Before y'all think I went ahead and featured three different photographs of the same pair of boots, look closely — closer than if you were looking for Waldo or playing a "one of these things is not like the other" type of game. These are, in fact, three different boots from Ariat's Fall 2008 collection: the Crowne Pro Field Boot, the Heritage II Field Boot and the Monaco Field Boot. Sure, the differences are subtle, but that's what makes Ariat's English Riding Boot collection so incredible: they offer you a myriad of options so you can pick the one that perfectly suits your tastes. What I love about these particular three boots is that they all seem to be heavily inspired by men's dress shoes but they manage to maintain all their femininity. All three pair feature a cap toe (that's the term for the stitching that runs horizontally along the toe of men's dress shoes) and, in the case of the Crowne Field Boot (pictured at top), there's even some brogue detailing. Next, look at the blamoral lacing, also a staple in men's dress shoes. What's interesting is the placing of the lacing, which extends from the ankle along the front of the boot, providing added flexibility and comfort along the ankle area (note: the lacing is purely decorative here, as these all zip in the back). The Crowne Pro Field Boot and Heritage II Field Boot both feature more extensive lacing (the main difference is that you can tie them into a nice, tight bow with the Heritage II style). The Monaco Field Boot, on the other hand, is a bit more subtle as far as the lacing. All three styles feature a classy button strap closure and an asymmetrical finished shaft.
Now, Ariat provides top-of-the-line of riding boots to the equestrian community, but they're just so chic and classic that you'll want to add them to your fall wardrobe. So even if you're not getting your Seabiscuit on, you'll definitely want to invest in a pair of these.
Ariat Crowne Pro Field Boot Zip, $559.95; Ariat Heritage II Field Boot Zip, $249.95; Monaco Field Boot Zip, $900.Visit Ariat.com
