For the past year or two, I’ve been hunting for the perfect pair of oxford shoes. It’s quite a frustrating undertaking because I have a vision in my head of exactly what I want. Aren’t those visions the worst? Because here I am, 2 years after my initial craving and still oxford-less.

I have several requirements for an oxford. 1) It can’t be too chunky, 2) it can’t be too shiny or too glossy, 3) the heel cannot be too thick, 4) it must retain an element of masculinity (since, in essence, it’s a man’s shoe), and 5) at the same time, it must exude a sense of femininity in it’s shape as well.

See, I’m very difficult to please. When I found these oxfords pictured above from the Anthropologie website, I fell in love about 90%. I’m not 100% in love because I’m not sure they’re masculine enough for my taste. They are amazing in every other way so I may be adding them to my MUST HAVE list.

I’m a really big fan of menswear-inspired fashion for women. I think it really dramatizes and enhances the femininity of the woman actually wearing the clothes. I just love. Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) photographs a lot of women in this way. For example:

To me, not only is this outfit perfection, but those oxfords are perfection as well. They qualify for ALL of my oxford requirements! Now why can’t I find a perfect pair like those? I guess I will have to keep searching.

[1st image via Anthropologie, 2nd image via The Sartorialist]