I decided long ago that I needed these shoes.

I waited, though, wondering if I'd still be oxford-crazy when it was actually cool enough outside to wear something other than sweaty flip flops. I perused the mall, the web, looking for the best deal. I pondered colors and styles: black-and-white with lots of detail, simple tan, all black patent leather, grey suede.

Then finally, with the promise of fall in the air, I decided. It was time.

My oxfords would be simple, classic, sturdy -- remniscent of a new school semester with its sharp pencils and clean notebooks.

I settled on brown ones (above) from Steve Madden, on sale for $70, down from $80. More than I was hoping to spend, but like I said, I needed these.

I wanted to make sure of my size before I ordered them online. I went to Nordstrom -- no dice. Only teensy-tiny and monster sizes available. I went to Dillard's -- nada. I looked in a couple random shoe stores in the mall and came up empty handed again and again. When I was about to give up, I popped into Aldo.

And whaddya know, I see these front-and-center: 

Not exactly like the Steve Madden ones, but close enough for me, plus they were $20 cheaper! Aldo ALSO didn't have my size (does everyone in this town wear a 7.5-8???), so the girl ordered them for me. Because I paid at the store, there's no shipping cost. They're expected at my doorstep in two business days!

In the meantime, I'm mentally putting together all kinds of outfits for my fall splurge. Any suggestions? 

Deal Diva Kim