Tod's launches 'Dots of Life' celebrating their iconic 'Gommino' shoes

This week Tod's launches their latest project 'Dots of Life'. With a name referring directly to the pebbled sole of their world-famous 'Gommino' driving loafers, the Italian brand wants to celebrate their iconic shoe.
The newly launched social site – www.gommino.tods.com – is a platform where wearers and fans of the 'Gommino' can share their images wearing their favourite pair. For its launch, Tod's asked a number of digital trendsetters around the world to also share their images showing their love for the brand's staple style. I was so thrilled not only to be a part of this but to add the perfect pair of spring shoes to my shoe collection.

To participate, you can either upload your image on the website www.gommino.tods.com or you can do it through instagram using the educated hashtag #todsgommino. Every day, Tod's will chose the best image received on their website and their social media channels and publish it on the site.

If you are not the proud owner of a pair of 'Gommino' yet head straight to the Tod's website and get your pair. You won't fund a more comfortable and effortlessly elegant summer shoe!

Jennifer Appiah-Phillips for Fashion, Frankly

Winter is Coming: Get Your Camo On with Tod's

This weekend I visited the Tod's store on Old Bond Street to pick up some goods for an exciting upcoming project with the brand. While I looked around the new season collection I spotted two new models from their signature gomini range. I instantly fell in love with the classic khaki camouflage model, which also comes in a combination of deep blues. I can't think of a better way to introduce the trendy pattern into a classic dressed-up outfit. The camo loafers are also perfect to upgrade a weekend look keeping it comfortable and cool yet relaxed.
They are available at Tod's stores and also at the brand's online shop here.

Three Zara Shoes you Need in your Wardrobe this Summer

Despite the non-existant signs of Spring I am in full SS13 mood already planning my season's essentials and key pieces and I have even begun to put together (in my mind) a few looks for the upcoming London Collections: Men, Pitti Uomo and Milan Fashion Week.
Even though I am usually not too keen on buying shoes on the high street I must admit that Zara, for one, has put some really interesting options out there this season. Now, granted they won't be shoes you will have forever but at these prices you really get value for your money at the very least.
I have been meaning to buy a pair of monk straps for a while but I'm always afraid to spend a bit of money on them and never wear them. Which is why these Zara option seems like a great way to try out the shape before investing on a durable pair.
Loafers are always a Spring/Summer essential but if you are a bit bored of the classic suede driving shoe this (faux) croc version is both interesting and manly and it will inject a needed dose of texture and colour into your summer looks.
No Summer wardrobe of mine is ever complete without sneakers. I love this suede option from Zara because they have the sporty yet old-school design of a low-top but the brogue detailing and colour clocking in a sandy palette gives is a chic city vibe.

Frank Loves: Tod's Loafers

Courtesy of Tod's

I could literally buy these by the bundle, just like in the picture. Though I might want to make sure I get a second one with all the right foots. Mismatching shoes, like socks, is better left to Helena Bonham Carter.
This summer Tod's presents the new version of their iconic loafer. What I like the most about these is the weight. I really can't wear heavy shoes in the summer so these loafers are great because not only the rubber or leather soles are as light as a feather but the shoe itself – they come in brushed calfskin, suede, velvet and soft patent leather – is virtually weightless. Plus, they're perfect for formal occasions but they look amazing with jeans or shorts.
As Tod's usually does, they come in more colours than a grown-up man can name. You can find them at Tod's boutiques worldwide starting at £285.

Tod's f/w11: What not to miss

Last June, while I was in Milan for menswear fashion week, I attended the Tod's presentation. For the last few seasons they have been showing their collections at Villa Necchi, this stunning 1930's villa with a beautiful front garden and a dark wooden interior, which was the first villa in Milan to have its own pool.

Courtesy of Tod's

There is a lot of suede in the new Tod's collection, which I love because it's one of the best ways of introducing texture in a look. My absolute favourites were the Chelsea boots. They're going to be my first FW11 footwear buy and I can't wait until they hit the store. It's going to be incredibly hard to choose only one colour, though!
I also fell in love with the croc pieces. The Moleskin-esque notebooks and diaries are incredibly chic, as is the watch case.
The ready-to-wear pieces like the double-chested blazer make it hard to only focus on the loafers, of which Tod's is launching a new model this season. The Vadim shoe is a new take on their signature "gomini". They have a more elongated body and a suede bow detail at the front. They are also seasonless and, hence, a great classic buy.
To top it all off, the weather in Milan was amazing and the Tod's team treated us like royalty. Who could want anything else?

Iñaki C.

Italian sole

Last week I attended the Tod's SS11 press day. First, I have not only to thank the team for inviting me but for being so extraordinarily welcoming and nice. The thing I have always liked most about Tod's is how they stick to tradition. You can always spot a Tod's loafer no matter what season it is. And that is exactly what they've done for next summer. They are bringing back their staple thin suede "gommini" and introducing new touches such as the straw laces, which add a different, more rustic stroke. I also saw some of (my favourite) desert boots. I have at least four pairs of these and I love their versatility. However, what surprised me the most about what I saw at the preview were the bags. I had never payed much attention at Tod's luggage and daily bags. And what I was missing! They make brief cases and carry-ons with the most exquisite fine leather. It feels as if it might melt between your fingers but it is actually a sturdy material —a great combination.

I decided, then, to take a look at what Tod's was offering for this season we've just commenced. And I found two of my must-have models of footwear for fw10 —the brogue boot and the leather mid-top sneaker. Do also keep in mind that Tod's always puts comfort first, which is why even their sneakers or smart shoes come with their signature rubber "pebbled" sole.

[Pictures: Iñaki C., Tods.com]

Thinking 70's

I officially kicked off my FW10 shopping a couple of days ago. I am buying half thinking of London fashion week and half of what I'd like to wear next season. As I am currently watching an average of 6 episode of Man Men per day I feel overly inclined to buy suits, shirts and ties but I'm refraining from buying too many as I know there'll be more jeans than I'd like to think right now. And so I bought a paisley tie (By U Adolfo Domínguez) that in my head is Tom Ford instead and that can spice up a white shirt or look perfectly sartorial with a blue striped shirt. I had been meaning to get a pair of purple desert boots for ages but thought getting the fifth pair of shoes of the kind might have been to much. So I went for this loafers (CH by Carolina Herrera) that are perfect with shorts in the summer and with colourful socks in the winter.

[Picture: Iñaki C.]

Clever adds to the summer wardrobe

Every August I'm faced with the same dilemma of whether to buy summer items for sale or save my money to start gearing up for the autumn. Having a look at the designer clothes on sale there seem to be a bunch of things that aren't necessarily seasonal and that we can wear now but also into next season. Jumpers and long-sleeved shirts are obvious choices but things like suits or blazers might seem trickier. A blazer works amazingly over a t-shirt with rolled-up sleeves but they can also be winter jackets over a jumper. A suit with shorts is a very clever choice as you can wear both pieces together or separately and still use the jacket in the winter. Suede accessories are also useful picks because they look chic in the summer and cozy in the winter. Do remember to buy season-less colours, though. And, finally, canvas bags can be worn all year around, so they're worth investing on. I have last year's design of the YSL bag (which looks better than the new one and explains the ridiculous price of the latter) and I use it to go to class, work, travel and go to the pool.

[Pictures: MatchesFashion.com]