I’m sure it probably goes without saying by now that Shoeperwoman does not wear flat, lace-up shoes. (In fact, I don’t own lace-ups of ANY kind, other than my running shoes, now I come to think of it.)
I know lots of you do, however, and I also know that lots of you look absolutely fantastic in this kind of style. The Oxford pump has been going through a resurgence in popularity for the past few months now, which I guess is a good thing for our feet, because these have to be a much more comfortable and practical option than stilettos, or any of the many pairs of gigantic platforms I’m always showing you.
I still don’t think I’d be able to pull the look off, but I do sometimes like to amuse myself by trying to imagine how I’d wear some of the more “difficult” (by which I mean difficult for me, by the way: I know this would be an easy one for many of you!) trends out there, and if I was going to wear Oxford pumps, I think these Bullboxer shoes would be a good way to ease myself into it. I really like the floral print uppers, which are always a good choice for this time of year, and which help give the shoes a very refreshing, whimsical kind of feel to them.
I like to imagine these worn with a boater hat and tennis dress, but I’d love to hear how you’d wear them, too. They’re £42 at Spartoo.
Do not adjust your sets, readers, it’s true: I’m showing you a pair of lace-up flats. This only happens once in a blue moon, because as I’m sure you’re aware, this definitely isn’t my favourite shoe style, by a long way. If I absolutely HAD to wear a pair of Oxfords, though, these are the ones I’d go for. Assuming I found £355 down the back of the sofa and could be persuaded not to buy heels instead, obviously. I love the metallic upper and chiffon bow, both of which add a hint of femininity to what can be a very masculine style.
I know I’ve said a few times here that I’m not keen on brogues, but I’d take it all back for the chance to wear these little beauties from Dune. The brogue styling is always going to have a slightly masculine feel to it, but the high heel makes these super-sexy too. Add a tweed pencil skirt and fitted jacket for a prim-and-proper, but still effortlessly elegant, look, or just wear with jeans for a more casual, wintry look.
If you have even a vague interest in fashion, you’ve probably noticed that flat, lace-up brogues are hot right now. Perhaps it’s a reaction to all of the super-high stilettos and platforms that’ve been in vogue for the past couple of years, or maybe it’s just part of the whole “little old lady” look that swings into style every now and then, but everywhere I look, people seem to be gushing over brogues.
It’ll come as no surprise to my regular readers to know that I’m not going to be joining in with the gushing: partly because I had a pair of shoes almost exactly like the ones shown above when I was in primary school, and I’ve absolutely no desire to be reminded of that time, but also because any shoe that can be described as “sensible” is anathema to me. But that’s just me. I know many of my fellow fashion bloggers have been embracing the brogues lately, so to speak, and have been looking fantastic in them, and now I want to know what you think of them? Are they shoe heroes, or are they shoe supervillains? In other words: yay or nay to brogues?
(P.S. The ones shown above are Aldo’s Kegerries brogues, and they’re available in brown or black: click here to buy them.)
These shoes aren’t my style AT ALL, but I’ve seen so many pairs of them, both in stores and on people’s feet, that I’m inclined to think I’m in the minority there, and they ARE everyone else’s style – or at least a lot of people’s. Am I right? Last time I went shopping, almost every store I went into was carrying some variation of this style, which was actually fairly disappointing for given that they weren’t at all what I was looking for, but I can see that these could have their attractions: they look like they’d be reasonably comfortable, for instance, and if you’re going for a more laid-back look, they could be perfect.
Are they, though? If you think they are, these ones are £30 at New Look.
You know, readers, fashions and tastes may change, and I’d be the first to admit that I like lots of things now that I probably couldn’t even have imagined wanting to wear a few years ago, but in all of my shoe-buying years, there is one mantra I’ve never changed my mind about. It’s this: sneakers should not have heels. Ever.
This possibly seems a bit rich coming from someone who tends to think that most shoes could be improved with the addition of a bit of a heel, but nope: sneakers should not have heels. It goes so much against the grain that I just can’t bring myself to accept it – and I don’t think it looks good, either. Buy heels, or buy sneakers (if you absolutely must), but never the twain should meet as far as I’m concerned.
Of course, that’s just me, and that’s why I’m not even remotely tempted by these heeled trainers from New Look. Are you, though? If you are, you can buy yourself a pair here, for £30: they’re also available in black, too.
The love affair between Lily Allen and Chanel continues… In Paris to sing at the Chanel show, here she is wearing a pair of striped wedge boots by the brand. It must be fantastic getting to be a Chanel clothes horse, but I guess the occassional pair of slightly odd looking boots is the price you have to pay, eh?
I’m sure it probably goes without saying by now that Shoeperwoman does not wear flat, lace-up shoes. (In fact, I don’t own lace-ups of ANY kind, other than my running shoes, now I come to think of it.)
