If there was one item I could add to my otherwise bloated shoe collection, it would be one pair of awesome riding boots. I can’t, nor have I ever been able to, ride horses; but of course, you will necessarily laugh now– poor soul, so naive to think fashion should actually stay true to its (original) practical purpose! Sure, and winkle-pickers were meant to pick winkles–what else now?

No matter how practically inclined I may be, I simply looooove riding boots. There’s something about the sturdiness of the leather, the classic hardware details, the firm embrace of the tall shaft, the solid comfort. Of course, they’re also pretty flat–why would you want to ride horses in high heels? unless you’re Madonna, but let’s not even go there, ok?

So, if, theoretically, I had wads of money just dying to come out from under my sofa cushions, I’d get myself a proper riding boot, not unlike this classic number from Celine, what with the beautiful leather and golden studs that are at once understated and distinctive and the ring ornament and the classic line.

This boot says that you’re your own person, that you’re strong and don’t take no BS from no one, that you mean to walk with confidence and conquer the world and the world had better get out of your way. Love it! I’m less enamored with the price, $880, which puts it out of my reach for, oh, I don’t know, forever? Still, it’s nice to dream about it….