I wanted a nice pair of boots that could be worn to work and still look professional, with more of a riding look than pirate or elf.

My heart was set on the fantastic Bottega Veneta riding boots Gwyneth Paltrow gets to wear as a part of her "uniform",[...]  but paying $1100 was just...fantasyland.

So these little boots are the stand-in and they try hard.  Not the best leather, true. Wipe them down with some KIWI Express Shine and the leather looks a bit more expensive.

Excellent fit and comfort though. I wear them without socks and they're so comfy, I wish I could wear them everyday.  (Note to self: buy more dresses for these boots so I can wear them everyday).  No ugly zipper either.

Probably the best feature besides comfort, is the height.  These boots reach nearly to the knee, instead of stopping mid-calf like so many others and making the leg look stumpy.  These are much more flattering and lengthen the silhouette.

I do wish they came in a heavier leather (they'd be absolutely perfect then) but for 100 bucks, they work, and quite nicely at that.