I'm frustrated. I've been on a search for penny loafers as part of an improvement in my overall wardrobe. I've currently purchased Bass Weejuns and a couple Meermin offerings. The biggest issue I'm experiencing is that I have smaller feet. My Brannock size is 7.5C and nothing I seem to like comes in that small of a size. I'm hoping this isn't too simple of a question and that it's worthy of a full thread of recommendations.

The look that I want is the classic Bass Weejuns Larson. I bought a pair earlier this year size 7M and they were slightly too big. The leather seemed stiff and uncomfortable and I read that the brand quality has fallen off. But I love the style. This is what I want a loafer to look like.

I also tried two Meermin shoes. Both were Goodyear welt. One was the naked kudu on their Nova last in size 7 (UK size, too big) and the other was the expresso on the Ron last in size 6.5 (which is a 7.5 in the US). I found both of these shoes too big, but the shape of the toe on the Ron last was too narrow.

My next pick is the burgundy heritage shell cordovan from Meermin. This is their Sway last, which seems to have a wider toe box, which I would prefer. My problem is that they don't have my size in stock, which I've signed up for notifications of.

I'm frustrated with being the "wrong size" for shoes being made. Like I don't get to be a part of the thing I want. But I know there's something out there for me that'll scratch my itch. So I am looking for help and I'm hoping you folks here have some advice.

1. I know vintage sizes are somewhat smaller overall than sizes today. Say, a 7 in 1982 would be tighter than a 7 now. If I want a Bass Weejun, is there a specific year break I can look for that would allow me to find ones that are higher quality while being closer to my Brannock size? Additionally, is there a specific guide somewhere, or special search terms I can use on ebay to figure out how to distinguish new resales from vintage Weejuns? Or brand logo changes or stamp differences on the inside of the shoe?
2. What other loafers that are similar in style to the Bass Weejun style are available in smaller sizes? I'm open to any brand and price point at this stage. I live in Nashville, TN, and don't have the luxury of walking into a major shoemaker in NYC or London for a fitting. So I recognize trial and error will be part of it. I hope that custom shoemaking isn't where I'm going to wind up...

Any help in my search is greatly appreciated. I'm at my wit's end here.

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I managed to secure a Bank Teller job in the late 90s at 17 and my uncle, a long time banker and then mortgage broker, gifted me a few dozen ties from his very large collection as a 'congratulations and welcome'.

Back then the significance of the YSL, Perry Ellis and Nordstrom in house (all MiUSA, France, Italy items) that had been bestowed upon me was lost. After graduating college I shifted into another industry where business casual was the standard and I *gulp* gave everything to Goodwill. A treasure trove gone, pearls before swine (young me).

In the years since I've rebuilt a decent tie collection of old Perry Ellis, YSL, Brooks Brothers and the like, mostly from eBay, but occasionally a vintage store or traveling (a Harris Tweed tie from Scotland!). Earlier I found myself thinking back to one specific gold YSL tie that was particularly handsome, lamenting it's absence and that I won't be able to pass it on to one of my sons, yet hoping some stranger looks dapper to this day because of it...

And that got me thinking about this sub that I mostly lurk in, about what you all like to hunt for when it comes to tie brands and about which may get slept on. What are some of your favorites?

In addition to the names above, I hunt Drake's, but the name is well known, so the prices are typically higher. I've shopped J Press, but have yet to add a tie. Anyone have other brands they like? Or similar collections from their Uncle/Dad/Granddad where they were wise enough to hold on?

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Use this thread as a way to ask a simple question, share an article, or just engage with the NB community! Remember, WAYWT posts go in the WAYWT thread.

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I am a Brooks Brothers loyalist (i know their clothes aren't the most authentic or adventurous but I buy it since it's actually very affordable when on sale) and am looking to get a nicer OCBD or chino or something that you can't get at BB. I am interested in trying out J Press, especially after Carlson took over and there is a sale right now. What is still unique and good quality there nowadays? Maybe I should look at their knits instead of OCBDs? I am looking for something that would be a step up or not available at BB.

Hello, I've been living in Beijing for two years and figured I'd put together a little guide on where to shop.

Bespoke/MTM

This is China's specialty, but for every half-decent tailor, there are 50 places that will make you a low-quality suit for $150USD. My suggestions:

Brio

The most highly regarded tailor house in Beijing (and maybe China). The prices are eye watering ($2000+ for a bespoke sport coat), but if you have the money it's worth the trip.

Xianxianshengsheng (先先生生）

They make a lot of bespoke clothing for Chinese celebrities, and come in at a lower price point, around $800+ for a bespoke suit.

Principle M

Well known online tailor, but their physical location is in Beijing. You can check prices on their website, they're around the same as 先先生生

Moonland (木兰）

Another midranged tailor. If you like wider cut, more traditional style, they do this quite well. I do swing dancing with some 1930s Americana lovers, and they all get their suits made here. Double pleats galore!

Ready to Wear

Beijing struggles here, there are not many good options for RTW. I've compiled a few good ones:

Street复古店

This is my favorite, they have a lot of reproduction brands, so a lot of old military/college style.

798 San Shang Shou Gong (798三上手工)

Excellent leather shop, a must visit if you're looking for a new leather bag.

Beams/Brooks Brothers/Ralph Lauren

All foreign brands of course. These are really the only places to get RTW trad clothing.

Footwear

Again, not a ton of options, but a few solid ones:

Medallion

Offers international brands as well as their own models. They also do bespoke for about $1200. Prices start around $200.

Tassels

Carries all the usual international brands, as well as a small selection of belts, shirts, sweaters, etc.

TG北町

One of Beijing's only local footwear brands. Prices are a bit lower than the big brands.

Vintage

A growing sector in Beijing. There are a few excellent, excellent vintage stores:

Utopia the Shelter

Incredible selection, with their second floor dedicated to vintage designer pieces. Beijing's best. Owner grew up in New York, so speaks perfect English. Prices sit around $50-$200, $150+ for designer.

Vintage Mr. Bai

A close second. They are less curated, but have lower prices and more selection. If you're patient you can find something good, like my vintage Armani overcoat that I'm so proud of. Prices are around $10-100.

Barnhouse Leathers

As the name suggests, a vintage leather shop. Run by the same people as Mr. Bai and just down the road.

798 Arts District Vintage Stores

There are tons of vintage shops around this area, just walk around and you'll find a good one!

Gulou Da Jie Vintage Stores

Similar to 798, a street with many small vintage stores.

Hopefully this is helpful if you find yourself in Beijing. If you need any further advice, let me know!

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Hallo all. I’m in Stockholm for the week and wanted to check out some nice shops, do you have any good recommendations?