The London Lounge

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your advice on a new pair of shoes I just received from a WS Foster and they are great, although I ordered them with their distressed look. The shoes fit great and the firm has already agreed to adjust the finish of the shoes since they made a mistake, I am wondering if I really want to do it-- it might be a blessing in disguise. I'd love the amazing advice of this group.

Thanks!

jlazarow wrote:I am wondering if I really want to do it-- it might be a blessing in disguise.

Dear jlazarow,

I'm afraid the most amazing advice is coming from yourself already

cheers, david

Hello Jlasarow
Whichever way you go with the finish will be fine as long as it satisfies you.

I appreciate the signs of honourable use & the character it can give to an article but I think the manner in which they occur can give most of the pleasure.

Two of my great aunts - spinsters living in my great-grandmothers former house - had an impressive leather covered armchair with an elliptical mark on the top of the left arm; on close inspection it was an expertly inserted patch. If asked about it they'd say that ”when Mr Athey once visited he became excited when telling us about seeing an aeroplane & he rested his cigar on the arm - it burnt a hole! Oh he was beside himself with embarrassment but ma-ma assured him not to worry & had it repaired".

The little incident happened year or two prior to WW1, I heard the tale around 1970, forty years later the chair, hole & patch is still in the family. I think it's best to let marks & memories occur naturally.

I concur with David - you've provided your own very good advice.

Regards
Russell

Blessing in disguise!
They spared you a lie...

(nice story, Russel! )

If you are happy with the result, even though it's due to a mistake...I say leave well enough alone. If you alter the finish there's a chance it will be you who has the distressed look.

Get the next pair made with the distressed finish and perhaps request a discount in relation to their mistake.
Sometimes a wrong turn in the road can lead you to a wonderful place you would not have found. Enjoy your shoes and put your best foot forward!