Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Menswear influences are taking center stage again this year in shoe trends.  You love the oxford look but would prefer it with some height.  See if these work for you, Bottega Veneta's Platform Oxford Pump. This lace up oxford pump gives menswear a feminine edge with a pointed toe and paneled details on the sides. This shoe will also give you a run for your money at $890.

Bottega Veneta

If that is, of course, way more than you want to spend consider the "Farris" from Miz Mooz.  This lace up, platform oxford, comes complete with a delicate perforated design on the toe and hidden platform.  It's perfect to pair with anything from pants, to skirts with tights.  The best part is, it's only $143.

Miz Mooz

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

The cool down has begun, which means we are that much closer to sweater season!!! Cable knits, cardigans, and cashmere are all awaiting their big debut as fall creeps closer!  Not sure you can wait that long?  There are ways to wear light-weight knits starting now that will transition well into fall!

The Cure:

Layering is the key to pulling of an early sweater look, perfect for an air-conditioned office, but maybe not great for an afternoon stroll through the park.  Choose a light-weight knit cardigan, layer over a tank or short sleeved blouse and pair with shorts.  The look here is casual, but these same rules can easily be used to create a more dressy look as well.  As always, accessorize appropriately, I would add sandals or flats to this look, but a pair of platforms would be foolproof for a more formal look!

Fall Collection: Poetic Licence

Poetic Licence typically pushes the boundaries with fun and funky color combos and accents of gems and feathers! This season check out their take on the classic oxford, "shootie", and pumps full of pizazz!

Beautiful Brogues

Menswear inspired looks are sticking around.  Feast your eyes on these lace-ups complete with wing-tip details and quirky patterns for both modern and retro looks.

This blue-grey wedge takes the traditional oxford for a feminine spin.
 All Black, $132

A charcoal brown lace-up court shoe with a gently rounded toe.
J. Shoes, $145

A canvas, cut-out wedge that hints at the early 80s. Pictures can't do this pair justice. You gotta try them on.

 Jeffrey Campbell, $104

A modern leather pump with retro wing-tip accents.

Indigo by Clarks $109

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Tie up your laces girls, the oxford is back this fall and is sexier than ever.  Case in point, Lanvin's Pearlized Oxford Bootie.  Grosgrain laces make it iconically Lanvin and according to Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing "Alber Elbaz at Lanvin gets ahead of the color curve with bordeaux, the upcoming shade of the season.  And the grosgrain bow adds a feminine touch to this menswear-inspired shoe."

It's an obvious must-have for fall, with one exception, it costs $1050.

Lanvin, $1050

Alternately, Poetic Licence has a lace up oxford that can fit the bill. Scalloped suede trim and a houndstooth-patterned topline create a delectable palette set off by sexy satin laces. Very fitting for fall, also fitting is the $105 price tag. 

Poetic Licence "Backlash", $105

Menswear Movement

Menswear has migrated to spring fashion runways but with a looser, mildly feminine movement.

"The blazer is roomy, with wide lapels.  The white shirt is tucked; the pants, loose.  Have you ever seen any guy at the office dress this way? It's not about a fascination with Mad Men -inspired retro; the fun here is loosening up the hallmarks of menswear.  Though we tend to be sticklers for posture, the operative word is "slouch." The look is at its sexiest when it's a little rumpled up."   InStyle, March 2011

Photos Courtesy of InStyle, March 2011

She's come undone with unbuttoned cotton button down shirts, crisp shirt dresses with hip slung skinny belts,  leather and canvas oxfords, and loose fitting lightweight trousers. Add a large mens watch and pair a simple, sheer, silk camisole with the wide lapel blazer. The less put together the better.

Prim and Proper: English Prep

This is not your polo wearing, popped collar prep, this style comes to us from across the pond.  Clean lines, classics silhouettes, feminine frills, tweeds and plaids are distinguishing traits for this style. Inspired by traditional prep-school uniforms and the English countryside this type of look is the epitome of autumn.

Combine cords with a plaid blazer, try a trench over a frilly blouse with dark denim, or timeless tweed with a simple sheath.  The requisite riding boot is the culmination of your English Prep creation.  Lovely loafers or charming oxfords are other proper possibilities.