oxfords for all occasions
As a personal stylist, I don’t often get the opportunity to talk about my own personal style. I am focused on my clients — what fits, flatters, and functions well in their everyday lives. With Valentine’s Day coming up, though — and my birthday! — I am taking this opportunity to wax poetic about my one true style love: the oxford shoe.
My love for the lace-up men’s shoe started at age 18 when I purchased my first pair of Doc Martens. I didn’t choose the lace-up boots, either. I selected the lace-up shoes. Even at 18, I knew that oxford style would be much more versatile than the boot.
The second round of my love affair with oxfords came about 10 years ago. Brogues made for women were still pretty hard to come by so I purchased my first pair — in the boy’s shoe department (one of the perks of having very small feet). I wore them with dresses, shorts, and jeans. Since then, my love of oxfords has only grown — hand-in-hand with the fashion world’s love of menswear-inspired runway looks. I am talking oxfords with cutouts, no-lace oxfords, wingtip oxfords, candy-colored oxfords, oxford sneakers, oxford heels…
Last year, when I found out our very own Shoe Hive would start carrying one of my favorite new shoe designers — Freda Salvador — I may have screamed and done a little jig in a moment of pure joy. Known for their d’Orsay-style oxfords for women, the San Francisco-based label launched its first collection in 2012.
I had been wearing Fredas for a couple of years, and loved the marriage of style and comfort. My Fredas had fast become my go-to on those days spent on my feet shopping with clients. Pretty soon, I was recommending Freda’s to many a client.
There are many ways to work the Freda oxford — the beauty of the shoe is although it is menswear-inpsired, the d’Orsay style of the shoe, texture, and fine details (studs along the edges of the soles) elevate it to a level of style and versatility I have not found with other oxfords. Freda’s can fit in most any wardrobe and style.
Dress from Kiskadee, Shoes from The Shoe Hive
This floral shift would be lovely and ladylike with a pair of pumps or dress booties. But, the WIT d’Orsay oxfords add an unexpected modern edge to this feminine frock.
Stripe poncho from Kiskadee, necklace from Coco Blanca, Shoes from The Shoe Hive
This fun stripe poncho blouse from Kiskadee gets a dose of downtown style when paired with oxfords. The floaty top is grounded with the borrowed-from-the-boys touch.
Sleeveless blazer from Kiskadee, jeans from Coco Blanca, oxfords and necklace from The Shoe Hive
The sleeveless blazer — on trend for the last several seasons — is a perfect pairing with oxfords for a head-to-toe menswear-inspired look.
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
