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Tulsa, OK: Style Abounds in the Midwest

Deep in the heart of the Midwest is not where one would look to find fashion edge and high glamour. There are no "Street Style" photographers lurking downtown, waiting for starlets to pop out of limos on their way into the clubs. References to Middle America evoke thoughts of modesty, conformity and so-last-season fashions. These ideas couldn't be any further from the truth in the town of Tulsa.

Trends mark the time of fashion, but fashion does not define style and style is what these ladies of Tulsa have! Cowboy boots abound beneath edgy, frilly skirts and graphic tees, bringing that certain sex appeal to the girl-next-door. Toothy smiles and shy grins are the perfect accessory for a ruffled blouse with bare shoulders and snug, straight jeans atop a pair of chunky heels, all wrapped around a comfortable-with-myself, happy girl. All the New York edge and Paris couture cannot hold a candle to the allure of a woman who loves herself in jeans, a t-shirt, and beat up cowboy boots.

At The Refinery I found a treasure trove of Tulsa Style in an nontraditional setting. A clothing store, lounge and bookstore all in one, The Refinery is an amazing destination. Lie back on the couches and wander the web with their free Wi-Fi, play a game of pool with friends or the staff, or peruse the hottest brands of sexy/comfy clothing in this casual living room setting. I can think of no place chicks would rather spend an afternoon with friends than surrounded by stylish clothing, contemporary music, and world-changing, one-for-one Toms Shoes. The Refinery is proof positive that modesty and style can go hand in hand.

In Downtown Tulsa the ladies strut their stuff wearing an unusual mix of Dallas sleek, urban edge and hometown casual, without being over the top. The Tulsans dine on tacos, barbeque ribs and chicken, and sweet potato tots, while still managing taut figures under their eclectic mix of clothing. Elote Cafe is a hot spot for steaming chicks wanting a cold beer, caliente wrestling and their signature puffy tacos. Woodys Corner Bar in the Blue Dome District, while being a tourist destination with screeching cover bands, was crawling with young locals looking for fun.

The bohemians linger down on Cherry Street and 15th, haunting the coffee shops and Irish pubs. Our favorite spot, The Coffee House on Cherry Street, is filled with local color, beautiful girls, delicious treats, tantalizing drinks and free WiFi. Spending 6 hours on our laptops, we indulged in Pecan Pie, cold Chai Lattes, and refreshing Raspberry tea. As comfortable as my own living room and as welcoming as Grandma's house, The Coffee House seems like home to many a Tulsans. Relaxed local beauties lounged on couches, some cuddling with their fellas, others peering at laptops over their glasses through long hair, working as we did.

At night Cherry Street lights up with nightlife and music. But in South Tulsa Baker Street Pub rocks with live music and wild ladies looking to party. With a beer selection pretty much what one would expect to find in an English pub, along with craft beers and local brews, this well-decorated night spot is filled with the treasures of Great Britain. The patio is filled with lounging locals until late in the warm evenings and the bar is crowded until the wee hours. With secret rooms behind loaded bookcases and booming music, Baker Street Pub was one of the best night spots we found in Tulsa.

Stylish ladies, great nightlife, comfortable coffeehouses and delicious foods are all to be had here in the heartland of middle America.