From heading out for dinner to sprucing up your work suit, the monk strap shoe is a versatile classic
Recently we've taken a look at our shoe collection, and while there is a time and place for our glow in the dark high tops, we think we might need a more mature look for our day to day lives.
Although they've been around for a while, we've just never gotten around to getting ourselves a Monk, preferably single strap, as we're not quite adventurous enough for the double yet. Although available in black and brown, we're looking for a brogue pattern that will really pop, and find it easier to match brown to a few different shades of trousers.
On the upper end of the price scale,
O'Keeffe do a pretty fantastic number that is expensive, but equally beautiful. If you've got the spare cash, these ones may be the only shoes you'll need for the next while, as they're so darn good-looking that we'd probably refuse to take them off. They will set yo back €550 or so, which means they're not the cheapest on the list, but they certainly are top quality.
Nordstrom do a nice pair too that are also on the upper end of the price scale, but once again are lovely to behold We like this particular shade of chestnut on the Astor double strap, and although we would prefer the single strap, this model works pretty well as a whole and we must admit that we wouldn't change a thing.
Coming down the price scale again,
Arnotts stock Kurt Geiger shoes, many of which are pretty reasonable and very stylish, which is the case with this brogue monk strap. The shade is slightly darker and verging more towards red than is our ideal colouring, but in terms of bang for your buck, then these are a great option at €140 on sale.
For the more price conscious,
Aldo do a monk strap shoe, and while it's not a brogue, it is still a great chestnut colour that you can match with anything, in particular this spring when we'll be wearing lighter shades that work well. They should be around €100, which is more friendly on the pocket.
That's our few recommendations for a few places to pick up an essential wardrobe classic, and you'll probably spot JOE rocking these before too long, we just have to wait on payday to arrive.
Hat tip to Dmarge.com for the main pic
