By Leroy Fong


The main difference between these two lacings is the lace-ups area. Blucher lacing are open-throat lacing while the balmoral lacing are closed-throat with a 'V' shaped lacing. Men requiring high instep or uses high insoles would definitely prefer the blucher lacing. The open-throat allows more adjustment to give way around the instep than balmoral lacing.

Lace-ups are the most acceptable styles around the world for businesswear. Dressiness of lace-up mens dress shoes styles starts from the smoothness of the leather used (rough grain leather are less dressy), followed by the type of lacing (blucher is considered more casual than balmoral), and finally the amount of detailing (the more details like perforation, the less dressy).

Slip-ons or loafers are the other option for mens dress shoes styles that has been regarded as the less formal dress shoes. But we should not assume that all slip-ons are casual. There is a particular category of loafers which are meant for the evening black-tie affairs.

Besides its ease of wear, it is also a versatile pair of mens dress shoes that can be clean in its cut with minimal detailing and suitable for both casual and formal wear. One of my favorite mens dress shoes styles. It is simple and yet elegant with an exceptional clean cut. The Plain-Toe Oxfords can have both the blucher lacing and balmoral lacing.

A Plain-Toe Blucher Oxford definitely has a less formal look compared to the balmoral lacing ones.
The Plain-Toe Balmoral Oxfords work well for both business wear as well as formal occasions that require a dressy pair of dress shoes. Its popularity lies on its versatility, elegant, and firm design that draws so many men to it.

The Plain Blucher Oxfords can also transform into a casual style suitable for business wear. The use of rougher grains of leather will make it look less dressy, and examples would be using crocodile skin to create such a look.

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By Hendrik Pohl


This year has only just begun, and yet you are already feeling the shrinking of your budget. Recently, you had to give up golfing because the greens fees cost too much. Now you have to decide on whether or not you want to starve or go naked!

Fear not! There is an easy way to solve your dilemma without having to give up food or clothing. According to GQ and Esquire Magazine, men can dress fashionably without breaking the bank.

Here is how:
Get Discount Conscious
If you want to look good and save money, your best bet is to buy clothes that will outlast your current money problems. If the retailer you frequent features a clearance rack, you have just found your clothing oasis. Sure, the clothes on this particular rack might not completely fit your style or even come in your size, but its very simple and better for your budget to buy the cheaper clothes a size bigger and have someone who is handy with a needle take them in.

If you are on the look out for business attire that looks good and doesnt cost you your left kidney, you can scour the racks at a discount mens clothing store. You wont believe the kinds of deals you can find if you just look hard enough. Remember, you will want to purchase clothing that will last so that you arent out shopping for new pants a month from now.

Cotton, wool and other durable fabrics should be on the top of your DO buy list. Try to stay away from delicate materials like silk. These will require dry cleaning which will only cost you that precious money you are desperately trying to save.

For your casual wear you will want to invest in jeans and shoes that are manufactured by the older, more reliable brands. Levi and Nike are both known for the durability and longevity of their products. Yes, in some cases these brands may cost more, but in the long run they will save you from having to purchase another pair of jeans or shoes for a while.

Make it Last Forever
In these times of economic uncertainty, you can do more to save your pennies than you think. Buying clothes in simple fabrics including cotton, nylon, and wool will allow you to wear your clothes until they wear completely through.

If your closet is already full of clothes that require special care you can do one of two things: sell them to a consignment shop, take the money and buy cheaper clothes or you can take extra special care of them by purchasing home dry cleaning kits, and keeping them in garment bags. Keeping them out of the elements, using the appropriate cycle on the washing machine, hemming and patching holes by hand are all ways to increase the life of your clothes. A man that is handy with a needle is a treasure.

You can dress for less without looking a mess.