GUEST ESSAY: Reunited with beloved Bass Weejuns from college days

Favorite Maine loafer, maybe tassels next?

BY SUSAN HANAFEE

I scrimped together the money for my first pair of Bass Weejuns when I was a senior in college and working part-time at Nathan Hale’s in Bloomington, Indiana. Those $12.95 navy penny loafers took me to a level of cool that I never again attained. Until now.

A couple of days ago, I posted a photo of my newest pair of Weejuns, brown and white spectators, on Facebook and discovered I had “arrived” once more. 

Fancie Johnson noted that I was “so with it.” Carol Forrester reminisced about the various styles she has owned over the years. Carroll Swayze loved them. A friend waxed nostalgic about his black Weejuns.

He noted that, over the years, Bass Weejuns have become the iconic footwear of celebrities including James Dean, John F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and most recently Ryan Gosling.

And now me? Maybe these new shoes will propel me to best-selling author status someday soon.

How I came to be reunited with my beloved Weejuns is a story that began several years ago when I was involved with Lunch with the Legends, a project for the Boca Grande Historical Society. Maggie Bush’s portrayal of Katharine Hepburn cried out for nostalgic footwear. It was then that I discovered G. H. Bass was still in business and producing navy loafers. I ordered a pair for Maggie and a pair for myself. It was a small price to pay for her great performance.

For years, the loafers were lost among my flip-flops and sandals. When I was organizing my closet after the recent hurricanes, I re-discovered them. I also went to the Bass website, which turned out to be the cool loafer lover’s candy store. I ordered three more pair: the spectators, cream-colored with cutouts and black.

Obsessive you might say? Yes, but since I’m no longer a starving college student it was a luxury I could afford. And it does take me back.

Even though the price of Weejuns has risen to about $150, they are still affordable compared to Louboutin loafers, which retail for about $1,000. I’m guessing the Weejuns are a lot more comfortable and definitely more with it.

What’s next? Maybe a pair of brown loafers with tassels. If you see me walking down the street, don’t forget to check out my feet.