Driving Moccasins

Over Winter break, I did some shopping in Tucson, AZ at Park Place. Shopping in Tucson is infinitely better than the bay area, both because of the availability of parking and the availability of stuff. People in Tucson just don't buy as much, so sales and even pre-sale selections are much better.

I was looking for nothing in particular, and came across a pair of driving moccasins at Dillards. Driving moccasins are like loafers, but must have a thick rubber sole that extends to the heel of the foot to protect the shoe when you press your foot against the pedal and your heel scuffs against the floor of the car. The most famous types are Tods and Car Shoes; J Crew often sells them as well for a much lower price.

I don't know if this accurate in terms of history; but driving flats remind me of the 1920s. I see women in their driving flats and driving gloves with huge sunglasses and scarves in their hair, drunkenly motoring to a picnic or West Egg or whatever. So this pair of Ralph Lauren croc-embossed mocs fit perfectly into my vision, since PETA didn't exist back in those days and wearing animals around was a sign only of status and not ambivalence towards animal suffering.

The shoes were under $80 on sale, and I've been wearing them with skirts and dresses and black tights and pearls. They've really been tilting the masculin/feminin balance in my wardrobe; they are a perfect addition to an outfit that would otherwise make me look like Emma Pillsbury from Glee. Nina Garcia lists driving mocs as one of the one hundred pieces that every stylish girl should own. They can be hard to come by for under $300, so I'm quite happy about this pair.