A good friend of mine, who happens to have the most impeccable taste, just returned from a month-long stay in Paris (can you imagine?!). She emailed me to report that all the chic French girls are wearing loafers, from the classic tasseled Belgian variety to old-school Bass Weejuns. Model/blogger Hanelli Mustaparta, above, was recently photographed in Paris, wearing a tasseled pair by (last season). I'm thinking they're a fresh alternative to the ballet flat--and just as year-round versatile. Here are a few to mull over from (the pair my friend is eyeing), , (more feminine than you'd expect), , , and .

Photo: Vanessa Jackman