I love Mary Janes. Something about the playfulness of the strap mixed with the sophistication of a grown-up shoe - Mary Jane heels are my favorite! They take something so standard and make it quirky, edgy, a little more unexpected. And lately I’ve been particularly into Mary Janes with wide, oversized straps; they really take the look to a whole new level.

These sky-high patent leather pumps, for instance (top), might be a little ho-hum were it not for the accordion-like black strap. And the subtly contrasting leather buckle strap on the wine-colored heels (below) lend the shoes an interesting utilitarian feel. I adore both! They would look so fetching with a pair of black tights, a floral dress and a chunky, cozy cardigan or skinny jeans and a sweater.