Trends come and go.  Season to season, year to year, styles change and fads rise and fall.  The bottom line is:  no fashion lasts forever.  The rise and fall (and then often the rise again) of a fashion is called “the fashion cycle,” and it is an accepted fact by fashion experts that the world of fashion is an ever-changing one.
    There are, however, exceptions to this rule.  There are a select few wardrobe staples that are timeless.  They can survive through any period, despite what is “in” or “out” at the current moment.  These items are called “classics” and they are stronger than the fashion cycle.  
    Some examples of classics are the little black dress, white button-up blouses, and black pantsuits.  These are all essential items in every woman’s wardrobe that are stylish no matter what the current trends are.  
One classic that I am particularly passionate about is the red shoe.
    Every woman needs at least one pair of red shoes in her wardrobe.  Whether it is a pump or a flat, a boot or a loafer, red shoes can make almost any outfit look put-together.  
    When I recommend red shoes to people, I almost always get the same response, either, “But I don’t own anything red!” or “I have nothing to wear with red shoes.”
    To the former comment, I usually respond by saying, “Good,” since, with few exceptions, nobody should wear red shoes while wearing other pieces of red clothing.  That is much too “matchy match,” and no wants to end up looking like a giant strawberry.  
    To the latter, I reply, “If you own anything black, white, or grey, or you own a pair of blue jeans, you have something to wear with your red shoes.”
    As a matter of fact, if these neutral colors are what dominate your wardrobe, that is even more of a reason why you need a pair of red shoes.  They make any outfit “pop,” and make you look like you spent a lot more time putting together your outfit than you actually did.
    I have to admit, I didn’t get my first pair of red shoes until last fall.  I never thought I was a “red person,” and I was perfectly happy wearing all of my cute black dresses with black tights and tall black boots.  I mean, it is a cute look- if you’re going to a funeral.  
    Then one day, out of curiosity or boredom, I’m not sure which, I tried on a pair of red Miz Mooz Mary Jane pumps with one of my black outfits.  My look was completely transformed.  I went from looking like I should be reading poetry at a coffee house to looking like a fashion maven.  The touch of red on my feet brought my all-black outfit to a whole new level.  
    I was so excited I went home that night and I tried on my new red shoes with more of my outfits.    The black and white shift dress that didn’t look quite right with boots but didn’t really work with tights and black flats either, now looked like it could be featured on “The Look” page of In Style.  My favorite black eyelet dress that I thought I could only wear in the summer because it was too delicate and feminine to wear with black boots became the perfect fall ensemble. Best of all, when I wore my hounds tooth mini, I no longer looked like “The Nanny.”  
The shoes also looked great with all my jeans, and totally dressed up my white blouses and black T-shirts.  I consider the day I discovered red shoes to be one of the more important moments in my journey to becoming a fashion aficionado.   
    If you’re still not convinced that there is a red shoe in your future, come in and take a look at our different styles – I bet there’s one that’s perfect for you.

 Fall Fashion Forecast

Wednesday 09-10-08

Fall is quickly approaching and, just like every year, we are wondering, "Where did our summer go?" And, just like every year, we are pulling our fall clothing out of storage, and wondering what is salvageable for this coming season and what needs to go. One trend that's sticking around, and hotter than ever this fall, is menswear inspired clothing- more specifically, the oxford pump.

I know this 1920's-inspired style has caught your eye at some point. Even if you already have a pair stored away and ready to dust off for fall, or you have just admired them while passing store windows, now is the time to grab a few pairs of this wardrobe staple.

I'm sure a lot of you yearn to be a part of this fabulous footwear trend, but you have one or two little questions in the back of your mind, constantly nagging at you and preventing you from owning a pair of these "must haves" for fall.

The first question is, "What do I wear them with?" This was the dilemma that I had when this trend started appearing. I loved the idea of the oxford pump, and being a slave to fashion as well as a shoe junkie, I felt immediately compelled to purchase a pair. The only thing that held me back was that lingering question. Do I wear them with dresses or should I wear them with slacks? Can I wear them with a short skirt, or should I wear them with jeans?

The answer is "yes, yes, yes and yes." You can wear them with practically anything. Whether you are going to work or hitting the town on a Friday night with some friends, throw on a pair of these shoes and you will look instantly stylish, sophisticated, and chic.

At this point, some of you are probably thinking, "I know when I'd wear them, and I know exactly what I'd wear them with, but buying shoes is just not that easy." That brings me to the second question you might have: "How do I find a pair that suits me?"

I've worked in the shoe industry for almost four years, so I know from personal experience with thousands of customers how difficult it can be to find the right pair of shoes. Some people's top priority is comfort; others have a strict budget. Some people prefer shoes they can easily slip on, while others' only interest is style.

The good news is that at Williams Shoes we carry a selection of oxfords to meet every woman's desire.

If you are strictly a comfort person, you can't go wrong with the "Elma" by Clarks. This pump, which comes in black and brown leather, has a thick, sturdy heel, and an unbelievable amount of cushion and arch support inside. Slip a pair of these on and you will instantly feel ready to walk for miles.(Available Online)     

                                                           
 
If you like the idea of an oxford, but dread the notion of constantly needing to tie your shoes, Franco Sarto's "Deer" is the shoe for you. It has the appearance of a perfectly laced oxford, but it is really a slip on! The laces are just decorations. And the stretchy petrol upper makes it easy for any foot to slide into.*

                                                               

If you are on a strict budget, Madeline's "Hepburn" is stylish, comfortable, and only $54.95! I know, I couldn't believe it either. That's why I grabbed a pair of the black ones right away. They also come in a nice chocolate brown.*

                                                              

If you are looking for something slightly dressier, Arturo Chiang's "Georgiana" has an elegant smoky finish, and a classic stiletto heel.*

                                                           

For those of you who just cannot and will not wear heels, don't worry, there is still a place in this trend for you. The "Ducky" by Matisse is a flat patent oxford that is just as stylish and versatile as the pump, but keeps you on sturdy ground.*

                                                         

So if you want to be part of this hot fall trend, stop by Williams Shoes the Walking Spirit, and get your feet into a pair of these before it's too late!

Update!

Two new oxfords by Jeffrey Campbell just arrived, and I’m totally in love.

The first one is the “Tomba.”  This beautiful shoe was made in Spain, and has a high but substantial wooden heal, ribbon laces, and a cutout behind the black and pewter toe. 

The other style is another for all you flat lovers out there.  It’s appropriately named “Wingtip” because its black and grey leather upper has a wingtip toe.  And the flat rubber sole makes the “Wingtip” another comfortable and easy-to-walk-in option for this trend.

*(In-store only)