Oxford flats

I’ve been described as having a dorky-meets-trendy sense of style, to which I’ve come to embrace. You know me: I’m that girl who almost always wears her thick black framed glasses and the all purpose cardigan (though as I’ve been maturing, it’s since graduated into the all purpose blazer). Unfortunately, I’ve also been a sneaker type of girl. Oh yes, I’ve owned them all: the Converse All Stars, the checkered Vans, the Asics Onitsuka Tigers, the Adidas Sambas, you get the idea. I can’t say, however, that my sneakers completely matched my librarian-chic wardrobe, which was disappointing because walking is my main mode of transportation. In my experience, walking around in lace up sneakers far trumped walking around in flimsy slip on flats.

So imagine my joy when I first stumbled upon Oxford styled flats! Oxford flats are the perfect hybrid shoe that complements my wardrobe: Not a sneaker, check. Shoe laces, check. More comfortable than flimsy slip on flats, check. Makes me feel smart and trendy, check!

I’ve been in love with Steve Madden’s Tuxxedo Oxford flats in particular. I wear them both to work and casually, which means that yes, I’ve worn them on nights out to the bars and most recently, to an Air concert. I’ve worn them on spur-of-the-moment hour long walks outside, such as going from Chinatown to Grand Lake Theater in Oakland (believe me, they’re pretty freakin’ far apart when you’re on the shoelace express). To my utter amazement, these shoes have endured and I’ve never once had to stop for a my-feet-are-killing-me-because-of-these-shoes break.

Unlike other Oxfords that I’ve found, these have a winged-tip pattern on the toe. Major plus. They also make soft clickity click sounds with each step, which is a feminine quality that I love. I receive compliments almost every time I wear them out – today, two girls on the subway raved about how cute they were. I’m always on the look-out for a product that is unique yet practical and versatile, affordable yet well made, and cute and trendy while offering comfort. These Oxford flats manage to accomplish all of those feats, and continues to impress me as I put them through the everyday wears and tears of city life. I’m a happy girl with these shoes.

I own them in Cognac color (pictured) and bought them for $59.95. I pair them with skinny jeans, tights, dresses, and skirts.

Examples of how to wear them (my style resembles that of the “Classic Prep” look in the middle):