I’ve trusted Allen Edmonds for years because their Recrafting program is marketed as a heritage-level service — “the same craftsmen, the same machines, the same processes that built your shoes originally.” That message carries weight. It implies precision, pride, and an old-world standard of care. My recent recraft, however, revealed a very different reality — one that required persistence, escalation, and far more involvement from me than any customer should have to supply. Here is the full story, exactly as it unfolded with my custom patina A&Es October 8 – I purchased the recraft service with full confidence in the brand. October 20 – The shoes were shipped back as “completed.” A 12-day turnaround might look efficient, but the work told a different story. They looked rushed — uneven finishing, shape inconsistencies, and nothing close to the meticulous standard AE advertises. October 24 – I sent them back for correction. Any customer familiar with AE’s craftsmanship language would have done the same. The shoes simply didn’t reflect the level of detail they claim their recrafting is built upon. October 28 – AE received the returned shoes. According to their policy, I was supposed to receive recommendations and updates within 5–7 business days. Instead, I heard nothing. No updates. No action. No accountability. For weeks, the shoes sat. The process stalled. And the brand that built its name on service and heritage craftsmanship went quiet. Mid-November (Saturday) – I escalated the issue directly to the General Manager. Let me be clear: nothing moved until I did this. No progress, no traction, no corrective action. Within two days of contacting the GM, everything shifted. Updates came. Timelines were clarified. Work actually began. The contrast was stark. November 19–25 – I was given the new projected completion window. Ironically, this longer timeframe — nearly three times the length of the original recraft — said exactly what I had suspected: the first “completed” job was rushed. True craftsmanship requires time.

I recently came across a second hand Burberry Safari/ Bush Jacket that looks a little oversized on me. The sleeve length looks to be fine but the shoulder point (with epaulettes) looks oversized and arm hole is quite low. What do you guys think of this garment? I am sorry for now being able to take a better photo 😬 the mirror was blocked by a clothing rack

My pants and sweaters currently just get piled up on top of the dresser with it sprawled out after the first time wearing it. It's definitely part of my inattentive ADHD but if there was a more desirable way to store them beyond a small, cramped closet, that is easy to quickly use, I'm sure I'd start doing that instead. I didn't have a lot of room to work with for closet space since it's already small and the wife's dresses take up 3/4 of it.

I got a mates wedding next year. I had a wedding recently for another mate and the shoe started falling apart and then completely disintegrated on the way home. Thankfully it held up until the end. I heard that rubber soled dress shoes need to be worn regularly. I guess that's what happens when there aren't enough weddings between the previous time I worn them and the recent wedding. I'm specifically looking for a shoe that would work in formal situations but one that I can use at less formal situations too so I can get more use out of it. I like the idea of RM Williams Chelsea boots but they are ridiculously expensive and quality has apparently dropped in recent years. But if they last 5 - 10 years of moderate wear, I could justify the purchase as I'd be saving in the long run of having to replace cheaper shoes. Any recommendations? I'm in Australia so Aussie recommendations preferred (shipping from USA is crazy). Many thanks

I have some ball caps that I may wear around the house, but I don't usually wear them out anywhere. What I want to ask is where is the best places or locations or whatever to wear a Fedora hat? What color is a good color of Fedora that would go with most outfits? Just looking for good general advice regarding Fedora hats. Thanks.