What is Oxford Shoes?

An Oxford is a style of laced shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp, a construction method that is also sometimes referred to as "closed lacing". Oxfords first appeared in Scotland and Ireland, where they are occasionally called Balmorals after the Queen's castle in Scotland, Balmoral. Most shoe stores will refer to Oxfords as bal-type opposed to blucher-type. In France, Oxfords are better known under the name of Richelieu.
Oxfords are traditionally constructed of leather and were historically plain, formal shoes but are now available in a range of styles and materials that complement both casual and formal forms of dress. It is derived from the Oxonian, a half-boot with side slits that gained popularity at Oxford University in 1800. The side slit evolved into a side lace that eventually moved to the instep, as students rebelled against knee-high and ankle-high boots. The toe cap can either be lined with two narrow rows of stitching, perforated holes along the end cap stitching (quarter-brogue), perforated holes along the end cap stitching and on the toe cap (semi-brogue), or a semi-brogue with the classical wingtip design (full-brogue).

 

 

Men's quarter brogue oxford shoes

Oxfords, characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp contrast with Derbys, or blücher design, characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are sewn on top of the vamp.

 

 

Men's full brogue (or wingtip) oxford spectator shoes

The meanings of the terms Oxford and Balmoral vary geographically; in the U.S., "Balmoral" is synonymous with "Oxford", while "Oxford" is often used to refer to any "dressy" style of shoe, including the Blücher (Derby); elsewhere, especially in Britain, the Balmoral is a particular type of Oxford where there are no seams (apart from the toe cap) descending to the welt, a style particularly common on boots. The bal-type shoe (Oxford) is considered more formal than the bücher-type (Derby/Gibson) design.
Oxfords can be made from a variety of materials including leather, patent leather and canvas based on considerations of function or fashion. These are commonly black or brown, and may be plain or ornately styled Brogues.








mix and match it with your outfits!

How To Mix And Match Your Wardrobe?

The best way to stretch a wardrobe, and still dress with style and elegance, is by learning to mix and match a wardrobe. Having a few key basic pieces that you can interchange with other items and accessories is all you need. To successfully mix and match a wardrobe you need to understand the process and follow a few key rules.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1
     Clear away all of the clutter from your closet. Keep items that fit, don't need alterations, are comfortable and flatter your body type.
   • 2
     Organize and categorize your clothes to make it easier to mix and match your wardrobe. Keep like colors, shirts, skirts and pants all together.
   • 3
     Purchase items in one or two colors that you can easily interchange, such as black or navy. For example, you can get 20 different outfits out of nine individual pieces based on different combinations.
   • 4
     Make sure each clothing item you buy works with at least two other items in your closet. Budget wisely before making your wardrobe purchases. Make a yearly or monthly budget for your wardrobe and stick to it.
   • 5
     Choose quality over quantity. Good quality pieces fit better, hang on your body better and last longer. This is important if you wear certain items more often to reinvent your outfits.
   • 6
     Anchor your look with accessories like scarves, shoes, hats, gloves, belts, jewelry and hats. Accessories should be at least 30 percent of your wardrobe since they give each outfit an individual, finished look.
   • 7
     Update your basic look with just a few trendy wardrobe pieces that you can mix and match with items that you already own. Buy a trendy pair of flats, an updated blouse, sweater or accessories to add new life to your classic pieces instead of buying an entirely new wardrobe that may be out of style next season.

 

From Emily Janice, the maker of TheClothingTimes.blogspot.com

We'd like to present you a brand new fashion and clothing blog. Vintage, Grunge, Boho-Chic, and many more. Well, i hope you enjoy looking and reading at it. Have fun!