The power of boots
December 29, 2007 at 9:47 E bought me my first pair of cowboy boots for my 19th birthday. I'd been clamoring for a pair since I was 16 but various twists of fate and a lack of money had kept me from fulfilling my dream. The pair E bought for me were "urban cowboy" boots, round-toed and square heeled. They looked a lot like these:
I'd tuck my Levis into them and stride across campus. Those boots made my long lean runner legs look even longer and leaner. This was the beginning of my love affair with boots.
In the mid-80s I lived in Oklahoma and bought two pairs of sharp-toed, cowboy-heel wonders--one with a tall shaft and a harness strap and the other with a shorter, slightly flared shaft, weathered leather, and tarnished silver buckles. The latter was my favorite. Oh, I felt mighty fine in those boots and even bought a leather jean belt with silver conchos on it (just like Bruce Springsteen wore during his Born in the USA days). I had a pair of dangling concho earring from Shepler's and some Native American jewelry from New Mexico to complete my look, but I was still wearing Levis because no matter how long I lived in Oklahoma I was NOT going to be a Wrangler grrrl. I knew WHO I was, after all, and I wasn't going the Wranglers, ropers, big hair and big belt buckle route no matter how many cowgirls crossed my path. (Right, Kelby?)
In addition to my cowboy boots, I also had the ubiquitous black leather riding boots of that era, and later square-toed high heeled boots. They were wardrobe staples, but they never made my heart race. They weren't sexy. They weren't sassy. They were just boring. Not like these boots:
These are my famous "wicked little boots," subject of much discussion and debate. It's hard to appreciate all their sharp-toed, pointy-heeled glory in this photo, but let me tell you, they make my black velvet jeans sing AND when I wear them with tights and a dress, I feel unstoppable and daring. E calls them the "Grinch shoes." Bernie calls them my "pixie boots." You can guess which description I like better.
When I left Oklahoma, I took my scruffy weathered-leather cowboy boots with me to Virginia, but over time the shape of my foot changed (along with the shape of every other part of my body--sob!) and they no longer fit me perfectly. I've kept them all these years simply because I like to just set them out on the hardwood floors, admire their hardy lines, and let them stir my soul and my memories. Those boots could tell STORIES--the places they've been, the adventures they've known. I had an eye out for replacements, but life on the fringe of the far flung D.C. suburbs isn't conducive to shopping for cowboy boots.
I did, however, see some in a catalog that I adore, Isabella Bird. They offered a number of styles I liked, but my favorites by far were the Prairie Flower boots. For years I eyed those boots and for years I talked myself out of buying them. Then lo and behold, two weeks ago I noticed they were on sale. And when I say on sale, I mean ON SALE. We're talking about 70 percent off. It took less than a minute to go online and order them. BAM!
Aren't they gorgeous? Real cowboy toes and heels and just the right bit of decorative stitching. I'll be striding into the next stage of life with confidence and power in these babies. Won't it be fine to be back in the South again....
December 29, 2007
Reader Comments (15)
70% off on those boots that were made to fit the bold steps envisioned by a returning expat? It must be the deal of the century.
Go for it Grrrrl!
As I recall, you promised a post on the "wicked little boots." Still waiting. ;-)
I want to know why they make your shiver, though I admit they look like something a witch would wear on a hot date with a vampire.
There must be a link with a local leather shop I pass daily, but somehow I feel this subject might not really be suitable for an all-ages public blog.
I would have to tone it down until the smell of leather would have turned into the blandness of imitation plastic, but give me some more time and I might find the right angle ;-)
I just ordered my first pair of uggs...not for fashion...but because I am sick and tired of cold toes!
Happy New Year.
You are going to give 2008 a prpoer a@@ whoppin in those boots!
I hope no one ever took a long look at the dog collar and thought you were a real bitch. :P
:)
Your boots are fabu, by the way. I am starting to really have to put comfort ahead of fashion so I wouldn't be able to wear them for any real length of time so have a doubly great time kicking up your heels for me!
YOU were a Levis girl too??????
I wish I'd known you then. I thought I was the only Levis girl in McAlester!