Oxford style: New kicks in the block

KATHMANDU, Dec 8: After much anticipation, Oxford style shoes have finally entered the town. Only for the ladies though. Yes, you read it right. After raiding the counterpart’s closet and drawing inspiration from their coats to the trousers, now it’s the footwear’s turn. [break]

Feminine Oxford footwear may have been redux in the fashion market during 2007, but its presence on the runway of Ralph Lauren’s collection during Spring/Summer 2010, New York Fashion Week, hints that the trend is here to stay.

Women Oxfords, mainly the flats have been often spotted in the wardrobe of the fashion savvy international stars. The ditto feminine Oxford flats are not available in Kathmandu. But this season three retail shops in the capital have the updated versions of Oxford shoes for the trial. Mannish shoes were never so sexy and alluring.

Though all of the pairs are not the exact copy of their predecessors, but they do share similarities in the structure and the use of lace.

Top class at Sherpa Mall in Durbar Marg has classic black-brown version with a perforated pattern on the toe known as a “wingtip”. This pair can be used for daily casual look and is very similar to a man’s shoes.

The only difference is the size and little longer block heels. The trick to sport this particular Oxford is adding a lot of feminine touch-ups to your outfit.

Other versions available at the store are sexy platform stilettos, which are more feminine with little hints of man Oxfords. This version is available in three different hues—grey, brown and black. The rear end and wingtip in brown and black pairs have been given extra oomph with snake skin pattern. All of the mentioned pairs have to be laced up. If you don’t want laces, sleeker versions with buckles are also on the display.

Three versions of Oxfords, quite different from the ones available at Top class sit on the racks of Envy, an exclusive shoe store in Durbar Marg. Burgundy and maroon pairs at this store have an aura of formalness about it and have comparatively shorter heels than the one in bright red.

The bright red pair is the head-turner of all and can even twist-up a simple outfit. It’s suitable for the parties be it formal or casual ones. But don’t hide the pair inside flared or belly buttons. This particular pair is all about revealing the sexy structure. Upgrade your office looks with these oxfords as they are feminine yet commanding.

For more bohemian shift, Taxxi in Nag Pokhari has a few pairs with fringes lined up. Beside fringed, peep-toe version of Oxford look-alike also delight the racks of this store. Team it up with stockings and thick long sweaters over dresses for warmer approach.

If the presence of high-heeled boots or uggs on the streets of capital has exasperated you, Oxford is the perfect replacement. And above all there are really few pieces in the market, which is surely to make you stand out in the crowd. So, ladies lace it up.