Fashion forward women often find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Rather, more accurately, they’re caught between a desire to be trendy and a need to shield their feet and ankles from getting horribly mangled by high heels. Fortunately, in 2013, the Fashion Gods have smiled upon the feet of women everywhere.
This autumn, trendsetters the globe over will bedeck themselves in lace up oxfords. These subtly sexy (and tres comfortable) shoes will be a welcome addition to your closet, whether you’re getting ready for “back to school” or prepping for an awesome new corporate job.
Here are a few examples of the trend:
Valentino 20 Millimeter Rockstud Patent Lace Ups
These 20 millimeter heels are made of 100 percent calfskin. They feature Italian made rubber soles, leather insoles and lining, and all the luscious trimmings you might expect. What sets them apart, however, are the gold metal studs that crisscross the shoe. These ornaments transform an otherwise unassuming heel into something surprisingly subversive.
Marc Jacobs 20 Millimeter Studded Calfskin Oxfords
These Marc Jacobs oxford lace ups also have an element of danger – or at least ornamentation – in the form of gun metal colored metal studs that lacquer the shoes. Both the Valentino and Marc Jacobs Oxfords feature subversive punk-like elements and “straight girl” preppy elements — almost as if these two styles got sucked into the fashion equivalent of an atom smasher and then merged.
Marni 30 Millimeter Fringed Patent Lace Up Shoes
These 100% calfskin Italian shoes feature a rubber sole, felt lining and detachable fringe detailing. These shoes look almost deliberately retro – like something an Indie rock chick heroine might “ironically” wear to a sold out show at a secret warehouse in Brooklyn. (But in a good way.)
These Italian made, 100% calfskin shoes feature more traditional derby style laces. The one subversive – or at least somewhat uncommon – element is the metallic gold leather piping.Escape from the Tyranny of Fall High Heels.These Oxford lace ups may not be overtly radical, but they’re surprisingly dangerous. They’re also a heckuva lot more comfortable than traditional calf straining, toe smushing high heels. So check them out, and enjoy your back to school/work shoe shopping! Click the purple links to lace up!
