Which Monkstraps

[BRuhling]

I am looking to replace my Magnani monkstraps with a bit more upscale model. I am trying to decide between the Carmina:



And the Brooks Brothers (made by C+J):



The Brooks Brothers I can easily be fitted for because I work next to a mall with a store. The Carminas will require me to do a bit of guessing. Given the choice, which would you recommend?

 

[Boro62]

i actually like the look of the brooks brothers one more

 

[Prince]

Both look great.

Johnniegold will tell you to go with the Carmina's.

I agree, but if you can try on the BB, that might be much easier.

 

[avsmusic1]

i actually like the look of the brooks brothers one more

I'm with Boro. It's hard to get a sense for the toe shape on the BB with that pic but I'm not really a fan of squared toes, even midly squared ones. The carmina looks like you would have an extra inch of shoe hanging off the end of your foot just to make the toe that shape.

 

[StillShaving]

They both look nice. And are similar enough that I would personally favor the one I could try on for size. But if I had patience and there was a good return policy I would consider the mail order option if the local pair did not fit quite right or generate enough enthusiasm after trying them on.

 

[professorchaos]

I'd go with the Carminas ... but I already own them! Great shoes.

Are the BBs Peale & Co?

 

[johnniegold]

Johnniegold will tell you to go with the Carmina's.

The design of the Carmina's appears to be a little more sophisticated. I like the stitching on the side of the Carmina's shoe as it gives a sleeker silhouette to the shoe because the stitching doesn't overlap onto the vamp whereas the the stitching on the BB model gives it a more "ordinary" look, if you will.

 

[BRuhling]

Henry, the BB are, indeed, Peale & Co.

 

[professorchaos]

I have a few Peale & Co from BB. I like them very much. They do, however, seem a little more delicate than the Carminas. Carminas are built to last.