Common Projects are one of those brands where everything they create you'd happily hand over your credit card for. But alas, unless you're a superstar male blogger who gets sent free goodies or your richie rich, that's not the wisest idea. I've had my eye on these achilles originals for at least two years now and have finally purchased them. I must tell you it was a beautiful moment hitting go on that order button, but not as gorgeous as the moment it was personally delivered by my good British mate who was over from the UK for his NZ wedding. I had done my due diligence and shipped them to him in London so he could lug them to the other side of the world so I'd dodge any import duties and taxes. I'd been hit with this before, so this old dog learned a new trick. Do whatever you can to avoid your goodies being over $220 NZD so your not subject to import duties and gst. It can really blow your budget otherwise.

These crisp Common Projects are an epic partner in crime to just about any outfit you're keen to pull together. They're the perfect blend of luxe and streetwear. You could wear it with a pair of chino shorts out to a cafe on Sunday morning, and just as easily wear them with a suit. The versatility helps justify the fairly substantial price. Your looking at anything from $350 upwards for these depending on where you get them from. I'd recommend keeping an eye on both End Clothing and also Matches Fashion which is where I got my pair from. Random thought - is it weird to sniff new shoes? I really like the smell of brand new leather. Anyways....

This original achilles style has become an instant classic and pays homage to minimalist design and really that's at the heart of everything Common Projects do. Add a little touch of luxury with their distinctive and recognisable gold-tone serial number across the heel and you've got yourself the perfect shoe.

I read up on loads of reviews before forking out the decent sum of money, and was pleased to see the punters raved. Not only are they their go-to sneakers, but they last, they go the distance - you just need to give them a little care here and there. I was sold. But maybe I was already sold it was just that I needed some additional justification to spend the moolah. I'm self-employed now, so I really should be learning to be wiser with my money. They failed to teach me that at school.

If it's a bit of a steep ask for your first foray into white sneakers, then have no fear! Have a gander at the full leather sneaker hitlist I put together, there's something for every budget and a good variety of classic takes on the white leather sneaker. Just don't forget to buy the protectant, your shoes deserve it. They run large to size, so I recommend taking a size smaller. I did and they fit snug.

Wearing: Crisp Common Projects sneakers