As we move into the fall season, it is the perfect excuse to add a few pieces to my favorite part of any wardrobe. It's all about the shoes. A great pair of boots can dress up a pair of jeans or a flowy dress, and fabulous heels that make a bold statement can take a classic little black dress from basic to unforgettable.
This season we've been in a more casual mode than usual, so treating yourself to a beautiful new pair of shoes or accessory is the perfect way to liven up your wardrobe. I asked the owner of a local shoe boutique to give us a sneak peek of this season's latest styles.
Betsy King has always loved fashion and retail. Following college, she followed her passion to Saks Fifth Avenue in New Orleans, and then to Atlanta to work for Ralph Lauren in the wholesale division.
Moving home to Oklahoma City to be closer to family, King found herself working at Balliets on the sales floor. Since she had always worked in the fashion and retail businesses' apparel side, she had no idea how much she would come to love working with shoes. That changed when she took an opportunity to work in the shoe salon, becoming their shoe buyer for several years.
During her time at Balliet's, King felt that OKC was in desperate need of a shoe shop that offered different, yet wearable shoes. Given her firm belief that shoes are wearable art, she thought that the Paseo Arts District was the perfect home for a new boutique.
In September of 2015, the shop opened, offering a curated selection of unique shoes and handbags that you won't find everywhere else, particularly in Oklahoma City. One thing King feels is important is the idea of shoes feeling special and unique, knowing that you won't walk into a party and see your boots on a half dozen guests.
"It seems I hear "I've never heard of this brand before" on a daily basis, which I love. I love introducing women to new brands and styles they may not have seen. I often joke with my reps that I can't sell a basic pump to save my life, but I blow out of a feathered bird shoe in a week. What can ya do?" - Betsy King
Some of King's favorite discovered brands have been Cecelia New York and Kelsi Dagger. Two distinctly different looks, Cecelia being more feminine and over the top (think flirty hibiscus shoe), whereas KDB (as King calls it) is much more urban chic with a twist (menswear oxford with staple grommet detail). But she really does try not to play favorites, she promises.
