Monk Straps

I am experiencing something of a dilemma at the moment; having recently become an employee of Reiss I am finding myself in the position of having to develop some kind of uniform, I am currently only allowed to wear all black, but whilst I have identified most of the clothes, the footwear is still a bit of an issue.

As you may, or may not be aware I HATE cheap shoes. I am currently having to suffer with a pair of god awful, hateful and uncomfortable black derbys from Topman (because I didn't want to spend a fortune on something that I'll be wearing for 4 weeks) but I am of course going to have to upgrade to something more appropriate when the time comes.

I don't like boots with tailored trousers so my desert/chukka and brogue boots are out of the question. I have a pair of suede loafers which I shall be breaking out every so often during the warmer months but I would also like to invest in something more suitable for wet weather and colder temperatures.

I find myself wanting to avoid brogues; loafers won't be entirely suitable and oxfords and derbys are a little to suit related. To this end I have settled on Monk Straps as the answer, trouble is I'm struggling to find that many. Can you guys suggest anything?

Reiss themselves produce these:

Attachment 169

But I'd like to open up my options and I think I'd prefer leather. Brown is preferable. Any ideas?

I thought you said you have to wear all black? Black and brown makes a frown, don't you think? :p

There's always John Lobb...you did say you hate cheap shoes, after all :rolleyes:

On a more serious note, Loake?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sam

I thought you said you have to wear all black? Black and brown makes a frown, don't you think? :p

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Apologies, I should've explained better. I have to wear all black for the next three weeks, after which I shall be able to wear other colours, I'm going to be wearing grey or blue trousers so brown is the direction I want to go.

I have found a couple of Loakes that I like; I think a trip up to their Picadilly store might be in order though, give them a proper looking into.

I'd love John Lobb, but no.

Love monk straps, been hunting for a decent pair at an affordable price for ages. For me I have been looking at either suede or burgundy options for a slightly more casual look. Edward green seems to have some classy ones at the real top end.

Currently tempted by these:

Attachment 170

I love the Loake brand but mine hurt and i can't seem to break them in. I was beginning to think I may steer clear of them in the future. I also think those straps look a little close together.

Here's my ridiculous option:

Shop

Less ridiculous:

Sid Mashburn Double Monk Strap / SidMashburn.com
Clive shoe - Tiger of Sweden Shop

They're actually not the easiest to find

Quote:

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Originally Posted by electroRoss

I love the Loake brand but mine hurt and i can't seem to break them in. I was beginning to think I may steer clear of them in the future. I also think those straps look a little close together.

Here's my ridiculous option:

Shop

Less ridiculous:

Sid Mashburn Double Monk Strap / SidMashburn.com
Clive shoe - Tiger of Sweden Shop

They're actually not the easiest to find

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I really love the first two examples, if money wasn't so much of a constraint I'd be all over these from Crockett and Jones:

Attachment 172

Sadly I'm not sure I can justify £325 even to myself. Although my impulsive side might just win out if I've had a cider too many, it's like forking out almost my entire months pay.

I'm actually convincing myself it would actually be a good idea even now.

I was a bit unsure about the closeness of the straps on the Loakes, I'm not entirely convinced by the shape of the toe either, but I might be forced to make a compromise.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by electroRoss

I love the Loake brand but mine hurt and i can't seem to break them in. I was beginning to think I may steer clear of them in the future. I also think those straps look a little close together.<br>
<br>
Here's my ridiculous option:<br>
<br>
<a href="http://leffot.com/shop/edward-green-dark-oak-westminster/" target="_blank">Shop</a><br>
<br>
Less ridiculous:<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.sidmashburn.com/shop/footwear/sid-mashburn-double-monk-strap-brown-burnish.html" target="_blank">Sid Mashburn Double Monk Strap / SidMashburn.com</a><br>
<a href="http://shop.tigerofsweden.com/gb/item/U45173001/?partner=5331&amp;t_type=src&amp;t_type=cat" target="_blank">Clive shoe - Tiger of Sweden Shop<br>
<br>
</a>They're actually not the easiest to find

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I really love the first two examples, if money wasn't so much of a constraint I'd be all over these from Crockett and Jones:

Attachment 172

Sadly I'm not sure I can justify £325 even to myself. Although my impulsive side might just win out if I've had a cider too many, it's like forking out almost my entire months pay.

I'm actually convincing myself it would actually be a good idea even now.

I was a bit unsure about the closeness of the straps on the Loakes, I'm not entirely convinced by the shape of the toe either, but I might be forced to make a compromise.

Will, currently working part time at Reiss too! Get the suede dubs on your 75% trust me, you'll never look back. I've got them right now and where them with everything.