It’s been ages since I posted anything, but the fashion world keeps spinning with new collections and trends constantly emerging.

I’ve noticed the rising trend in recycled clothing, perhaps driven by the cost-of-living crisis following Covid and rebranded as vintage. Ralph Lauren blazers, polos, and tees seem to look even better the second time around. It just goes to show that classic pieces never age.

I recently watched season three of HBO’s ‘White Lotus.’ The storylines are always quirky, and the cinematography is quite inspirational. Season three was set in Thailand, a place I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many times. The beaches are sensational, along with the food and nightlife.

I recall many years ago sitting on a beach in Thailand, smoking a cigar and having a beer. While not unusual, I remember wearing pink Abercrombie shorts, a distressed Ralph Lauren polo, and, of all things, a pair of chocolate suede Crockett and Jones oxford shoes. Thinking back, it seemed a risqué thing to do—wearing my favorite suede oxford’s to the beach, if not outright foolish. Nonetheless, despite the salt, they survived, and to this day, I still have the same oxford’s. I love them and, if I had to take one thing to a desert island, it would be these shoes. Watching ‘White Lotus’ reminded me of these shoes, and it seemed fitting to look back at some of the shoes in my collection, which I dare say are approaching that vintage age. So here goes, my top 10 pairs.

NUMBER 1. Sitting on the beach.

NUMBER 2. Loafers by Salvatore Ferragamo, too beautiful to wear!

NUMBER 3. Dunhill slip-ons only to be worn with a navy chalk stripe suit!

NUMBER 4. The finest shoes I own, Crockett & Jones hand grade.

NUMBER 5. From one end of China to another.

NUMBER 6. Maintaining traditions whilst breaking contemporary style.

NUMBER 7. A Races staple with great heritage.

NUMBER 8. Italian vintage hiking boots – essential pairing with suits and cords!

NUMBER 9. Snuff suede a classic with every look.

NUMBER 10. Belgium loafers something new.

That’s it, a quick fire top 10, not to be confused with ‘that bar’ in Singapore and only the tip of the iceberg of a much bigger collection.

Shoes have the ability to make or break an outfit; they are the single most important item in a wardrobe. Invest wisely, don’t be shy to buy online, trainers are fine, but not every day!

I should have been working, instead I was in the garden making pizza’s and snapping these pics!

If you can’t do it in style – don’t do it!