I found my perfect oxfords…

Posted by shoesense in Nina Ricci Shoes, Oxfords

…but they’re $900. Nina Ricci Lace-up vintage oxfords at eLuxury:

Finally, a pair of FLAT oxfords (I can’t wear the super high heels that this season’s oxfords come in) that I think looks good and has feminine flair and is, in a word, beautiful in a gender-neutral way, just the thing to wear at a congregation of, say, feminist academics, or of ridiculously hip hipsters.

But they’re $900, and last time I checked I still needed to pay the rent, and my soul is a black, tortured pit of despair, the end.

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Who’s afraid of floral prints?

Posted by shoesense in Anthropologie, Flats, High heels, Maloles Shoes, Oxfords, Paul Smith, Pumps, Slingbacks, Zappos

Not Shoeblog, that’s for sure–and hopefully, not you, dear readers and shoe-lovers. We know you crave a happy, well-adjusted, and well-fitted shoe, appropriate for all your spring needs; we know you don’t want to be either dowdy or so sweet they could send you into a diabetic comma. So here, let’s contemplate a few of the season’s offerings in terms of the floral trend. We’re looking for, say, a sweet-and-sour with a side of hot-and-spicy (as opposed to sweet-on-sweet with a side of bland). Let’s see!

These Maloles “Perry” slingback flats, in a tiny floral print, feature the classic ruched-toe we’ve come to expect from Maloles, and a chunky black ribbon to balance the sweetness with a dark side ($318 at Zappos, or $295 at Plaza Too+S&H).

The saccharine overtones of the antique floral pattern of this “retrofitted flat” is tempered by the cord piping and rope laces with leather tassels ($78 at Anthropologie):


And also at Anthropologie, and also in the non-bank-breaking  bracket, are these  cute ankle-strap flats, with a dark, stormy edge ($68):

These “Tarantella” wedges limit the floral pattern to discreet patches on the vamp and heel, and tops it all with a dark bow ($98 at Anthropologie):

Although I can’t recommend a 4-inch heel to anyone, I still love the pattern on these Pink heels ($78 at Anthropologie):

When it comes to floral shoes with an edge, however, I think these take the cake:

Paul Smith floral oxfords, oh my! $574 at Zappos.

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Nine West Trendy Yellow Heels

Posted by shoesense in High heels, Nine West, Oxfords, Slingbacks

Because my life is a yellow monochromatic obsessive blur lately, I offer you today a bright, chic, ultra-trendy peep-toe slingback oxford from Nine West…in yellow.

The Nine West ‘Heathers’ heels are $93 at Zappos. Cute AND affordable!

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Flat Oxfords: When to wear?

Posted by shoesense in Oxfords, Tapeet Shoes, Zappos

Possible scenarios in which I would wear bicolor flat women’s oxfords a la this Tapeet by Vicini model ($499 at Zappos):

1. I am an extra in a remake of The Untouchables. In drag.

2. They are offered to me as a “designer rental” option at a bowling alley.

3. I was asked by a famous photographer to pose as a man so I can be featured in his next show (a la Charlotte in Sex and the City).

4. I have to choose between them or 6-inch hooker heels to fast-walk on cobbled streets in a charming mountain resort in Europe. I choose personal safety, but I’m not happy about it.

5. It’s Halloween, and I’m going as the Chicago cast.

6. I am part of the cast of a bizarre reality show in which I have to spend 10 million dollars in 1 hour. I buy everything on the Zappos website, and these are in the mix.

7. I am a model on the catwalk and that’s what a gender-bending transgressive designer wants me to wear.

8.  I have been hit in the head repeatedly and I have no sense of right, wrong, or style.

But really, I’m running out of options here. I am tapped out. I cannot think of any more respectable situations in which I could be persuaded to wear these. I’m sorry, flat oxford movement, but I’m guessing you’re not for me.

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Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2008 Shoes: Oxford Update

Posted by shoesense in Boots, Dolce & Gabbana Shoes, Fall 2008 Shoes, Fashion Week, High heels, Oxfords, Pumps, Shoe Trends

Phew! Just when I thought oxfords were going out of fashion, Dolce & Gabbana comes to reassure me that no, they’re very much in, and not only that, but they’re now permitted to be chunky and flashy at the same time! There is something reassuringly autumnal about the collection (tweeds, ribbed tights, knits, and brogues), and the masculine flair of the shoes is tempered by the exuberant mix of textures, colors, and materials. All the trends of this past season are mixed and mashed (metallics, animal-textures–croc-embossing and pony hair–, razzle-dazzle rhinestones, toe-caps, colorblock) into a delightfully eclectic and likeable collection.

By now you’ve probably noticed that wedges (almost entirely) and platforms (only to a certain extent) are being fazed out of the fall trends. Hm… I wonder what’s next!

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