The Great Shoe Quest: Oxford Edition, Meeting the Contestants

I was hoping to write my happy birthday blog post tonight, but between working out, Project Runway, and Shear Genius bedtime is suddenly upon me and I just don't have the energy for all of that work.  Tomorrow I am heading over to the school where I will begin working next week for Company B (YAY!) to fill out new hire paperwork, cleaning the house so that if anyone breaks in while I'm gone they won't find my dirty underwear lining the hallways and dog hair coating the carpet, running some last minute pre-trip errands, dropping the puppehs off at camp, and then probably getting around to packing some time around 10 o'clock at night.  You know, the usual pre-trip routine!

As a side note, I am hoping and praying that the rains stay away from Orlando this weekend, but even more than that, I am putting most of my energy into praying that Gustav doesn't go ripping through New Orleans again.  I have so many loved ones down there directly in the line of fire, and I honestly don't know if New Orleans can survive another hurricane--even if it is just a Category 2. It makes me sick just thinking about it...  There are a lot of things I miss about the South, hurricanes are not listed amongst those things.  Though days off of school and work because of hurricane warnings rank pretty high up there...

But anyway, enough of this morose pessimism, let's take a look at the gorgeous shoes that have made it into the first round of contention for The Great Shoe Quest: Oxford Edition!  I have scoured the internet for the top notch oxford contestants, and have broken the shoes down into two groups:  "Classic Oxfords" and "Loafer Inspired Oxfords".  I am still undecided as to which is my preference, and it may come down to trying on a couple of each just to see how they look on my feet.  I do have a preference for a higher, slimmer heel, but I've included a couple of lower, chunkier heels in the mix for those of you who don't enjoy teetering around on stilts!  Also, let me say it now, I do not condone peep toe oxfords, nor do I think that these shoes should be worn barelegged.  I think they look fantastic with pants or a dress and tights, but I just think they look clunky and Herman Munsterish when worn any other way.  I believe those are my only qualifications, so without further ado...

Classic Oxfords

       

Left: Banana Republic "Bree" Wing Tip High Heeled Oxford.  I love the oh so traditional look of this shoe, and love that the heel is high and slim, but still has a bit of substance.  I wouldn't be worried about this puppy getting caught between any cobblestones!

Right: Max Studio Zanzibar.  I'm still leaning more toward wanting a black shoe, but the subtle red of this oxford really is gorgeous.  And the delicate heel and hidden platform are a lovely combination.

Left: Steve Madden Vulture.  This was the shoe that I initially fell in love with in my online perusals, but now I find myself wondering (and I can't believe I'm about to say this) if the heel is actually too high.  I know, who am I, and what have I done with Angela?  I do love the drama of the shiny patent leather though.

 Right:  Franco Sarto Deer.  In stark contrast with the towering heel of the Steve Madden oxford, this shoe retains the feminine sleekness and classic oxford detailing, but with a much more manageable heel.

Left: Stuart Weitzman Nanny.  I must be honest, I'm not sure it was too wise of our dear Stuart to give this shoe such a matronly name, but I think the patent leather and moderately high heel save it from looking like anything that would inspire thoughts of grandmothers or nursemaids.

Right:  Nine West Kimball.  This is probably the most straightforward, classic oxford out of the bunch, and I applaud its traditional appearance.  This would look quite sleek and professional--much more of an in the office oxford, than night out on the town.

Left: Martinez Valero Women's Sachi High Heeled Oxford.  I adore the cream colored accents, squared off toe, and shiny patent leather--I know it's early in the game to begin choosing favorites, but this one is a beauty.  One to watch!

Right:  Dolce Vita Women's Taylor Oxford.  I love the sassiness of the slightly upturned toe and the pert little X that the laces make.  I feel strongly that if I wore these shoes, I would have to get my hands on some spats.

Left: Aldo Magaly.  This is close in the running for the most traditional oxford award, but the perforation details and gleaming patent leather really kick it up a notch.

Right: Anne Klein Quaint.  Houndstooth!  Patent leather!  Oxford styling!  It's like Sherlock Holmes exploded in a shoe factory!  With the solid, yet still feminine heel, I think this could be the Everyman's Oxford.

Loafer Inspired Oxfords

     

Left:  Steve Madden Reilly.  So, do you see what I mean about these shoes being more reminscent of a penny loafer in a way?  Still, the lace up detail is also oxford-like, and so these shoes have made it into the running by virtue of their stunning good looks and willingness to take a chance!  I like the combination of fabric with the patent toe and vamp as well as the perforation detailing.

