10 Shoes Men Should Wear To The Office

This is part of the: Get Fresh For The Office Series. The shoes are based on the basics shoe categories. Comment if you think we should add some others.

The Oxford Shoe

An Oxford shoe is the staple for a suit you will be pairing with a fresh wool suit. An Oxford shoe can be cut in many styles to suit your taste and the type of space you’ll be wearing them.



The different types of Oxford toe cuts:

  • Oxford Cap-Toe:

    This style is most popular amongst “summer interns” and can be safe for first day at the office or Friday casual. Oxford Cap-Toe ($) by Florsheim, Macys.com

  • Oxford Wingtip:

    This style is more fashionable and I have seen more individuals wear this as statement shoes and typically are more expensive at the store. Oxford Lexington Wingtip ($110) by Florsheim, Macys.com

  • Oxford Biketoe:

    This style has a modern twist and it has served me well for the past few years. I recently added a leather sole, which has given the shoe an added 4-5 year life. Curtis Bike Toe ($105) by Florsheim, Macys.com

  • Oxford Wholecut:

    This style has a modern twist and it has served me well for the past few years. I recently added a leather sole, which has given the shoe an added 4-5 year life. Oxford Wholecut ($105) by Carucci, Amazon.com

The Monkstrap Shoe

The name rings something synonomous to a Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee movie. However, the Monk Shoe is also called the Monk Strap. The reason being is it typically has one or two straps. Most if not all shoes are made of leather but many new designers are going for cheaper material for fast fashions.

The different types of Monkstraps and toe cuts:

  • Single Monkstrap:

    When I was in middle and high-school; Steve Harvey type suits were cool. Yea, I really had a paid of single monkstrap shoes and thought there were the coolest for church. Fast forward get this shoe for both the office and happy hour. Single Monk Strap ($129.98) by Johnston and Murphy, Macys.com

  • Double monkstrap with cap toe:

    Nothing says you’re a stylish man when you couple your cotton suit that is cut just right showing off the straps for the world to see. Castellano Double Monk Loafers ($130) by Florsheim Macys.com

The Derby Shoe

Though I have not formally worn this shoe, I must say that I want to buy a seersucker suit this summer and go to a dog or horse race to show off my style. This is a very casual shoe and typically comes in different colors and materials depending on the brand. (Not pictured are wingtip toe and more.)

The different types of Derby toe cuts (similar to Oxford)

  • Plain Toe Derby:

    Want to keep it simple while on your first date; assemble the look with some really dark denim jeans and a pair of Brown Derby’s and she will be sure to take a 2nd look. Aauwen Lace Derby ($75.00) by Aldo, Macys.com


The Loafer Shoe

This is my ultimate favorite type of dress shoe at the moment. It is versatile enough for the office on a Monday but surely capable of being used for a date night on the town in Miami, Atlanta, Manhattan or LA.

The different types of loafers

  • Tassel Loafer:

    Want to keep it simple while on your first date; assemble the look with some really dark denim jeans and a pair of Brown Derby’s and she will be sure to take a 2nd look. Estefan Tassel Loafer ($150) by Tallia, Macys.com

     

  • Penny Loafer:

    Once popularized by Michael Jackson and Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, this is not a closet must have. Penny loafers can now be in all types of materials for each type of man who wants to wear them. Berkley Penny Loafer ($110) by Florsheim, Macys.com

  • Bit Loafer:

    Have you ever been to Italy or Miami? If so, you’ve probably seen men wearing these shoes to a dance filled night on the town. Darrin Bit Loafer by Donald Pliner, Macys.com

 

Georgia on my mind | My vacation to Atlanta and Stone Mountain

“Georgia, Georgia The whole day through (The whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on mind (Georgia on my mind)”.
(click here to “Georgia on my mind” song).

Easter Weekend 2018

Over the Easter weekend, I spent some time in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The reason for me taking this vacation was, I had already felt like the 2018 Hustlepreneur year would be crazy, in the most exciting way! Therefore, I knew I needed to go somewhere that would provide me the ability to disconnect from Miami and the fun and exciting things that happen down here.

Building Multiple Brands

I’m really happy that I took the trip, the reason being is I was able to reconnect with my family and also with my brands. One thing that happens when you’re building multiple brands is, one of them will essentially be neglected. You already know the reason, you are only one person and if you do not have a large team it is impossible to move things forward easily. In my case, most of the heavy lifting is done by me and I surely do hate it at times.

Stone Mountains | Ku Klux Klan

I rented a place in a area called Stone Mountain, Georgia. The Stone Mountain, Georgia area used to be a place where the Ku Klux Klan had their headquarters. I can only imagine what it was like to live in the Atlanta area knowing that somebody is going to come down from the mountain and cause harm on you as a colored person. However, I did not feel any type of anger or weird vibes as I usually do in places that held Slaves or had any type of oppression in the past. Ironically, the neighborhoods were extremely beautiful. Every home in the area had yards that were well-kept, almost like an NFL teams turf. This trip really inspired me to think about moving to Atlanta and making it a 2nd home for myself and my businesses.

Atlanta in my future

Atlanta will be on my calendar before the year is over. With that addition of a new region to my brand, many opportunities will arise and be fathomable. From a conversation I had with the Atlanta Black Bloggers Union, former Regional Director, Michaela Carter informed me that most of the residents who are active and in my age range, live outside of the city limits. This leads me to believe that, a person like me could succeed in that market because I don’t mind paying a premium to live closer to the action because I loathe driving or traffic. We will see! Ha ha Ha!!

Until next time, remember to take a break from the hustle and maybe visit Georgia or somewhere peaceful! Where do you go, tell me! Go to: whoisdesir.com/contact

Black owned eatery in the heart of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood

Nakeeta Gates, the founder of Lil Greenhouse Grill. This black owned eatery in the heart of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, is sure to please.

My first visit was for a friend’s birthday party. The Miami based eatery had a very inviting atmosphere that made me feel like I was at one of my cool aunt’s crib.

As a wine drinker, I ordered a few glasses of Chardonnay & took a big slice of rum cake that was made for my friend. Sipping and dancing the evening away, I forgot to order something from their kitchen in time before it closed. Unbothered by the whole situation, I drove home thinking I had to come back because most of my colleagues were talking about visiting when in search of some great soul food.

Don’t cry for me just yet! While coasting home down Biscayne in the rain drizzle that is constant during hurricane season, I got a text.

The owner and Chef Karim Bryant saved me a personal plate of her smoked BBQ ribs. Now, I must tell all of my vegan friends, I ate those ribs like my life depended on it. If anything, I probably would’ve made a simple sandwich that night and this plate with all the “fixins” made my evening. Again, I do have to say that eating out is a luxury and any time that you have an over the top experience, you should make note of it.

I will be back soon to visit the Lil Greenhouse Grill and when you are in the area; stop by and enjoy yourself. I give this a stamp of approval from The Lifestyle Connoisseur team.



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