A Love for Oxfords

Karen Walker Spring 2014; Source

I was never really a fan of oxford shoes until I spotted a pair of patent leather ruby red mid-heel oxfords at Famous Brand shoe store a couple of years ago. There were a couple of things that drew me to them: the color and the fact that they had a heel beyond the usual one inch heel I associated with oxfords. The bottom line is that they were so appealing because they have a feminine vibe that is undeniably obvious. I have nothing against oxfords that resemble men’s oxfords but sometimes I just want to wear a shoe that has a strong feminine air about it. The single factor that had previously made the idea of owning a pair of oxfords unappealing to me is that many designers seemed to design women’s oxfords in the exact same manner as they did men’s oxfords. I prefer oxfords that have feminine elements. That is one of the reasons I love my red oxfords so much. The other is that they are a splendid example of another item women essentially borrowed from the boys and never returned just like jeans and tuxedos. We make items that were initially worn by men our own. Note: The looks below are from Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2014 runway show.

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I also spotted, about a year after I purchased my red oxfords, a black pair of high-heel oxfords that also drew me in. They were not at the same level as my red oxfords but they were still so delightful that I could not resist adding them to my shoe stash. They resemble a pair of high-heel oxfords I envisioned a professional business woman from the 1950s wearing when she did not have on a pair of pumps or mary janes. They have a more quiet appearance than my red pair but they are just so stately and refined that they are true rivals to other shoes in my closet when I feel like dressing in a more classic manner. My red and black oxfords could not be more different but what they have in common is the type of details I find appealing as a woman with an eclectic dress style. They are beguiling because they can be paired with so many different types of outfits from skirts and blouses to dresses that they are considered as MVPs in my shoe collection. The fact that they are comfortable certainly doesn’t hurt either.

There are so many variations of oxfords now. Whether you like flat-heel oxfords that are more reminiscent of men’s oxfords, you prefer oxfords that have cut-outs or you like to dabble in wearing mixed-media oxfords the options available are endless. I am currently thinking of adding a pair of mixed-media oxfords to my wardrobe. There is something about leather and lace oxfords that appeal to me. I suspect because I am such a fan of mixing textiles. The only thing stopping me is that I am also drawn to metallic oxfords. I am sure you have seen them at boutiques, at online retailers and in department stores everywhere. I like statement shoes and metallic oxfords fit the bill perfectly. I may just add a pair of mixed-media and a pair of metallic oxfords to my shoe collection if the prices are right. Note: The below looks are from Karen Walker's Spring 2014 runway show.

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The good news is that oxfords will remain popular from spring to winter as supported by their incorporation into spring and fall runway collections. Let the wearing of oxfords, in earnest, commence. Note: The looks below are from Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2014 runway show.

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What do you think of oxfords? Do you own a pair? I would love to hear from you. Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you return soon.