The Shoes of Downton Abbey

All you British TV buffs, I have good news for you: Winterthur has an exhibit right now full of nothing but the drop-dead gorgeous vintage fashion of Downton Abbey! 

I have to say, though, most of the shoes of that time weren’t much to shout about.  They were sensible.  Simple.  Something like these:

The Vanity by DOLCE by Mojo Moxy is a beautiful little pair of Mary Janes, isn’t it?  The upper is a soft brown trimmed in brown patent leather, which swoops in petal-shaped cutouts on each side.  The heel is three inches, and solid at that.  Also available in black; your choice for $46 from 6pm.

The Exotic Embossed T-Strap Heels are just that: nappa leather embossed in crocodile and snake, and trimmed with all those menswear details I love (hooray punches!).  The T-strap and three-inch heel complete this classy look.  Find them at Brooks Brothers for $174.

This pretty faux leather pair is the Classic Confection by Bettie Page Shoes by Ellie.  This has some of the masculine detailing of the last pair, but in a delicate color and lined in a floral print.  (Oh, and the sole is covered in cheetah print.  Probably not historically accurate, there.)  There’s some teardrop-shaped cutouts at the toe, and the heel is 3.75 inches high.  Yours for $70 from ModCloth.

How fun are these?  The Shirley by Crown Vintage is a faux leather Mary Jane trimmed with four buttons on the outside.  (And some elastic on the inside, for extra comfort.)  And look at all the itty-bitty cutouts on the strap!  Beautiful.  Also available in black and brown, but when this gorgeous blue is available I don’t see how you could turn it down.  Your choice for $60 from DSW.

The exhibit runs now through January 4, but if you go while it’s warm you can picnic on the grounds while you’re there… and pretend you’re on the grounds of the Abbey.  Bring tea. Or heck, go to one of Winterthur's teas!  Mmm, tiny sandwiches.  I have such a weakness for tiny sandwiches…