The Oxford Dictionary

Fact: I love oxfords. Long after the trend subsides and oxfords revert back to feet of old men and librarians, I will still be wearing them. Words can't describe how much I love them. When the trend first started booming it was very hard to find an affordable pair. Now, oxfords are popping up all over the place at a number of retailers in a number of price ranges. Here are some oxfords that are a break from the norm, straight from my wish list (I wish to own all of them), all for under $50!

MINTKEN Oxford, Aldo $40

Brogues:  Low heeled shoes originally made of heavy leather. Brogueing, refers to punched patterns on the shoe. Also known as wingtips.

Cutout Oxford Shoes, Forever 21 $20

Wingtips: Named for the toe pattern which resembles a W and the shape of a bird spreading its wings.

Alice + Olivia for Payless Jazz Oxford, Payless $30

Deena & Ozzy Ludlow Oxford, Urbanoutfitters, $48

Oxford: A dressy, yet historically plain shoe enclosed with laces.

 Dirty Laundry Women's Chez Jersey Oxford Flat, Endless.com $30

Zip It Good!!

This post is inspired by the lovely pair of sunglasses you see above. They're Alexander Wang and retail at $365. The best part about these sunglasses is that I got the knock off pair from Aldo for five bucks (pictured below). I didn't think zipper trend would really be around this year and most certainly not for spring. But maybe, just maybe with the pieces featured below, you can sneak them into your wardrobe.

Rosette Zipper Bib Necklace, Arden B $24

Solange in a Spring 2009 Phillip Lim dress with zippered accents.

 

Zipper Tier Dress, Forever21 $30

Zipper Swirl Shoe Cips Forever21 $5

 

Farenheit Tara01 Flats, Cutesygirl.com $14

 

Bamboo Heather 11 Red Zippered Flower Thong Sandal , Lulus.com $17

Wardrobe Staple: Basic Black PLATFORM Pump

Every woman's closet needs an essential black pump. I'm going to go on record of saying not only does every closet need a basic black pump, it needs a PLATFORM black pump. Leather, patent leather or suede is up to you, but it indeed must be a PLATFORM. Yes, I felt the need to capitalize PLATFORM because it's just that important. Besides their wonderful attributes of walking stablility, illusion of longer leaner legs, and allowing you to be able to achieve the most statueque height; PLATFORM pumps are simply gorgeous to look at!
I'll also go on saying that I believe that Yves Saint Laurent's Tribute PLATFORM heel is by far one of the greatest pair of shoes ever made. I swear you could wear this pump with absolutely anything. But, for those of us who really can't afford to shell out about 800 bucks on these babies (which might argueably may be worth it) I have picked some black PLATFORM pumps that are perfect for basically any occassion. While, I prefer an ultra high heel, there is a perfect PLATFORM height for everyone. Find what works for you.

 

BCBGeneration "Trina's" Available at Nordstrom, $90

 

Jessica Simpson "Parigi" (concealed platform) Available at Zappos.com, $88.95

Aldo "Destime" pumps, Available at Aldo Shoes, $90

Burten-1 Round Toe Pump. Available at UrbanOG.com, $21.80