Perfect, but not perfect

On a recent trip to London we "accidentally" stumbled onto Jermyn Street. This just so happens to be where the flagship store of Crockett & Jones is situated. As I have been wanting to purchase a pair of their Merton loafers, I decided it would be rude not to pop in.
The shop (it's so much more than just a shop!) is certainly not your average shoe shop. Beautifully comfortable, worn leather chairs and sofas for the customer, and some of the grandest display cabinets I have ever seen, for the shoes.

I was welcomed by one of the sales persons and as I knew exactly what I was after, I was very quickly presented with a pair of Beechnut coloured Merton loafers to try on. I was advised to go half a size smaller to prevent the shoe from slipping. The advise was top notch which made the fit of the shoe equally as so. The deal was done.

At this point I was told that the shoes I had tried are were marked as "Subs" meaning they had a small cosmetic blemish. The mark I was shown was so small I was embarrassed to receive the 10% off I was given.

Once home I got the shoes out to give them their first polish. It was then that I noticed on the box the mention of a second blemish. When I looked, it was bigger than the first. It is still not noticeable when on, but still I know it's there.

The service, the shop and the whole experience was perfect. The shoes are perfect.

The mark doesn't make them "Subs", it's makes them individual. Shoes are not meant to look perfect. They are meant to look worn. As I wear them they will bring on their own marks and lines, all of which will give them the character that I will love.

 

I just can't wait to get it started!