One of my favorite 80s trends that are back this summer are Topsiders. When I went to Catholic school in New Canaan, Connecticut in the mid-80s, it was the unofficial regulation footwear for all the boys. I also think it's a perfect summer footwear option for men, and there aren't that many good ones.
I would love to get a pair for TR, but the problem is that I'm too superstitious to do so.
Back in the 90s, my friend Cara had a Grenadian housekeeper named Anna. Anna was a beloved adjunct member of the family, and she was a very wise woman. Back in her country, it was considered bad luck to buy a man shoes. It was believed that if you bought a man shoes, he would walk away from you.
Cara thought this was nonsense, and shortly after finishing high school she bought a beau a pair of ski boots. Halfway through freshman year of college, the relationship dissolved.
A few years ago I was dating someone who really wanted some slippers, something along the lines of moccasins. At Christmastime I found a perfect pair at DSW in Union Square. They weren't technically shoes, but he could wear them outside, if, say, he was picking up the newspaper or taking out the trash. Ignoring Anna's advice, I bought them, said boyfriend loved them, but again, the relationship ended soon after.
That said, unless TR shells out the clams himself, I will not be buying him these shoes. And ladies, you've been warned.
