse bit provides enough metallic pop to break up the monotony of leather (or suede)
• They style perfectly with casual pieces like denim or chinos
• At $175, the price isn’t outrageous for the quality of the product (the Millbank Loafer is $175, prices vary for other items)

Cons

• The vamp of the is shorter than expected. The vamp is the top portion of shoe (from the toe box back). It measures 5 inches from the toe to the end of the vamp. With an extra .5 inch added the shoe would be damn near perfect. Not so much of your sock/foot would show, but, they’d still have a fair amount of breathing room.
• The heel stack is a little short. These shoes are advertised as a casual loafer, which is why the short heel stack is in place. With a .25 inch added to the heel, these shoes would hit perfection.

Final Grade

Based on the pros these shoes are deserving of an A grade, however; when you factor in two cons the final grade of the Millbank Bit Loafer by Jay Butler is a B. The two changes would make these already beautiful shoe a bit more aesthetically pleasing. 

Shop & Save

Now Through Friday, March 13th at 11:59pm, Save 10% on your purchase with the discount code “MSP10″ at checkout!

Like what you see or have questions about these shoes? Leave your comments below! Visit www.JayButler.com to check out the full collection.

Ubiq x Converse #MadeByYou In Philly

An American classic brand Converse and their iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers has teamed up with Philly sportswear hotspot Ubiq on the #MadeByYou campaign. This Friday, May 22nd from 6-10pm, join me along with Philly artists Martha Rich, Thom Lessner, Hawk Krall & Andrew who will be creating works of art out of your Converse kicks. It’s a celebration of art, footwear, music and Philly!

Come and let out your inner artist and give your Chucks some new life (or cop a new pair). Enjoy music by DJ Sammy Slice, food & drink. Below you’ll find the address to Ubiq:

Ubiq

1509 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, Pa, 19102

– Hope to see you all there

SHOE DESIGN SKETCHBOOK BY FASHIONARY

A sketchbook is not a just a book of blank pages. It’s a personal diary of your creative journey. A book of expressions, frustrations, and passions. It’s here where ideas get explored, developed, and possibly become actual products in the market place.

I love the feeling of filling up my sketchbook.  It does not happen often because publishers don’t really know the needs of a shoe designer.  Recently, I discovered Fashionarysketchbooks for shoe designers, and I’ve been in heaven. It’s been very easy to fill this book up with shoe doodles.

Fashionary has created a sketchbook which comes in thumbnail format. A template is already laid out for you in several heel heights, and all you have to do is connect the dots to a basic shoe form.  This feature allows you to focus on the design. With deadlines, and various projects, its great to be able to draw something quickly, and have it look proportional.

Other reasons why I like this sketchbook:

1. The paper is smooth to draw on.
2. Pencil erases easily.
3. Easy to take notes, and keep track of drawing dates.
4. A great way to draw mini collections.  I enjoy seeing my process, and ideas worked out.

5. Contains a shoe library of different constructions, a shoe glossary of footwear terminology, an international shoe size chart, and a spec sheet template.

Overall, I really like the Fashionary sketch book for shoe designers. It’s not only great for working designers, but also nice for those aspiring to get into  footwear design. They even have a shoe design book that has more expansive templates, and additional shoe design and trade information. You can find it here. I’m definitely going to buy this book, and look forward to using its more expansive templates.

SHOES AND ARCHITECTURE

Shoes and architecture are an obsession of mine. The lines and shapes of shoes and buildings have a strong correlation, and I enjoy exploring, and marrying them.

Recently, I came across Brasilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and instantly became enamored with his abstract shapes and curves. He is known for his design of civic buildings for Brasília,a planned city that became Brazil’s capital in 1960, as well as his collaboration with other architects on the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. His exploration of the aesthetic possibilities of reinforced concrete was highly influential in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Niemeyer’s Cathedral of Brasília is the Roman Catholic cathedral serving Brasília, Brazil, and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Brasília. Inspired by the buildings shapes, I started to draw some shoes, and well, thought I would share my exploration here.

All sketches by me in Fashionary sketchbook.

THE EVOLVING BLOCK HEEL

I’m thrilled to see the block heel trend evolving. Pointy heels have been the “go to” work shoe for many decades. It has also been a stigma that in order to look feminine and sexy, you wear heels. As a working woman myself, comfort, and style are my two favorite words together. The block heel has brought a whole new element to fashion, and women. Brands, are now creating shoe designs with block heels than can be worn for a night out on the town, or a special event. Comfort is now spreading to everyday life, not just 9 to 5.

So far my favorite has been Miu Miu with their feminine block heel shapes, and various heights. As a brand they have always had the block heel shape in their collection. This isn’t anything new for them. Miu Miu offers an array of stylish, feminine patterns with lots of creative details.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh carries beautiful, simple block heel sandals, pumps, and even loafers that have a classic, vintage feel. I really love the Roberta’s as you see in my drawing above. They are also sold out almost everywhere.

Obsessed with this super block heel and pointed toe shape by Acne Studios. The high throat is also a nice touch. Charlotte Olympia also has a nice pointed toe block heel pump. I really love the mix of a heavy block heel with a feminine toe shape.

Can’t stop thinking about these Chloe’s.  Love the heel shape.

And, who said you can’t wear a block heel to a holiday party? These Delpozo are serious show stoppers!

Then there are the architectural block heels. One of my Spring 16 favorites are by Gucci. The scalloped heel is lovely!

Are you a fan of the evolving block heel trend? Do you still prefer this as a comfort or everyday type shoe, or do you like that its venturing into evening, and more fashion?

Illustration by me. Shoes are Maryam Nassir Zadeh and clutch by Clare Vivier.

8 BEST LEAF INSPIRED SHOE DESIGNS

Undoubtfully, floral & leaf inspired shoes have been catching our attention for several seasons and it continues to surprise us how the shoe designers integrating this nature inspired trend into their shoe collections. Here are 8 best shoe designs we favor in this trend.

Alexander Mcqueen sculptured leaf wedge, perfect ultimate indulgence for shoe lovers. We absolutely admire the details on the resin sculptured leaf wedges, and just could image how much work the shoe technicians have been putting into it to make them these perfect. It is a piece of art by itself. But don’t click your heels in these as the delicate leafs underneath might chip off.

Charlotte Olympia Eve Leaf bootie is a dynamic creation with laser cut leaf details, fun and quirky. But the lining under the upper seems unnecessary to us as laser cut could handle a perfect see through look.

Alexandre Birman cutout python sandal, a design combined everything which is hot for the season: leaf detailing cutouts, lace up ties and python print leather, plus a trendy feature from previous summer sandals – a front strap. This “Miss Perfect” is available atsaksfifthavenue.com at the price of US$795.

Jimmy Choo Kaci crystal suede leaf sandal, elegant leaf cutout details with rhinestone encrusted on top. Available at Neiman Marcus at the price of US$1595.

BEST SHOE PHOTOS OF SPRING 2016

Here are some best shoe photos we love for spring 2014. They are impressive illusions, created through inventive set design and careful composition.
They effectively caught your attention within seconds, and completed the mission of advertising successfully by making you want to look at them twice or even hang them on the wall.

Rupert Sanderson

Salvatore Ferragamo

Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo