Dirty White Bucks

Purchased in 1984

They were partly a middle finger to the college establishment who instructed males that graduation dress would be white shirt, dark trousers with black shoes and black robes.  I wore a pink shirt, white duck trousers, pink argyle socks and these shoes … 30 years ago.

They were resoled in 1996 and haven't been touched since.  The brand is lost to the ages but the wear is honest.  30 Summers and never a season more.  That's not so much a rule as a personal code -- It's the same reason I wouldn't intentionally 'distress' them or anything else I own.

Sometimes it's hard being honest... but a man's shoes should never have to lie.

Two Unknown Brooks Brothers Designers

Polly & Esther.

White Bucks - Black Robes

Flagler College, St Augustine, FL - 1981

I was a work grant student in the college PR department. Freshman year I photographed the graduation ceremony above. I graduated in 1984 but no one took a picture of me. I always thought it had to do with my white bucks.

Shortly before graduation, a memo was sent to seniors with instructions for what to wear with black robes. For men, it was dark colored pants and dark or black shoes. I wore white trousers and white bucks.

I remember thinking, "What are they gonna do? Take the dashes out of my social security number. Happy graduation. Special dispensation for white buck wearing prior to Memorial Day.

The Bucks Stop Here - Mark McNairy

Capsule - NYC - 7/20/2010

Bu-Bu-Bu-Bucks

My Bucks

1984 Bucks

2005 Bucks

2007 Suede Penny Loafers

August will fly by and Labor Day will be here and I'll put my Bucks away. The south is more forgiving of post Labor Day Buck wearing but New Yorkers have an issue with them all Summer long. They don't seem to like them. I'm not sure why. Maybe McNairy knows.

The older pair up there were purchased for college graduation. The memo came out that men were to wear dark trousers and black shoes for the black robes. I wore white trousers and these Bucks. After putting myself through college on the GI Bill, numerous part time jobs, work grants and loans...no one was gonna tell me what to wear. I have no idea who made them. The name is long gone after 25 Summers of wear and tear.

The "clean" pair have seen little wear. Maybe to a wedding or a party where I felt the older Bucks were not deferential enough. Each pair feels almost the same. The comfort of the red rubber sole glides over hot Summer sidewalks. The sun reflected from the white suede tans my neck. Southern life oozes out of my pores and I long for a cold Dr Pepper and a Bama Pecan Pie.

The Penny Loafer is a recent addition. While I never hesitate to wear Bucks...the Penny takes some stones. They're not comfortable although they probably just need a good breaking in. I've had them two years and have only worn them once - - in Newport. They may last a very long time indeed. When I die - - If I'm buried in the Summer - - I'll be wearing them. Unless those college Bucks are still around.

Castle Hill Inn

Many thanks to Blushing Hostess for her recommendation of the beautiful Castle Hill Inn. I fell in love with this place and her post.