Intricate lacework

Lace-making originally involved fine materials such as silver and gold threads. Nowadays, anything from cotton to copper threads are used in the lacing process. But no matter what material is used ...Read more]]> Lace, sheer fabrics, and lingerie may be the newest, latest, and hottest trend for 2010, but lace still elicits old-fashioned delicateness and age-old elegance.

Intricate lacework

Lace-making originally involved fine materials such as silver and gold threads. Nowadays, anything from cotton to copper threads are used in the lacing process. But no matter what material is used – and no matter how old it gets or how new it is - the amazing thing about lace is its designs still remain timeless.

See here a pair of vintage lace pumps with sparkly lucite heels, circa 1950:

1950s vintage lace pumps

Lucite heels reveal a sparkly rhinestone-inlaid flower in each heel

Compare them with these new Aven ivory lace pumps from rsvp:

rsvp Aven

Even though there are about 60 years between these two lace pumps, the lace design remains relevant and retains it sophisticated style in each shoe. Here’s proof that lace is everlasting and its fragile grace and luxury will last through time.

Another amazing thing about lace is that it can be lolita pretty or alluring and sexy, depending on the color and the lacework.

Here are 3 lace shoes that are delicately pretty:

Stuart Weitzman Dippy

Hale Bob Women’s Rio

Coloriffics Women’s Anne

And 3 that are sexy vampy:

Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege

Romantic Soles Pamela

DSQUARED2 S10A001001 48

Which side of lace are you on – the pretty or the sexy?

]]> http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2010/02/old-fashioned-vintage-lace-shoes/feed/ 3 http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2010/01/six-ways-to-wear-the-oxford-shoes-sienna-miller-style/ http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2010/01/six-ways-to-wear-the-oxford-shoes-sienna-miller-style/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:34:01 +0000 Roselle http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/?p=516 Style icon Sienna Miller surely loves fashion. Her ability to set trends seems quite innate. Her taste in clothing has always been closely watched by fashionistas. She mixes and matches outfits and accessories with an ease that is effortless and natural. It is no wonder why fashion designers love to dress her, and photographers (and ...Read more]]> Style icon Sienna Miller surely loves fashion. Her ability to set trends seems quite innate. Her taste in clothing has always been closely watched by fashionistas. She mixes and matches outfits and accessories with an ease that is effortless and natural. It is no wonder why fashion designers love to dress her, and photographers (and the paparazzi) love to take pictures of her wherever she goes.

Below are several candid photos of her wearing Oxfords in different occasions.

Oxford shoes, which first appeared in the 1900′s as men’s shoes, are tricky to wear. The shoes look masculine so the effort lies in making sure you don’t look like a guy after putting it on. However, Sienna  Miller surely knows how.

With these pictures, she shows us six ways to wear the Oxfords without losing our feminine appeal:

#1: Casual Chic – Wear your Oxfords with skinny jeans that fall above the ankle, top it with  a loose T-shirt and a Cardigan, then you’re all set!

#2: Sexy Casual – look sexy casual by pairing your Oxfords with some slightly loose jeans, fold up the hem to show your ankles, then top it with a tight V-neck sweater.

#3: Preppy casual – look preppy casual by pairing your Oxfords with a loose blouse tucked under a pair of pleated cuffed trousers that show off your ankles.

#4: Evening Casual – If it’s a casual night out, pair your Oxfords with a dark oversized cashmere sweater and skinny pants that fall just above your ankles.

#5: Party chic – The easiest look to pull off. Wear your heeled oxfords with a dark tunic or short dress, put on some black tights, and go party the night away! You can top it with a cropped jacket or blazer in case you’re feeling a little cold.

#6 Cruise Casual – My favorite of all the looks. Pair your white or light flat Oxfords with a short full skirt and a tank top. Accessorize with some bright neck pieces and don’t forget your arm candy.

In other words, to wear the Oxfords in Sienna Miller style, it must be worn with our pretty lady ankles showing. Do remember though, that choosing the right shoe style is also important in order to achieve the looks. It’s best to purchase the narrow type with thin soles (such as the pair on Sienna) as it looks more feminine.  Keep it in one color and try to avoid the bulky styles.

Here are a few suggestions for you:

Franco Sarto Henley Oxfords

Steve Madden Tirrah Oxfords

For outfits that require the heeled version:

Hale Bob Chicago Heeled Oxfords