Oh, boy. Ready or not, gang, lace-up oxfords are back with a vengeance. I’m so mad because I had an adorable brown pair about twenty years ago and I should have just KEPT them.
Nine West is tempting my shoe lust with these recent styles:
So cute!
For Sarah, who wondered what kind of shoe might go with the classic Ann Taylor styles, how about these?
That’s a gorgeous taupe color for many women, and I’m sure you could find something similar in black. I love the low vamp and strap (much more elegant than the usual thick strap that tends to look either frumpy or too girlish), and if the heel is too high I’m sure you could find something similar at a better bargain and with a more sturdy heel.
And then there’s these for the boys!
So much cuter and more with-it than sloppy ole sneakers!
Also, by the same maker (Fluevogen):
These,
for the more rugged types and these,
, which are just Cutey McCutester!
They’re unrealistically expensive but I love the sense of sturdiness, style and whimsy. They’d look great on a pastor wearing, say, a pair of great chinos, a classic sweater (nothing bulky) and a corduroy sports jacket. The shoes would be all about personality.
Remember in elementary school when you got new shoes just before the first week of school? Remember how, if you were lucky, you got a pair that made you feel soooo good and you just couldn’t stop looking at them? Remember how they made your feet twinkle?
The Cutesy McCutesters above made me feel like that just looking at the photo! Maybe feeling like I’m 11 years old again doesn’t bode well for putting together a professional look, but it made my morning. So, thanks.
I also dig the square-toed men’s boots and would wear them myself for motorcycle riding. I had a similar pair in black from Aldo that I wore until the soles fell.
LOVE that lace-up Oxford.
Wow! I’m wearing a pair of lace-up oxfords even as I type!
Do you find Nine West shoes in wide? I never see them and stopped looking.
You know, I had something similar to this in high school. I’m not sure I could wear it again…
I like the lace up oxford look when the heel is not so big. But to my mind Oxfords (like the first pair you posted) really require an ensemble. They’re kind of like granny boots in that you can’t just “throw on” a pair of them, without paying really careful attention to the rest of your outfit!
I got a pair of high heeled mary janes last spring, and I love them!!! I particularly love them (they are black) with a skirt (bias cut, knee length, in a subtle based print) and a clerical collar–they jazz up an outfit without going overboard.
Seeing these styles makes me almost look forward to shelving the sandals for the season!
Oh, I lost my extensive comment. All I can say is that standing in stylish shoes for 1+ hours tortures my feet. I tried Skechers, which are cute and expensive ($50+ for a pair I could wear to work/church). They were great, but more than I’m used to paying. I won’t even consider high heels, because I do have to stand 1.5 hours at least on Sunday. Sigh. Feedback welcome.
Fluevogs are mighty expensive – but the Torontonians I know with Fluevogs swear by them – they last for years without wearing out and they’re supportive.. and many of their designs are very multipurpose.. the detailing makes them “dressed up” enough to wear with more things.
Still, I don’t think I could drop that much at once on shoes 🙂
The only kind of shoe I wear are Fluevogs. When I was in seminary, I needed a black dress shoe that was sturdy, dressy, and also a bit funky. That was my first pair! I now have another pair of blood-red oxfords and a more casual walking shoe. The store in Toronto just had a sale, and I’m sure Boston location has a few discounted pairs! In any event, they are a great investment. They will last forever, and the more classic styles will always work.
And I’ve seen Peter B’s shoes… they are fabulous!