Wishlist - The Perfect Boots

I have looked for the perfect black flat heel dress boots most of my adult life.  It's even harder when you're short and petite like me, since most candidates I have found are clearly intended for Amazonian women over 6 feet: they are always too tall and make me look like I should have a fly fishing rod in hand.  

My search is over.  During an especially rainy winter in San Francisco I realized I spent so much time in rain boots that I decided I wanted nice rain boots. It occurred to me that I've always liked riding boots, so after some searching online, found a website called Equestrian Collections that sells all manner of horse riding wear.  While browsing for rain boots, I found these. These are fantastic for short folks like me since the shaft is 2 inches shorter than most other dress boots, not to mention a design that is pure and simple, with no gratuitous buckles, frills, or frippery.  The other great thing about these boots? They come in wide calf widths, which is great for me since I have well-developed (ahem) calves from years of running. I suppose heredity has something to do with that too but that's probably a separate post....

Ovation Finalist Royale Dress Boot, $145.00 at equestriancollections.com

And they have great rain boots as well. I purchased a pair on the site two years ago and they are fantastic.  The same style is no longer available, but this style:

Aigle Ecuyer Tall Ladies Boot, from $125.30 at equestriancollections.com

is just lovely.  

Wishlist - Eugenia Kim Leopard Beret

I usually hate animal prints.  No matter how much an animal print item costs they always look tacky to me--like Tammy Faye Baker tacky.  But this hat is different.  Maybe it's the mod/60s shape, maybe the subdued animal print on a camel background.  This would be great with a brown corduroy jacket or camel coat!

Eugenia Kim Leopard Felt Beret: Barneys $265.00

Wishlist - Celine Box Bag

I fell in love with this bag when it first appeared a few years ago, and I still love it.  It's so pure and simple.  Celine continues to produce new colors and textures (calf hair!) each season but the one pictured and the red may be my favorites.  This version of the bag in leather is $3,400--a lumpy sum for any bag.  But the quality of the leather, workmanship, the brawniness of the brass clasp and its timeless quality would justify the money spent.

Photo: Elle