Right: Bandolino Steffi.  It's a little hard to tell from the pictures, but these actually have a lower heel than the Reilly--3" as opposed to 4".  Although, I think sometimes different manufacturers measure from different points when giving heel heights, so maybe that's why these look remarkably similar despite their alleged 1" difference.  Anyway, these are a little sleeker than the Reilly, and it's a nice patent--not too shiny, so potentially a bit more conservative.

BCBGirls Cayla.  Okay, so these aren't really loafer inspired, but with the dramatic cutouts along the vamp, they didn't exactly fit into the Classic Oxford category either.  The nice thing about these shoes, and even the Steffi and Reilly is that I think I could lift my bare legs ban, as they're a bit more delicate than the classic oxfords.  Especially these with the openness of the cutouts.  Definitely very daring--I'm intrigued!

So, there you have it, my thirteen favorite shoes (hm, I wonder if I should have found another shoe to keep the more superstitious of you from falling into hysterics right now) inspired by the menswear/oxford trend.  I'm curious to hear what your thoughts are, and I'll be back at work on the Shoe Quest in early September, winnowing these selections down to the finalists, which I'll then review and eventually narrow down to the ultimate Shoe Quest winner!  Until then, happy shoe hunting!

Comments

[A Super Girl]

At first, I wasn't entirely sure about these Oxfords (then again, I'm usually 5 years late to the trends)...but then I scrolled to the Martinez Valero's! I think those are my faves! Also like the Bandolino Steffi's. And just for kicks, I do like the Max Studio's Zanzibar -- but that's just because I have an affinity for red!

[Cat]

Sorry I've been out of the loop recently! Work is crazy!

My vote is for the Martinez Valero Women's Sachi High Heeled Oxford. Love, love, love for so many reasons.

[AshleyD]

Such cute shoes!! I have been a little unsure about this trend, but I'm really starting to like it more. I may have to get a pair of the Steve Madden Reilly's.

[katelin]

i'm not a huge fan of the oxford look for myself, but i can definitely see you pulling them off, :)

[sophie]

I love the Max Studio Zanzibar, myself. However, you know I don't know dog shit about shoes. :-)

[slynnro]

I must confess to not really liking Oxfords, but I do like those Steve Maddens. Great with tights and a dress.

[ann kriger]

This is a new trend? I distinctly remember wearing shoes like these (with a slightly lower heel!) back in the day! Mine were Bandolino, and I still like those best.

[TasterSpoon]

I like the looks of the BR one best of all, because you can wear with pants and dresses and all kinds of things. It's very Sexy Librarian. Or like you could tap dance in them in a black and white movie. Because of the thicker heel, it looks like a practical shoe, rather than a fashion shoe pretending to be a practical shoe.

The black and white patent leather, though, is a work of art. I love looking at it. I don't know about you, but my patent leather shoes always seem to scuff each other on the insides of the toes and heels. Maybe because I'm clumsy...but something to consider. Reduces their shelf life, that's all I'm saying.

The hidden platform is a good sneaky idea...makes the higher heels more wearable, but except for the burgundy one, I think it makes the shoes (esp with the thin heels) look lopsided and heavy-jawed.

[Kate P]

Maybe it's the photography, but I kind of like the way the perf stands out on the Sarto Deer one. And the contrast color on the Martinez Valero is cool. They're all really cool, though. I wish I didn't have wide feet! (That said, Naturalizer sent me a $10 off coupon and they do have a similar style that comes in 7W. . .)

How do you wear such high heels, or does it not even faze you?

[Jessica]

I really like the Max Studio and Banana Republic shoes the best. My eye immediately went to them and stayed there. Those would be great choices :)

Now I'm salivating over a car seatbelt coat on PR.

[Becky]

I'm kind of liking the first two, as they seem very classic to me, but I realize that I'm kind of boring that way. In terms of the stylish option, I like the Deer or the Quaint.

[RisibleGirl]

Thanks for doing all the shopping for me! The oxfords I have are NOT suitable for work. They look a little ummm... "woman of the night".

Anyhoo- I love the Banana Republic "Bree", and Martinez Valero Women's Sachi (I wish it wasn't in patent leather though)and the Nine West Kimball.

I'm probably getting a little long in the tooth to be wearing such things, but I don't really care. ;)

[e.p.]

I have the Steve Madden oxfords. (The heel IS really high.) I absolutely adore the Dolce Vita ones, though.

What are you gonna get? Hmm, hmm?

[Larissa]

I'm not sure if I could pull off that look - but more power to those who can!

[Fraulein N]

You know, if I weren't worried about the height of the heel, I'd be even more into these shoes. I go for the classic look myself -- I love the Banana Republic "Bree;" it's so classy and simple.

Then again, I'm also a fan of the Dolce Vita Women's Taylor Oxford. That upturned toe is so cute!

[girlinterrupted1218]

I vote for the Steve Madden Reilly pair. Lovely!