Enamored

I don't mean to be cliche, but I have a thing for boots. Flats, too, but this isn't about flats. And, if I'm being honest, Converse. But we're not talking about them, either. Not today. No, today it's about boots.

First, let me just say, up front, that I am NOT a shoe person. I truly believe this, even though you probably will not.

I have a modest number of shoes in my closet, and most are comfortably old or from Target (one of my favorite stores). Also, I couldn't care less about all the strappy things that Carrie wore in Sex and The City, though she did look fab.

Second, I will admit to having a sizable Pinterest board solely (no pun intended) dedicated to shoes. But doesn't everybody? Don't get me started on Pinterest.

Back to boots.

I think this obsession (did I say that? hmm...seems a bit extreme) is a product of my childhood. 

During my tween and high school years, I slipped on galoshes each and every morning at the crack of dawn to care for a slew of animals - cows, sheep, and a horse (not counting about a dozen other creatures that lived with us or boarded on our property). And in the afternoons, I often laced up my working boots and headed back out to the barn.

Consequently, my preoccupation is wholly focused on practicality, or at least the appearance of practicality. Even though I can appreciate their beauty, I have absolutely no interest in high-heeled boots or anything that will make me fall on my bum. And you never know when you might need to muck out a stall.

When it comes to a certain style, and I can't exactly put my finger on it - lower to the ground, worn leather, buckles, straps, laces - I am truly enamored. And over Christmas, I was able to purchase a new, reasonably priced (for boots) pair.

Steve Madden's 'Troopa' Boots in Stone Leather

Here they are, in all their sensible, low-to-the-ground, lace-up glory!

They remind me so much of a black pair I had as a girl. I wore those boots whenever I rode my horse or showed sheep at the State Fair. They were quite utilitarian, just as these are, and perfect for every situation. At least every situation that didn't involve dresses or ballrooms, of which there were few. 

And since I still don't have much to do with dresses are ballrooms, my new beauties will probably get just as much wear as that old, black pair. In my opinion, that's a pretty good deal: all the love but none of the manure.