Mary Jane Pumps, Maryjane Shoes, High Heel Mary Janes
Most of us own at least one pair of Mary Jane Pumps although we may not be aware where the name Mary Jane came from. The name Mary Jane originated in America in the early 1900s, from a character in a popular comic strip of the time called “Buster Brown”. Mary Jane (Buster’s sister) became a household name when The Brown Shoe Company branded the particular style of shoes she wore in the cartoon and named them - Mary Janes. Traditionally, these Mary Jane Shoes had little or no heel. Featuring a rounded toe and a strap with a buckle just below the ankle, they were typically known as school shoes for young girls.
Fast forward to the Mary Jane Pumps of today – funky and foxy they are more desirable than ever. Encouraged by the resurgence of the vintage style of the 1950’s Pin Up girl, the Mary Jane Pump is the perfect footwear accompaniment to this modern day Retro fashion trend. Followers of sub-cultures such as the punk movement and Lolita fashion have also adopted the Mary Jane Pump to suit their own styles proving it to be a favourite and adaptable choice of footwear for many.
Nowadays, Mary Jane Pumps are less rounded in the front than they used to be, and range from your basic flatties to 8 inch heel stilettos if you wanted something to teeter in. No longer just black - the colour, pattern and fabric choices of the Mary Jane are limitless. In fact the bolder, the better!
Being that Mary Jane Pumps are descendants of the clothing fashion from the 1940s and 1950s era, means they are ideal for wearing with skirts or dresses. And what’s even more perfect is that these pin up girl skirts and dresses have joined the Mary Jane Pump and are making a come-back together. Don’t be afraid to keep the hem on your pencil skirt longer rather than shorter. Mary Jane Pumps are sensational with this authentic Pin Up Girl fashion. And the tighter the skirt - the sexier the look!
For evening wear, or to go with that sexy cocktail frock, nothing beats a pair of black patent leather Mary Jane pumps. Elegant and sophisticated, this look is classy and stylish and tells everyone you are not to be messed with!
Or perhaps you’re the type to team your Mary Jane Pumps up with a cute pair of shorts and some long socks or hosiery. Even though Mary Jane Pumps are no longer shoes for little school girls, this look can be still be playfully fun, sassy and very Rockabilly chic. In the words of Fergie from the Black-eyed Peas:
When I wear - my Mary Jane shoes
Just like a child - under bruise
My heart to my soul - they feel like I'm seven
But from my head to my toes
It's like I'm in heaven, heaven