I love the paintings...most of which I have seen many times before, yet always a treat to view again! For modern evening attire, I will state again, I prefer the open tongue style of the buckle brogues, which allow for more of the tartan or diced hose to actually show. This style looks profoundly smarter to my eye, versus the shoes with a tongue and the buckle placed higher up near the ankle - to me, that simply 'cuts off' a portion of one's evening hose, which you obviously want in the fullest possible view. I am not completely opposed to the latter, just partial to the so-called 'Mary Jane' buckle brogues, ghillies with red laces and buckles, or formal pumps with a grosgrain bow or buckles - all of which in patent or highly polished black leather.

Slainte,