I just found a secondhand pair of handmade brown suede shoes with very rich color. They're a half size too large, but I figured I could compensate--lace up tight, wear thicker socks, and put in some of those heel grips. I haven't quite worked out the fitting, but I love the way these things look.
The main problem is arch support (haha, that's why I come to Susan's). I have high arches (thank you, Mom), and these shoes seem to have been built for someone with flatter feet. Even my killer inserts don't quite do it. I'll have to figure something out.
Now, of course, I have to find thick brown socks. The only thick socks I have are black. And my feet are sooo damned picky. I have to have a high cotton content and unobtrusive seams--seamless is better. I wonder if Gold Toe has what I'm looking for?
P.S. I don't know whether to protest that Levi's 501s aren't dorky or to wear my dorkdom proudly.