Highstreet vs. High End: 'Offset' Monk-strap Loafers

For any shoe maniac, you must have different types of formal footwear in your shoe closet. Lace-ups oxfords and derby, as well as the slip-ons or sometimes called loafers and moccassins. The advantage of wearing a pair of loafers is the quick-to-wear coz you don't need to mess up with the laces which took most of the time to be done. Especially during emergency, which took forever to take it off or wear it on. With loafers it's easy - you just slip and go!

Mentioning loafers, you too must have different types of loafers in your collection. (You've seen mine right?). You must have one with tassel, one with crossbody strap like the Gucci horsebit or webbing, and also monk-strap loafers - which is characterized by the presence of buckle, either one or many, on the side of the footwear. If you're really crazy enough, then you've gotta have them in many colors like black, brown and neutral, or in different materials such as matt leather, patent leather, exotic skin, velvet..etc etc! (but at the moment, just start with one type first ok!).

Anyway, mentioning monk-strap loafers I like these lots by which the buckle is located slightly offset towards the back of the foot. I love how contemporary it look, unlike the typical one where the buckle is exactly on the side (click here for example). What's out there in the market? On the high-end designer part you got this loafers by Alexander McQueen with slightly rounded toe, giving the look of almost traditional. The price? A mega yikes!! £435.

Alexander McQueen Gable Leather Shoe - £435 @ Harrods

(you can get cheaper at Mr Porter.com, £408)

On the highstreet side, the one by Kurt Geiger looks equally good if not better. I actually prefer this one more coz the almond toe gives a sense of modern and much contemporary look compared to the previous. And of course, it's cheaper and you won't burn a big hole in your wallet - in fact you can get two of those, one in matt leather like this and the other in patent leather - with the price of one McQueen! Talking about chiconomics, right? :)

Kurt Geiger Garret leather loafer - £170.

(there's also another version in patent leather)